I am interested in getting my Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice. I have been looking at Columbia Southern University located in Orange Beach, Alabama. Can anyone tell me anything about this on-line University? I want to know the good as well as the bad. Anyone please help!!!

While Alabama's known for its degree mills, CSU is DETC accredited, which means it's legit and that unless you're planning to go on for a PhD means it should be fine. 

What other schools have you considered?  I ask because the best thing is to make a choice based on having researched a wide variety of schools, and taking with a grain of salt anything said by those untiring admissions salespeople....

-=Steve=- 

Steve,

Thanks for your responce. I have also looked at Aspen University and Colorado Techinical University.

 

Hi Jeff,

What do you currently do? What do you hope to accomplish once you have your master's degree?

One quick note about Columbia Southern. CSU is a completely virtual institution - it has no physical classrooms or campuses! People often throw around the term "online university" but there are, in actuality, only a handful of truly online schools. Some others include:

This may or may not matter to you, but just thought I'd mention it.

Have you read the reviews of Columbia Southern at: http://www.onlinedegreereviews.org/college/columbia-southern-university/reviews/?

 

I currently work in the Fayette County School System located in Lexington , Ky as a School resource Officer. All of the reviews that you sent me the link to were all positive. Thank you!!!

I'm not as cool as Helen to have logos and everything, but Fielding Graduate University and Saybrook Graduate School are both all online as well, as is Canada's Athabasca University.

-=Steve=- 

I have nothing against CSU, but or the price you can do much better.  CSU is DETC accredited, which is great, but most likely you will have limited utility for the degree because of this.  For example, in Texas for a masters degree to be recognized by the board which grants peace officer licenses your degree must be regionally accredited.

 One of the best criminal justice schools in the U.S. if not THE best is Sam Houston State University, and it just so happens that they have an online MS in Criminal Justice.  Also Indiana State I believe has an online MSCJ.  If you want to stay with a virtual university for about the same price as CSU consider American Public University which is both regionally accredited and DETC.  Just my .02

What are anyones feelings about Aspen University, Andrew Jackson University? Any and all comments are greatly appreciated.

Jeff281:

What are anyones feelings about Aspen University, Andrew Jackson University? Any and all comments are greatly appreciated.

 

Hi Jeff,

Aspen U is a well regarded school. I am currently half way into their MBA program. The price and service are very good. Andrew Jackson is also well regarded, but the accreditation being equal, Aspen wins as far as price. I would check with your employer to make sure the national accreditor (DETC) will be ok. Also, if you plan on going into law enforcement, make sure NA accreditation is acceptable as well. In my personal situation, I am a California State worker, and a NA degree meets the criteria of being "recognized", as per the HR department. DETC is recognized by DOE, and the Department of Education as a recognized accreditor.  I think I still have a student profile here if you want to take a look.

Good luck,

Abner

 

 

Hi Jeff,

Aspen U is a well regarded school. I am currently half way into their MBA program. The price and service are very good. Andrew Jackson is also well regarded, but the accreditation being equal, Aspen wins as far as price. I would check with your employer to make sure the national accreditor (DETC) will be ok. Also, if you plan on going into law enforcement, make sure NA accreditation is acceptable as well. In my personal situation, I am a California State worker, and a NA degree meets the criteria of being "recognized", as per the HR department. DETC is recognized by DOE, and the Department of Education as a recognized accreditor.  I think I still have a student profile here if you want to take a look.

Good luck,

Abner

 

 Oops, I did not edit in time. I meant to say DETC is recognized by DOE and CHEA.

 

Abner

Abner,

 What are your feelings about Columbia Southern University? Everthing that I have found has been extremly positive. I hav'nt found anything negative.

 

Thanks,

Jeff

I see DETC mentioned quite often on this site. Although it is a legitimate accreditation, as in the Dept. of Education recognizes the accreditation and confers it on approved institutions, it is not the same as regional accreditation. Trust me on this, you want regional accreditation every chance you can get. It is worth a little bit more money, or time to have a degree from a regionally accredited institution. DETC courses in general are not going to transfer to most universities. DETC is fine for vo-tech type courses, and in some cases, I have have seen DETC vo-tech programs that are actually better than the regionally accredited programs. DETC programs are fine if you do not plan on pursuing any further education elsewhere, although you may have trouble if the employer researches the school and finds only DETC accreditation.

 

 Hi Jeff:

 CSU is well regarded. I knew a grad from there who worked for a Police Department (I forget which one), and is now teaching CJ at a college. The CSU degree also helped him gain advancement at the Po po. :)  All kidding aside, research and make sure you know what NA and RA is first, and then you could make an educated decision. My degrees have worked great for me. I have an RA AA, a NA B.S., and I am currently working on my MBA/NA. I also have extensive coursework from the University of Iowa, UCLA, and UCI. Let's just say my transcripts are about 4 inches thick!

In the end, a degree is merely a piece of paper. Success actually depends on you.

Good luck!

Abner  

 

 

 

Jeff281:

Abner,

 What are your feelings about Columbia Southern University? Everthing that I have found has been extremly positive. I hav'nt found anything negative.

 

Thanks,

Jeff

Thanks Abner,

 

Doing further research I have found a few negatives from former Coulbia Southern University students claiming that CSU is a Degree Mill and not woth the time or money to finish thier degree program. But I have to admit they are very few and far between. I am planning on enrolling in CSU to see for myself. If anyone knows anything good or bad please post the onfo so I can keep up. Many thanks to all who helped me on making my mind up on CSU!!!

Please ignore my mistakes on spelling...