MOBILE, Ala., May 24, 2023 - Bishop State Community College signed an agreement with Columbia Southern University to secure educational discounts and create opportunities for students in career and technical fields to pursue bachelor’s degrees.
The agreement provides ease of credit transfer from Bishop State to CSU for completion of a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, occupational safety and health, emergency medical services administration or business administration.
Bishop State graduates with associate degrees or certificates in disciplines such as nursing, criminal justice, pipe welding technology, or office administration are eligible to transfer up to 63 hours of coursework to Columbia Southern University, depending upon the program.
Additionally, CSU has agreed to provide Bishop State students, faculty, staff and their families with a Learning Partnership discount of 10% for all courses taken at CSU, as well as the opportunity to apply for the Learning Partner Scholarship.
Columbia Southern University is a private online college based in Orange Beach, Ala., that offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.
The Memorandum of Agreement was signed Tuesday by Bishop State Community College President Olivier Charles and Columbia Southern University President Dr. Ken Styron.
“I commend CSU for challenging the landscape of traditional academia and working with us to create new pathways for our students, especially those in technical education,” President Charles said.
“I’ve often thought of those skilled students who want to advance into management or open their own successful businesses,” he said. “This is a partnership that will work for those students. I want to thank CSU for thinking of our students and helping us meet the workforce demands of our community.”
This year, CSU celebrates 30 years in higher education.
“One of the biggest stressors for students is transferring credits,” President Styron said.
“Through our new partnership with Bishop State, we are proud to provide their students with a seamless transition to pursue their bachelor’s degree completely online and with another Alabama school,” he said. “It’s an invaluable benefit for these students and for the community as a whole.”
Leaders said they will review their partnership to add new programs and pathways as the relationship grows between Bishop State and CSU.