In 2004, South University’s Savannah campus launched online bachelor’s degree programs in Information Technology and Business Administration. Designed to deliver the same quality instruction and personalized attention students enjoy on campus, these online programs enable students who do not live near a South University campus-or those who might not be able to attend classes at a set time and place-to pursue an academic degree through South University.
In 2005 South University added bachelor of science degree programs in Healthcare Management, Nursing, and Criminal Justice. More recently, the University added a Master of Business Administration (MBA), along with the MBA in Healthcare Administration, Master of Science in Nursing, and Master of Science in Criminal Justice.
South University strives to provide an excellent educational environment for students to explore the academic foundations that can lead to the pursuit of professional aspirations. Online programs at South University are an extension of South University’s commitment to providing educational opportunities for the intellectual, social and professional development of a diverse student population.
Programs offered in the online modality from South University utilize an interactive learning method in which the educational experience becomes the shared responsibility of students in the classroom, and faculty members serve as facilitators of learning. Online students participate in an enriched learning experience that includes classroom lectures, discussions, demonstrations, field trips and guest speaker contributions, while enjoying the convenience of flexible, 24-hour access to the online classroom and course materials.
Online course lectures appear in written format and consist of an introduction to activities as well as explanations of textbook reading assignments. Lectures are intended to be catalysts for ongoing class discussions, and the faculty members facilitate discussion by providing additional insight to course subjects by joining and leading topic dialogues. Discussion boards allow for several topics to be addressed at once; therefore, many different sides of a topic can be examined for greater understanding. The faculty member guides discussions to ensure that students proceed toward an ultimate understanding of the subject matter.
The online library provides scholarly resources and information services to support the curriculum and programs of the University, foster academic and professional research by the University community, and facilitate critical thinking and life-long learning by students.
The online library provides access to more than 60 databases in all disciplines available electronically 24/7 to all authorized students and faculty. More than 50,000 e-books, video clips, images, and full-text dissertations are also included in the online library offerings. Online reference assistance is available through e-mail and telephone.
Note: International students present in F-1 visa status are not eligible for online only programs of study.
Degree Programs
To view a complete listing of program requirements, please click here .
Doctoral Degrees
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
Ministry (D.Min.)
Nursing Practice (DNP**)
Post-graduate Certificates
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PGC)
Family Nurse Practitioner (PGC)**
Nurse Administrator Post Graduate Certificate (PGC)*
Nurse Educator Post Graduate Certificate (PGC)**
Master’s Degrees
Accounting (MS)
Business Administration (MBA)
Accelerated Master of Business Administration (MBA)*
Criminal Justice (MS)
Healthcare Administration (MBA)
Healthcare Administration, Accelerated (MBA)
Master of Science in Information Systems (MS)
Leadership (MS)
Master of Science in Nursing (Specialization in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner) (MSN)**
Master of Science in Nursing (Specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner) (MSN)**
Master of Science in Nursing (Specialization in Nurse Administrator) (MSN)**
Master of Science in Nursing (Specialization in Nurse Educator) (MSN)**
Master of Science in Nursing (Specialization in Nursing Informatics) (MSN)**
RN to Master of Science in Nursing (BSN/MSN**) , with the following specializations:
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Administrator
- Nurse Educator
- Nursing Informatics
Public Administration (MPA)
Master of Public Health (MPH)
Bachelor’s Degrees
Business Administration (BBA)
Criminal Justice (BS)
Public Health (BS)
Healthcare Management (BS)
Information Technology (BS)
Legal Studies* (BS)
RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Psychology (BA)
Public Health (BS)
Associate’s Degrees
Paralegal Studies (AS)
*Available partially online
**NOTE: Minnesota residents are not eligible to enroll in the online programs for the Doctor of Nursing Practice, Post Graduate Certificates in Nursing, the Master of Science in Nursing or the RN to Master of Science in Nursing.
