| Course Level: | Master's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Program: | Art & Humanities | |
| Course Duration: | 2 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | 4 Year Bachelor’s Degree | |
| Course Level: | Master's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Program: | Media & Mass Communication | |
| Course Duration: | 2 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | 4 Year Bachelor’s Degree | |
Location: Columbus, Georgia
Established: 1958
Type: Public University
Campus: Urban setting with two main campuses – the Main Campus and RiverPark Campus (located downtown, focused on arts programs)
Student Population: Around 7,000 students
Academic Programs: Over 90 degree programs across various disciplines, including business, education, arts, sciences, and cybersecurity
Notable Schools & Colleges:
Turner College of Business
College of the Arts
College of Education & Health Professions
College of Letters & Sciences
Tuition: Affordable, especially for in-state students, with financial aid and scholarships available
Athletics: Competes in NCAA Division II as the Columbus State Cougars
Special Features:
Strong programs in music, theater, and fine arts
A nationally recognized cybersecurity program
Partnership with Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning) for military-related education
1. College of Letters & Sciences
Biology (BA, BS)
Chemistry (BA, BS)
Computer Science (BS)
Criminal Justice (BS)
Cybersecurity (BS)
Earth & Space Science (BS)
English (BA)
History (BA)
Mathematics (BA, BS)
Political Science (BA)
Psychology (BS)
Sociology (BA)
2. Turner College of Business & Technology
Accounting (BBA)
Finance (BBA)
General Business (BBA)
Information Technology (BS)
Management (BBA)
Marketing (BBA)
3. College of the Arts
Art (BA, BFA)
Communication (BA)
Graphic Design (BFA)
Music (BA, BM)
Theatre Arts (BFA)
4. College of Education & Health Professions
Early Childhood Education (BSEd)
Exercise Science (BS)
Health Science (BS)
Middle Grades Education (BSEd)
Nursing (BSN)
Special Education (BSEd)
Sports Management (BS)
1. College of Letters & Sciences
Applied Computer Science (MS)
Criminal Justice (MS)
Public Administration (MPA)
2. Turner College of Business & Technology
Business Administration (MBA)
Cybersecurity Management (MS)
3. College of the Arts
Music Performance (MM)
4. College of Education & Health Professions
Counseling (MEd)
Educational Leadership (MEd, EdS)
Nursing (MSN)
Physical Education (MEd)
Special Education (MEd, EdS)
Doctor of Education (EdD) in Curriculum and Leadership
Course Program |
Duration |
Tuition Fees Per Year (USD) (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
|
College of Letters & Sciences |
|
|
|
Biology (BA, BS) |
4 Years |
$16,920 |
|
Chemistry (BA, BS) |
4 Years |
$16,920 |
|
Computer Science (BS) |
4 Years |
$16,920 |
|
Criminal Justice (BS) |
4 Years |
$16,920 |
|
Cybersecurity (BS) |
4 Years |
$16,920 |
|
English (BA) |
4 Years |
$16,920 |
|
History (BA) |
4 Years |
$16,920 |
|
Mathematics (BA, BS) |
4 Years |
$16,920 |
|
Political Science (BA) |
4 Years |
$16,920 |
|
Psychology (BS) |
4 Years |
$16,920 |
|
Sociology (BA) |
4 Years |
$16,920 |
|
Turner College of Business & Technology |
|
|
|
Accounting (BBA) |
4 Years |
$16,920 |
|
Finance (BBA) |
4 Years |
$16,920 |
|
General Business (BBA) |
4 Years |
$16,920 |
|
Information Technology (BS) |
4 Years |
$16,920 |
|
Management (BBA) |
4 Years |
$16,920 |
|
Marketing (BBA) |
4 Years |
$16,920 |
|
College of the Arts |
|
|
|
Art (BA, BFA) |
4 Years |
$16,920 |
|
Communication (BA) |
4 Years |
$16,920 |
|
Graphic Design (BFA) |
4 Years |
$16,920 |
|
Music (BA, BM) |
4 Years |
$16,920 |
|
Theatre Arts (BFA) |
4 Years |
$16,920 |
|
College of Education & Health Professions |
|
|
|
Early Childhood Education (BSEd) |
4 Years |
$16,920 |
|
Exercise Science (BS) |
4 Years |
$16,920 |
|
Health Science (BS) |
4 Years |
$16,920 |
|
Middle Grades Education (BSEd) |
4 Years |
$16,920 |
|
Nursing (BSN) |
4 Years |
$16,920 |
|
Special Education (BSEd) |
4 Years |
$16,920 |
|
Sports Management (BS) |
4 Years |
$16,920 |
Course Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees Per Year (USD) (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
