Academic Programs and Services

Academic programs and credit course offerings at Columbia State are provided through five academic divisions within the area of instruction. Vice President for Williamson Campus and External Services coordinates offerings at the Williamson Campus and the Dean for Access, Retention and Regional Services coordinates offerings at the Clifton, Lawrence and Lewisburg Campuses. Non-credit offerings are provided through the Workforce and Continuing Education office. The Office of Academic Engagement & Innovation coordinates with universities offering degree programs on the Columbia campus.

Division of Business and Technology

The Business and Technology division offers many options to prepare students for a career in business, industry-related, or technology fields.  Students seeking to start here and transfer to a four-year university, may follow a Tennessee Transfer Pathway (TTP) in Accounting, Business Administration, Computer Science, Economics, Finance, Information Systems, Management, and Marketing. For students seeking a faster track to employment this division offers both technical certificates and two-year Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees.  Certificates are available in Business, Computer Networking, Cyber Security, Engineering Systems Technology, Hospitality and Tourism Management and Web Design and Mobile Technologies.  All of the coursework from any of the technical certificates can be applied towards an A.A.S. degree in this division.   Associate of Applied Science degrees are available in Business with concentrations in Administrative Professional Technology, Management, and Medical Office Administration, Computer Information Technology with concentrations in Programming, Cyber Defense, and Networking, Engineering Systems Technology, General Technology, or Medical Informatics.

Division of Health Sciences

The Health Sciences division provides high quality programs which produce job-ready graduates to meet the needs of the health care industry.  Students seeking to work in the health care field may choose from several programs which prepare them for entry-level positions in these fields. Associate of Applied Science degrees include Anesthesia Technology, Medical Laboratory Technology, Nursing, Radiologic Technology, Respiratory Care, and Veterinary Technology. Technical Certificates are available in Computed Tomography, Emergency Medical Technician, Advanced Emergency Medical Technician, Accelerated Advanced Emergency Medical Technician and Paramedic.  Tennessee Transfer Pathways include Imaging Sciences and Pre-Clinical Laboratory Science. A University Parallel with Pre-Allied Health Sciences emphasis is also available.

Division of Humanities and Social Sciences

Humanities disciplines serve the entire College by providing opportunities for artistic and intellectual development in classroom and co-curricular activities. The required and elective courses offered are designed to teach students to think critically, to appreciate the record of cultural achievement of humankind, and to examine and refine the individual's view of life. Tennessee Transfer Pathways are available in Art (Studio), Philosophy, and Theatre Arts. Transfer students may select the University Parallel degree with an emphasis in Humanities, Music, or no emphasis.  Advisors help students develop an individual study plan using the No Emphasis option to best meet the requirements of an anticipated transfer institution for which TTPs are not available.

Social Science courses acquaint students with the various aspects of human beings in their relations to culture, environment, behavioral patterns, heritage and political institutions. Tennessee Transfer Pathways are offered in Anthropology, Criminal Justice, Exercise Science, Geography, History, International Affairs, Kinesiology, Nutrition and Food Science, Physical Education, Political Science, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, and Sport and Leisure Management.

The Associate of Science in Teaching (A.S.T.) degrees are early teacher preparation degrees, designed for students who, upon completion of the A.S.T., plan to transfer into a teacher preparation bachelor's degree program at a public university within Tennessee.  Columbia State Community College offers the Early Childhood Education (ECED) A.S.T. for students interested in teaching children from pre-school age through third grade.  The A.S.T. for K-5 is offered for students interested in teaching children from Kindergarten through fifth grade.  The curriculum for each of these programs provides a seamless transfer pathway to the Tennessee public universities.  In addition, A.S.T. pathways are in place for students who plan to teach at the secondary (middle or high school) level in the area of English, Math, or Social Studies. Columbia State also offers an A.S.T. for all ages in the field of Special Education.  We also offer a pathway in physical education for Tennessee's future P.E. teachers.  Educator preparation courses at Columbia State provide an introduction to education theory and best practices in teaching, as well as insights in educational psychology, instruction in lesson planning, classroom administration, health and safety concerns within schools, and historical, social, political, and economic influences on early education.   The curricula include mandatory field observations within Tennessee public schools.  With some specific coursework distinctions among the universities, all of these programs are among the Tennessee Transfer Pathways.

Division of Science and Mathematics

Courses in mathematics and science are offered to support of a variety of transfer and applied sciences programs. These courses help students develop the mathematical and scientific skills necessary for job entry or to continue study in a technologic or purely scientific field.