About Online Courses
In order to participate in online classes, students must have computer hardware and software equivalent to the specifications indicated by South University. Prior to registration each quarter, South University provides students with a list of courses to be offered online and the technology requirements for each course. A list of technology requirements is available through the South University, Online Programs Web site (http://southuniversity.edu, select South University, Online Programs as the location) and the South University Academic Catalog. Because South University regularly evaluates hardware and software needs to ensure that students taking online courses are utilizing technology in parity with students taking the same courses onsite, students should check for technology updates on a quarterly basis.
Taking an Online Program
In order to participate in online classes, students must have computer hardware and software equivalent to the specifications indicated by South University. Prior to registration each quarter, South University provides students with a list of courses to be offered online and the technology requirements for each course. A list of technology requirements is available through the South University, Online Programs Web site (http://southuniversity.edu, select South University, Online Programs as the location) and the South University Academic Catalog. Because South University regularly evaluates hardware and software needs to ensure that students taking online courses are utilizing technology in parity with students taking the same courses onsite, students should check for technology updates on a quarterly basis.
Leave of Absence (non-term programs) Overall Considerations*
A Leave of Absence may be requested by students in non-term based programs. A Leave of Absence is not available to term-based students (including those on-campus students who are taking online courses). Students in non-term based programs who take a break of 29 consecutive calendar days or less remain continuously enrolled and are classified as full-time students. Students who need to take a break due to situations that would require them to be out of class longer than 29 consecutive calendar days should contact their Academic Counselor and request a Leave of Absence. Students in non-term based programs who have not attended class for more than 29 consecutive calendar days are considered withdrawn from the University unless they have an approved Leave of Absence on file. Signed Leave of Absence forms submitted after 29 consecutive calendar days of the last date of attendance will not be accepted.
*Note: Students in term-based programs through South University, Online Programs are not eligible for a Leave of Absence.
Requesting a Leave of Absence
Students in non-term based programs may request a Leave of Absence under two instances.
- Future Leave of Absence: A future leave of absence is a leave that will start upon completion of a course in which the student is enrolled. Students requesting such a Leave of Absence must submit a signed Leave of Absence Request Form to their Academic Counselor.
- Emergency Leave of Absence: If extenuating circumstances prevent a student from submitting a Leave of Absence Request prior to the last date of attendance, the Leave of Absence will be reviewed on a case by case basis and must be submitted by the student with supporting documentation related to the extenuating circumstances. These extenuating circumstances include military deployment, extended serious medical emergencies, extended serious family emergencies, jury duty, or natural disasters.
Students may not request an immediate Emergency Leave of Absence after the 28th calendar day of a 5 week class, 31st calendar day of a 5.5 week class, the 50th calendar day of a 10 week class, or the 58th calendar day of an 11-week class. Students receiving a WF in a course will not be eligible for an approved Tuition Waiver for a Future Course and a Leave of Absence will not be granted.
In the event of a natural disaster the University will evaluate the need for a student in the disaster zone to be placed on an approved Leave of Absence. Students receiving an approved Leave of Absence do not receive any extension of time in which to fulfill the requirements for an awarded course Incomplete.
Additional Leave of Absence or an Extension of a Current Leave of Absence
Students in non-term based programs are limited to no more than two Leaves of Absence of 60 calendar days or less within a 12-month period. Students may be granted an additional Leave of Absence or an extension of a current Leave of Absence due to extenuating circumstances. Students requesting an additional Leave of Absence or an extension to a current Leave of Absence must submit a signed Leave of Absence form to their Academic Counselor. The form must explain the extenuating circumstances that require an additional Leave of Absence or an extension of a Current Leave of Absence. The form must be submitted by the student with supporting documentation related to the extenuating circumstances. These extenuating circumstances include military deployment, extended serious medical emergencies, extended serious family emergencies, jury duty, or natural disasters.
The Senior Director of Student Affairs is responsible for reviewing and approving the request. Request for an additional Leave of Absence or an extension of a current Leave of Absence must be received 15 calendar days prior to the end of the current Leave of Absence. Leave of Absences (including extensions) may not exceed 180 calendar days in a 12-month period.