|
College of Letters & Sciences |
|
|
|
Applied Computer Science (MS) |
2 Years |
$13,500 |
|
Criminal Justice (MS) |
2 Years |
$13,500 |
|
Public Administration (MPA) |
2 Years |
$13,500 |
|
Turner College of Business & Technology |
|
|
|
Business Administration (MBA) |
1-2 Years |
$13,500 |
|
Cybersecurity Management (MS) |
2 Years |
$13,500 |
|
College of the Arts |
|
|
|
Music Performance (MM) |
2 Years |
$13,500 |
|
College of Education & Health Professions |
|
|
|
Counseling (MEd) |
2 Years |
$13,500 |
|
Educational Leadership (MEd, EdS) |
2 Years |
$13,500 |
|
Nursing (MSN) |
2 Years |
$13,500 |
|
Physical Education (MEd) |
2 Years |
$13,500 |
|
Special Education (MEd, EdS) |
2 Years |
$13,500 |
Course Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees Per Year (USD) (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
|
College of Education & Health Professions |
|
|
|
Doctor of Education (EdD) in Curriculum and Leadership |
3-4 Years |
$13,500 |
Affordable Tuition – Lower cost compared to many U.S. universities.
Diverse Programs – Over 90 undergraduate & graduate programs across business, science, arts, education, and technology.
Scholarship Opportunities – Various financial aid options for eligible international students.
STEM & Business Focus – Strong programs in cybersecurity, computer science, business, and health sciences.
Student Support Services – International student office, academic advising, career services, and cultural programs.
Safe & Vibrant Campus – Located in Columbus, Georgia, with an urban setting and access to job opportunities.
Application Form (Online via CSU website)
High School Transcripts (Official, translated to English if needed)
English Proficiency Test:
TOEFL: Minimum 79 (IBT)
IELTS: Minimum 6.5
Duolingo: Minimum 100
SAT/ACT (Optional but recommended)
Passport Copy
Bank Statement (Proof of Financial Support)
Application Form
Bachelor’s Degree Transcripts
English Proficiency:
TOEFL: Minimum 79 (IBT)
IELTS: Minimum 6.5
Duolingo: Minimum 100
GRE/GMAT (Varies by program, some may waive it)
Resume & Statement of Purpose (for some programs)
Letters of Recommendation (Varies by program)
Financial Proof
Step 1: Choose a Program
Explore CSU’s undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral programs.
Check admission requirements and deadlines for your selected program.
Visit the official CSU website: N/A
Step 2: Submit an Online Application
Apply through the CSU online application portal: Apply Now
Application Fee: $40 (Non-refundable)
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) Applicants:
Official high school transcripts (translated into English if necessary).
English Proficiency Test Scores (if applicable):
TOEFL (IBT) – 79+
IELTS – 6.5+
Duolingo – 100+
SAT/ACT scores (optional but recommended).
Passport copy.
Bank statement (proof of sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses).
Graduate (Master’s & Doctorate) Applicants:
Official bachelor’s degree transcripts (translated into English if necessary).
English Proficiency Test Scores (same as above).
GRE/GMAT scores (varies by program, may be waived).
Resume/CV & Statement of Purpose (for some programs).
Letters of recommendation (depends on program).
Passport copy & financial documents.
Step 4: Wait for Admission Decision
CSU will review your application and send an admission decision via email.
Processing time: 4-6 weeks after document submission.
Step 5: Receive I-20 for Student Visa
Once accepted, CSU will issue an I-20 Form (required for a U.S. student visa).
Pay the SEVIS fee ($350) before applying for a visa.
Step 6: Apply for a U.S. Student Visa (F-1 Visa)
Schedule an F-1 Visa interview at the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate.
Required documents for the visa:
CSU Acceptance Letter
I-20 Form from CSU
SEVIS Payment Receipt
Valid Passport
Financial Support Documents
Any additional documents requested by the embassy
Step 7: Prepare for Arrival
Book flights and arrange housing (CSU offers on-campus housing).
Attend CSU’s International Student Orientation.
Start your classes at Columbus State University!