Students may follow a Tennessee Transfer Pathway in Agriculture, Biology, Chemistry, Civil Engineering,  Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, and Physics. Moreover, Pre-Health professional emphases are offered in Dental Hygiene, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Pre-Health Professions for students interested in Dentistry, Medicine, Optometry, Pharmacy, or Veterinary Medicine.

Division of Written, Oral, and Digital Communications

This division focuses on development of research skills, critical thinking, and effective communications.  Students can learn creative writing, global culture within foreign languages and literature courses, and use of modern technology for visual design.

Transfer students may follow a Tennessee Transfer Pathway in English, Foreign Language, Mass Communication, and Speech Communication.  Transfer students may also select the University Parallel degree with an emphasis Graphic Design or Public Relations. The Film Crew Technology certificate is an option for students seeking to enter the film production workforce or continuing to complete a bachelor's degree.   

Learning Support Program

The Learning Support program is designed to assure students are college ready to enter the rigors of the collegiate curriculum. Faculty and staff provide assistance to students to help them succeed in meeting required competencies. Courses are offered in three skill areas: writing, reading and mathematics. These skills courses are listed in the course description section of the catalog and course schedule as 0000 level courses in Learning Support English, Mathematics, and Reading. For additional information on program placement requirements, visit www.columbiastate.edu/learning-support

Workforce and Continuing Education

Columbia State plays an important role in the region's economic growth, community development and quality of life. Workforce and Continuing Education seeks to strengthen this role through business and industry services, economic development partnerships, and professional development opportunities.

Business, industry, and government have unique education and training needs. Workforce and Continuing Education works closely with organizations throughout the Columbia State service area to identify these needs and develop appropriate services. Services include noncredit professional development and specialized contract training.

Economic development partnerships help communities maximize strengths and overcome weaknesses. Workforce and Continuing Education seeks opportunities for Columbia State to participate in partnerships with economic development agencies, education and training providers, and other organizations throughout the region. These efforts help communities gain access to vital education and training services.

Columbia State awards continuing education units to persons successfully completing many of its noncredit courses.  Visit the Workforce and Continuing Education webpage for further information.

Cooperative Education

Cooperative education (co-op) gives students the opportunity to integrate classroom study with related work experience in industry, business, or government. Columbia State Community College believes students may develop needed skills by engaging in challenging and interesting situations in the work place. This applied learning provides opportunities for students to demonstrate their abilities in real-world work environments. The program is flexible and is tailored to meet the needs of each individual student.

Cooperative education is similar to an independent study course. During periods of co-op employment, students are enrolled in a co-op course, pay a registration fee, and comply with department requirements. In order to qualify for entry and continue participation in the program, students must meet criteria outlined in the most current program brochure, and must not have engaged in conduct that resulted in college disciplinary sanctions or academic penalties.

Although there is no guarantee of co-op placement, permanent work or any compensation, every effort is made to place students to their best educational and financial advantage. If remuneration is involved, the rate of pay is determined by agreement of the employer and the student. The employer pays wages directly to the student.

The co-op employer provides a supervisor and the College assigns a faculty sponsor for each student. Periodic reports from supervisors and communications by faculty assure that each student obtains maximum benefit from the program. Grading for co-op courses is on a pass/fail basis. Participation in cooperative education involves no obligation on the part of either the student or the employer with regard to permanent employment after graduation.

For more information on cooperative education, contact the appropriate Division Dean's Office.

Academic Engagement and Innovation

Academic Engagement and Innovation houses the University Center which offers opportunities for those students who desire a degree beyond an Associate degree. Columbia State partners with area universities to bring baccalaureate degree programs to the Columbia State campuses. Partnerships include:

Elementary Education (K-5) with Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) - Students who have completed an Associate of Science in Teaching degree may be able to complete a B.S. degree on the Columbia State campus. This degree is designed to meet the professional needs of students planning to teach kindergarten through fifth grade.

Interdisciplinary Studies at with Tennessee Technology University - Courses in this program are held at Columbia State's Lawrence Campus.

Graduate Certificate and Master's Programs with School of Professional Studies at Tennessee Technology University - Information and student support services provided at Columbia State's Lawrence Campus.

MBA with University of Tennessee Southern (UTS) - Courses in this program are held at Columbia State's Lawrence Campus.

Graduate Degrees in Education - Periodically, Middle Tennessee State University offers graduate programs on the Columbia State campuses. For information on current partnerships and program-to-program articulations, contact Academic Engagement and Innovation by calling 931.540.2619 or by accessing www.columbiastate.edu/transfer-information. The Academic Engagement and Innovation office is located in Room 128 of the Warf Building on the Columbia campus.