Returning from an Approved Leave of Absence
Students returning from an approved Leave of Absence that was granted during the time they were enrolled in a course will be allowed to complete coursework started prior to the leave with no additional charges assessed. The University allows students who start a Leave of Absence during a course to withdraw (with a grade of WX) with a Tuition Waiver for a Future Course. Although students will not be charged for the subsequent course, students must re-take the entire course.
If a student does not return from an approved Leave of Absence, the official withdrawal date and beginning of the loan grace period (if applicable) is the last date of class attendance.
Leave of Absence may not exceed 180 calendar days in a 12-month period. The 12-month period begins the first day of the first Leave of Absence. Students who fail to return on the 180th calendar day will be administratively withdrawn from school.
Registration for Online Courses
Online students are preregistered for classes by their Academic Counselor. Students will receive their preregistration schedule via notification on the Campus Common. Should a student have a question about the schedule or wish to be contacted by his or her online academic advisor, the student will have the option to do so. South University cannot guarantee course availability for students who register after the preregistration period.
Registration is confirmed for the new student once the online orientation has been completed. Registration is confirmed for the continuing student once a schedule has been received and confirmed through correspondence with the student’s academic advisor.
Student Services
Students taking online courses have access to South University business partners for purchasing textbooks, hardware and software. Information about these vendors is provided in the online orientation course. Links to these vendors are located within the online campus.
Career Services
South University, Online Programs maintain a Career Services Department to assist students with locating and securing full-time, entry-level, field-related employment upon graduation.
Although employment in full-time positions is not guaranteed by South University, it is vitally important to both the student and the University that each student obtain appropriate employment. Therefore, as students approach the final quarter of their programs, specific and personalized attention is provided in the preparation of professional resumes and cover letters as well as in job search strategies and interviewing skills.
For more information about the Career Services at South University, Online Programs, please contact 888-444-3404.
Student Support
The Student Support team is available to assist online students. As the primary point of contact, the Student Support team is able to answer most student questions. The team can be reached at 888-444-3404 or studentsupport@southuniversity.edu.
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Campus Common
The Campus Common is the “community beyond the classroom.” The Campus Common can be accessed from the Student Portal or the online classroom and is a resource for students providing information on many subjects including South University, Online Programs news, tutoring and online discussions.
The Campus Common is also a resource for students providing access information about their account including academics and financial aid. The Student Portal is the gateway to the online classroom and also allows student to view documents such as course catalogs and directories.
Student Financial Aid
South University has a Department of Financial Aid where online students and their families can develop a financial plan to help ensure students’ completion of their programs. Specialists from this department will help students complete the federal and state applications for grants and loans applicable to the students’ circumstances. Once a student’s eligibility for financial aid has been determined, a financial aid specialist will help the student develop a plan for meeting educational expenses. Students may contact the Financial Aid Department by phoning 888-444-3404 or through an email link provided within the South University-Online Programs Web site [http://southuniversity.edu, select South University, Online Programs as the location]. Financial aid is available to those students who qualify.
Emergency Leave Policy for Iowa Residents
Iowa residents who are a member, or a spouse of a member if the member has a dependent child, of the Iowa National Guard or Reserve Forces of the United States and who is ordered to state military service or federal service or duty will be afforded the following options:
- Withdraw from the student’s entire registration and receive a full refund of tuition and mandatory fees.
- Make arrangements with the student’s instructors for course grades, or for incompletes that shall be completed by the student at a later date. If such arrangement is made, the student’s registration shall remain intact and tuition and mandatory fees shall be assessed for the courses in full.
- Make arrangement with only some of the student’s instructors for grades, or for incompletes that shall be completed by the student at a later date. If such arrangements are made, the registration for those courses shall remain intact and mandatory fees shall be assessed for those courses. Any course for which arrangement cannot be made for grades or incompletes shall be considered dropped and the tuition and mandatory feels for the course refunded.
Equipment
Prior to registration, students should obtain a technical specification list for hardware and software that supports the online courses. This list is always available from the download documents section of the online programs course catalog. Students may purchase necessary equipment through the hardware and software partners associated with South University, or through another vendor of choice.
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