Columbia Southern University was founded in 1993 by Robert G. Mayes Sr.[3][4] The university developed its first degree programs in Environmental Engineering and Occupational Safety and Health in 1994.

[5] The racial and ethnic makeup of the student body is 51% White, 21% unknown, 17% Black, 5% Hispanic, 3% two or more races, 2% Asian, 1% American Indian/Alaska Native, 0% Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and 0% non-resident alien.

[6] Columbia Southern University consists of three colleges offering a total of 26 degrees at the associate, bachelor's, and master's levels, as well as 21 certificate programs online.

The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, master's and doctorate degrees, and certificates.

Columbia Southern also offers online degrees through partnerships with Waldorf University.