South University Online

South University Online

South University Online enjoys a long-standing tradition of excellence in education and personalized student attention. The University traces its heritage to 1899, when Dr. John Draughon established Draughon's Practical Business College in Savannah, Georgia.

Since its humble beginnings, South University has experienced continued growth transforming from a two-year college into a four-year, University offering associate's, bachelor's, master's and doctorate degree programs with campus locations in Columbia, South Carolina; Montgomery, Alabama; Richmond, Virginia; Savannah, Georgia; and Tampa and West Palm Beach, Florida.

Today, South University continues to build on its more than a century of academic excellence by continuing to be a recognized innovator in higher education. With the introduction of South University Online, students can pursue both undergraduate degree and master's degree programs ranging from Criminal Justice to an MBA.

South University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate, baccalaureate, masters and doctorate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 1.404.679.4500 for answers to questions about the accreditation of South University.

South University History

1899 John Draughon established Draughon's Practical Business College, launching a more than century of excellence in education in Savannah, Georgia.

1974 The family of John T. South, III acquired the institution and changed its name to Draughon's Junior College.

1976 Institution established a second campus in West Palm Beach, Florida.

1985 Received accreditation from The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to confer associate degrees.

1986 Draughon's Junior College becomes South College.

1996 SACS accredits South at bachelor’s level.

1997 South College merges its third campus in Montgomery, Alabama, and introduced a bachelor's degree in Physician Assistant Studies in Savannah.

2001 SACS accredits South at the master’s level and becomes South University.

2002 South University merges its fourth campus in Columbia, South Carolina.

2002 SACS accredits University at doctoral level – the only institution of higher education in Savannah accredited at that level.

2003 First Doctor of Pharmacy class begins at the Savannah campus. Acquired by Education Management Corporation, one of the largest providers of private post-secondary education in North America.

2004 Master of Medical Science, Anesthesiologist program launches; online bachelor's degree programs in information technology and business administration begin.

2005 Launched online bachelor's degree programs in healthcare management, nursing and criminal justice.

2006 Launched online master's degrees in business administration, criminal justice and healthcare administration.
First students graduate with the Doctor of Pharmacy from South University's School of Pharmacy.
South University opens its Tampa, Florida campus. The new campus launches Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Health Science degree program.

2007 University introduces MBA and MBA in Healthcare Administration degree programs at four campus locations.
South University graduates its first online graduates.
South University awards largest number of graduate degrees in the University's history.
The Savannah campus officially opens a new University library more than tripling the size of its previous library.
South University Launches RN to BSN Degree Completion Program at Columbia, Tampa and West Palm Beach campus locations.

2009South University opens its Richmond, Virginia campus.

South University Online

At South University, your goals are their guide. You'll benefit from a rich, career-focused educational experience and a supportive environment. Here's what you can expect as a student of South University's online programs:

· Individual attention from faculty and advisors alike — South University is here to help, every step of the way.

· An interactive, optimized online classroom — South University looked at every aspect of their online programs, tailoring them so students can get the most out of each course. Their faculty are proficient in online instructional techniques, enabling an interactive and supportive classroom environment.

· A heritage of campus learning applied online — Online students and ground campus students receive the same intensity of instruction, quality of education, personal attention, and degree outcomes.

· Classroom learning with real-world relevance — Instructors apply their professional experience and share insights about the skills and knowledge employers are looking for in the marketplace.

· Job market readiness — South University’s programs are designed to prepare you to enter your field of interest upon graduation. The majority of your courses will directly relate to subject areas in your specific degree program and focus on practical knowledge and skills.

· Respect for your work–life balance — South University gives you the freedom to customize your course loads so you can manage your educational goals around your work/life commitments.

· Resources and community that support your success — South University offers tutoring, and extensive online library, interactive student forums, student organizations and clubs, career services, and an exclusive network of professional and industry contacts.

· The ability to complete your degree sooner — With two 5 ½-week sessions in each of their four quarters, you'll have the option to complete your degree on an accelerated schedule.

· The support of a like-minded community — You'll be learning and communicating with students who share similar goals and mindsets. South University students are motivated, career-oriented adult learners.