California Southern University is an accredited, fully online U.S. university offering flexible Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees. It focuses on working professionals, providing a self-directed learning approach with monthly starts and fixed per-unit tuition.
California Southern University (CalSouthern) is an accredited online university based in the United States, offering a flexible and affordable education primarily for working professionals. As part of the American InterContinental University System, CalSouthern provides 100% online Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees, with a strong focus on programs in Behavioral Studies and Business & Management. The university is designed for students seeking to advance their careers on their own schedule, with monthly class starts and a self-directed learning approach. CalSouthern emphasizes quality education delivered by experienced faculty who are also working professionals in their fields. They are committed to helping students apply their coursework to real-world situations. The university offers convenient payment options and a fixed per-unit tuition cost for the duration of enrollment.
As a fully online institution, CalSouthern delivers the student experience through a digital learning platform rather than a physical campus. Students interact with faculty mentors and peers via online courses, discussion tools and virtual support services, with academic advising, a digital library and career resources available remotely. The flexible, self-directed format is built around the schedules of working adults studying from around the world.
CalSouthern offers reasonably priced tuition with flexible payment options. Per-unit tuition costs are fixed and will not increase as long as a student remains enrolled in a flexible online degree program. Specific tuition amounts are not publicly listed and would require inquiry directly with the university.
California Southern University is a member of the American InterContinental University System, which is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Additionally, some programs hold specialized accreditation from bodies such as ACBSP (Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs) and CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education).
International students primarily enter on the F-1 visa, which requires enrolment at a SEVP-certified institution. Before the visa interview the school issues a Form I-20 — a certificate of eligibility — for which a Designated School Official must verify documented funds covering tuition, living expenses and travel for the first year, plus a reliable source for subsequent years. The financial evidence must be specific and from an identified source.
F-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and full-time during official breaks, with no separate authorization needed. Off-campus work is generally not permitted in the first academic year. After one academic year in good standing, students may use Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for paid work that is an integral part of the curriculum, authorized by the school; other off-campus work requires an approved Employment Authorization Document from USCIS.
After completing a degree, F-1 students may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) — up to 12 months of work authorization in a related field — by filing Form I-765 and receiving an EAD before starting work. Graduates of a degree on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, for up to 36 months total. The extension requires an E-Verify employer and a qualifying STEM degree earned within the previous ten years.
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
The Certificate in Addiction Studies (CPAS) at California Southern University is designed for individuals interested in specializing in addiction and substance use disorders. This program provides focused, practical curriculum relevant to undergraduate studies, professional development, and preparation for further education. It aims to equip students with a foundational understanding of addictive behaviors, their impact on individuals and families, and the ethical considerations in counseling. This certificate meets the 315 hours of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) specific education required for Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor I/II certification by the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP) and aligns with nationally approved educational standards for the addiction counseling profession. California Southern University is recognized as an Approved Academic Education Provider by NAADAC, The Association for Addiction Professionals. Upon successful completion, students earn a certificate, not a degree. A minimum grade of 'C' in all courses is required. The program is delivered online, offering flexibility for students.
This graduate certificate program is designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree. It offers advanced education in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, suitable for those with a background in behavioral sciences or other fields. The program aims to deepen your understanding of psychology principles and their application in business, human resources, and consulting. You will explore theoretical models, learn solution-focused skills, and engage with industry-relevant research.
The Certificate in Sport Psychology (CPSP) is designed for professionals in sport, performance-based fields, and other non-mental health graduates seeking to enhance their expertise. It provides supplemental education in sport psychology, exposing students to theoretical models, solution-focused skills, and relevant scientific research. The program emphasizes ethical, cultural, and professional topics, aiming to build a strong foundation in the field. This certificate is not intended to meet the educational requirements for specific professional licenses or certifications.
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program is designed to develop mature students into effective leaders by focusing on industry-relevant decision-making techniques. The curriculum emphasizes research and writing skills essential for high-level responsibilities in both academic and business environments. This program prepares students to navigate dynamic, global markets and to address complex challenges in leadership, strategic management, and organizational change. Graduates will be equipped to drive organizational viability and excel in senior executive roles.
California Southern University offers an online Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) program designed to advance your knowledge in clinical topics and psychological research. The program emphasizes the practical application of psychological principles in professional settings. You can choose between two specializations: Applied Psychology (PsyD-AP) for non-clinical roles, or Psychology: Clinical Specialization (PsyD-CS) for those pursuing licensure. Both programs provide a strong foundation in psychological science and can be completed entirely online.
Open to international (non-U.S. citizen, non-permanent-resident) high school students applying for first-year undergraduate admission to Duke University. Candidates must demonstrate financial need through Duke's need-based aid process, show interdisciplinary academic curiosity, and have a record of community engagement. There is no separate scholarship form; international applicants who indicate they are applying for financial aid are automatically considered for the Karsh award.
Open to high school seniors, both domestic (U.S.) and international, applying for first-year undergraduate admission to the University of Miami through Early Decision I or Early Action. Applicants are automatically considered with no separate scholarship form; they must submit all first-year admission requirements and demonstrate strong academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. Semi-finalists complete a Zoom interview.
Open to high-achieving US high school seniors from low-income backgrounds who are US citizens, permanent residents, or students studying in the US regardless of citizenship. Competitive applicants typically earn mostly A's in challenging courses, rank in the top 5-10% of their class, and have strong standardised test results (SAT/PSAT above 1310 or ACT above 28), though each application is read in context. Applicants must demonstrate strong writing, intellectual curiosity and determination through essays and recommendations. Matched students must attend a partner college as a binding-early-decision commitment.
Open to early-career scientists and engineers of all nationalities who hold a PhD awarded within the last three years at the time of application, or who will complete the PhD before the fellowship start date. Research interests must align with Argonne's mission areas. U.S. citizenship is required for national-security-related projects (Detection of Imaging Signatures).
Open to candidates of any nationality (priority to those of Lebanese descent) who have received an offer of admission to the Harvard MBA programme and have a strong academic background.
Open to citizens of any country who earned their first/bachelor's degree within the last ~7 years (or will by the Stanford start) and who apply for and gain admission to a full-time Stanford graduate program. Selection seeks independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset.
CalSouthern charges a fixed per-unit tuition, so the total cost depends on the number of units taken. Full-time international students can anticipate approximately EUR 7,000-12,000 per year, varying by program and study pace. The per-unit cost is fixed for the duration of enrollment.
As California Southern University is a fully online institution, there are no on-campus living costs. Students study from their own location and are responsible for budgeting their own living expenses.
No, California Southern University streamlines its admissions process by not requiring standardized entrance exams for most programs. This makes higher education more accessible to working professionals.
CalSouthern emphasizes quality education delivered by experienced faculty who are also working professionals. They are committed to helping students apply coursework to real-world situations and provide remote academic advising, a digital library, and career resources.
CalSouthern offers flexible payment options, including interest-free monthly payment plans and per-unit billing, to make tuition manageable. Information regarding U.S. Federal Financial Aid or Military Benefits for international students should be confirmed directly with the university.