Columbus State University

Carnegie Foundation Classification

Master's Colleges and Universities (larger programs)

General Characteristics

Highest offering	Post-master's certificate
Calendar System	Semester
Years of college work required	N/A
Variable Tuition

Special Learning Opportunities

Distance Learning
ROTC — Army / Navy / Air Force	— / /
Study Abroad
Weekend College
Teacher Certification

Columbus State University History

Columbus State University was founded in 1958 as a junior college and received university status in 1996. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Its mission statement says in part that it will “serve the educational needs of a diverse region by providing a mixture of liberal arts and professional programs leading to associate, baccalaureate and graduate degrees.” It is classed as a Master’s College and University I by the Carnegie Institute.

Columbus State University Academics

Columbus State University has academic programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level. There are 6 colleges: the College of Arts and Letters, the College of Business, the College of Education, the College of Science, the Department of Military Science, and the University College.

p. Bachelor’s degrees are offered in a variety of fields within the various academic colleges. Degrees at the bachelor’s level can be received in such areas as accounting, computer science, English, exercise science, health science, mathematics, psychology, and theatre education. Associate degree programs are offered in applied computer science, criminal justice, and general studies. There are one-year undergraduate certificate programs in criminal justice and in data processing, and there are special certificate programs in African studies, European Union, and Latin American studies.

p. Graduate programs are offered in several fields, primarily in education. These include master’s level programs in early childhood education, art education, school counseling, teaching, business administration, music education, public administration, computer science, and instructional technology. The Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree is offered through the College of Education in the following areas: early childhood education, educational leadership, middle grades education, school counseling, and secondary education with specific fields.

Columbus State considers itself a teaching university, offering more than 75 undergraduate and graduate programs within their five colleges. The University offers nationally accredited programs in art, business, education, music, and theatre. Columbus State has a significant impact on the surrounding community, educating many of the people who live and work nearby. The University produces a high number of educators, and has produced more than half of all teachers in its home county of Muscogee. Information Technology is also a popular course of study, as 92% of all IT professionals in the surrounding area were educated at CSU. And more than 80 percent of all nurses in nearby hospitals received some training at CSU.

Columbus State University Unique Programs

The Department of Theatre offers Georgia’s only Bachelor of Science in Education that includes a teacher certification in drama. Students may perform in any of three venues, including the large proscenium theatre, a smaller theater/lecture hall, and a modular, more flexible theatre space.

The Environmental Science program merges the disciplines of biology, chemistry, geology, and environmental law to produce students who can manage increasingly complex questions about environmental concerns and who will work actively to improve the quality of their environment. Admission to this program is considered competitive.

Columbus State University also has six outreach centers for educating both CSU students and members of the community including K-12 students. These include the Carson McCullers Center for Writers and Musicians, the Childcare Resource and Referral center, the Coca-Cola Space Science Center, the Columbus Regional Mathematics Collaborative, the Center for Quality Teaching and Learning, and the Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center.

Columbus State University Financial Aid

Columbus State offers the Honors Scholarship and Leadership Scholarship for students who demonstrate particularly astute abilities in academia and outside the classroom. For undergraduates, the University provides dozens of scholarship opportunities in various areas including accounting, environmental science, teacher preparation, and law enforcement. The Financial Aid office can direct applicants to specific scholarships and their requirements, or students can inquire with a specific department about any unique opportunities available to them in particular areas of study. Columbus State also provides federal loan and grant opportunities, as well as work study.

Tuition at Columbus State University is $1,219 for the fall 2005 semester for in-state, undergraduate students attending full-time. Additional fees also apply. Students applying from out of state and graduate students have higher costs.

p. Financial aid is available in the form of grants, scholarships, and loans. Work-study programs are also available for some students, depending on need. Students who seek financial aid will need to fill out the Federal Student Financial Aid Form, available on-line.

p. Graduate students may also receive financial aid in the form of teaching or research assistantships, including a stipend and a waiver of some or all of the tuition and other fees. Graduate students should consult with their individual department about what sort of assistantships or fellowships are available and about the details of the application process. There are number of graduate student scholarships of different financial levels available.

Columbus State University Students

Student life at Columbus State University includes opportunities in a diverse range of activities and organizations. Student groups at CSU include academic and professional organizations, other societies, performing arts groups, social fraternities, social sororities, and special interest groups such as College Republicans, religious groups, the Minority Student Union, and the French Club. Students can write for the Saber newspaper, see musical or dramatic performances, go to the fitness center for weight training and exercise. Intramural sports include such sports as Frisbee, aerobics, basketball, and off-campus rafting or ski trips.

Nearly 1,000 students reside on the Columbus State University campus. Total enrollment is approximately 7,000, with a good portion of non-traditional students. Sixty percent of the student body is female, and approximately forty percent are from minority groups. The Residence Life office offers two different living communities: Courtyard I for freshmen only, and Courtyard II for upper-division students. All residences offer full kitchens and living rooms, private living, laundry facilities, and other amenities.

Columbus State University Traditions

The Columbus State Athletic Hall of Fame was conceived by a number of alumni and sports authorities during the summer of 1994. In 1996 the first “class” was inducted at the Columbus Convention Center and included over 200 attendees. Since that time the induction ceremony and the Hall itself have both become points of pride for CSU alums.

Columbus State University Local Community

Columbus State University is located in Columbus, Georgia, which has a population of approximately 186,000. It is located near the military base Fort Benning in western Georgia. It is located on the Chattahoochee River. Near-by attractions include the National Civil War Naval Museum, an opera house, several other museums and performing arts centers, Providence Canyon, a state park, the Calloway Gardens, and many other sites of historical interest. Various festivals occur throughout the year.

Columbus, Georgia has a population of approximately 185,000 and is the county seat of Muscogee County. It is the third largest city and fifth largest metropolitan area in the state. Nearby Fort Benning trains Army recruits for the infantry. According to local legend, Columbus is also the birthplace of Coca-Cola.