|
Jump to:
|
Explore the South University catalog:
|
About South University
South University, Austin, South University, Cleveland, South University, Columbia, South University, High Point Learning Site, South University, Montgomery, South University, Novi, South University, Orlando Learning Site, South University, Richmond, South University, Savannah, South University, Tampa, South University, Virginia Beach, South University, West Palm Beach, and South University, Online Programs are collectively referred to throughout this catalog as “South University” or the “University”. Where appropriate when only a specific campus location or locations are intended campuses may be referred to by their geographic identifier.
History
Founding
South University’s history began in Savannah, Georgia in 1899 with the establishment of Draughon’s Practical Business College. Founded by Dr. John Draughon, the institution focused on teaching the fundamentals needed by successful businesses including accounting, banking, shorthand, bookkeeping and typewriting. Originally located in the Masonic Lodge building on the corner of Savannah’s Liberty and Whitaker Streets, the College was moved several times to accommodate growing enrollment before settling into the Atlantic Mutual Building.
South Family Acquisition
The college was acquired by the South family in 1974, and the institution’s name was changed to Draughon’s Junior College. Shortly after, John T. South, III left his Atlanta banking career to join the college’s administration. Under his more than 40 years of leadership, the institution would grow from a one-location junior college in Savannah to a doctoral-level university with eleven campuses around the U.S. and alumni from all fifty states and beyond.
The institution’s geographic growth began with the addition of a campus in West Palm Beach, Florida. In an effort to more strategically align its institutional name with its mission, the institution changed its name to South College on October 21, 1986. With an eye towards the future, South College’s administration began planning the addition of more advanced and varied degree programs and campus expansions.
In 1996, the institution began offering four-year degrees with the addition of the Bachelor of Business Administration degree. The next year, South College reorganized its administrative structure and formed the School of Business. Understanding that healthcare would be a growing and in-demand career field, South College also founded the School of Health Professions and began offering an associate’s degree in Physical Therapist Assistant. During this time the college’s geographical footprint expanded to include a campus in Montgomery, Alabama.
Twenty-First Century Transformation
The first fifteen years of the 21st century would prove to be the most transformative time in the institution’s history. Online classes, more campuses, the addition of advanced degree programs, and a University designation would continue to propel South University forward.
South College became South University on December 21, 2001 after the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) accredited the institution to award master’s degrees. The Master of Science in Physician Assistant degree was added as South University’s first post-baccalaureate degree program that same year.
South University expanded by opening its fourth campus in Columbia, South Carolina in January of 2002. The University also took a major step forward academically when it announced plans to offer a Doctor of Pharmacy degree program. SACSCOC approved the University’s plan to award doctoral degrees in December of 2002, making South University the first institution in the Savannah, Georgia area to offer a healthcare doctorate.
South University education became available to students around the country with the introduction of web-based instruction in 2004. Online bachelor’s degree programs in Business Administration and Information Technology were initially offered, while Bachelor of Science degree programs in Healthcare Management, Nursing and Criminal Justice were added the next year.
Academic and Geographical Expansion
Rapid expansion continued with the addition of South University’s fifth campus in Tampa, Florida in 2006 and the launch of four online master’s degree programs. The growing campus in Columbia also announced its move to the city’s eastside to accommodate its increasing enrollment.
A major library expansion was completed on the Savannah campus in 2007, and academic degree programs continued to be added at many of the university’s locations. This was also the year South University celebrated the graduation of its first fully-online students.
The University’s academic structure took an important step forward in 2008 when the Board of Trustees approved the creation of the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, College of Health Professions, and the College of Nursing. In 2009, the University continued to expand its academic offerings by adding a School of Pharmacy program to the Columbia campus.
This was also a time of continued campus growth and expansion. The University opened campus locations in Glen Allen (Richmond) and Virginia Beach, Virginia in 2009. The next year, the University announced the opening of its Novi, Michigan campus followed quickly by the announcement of a campus in Austin, Texas in 2011. In 2012, South University opened campuses in the Cleveland suburb of Warrensville Heights, Ohio and High Point, North Carolina.
In 2015, the Austin campus moved from its temporary facilities into its permanent 42,000 square-foot campus, and a new learning site was opened in Orlando, Florida. That same year, graduates from all 50 U.S. states, Puerto Rico and Guam traveled to Savannah to take part in the June commencement ceremony. In all, more than 4,000 students graduated from South University that year, proving the scope of South University’s reach and educational influence across the U.S.
Equal Opportunity Statement
South University is an equal opportunity university open to any qualified individual without regard to race, gender, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, genetic marker or any other basis protected by law. Pursuant to all applicable state, local or federal anti-discrimination laws and regulations, South University does not discriminate against any of the protected categories of individuals in the administration of its policies, programs or activities. This nondiscriminatory policy includes admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, employment practices, and all other university administered programs.
About the South University Catalog
This catalog, in effect at the opening of fall quarter 2019, includes South University’s policies; a list of the campuses; descriptions of academic programs, course offerings, and services; and a list of faculty members. Students are subject to the policy and curricula requirements of the current catalog regardless of their original quarter of enrollment.
While the provisions of this catalog will ordinarily be applied as stated, the University reserves the right to change any of the contents of this catalog, including but not limited to academic requirements for graduation. Academic programs, course offerings, and scheduling are subject to change at the discretion of the institution without notice to individual students. Every effort will be made to keep students advised of any such changes. Information on changes will be available in the Office of the Registrar. Students are responsible for staying apprised of current graduation requirements for their particular programs.
All academic information in this catalog applies to all South University locations unless stated otherwise.
Additional information for some programs is included in the handbooks for those programs (e.g., Occupational Therapy Assistant, Physical Therapist Assistant, Nursing, and Physician Assistant) which may be obtained from the Program Director or Department Chair for the program.
Alternative formats of this publication are available upon request. For more information contact the University Registrar.
Accreditation
South University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of South University.
Information about accreditations and licensing for specific programs and by state can be found here .
|