Academic Engagement and Innovation also houses Distanced Education course offerings which are guided by the Tennessee Board of Regents Distance Education policy: 2.05.00.00 which states that "each online course must provide for student-to-student interaction, student-to-content interaction, and instructor-to-student interaction, as well as opportunities for self-reflection and timely feedback from faculty member(s) teaching the course and students". This is further outlined by guidelines from the Department of Education which calls for "regular and substantive interaction" within the online classroom.

See below for the Distance Education modalities offered by Columbia State:

1. Desktop Video Conferencing (synchronous):

Desktop Video Conferencing (DVC) classes are when students and the instructor communicate, live, via a web conferencing tool at a specified day/time (i.e. they are synchronous). DVC classes include the following:

• Live Streaming courses offered using video conferencing software
• Students attend class meetings during days and times shown in schedule (synchronous) without the need to be at physical campus location. Review the schedule for specific days and times. Review the syllabus and check with your instructor for meeting room links to attend the online class sessions.
• This class offers real-time guidance but not as much flexibility.
• Meet live with instructor and other students.  Not pre-recorded.
• Course materials such as the syllabus, assignments, gradebook will be located online so students can access 24/7.
• There are no extra fees for DVC courses. Additional tuition and fee information can be found at the Business Office webpage.
• Students will need access to a computer with a camera, microphone, and access to high-speed internet.  Campus computers may be used but students must provide ear buds and will be limited to camera and chat functions.

2. Hybrid Courses (synchronous)

"Hybrid" is the name used to describe a course that combines the best of both options by combining both in-the-classroom instruction with online instruction. In a hybrid course, 50% of the learning takes place in live, synchronous meetings face to face with the instructor and 50% takes place in the online classroom.  Hybrid courses may include the following:

• Students are required to attend class meetings during days and times shown in schedule at a physical campus location (synchronous). Review the schedule for specific days and times. Review the syllabus and check with your instructor for meeting room links to attend the online class sessions.
• This class offers some flexibility and some real time instructor guidance.
• Live Streaming courses using Zoom video conferencing software (optional).
• Course materials such as the syllabus, assignments, gradebook will be located online so students can access 24/7.
• There are no extra fees for Hybrid courses. Additional tuition and fee information can be found at the Business Office webpage.
• Students need access to a computer with a camera, microphone, and access to high-speed internet.  Campus computers may be used but students must provide ear buds and will be limited to camera and chat functions.

3. Online Course (asynchronous)

4. TN eCampus (asynchronous)

Students taking TN eCampus courses have 24/7 access to the course syllabus, lectures, assignments, discussions, quizzes, file sharing and group collaboration. TN eCampus courses provide students with additional opportunities to take courses that fit their schedules and are in collaboration with the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR). TN eCampus courses include the following:

• Students are NOT required to attend live, synchronous class meetings; instead students can access materials 24/7.  The course is 100% asynchronous.
• This class offers the most flexibility. Instructors offer guidance via office hours and appointments.
• Regular participation is required of students and may include discussion board activity, quiz and assignment completion and other activities. Review the syllabus and check with your instructor.
• The course is constructed with regular due dates, reading deadlines and other expectations of timely work completion by the student. Review the syllabus and check with your instructor.
• Video recordings of class material may be available.
• Course instructors may or may not be Columbia State Community College faculty members; TN eCampus courses are taught by qualified faculty members across the state, at sister community college institutions as part of a 20+ year collaborative effort.
• Additional fees apply. Tuition and fee information can be found at the Business Office webpage.
• Learn more about TN eCampus at the TBR site.  To locate TN eCampus Courses in the Course Schedule, refer to this guide .
• See the TN eCampus  section of the Catalog for information about programs and support for TN eCampus and for more information visit the college webpage about TN eCampus.

For questions about TNeCampus classes, contact:  TNeCampus@ColumbiaState.edu

For questions about Columbia State Online Classes, contact: OnlineCampusHelp@ColumbiaState.edu

Complaint Resolution Policies and Procedures for Non-Tennessee Resident Students (SARA)

Complaint Resolution Policies and Procedures for Non-Tennessee Resident Students in State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement States, commonly known as SARA.

Student complaints relating to consumer protection laws that involve distance learning education offered under the terms and conditions of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), must first be filed with the institution to seek resolution.

Complainants not satisfied with the outcome of the Institution's internal process may appeal, within two years of the incident about which the complaint is made, to the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.

For purposes of this process, a complaint shall be defined as a formal assertion in writing that the terms of SARA or the laws, standards or regulations incorporated by the SARA Policies and Standards have been violated by the institution operating under the terms of SARA.

For a list of SARA member States, please visit the NC-SARA website. Students residing in non-SARA states should consult their respective State of residence for further instruction for filing a complaint.