CSU has two main intakes for international students:
Intake |
Application Deadline |
Semester Start Date |
|---|---|---|
|
Fall (August Start) |
May 1 |
August |
|
Spring (January Start) |
October 1 |
January |
Some graduate programs may have additional summer intake options (check specific program details).
To apply for a Bachelor’s degree, international students must meet the following requirements:
1 Academic Requirements:
High school diploma or equivalent.
Minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (varies by program).
2 English Proficiency Requirements:
TOEFL (IBT): 79+
IELTS: 6.5+
Duolingo: 100+
SAT/ACT: Optional but recommended.
3 Other Requirements:
Passport Copy
Financial Documents (Proof of Funds)
Statement of Purpose (Optional for some programs)
To apply for a Master’s or Doctorate (PhD/EdD) program, students must meet the following criteria:
1 Academic Requirements:
A bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution.
Minimum GPA of 2.75 - 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (varies by program).
2 English Proficiency Requirements:
TOEFL (IBT): 79+
IELTS: 6.5+
Duolingo: 100+
3 Standardized Test Scores (Varies by Program):
GRE/GMAT: Some programs may require it (check specific program requirements).
4 Additional Requirements:
Resume/CV (for some programs).
Statement of Purpose (SOP).
Letters of Recommendation (Varies by program).
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility Criteria |
Award Amount (USD) |
Application Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
|
International Student Scholarship |
New international students with strong academic records |
(Partial Tuition Waiver) |
Yes |
|
Presidential Scholarship |
High-achieving undergraduate students (GPA 3.5+) |
Up to $5,000 per year |
Yes |
|
Honors College Scholarships |
Admitted to CSU Honors College (High academic merit) |
Up to $3,000 per year |
Yes |
|
CSU Foundation Scholarships |
Various merit & need-based awards for all students |
N/A |
Yes |
|
Graduate Assistantships (GA/TA/RA) |
Graduate students with strong academic backgrounds |
Tuition waiver + stipend |
Yes |
|
Endowed & Departmental Scholarships |
Program-specific scholarships (Arts, Business, Science, etc.) |
N/A |
Yes |
Campus Name |
Location |
Key Facilities |
|---|---|---|
|
Main Campus |
North Columbus |
Academic buildings, student center, library, science labs, business & IT schools, dormitories, fitness center |
|
RiverPark Campus |
Downtown Columbus |
Arts & theatre programs, music & dance studios, modern apartments, cafes, and student recreation spaces |
Residence Hall |
Room Type |
Cost Per Semester (USD) |
Cost Per Year (USD) |
Facilities Included |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Clearview Hall |
Shared (2-person) |
$3,300 |
$6,600 |
Fully furnished, Wi-Fi, laundry, meal plan required |
|
Courtyard South |
Shared (2-person) |
$3,450 |
$6,900 |
Apartment-style, kitchen, Wi-Fi, study lounge |
|
Courtyard North |
Private (1-person) |
$4,150 |
$8,300 |
Modern apartment, kitchen, fitness center |
|
Rankin Hall (RiverPark Campus) |
Shared (2-person) |
$3,600 |
$7,200 |
Close to downtown, arts students preferred |
|
Oglethorpe House (RiverPark Campus) |
Private (1-person) |
$4,250 |
$8,500 |
Luxury apartment, near performing arts center |
CSU has a welcoming and inclusive student community with plenty of ways to get involved. Whether you are an international student or a local, you will find many opportunities to connect with peers, faculty, and staff.
Two Campuses:
Main Campus – Home to academic buildings, dormitories, and student life facilities.
RiverPark Campus – Located downtown, ideal for arts and music students, with modern apartments and cultural spaces.
CSU has over 100 student organizations that cater to a variety of interests, including:
Academic & Professional Clubs – Business Club, Cybersecurity Club, Science Society.
Cultural & International Groups – International Student Association, Latin American Student Association.
Sports & Fitness Clubs – Club Soccer, Rock Climbing, Outdoor Adventure Groups.
Music, Arts & Theatre Groups – Cougar Theatre, Music Ensembles, Art Clubs.
Volunteer & Leadership Opportunities – Student Government Association (SGA), Peer Mentoring.
CSU has a strong athletics program, competing in NCAA Division II as the Columbus State Cougars. Popular sports include:
Basketball, Soccer, Baseball, Softball, Tennis, Golf, Cross Country.
The Student Recreation Center offers a gym, group fitness classes, and an indoor rock climbing wall.
