South University

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South University began in 1899 when Dr. John Draughon founded Draughon's Practical Business College. The institution focused on teaching fundamental business knowledge that included accounting, banking, shorthand, bookkeeping and typing. Classes were held in the Masonic Lodge at Liberty and Whitaker Streets in Savannah. It moved several times before finding its permanent location in the Atlantic Mutual Building.

In 1974, the college was acquired by the South family and the name changed to Draughon's Junior College. John T. South, III, left his career in banking in Atlanta to join the administration of the college. Over the next 40 years, he turned the school into a doctoral-level university.

The second campus added was in West Palm Beach, Florida, which led the administration to change the name to South College to be more in line with its mission. In 1996, the school began offering four-year degrees. In 2001, it gained university status and the following year opened its fourth campus in Columbia, South Carolina.

Today, South University prides itself on not only prides itself on providing high standards of academic but also shaping the character of students who attend. The school creates a philosophy of lifelong learning and emphasizes the importance of community involvement and volunteerism.

South University Accreditation

South University is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. In addition, programs throughout the agency are accredited by the following agencies and organizations:

  • Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
  • Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education
  • Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education
  • Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant
  • American Bar Association
  • Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
  • Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs

South University Application Requirements

All students who wish to attend must contact the admissions office at South University or complete an online information form. The admissions counselor will review degree programs and guide them through the application process. The counselor will also explain any additional admissions requirements for specific programs. In some cases, students must provide GRE or GMAT scores for admission.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition at South University varies depending on the program the student plans to attend and the campus where they will attend classes.

Financial aid is available to those who qualify. The Financial Aid Office works with students whose lack of funding could keep them from achieving their higher education goals. Students may be eligible for grants, loans, scholarships or work-study programs. South University also offers institutional aid and may operate in states that offer grants.

In order to apply for financial aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Financial aid at South University is based on financial circumstances. South University also accepts military benefits.

Online Degrees Available

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

South University offers a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice designed to provide students with the foundational knowledge they need to succeed in criminal justice careers. The program is offered entirely online and offers the same rigorous curriculum that the traditional classes require for the degree. Students develop an understanding of police, courts as well as ways to correct crime and violence. Students also gain an understanding of juvenile delinquency, professional ethics as well as the role race, class and gender play in the criminal justice system. Through electives, students are able to concentrate their studies, learning more about white collar, organized or cybercrime as well as crime mapping, homeland security, immigration, community-based corrections, forensics and more.

Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management

The Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management provides students with an understanding of how to apply business concepts to the healthcare services industry. Students explore topics like leadership, financial management, healthcare delivery systems as well as law and ethics. Students must complete a capstone course where they will be challenged to integrate and apply their learning. Students analyze and explore case studies while developing a strategic plan for a healthcare agency. The curriculum is designed around recommendations from the Association of University Programs in Health Administration. Students are able to discuss and apply proper terminology, established concepts and tested principles specific to the healthcare management industry. Students can research, analyze and interpret data while making informed decisions.

Master of Science in Criminal Justice

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice allows students to dig deeper into the historical and contemporary criminal justice system. Students study relationships among law enforcement, the courts and corrections. Students also gain an understanding of administration and management. This prepares them to pursue leadership positions in the criminal justice industry. Students are able to demonstrate the mastery of skills in theoretical and applied criminal justice. Students understand the relationship between crime theory, policy and professional practice. Graduates of the program are able to demonstrate interactive skills while learning behavioral strategies for improving communications between criminal justice agencies.

Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Healthcare Administration

The MBA in Healthcare Administration at South University helps students develop knowledge in financial management, law and ethics as well as marketing, human resources and health policy. Through case studies, faculty-led discussions and more, students are able to examine healthcare system organizational models in order to gain an understanding of communication and leadership styles. Students can integrate and apply business concepts to the healthcare industry. They gain an understanding of governance, finance and how healthcare is deliver dint he United States. Students can evaluate and analyze the impact current policies have on healthcare services. Graduates are critical thinkers who use information and literacy skills for problem-solving and case study analysis.

South University offers many online degree programs designed for the adult learner. The school allows those who may have social, work or family obligations that make it difficult to attend traditional classes to achieve their higher education goals. Through the South University's online programs, students are able to pursue a new career or advancement in a current career while still meeting their obligations.