Columbia Southern University Achieves Accreditation Milestone

December 20, 2022

National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) partner Columbia Southern University (CSU) was granted institutional accreditation on December 6 by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the body for the accreditation of degree-granting higher education institutions in the Southern states. This is in addition to being accredited through the Distance Education Accrediting Commission since 2001.

CSU offers many online learning options designed to fit in to the busy life of a volunteer firefighter or EMS provider, with convenient classes, flexible schedule, and an adaptable learning environment. Students can pursue an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in a range of programs, including fire science, fire administration, occupational safety and health, and many more. Institutional accreditation ensures a school meets quality and integrity standards and verifies a high level of instruction, student support, and services. For CSU students, this represents a step forward in acceptance of transfer credit and acceptance of degrees by other institutions and employers.

The NVFC and CSU have partnered since 2009 to help volunteer responders and their families achieve their educational goals. NVFC members and their families are eligible for a waived application fee and 10% tuition discount to CSU, and each year CSU offers two scholarships to NVFC members. In addition, CSU provides Continuing Education Units (CEUs) on select courses offered in the NVFC Virtual Classroom.

Learn more about CSU here.