Outdoor activities like kayaking, hiking, and biking are popular due to CSU’s proximity to the Chattahoochee RiverWalk.
CSU hosts various events and cultural festivals throughout the year, including:
Cougar Kickoff – A week-long event welcoming new students.
Homecoming Week – Celebrations with sports, concerts, and student activities.
International Festival – Showcasing different cultures, food, and performances.
Open Mic & Theatre Nights – Regular performances by CSU’s talented students.
On-campus housing includes modern dormitories and apartments with amenities like Wi-Fi, study lounges, and fitness centers.
Dining options include cafeterias, coffee shops, and fast-food restaurants on campus.
The CSU Library & Learning Commons provides study spaces, research resources, and tutoring services.
CSU provides excellent support for international students, including:
International Student Services Office – Helps with visa, housing, and cultural adaptation.
International Student Orientation – A special program to help new students settle in.
English Language Support – Tutoring services for non-native English speakers.
CSU focuses on helping students prepare for careers with:
Internship Programs – Partnering with companies for hands-on experience.
Career Services Center – Resume building, interview prep, and job placement assistance.
Work-Study & On-Campus Jobs – Available for eligible students.
CSU offers several resources to help students prepare for job opportunities:
Internships & Co-op Programs – Many degree programs include internship opportunities with companies in business, healthcare, IT, cybersecurity, and the arts.
Career Services Center – Helps students with resume building, interview preparation, job search strategies, and networking.
Job & Internship Fairs – CSU organizes multiple job fairs each year where students can connect with local and national employers.
Work-Study & On-Campus Jobs – Available for students to gain work experience while studying.
Handshake Job Portal – CSU partners with Handshake, a job platform where students can find internships and job openings.
CSU graduates find jobs in various fields, including:
Information Technology & Cybersecurity – Government agencies, tech companies, and defense organizations.
Business & Finance – Banks, multinational corporations, and startups.
Healthcare & Nursing – Hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities.
Education & Public Administration – Schools, universities, and government positions.
Arts & Media – Film studios, design firms, and performance arts companies.
The average salaries for CSU graduates vary by field:
Field of Study |
Average Salary (USD per year) |
|---|---|
|
Computer Science & Cybersecurity |
$65,000 – $90,000 |
|
Business & Finance |
$50,000 – $75,000 |
|
Healthcare & Nursing |
$55,000 – $80,000 |
|
Education & Teaching |
$40,000 – $60,000 |
|
Arts & Media |
$35,000 – $55,000 |
Many graduates from CSU have been hired by top companies and organizations, including:
Tech & Cybersecurity – TSYS (Global Payments), Aflac, Synovus, NCR Corporation
Healthcare – Piedmont Columbus Regional, St. Francis Hospital
Business & Finance – SunTrust Bank, Wells Fargo, Deloitte
Arts & Media – Local theaters, film production houses, and design firms
Government & Military – Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning), State of Georgia agencies
Columbus State University (CSU) has an acceptance rate of approximately 79-85%, making it a moderately selective university. This means that most students who meet the admission requirements have a high chance of being accepted.
Although CSU has a high acceptance rate, applicants still need to meet the minimum academic and English language requirements to be admitted. Admissions are based on:
Academic Performance (GPA Requirement)
Undergraduate Applicants: Minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
Graduate Applicants: Minimum GPA of 2.75 - 3.0 (varies by program).
English Proficiency (For International Students)
TOEFL (IBT): 79+
IELTS: 6.5+
Duolingo: 100+
Standardized Test Scores (Optional for Most Programs)
SAT/ACT (Undergraduate) – Not required but recommended.
GRE/GMAT (Graduate) – Required for some programs but may be waived.
Other Requirements
Letters of recommendation (for some graduate programs).
Statement of Purpose (varies by program).
Proof of financial support for international students.
Address: 4225 University Ave, Columbus, GA 31907, USA
Key Features:
Houses most academic departments (Business, Science, Technology, Education, etc.).
Includes student dormitories, the library, dining halls, and administrative offices.
Features the Student Recreation Center, Cougar Café, and athletic facilities.
Address: 1013 Broadway, Columbus, GA 31901, USA
Key Features:
Located downtown Columbus in the historic Uptown area.
Home to the College of the Arts, including music, theater, and fine arts programs.
Close to restaurants, entertainment, museums, and the Chattahoochee RiverWalk.
Features modern student apartments and creative spaces.