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. In 2013 South University added the Master of Public Health degree. The Bachelor of Science in Public Health degree was added in 2016.
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.
Military 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.