College of Southern Maryland (CSM) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

Established on September, 1958 the College of Southern Maryland is a public, regional community college located in La Plata, Maryland. It serves Charles County, Calvert County, and St. Mary’s County. The college has a far-reaching mission, to help the students and community meet the challenges of social, individual, and global changes. CSM is a thriving and technologically advanced institution that delivers quality higher education programs and services. It is committed to offering a variety of student services, learning options, and high-quality workforce development training and support.

Information Summary

Ranks 44th in Maryland and 2747th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	54.2
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$5,010
Admission Success rate	N/A
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	20 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	65% / 51%
Enrollment Total (all students)	6,882

Academics

Over 100 quality academic programs are offered among the several associate’s degrees, certificates, or letters of recognition. They include a variety of certificate courses such as Accounting: Advanced; Advanced Fitness Manager; Electronics Technology – Communications; Environmental Technology: Environmental Planning; Geographic Information Systems Technology; Information Services Technology; Management Development: Marketing; Manufacturing Technology; Web Developer; Therapeutic Massage Advanced; Security Management; Pre-Clinical Practical Nursing; and Professional Communication.

The academic programs are divided into the following schools: General Studies; Biological and Physical Sciences; Business and Technology; Communication, Arts, and Humanities; Health Sciences; Languages and Literature; Mathematics, Physics and Engineering; Social Sciences, Human Services; and Teacher Education.

The General Studies program differs from its options in the allocation of electives. The students may select either the General Studies program for concentration; or any of the program options, such as Criminal Justice, Communication, Environmental Management, Media Studies, English, Forensic Studies, and Speech Communication.

Online Education

The college provides online education to students who are unable to attend a traditional college due to diverse personal or professional reasons. The online courses are designed to bring campus-based classes to the students. They are designed to allow students and faculty members participate in classes delivered online, or make use of the online materials and activities to complement face-to-face teaching.

Most Popular Fields of Study

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Admissions

Freshman students seeking admission must send their duly filled online application form along with their high school transcripts, and take the Placement Test (or equivalent). Getting a transfer to the institution is easy. Students seeking a transfer must send the completed application form along with official transcripts from all previously attended institutes. International students are encouraged to apply for admission. Applicants from non-English speaking countries must send TOEFL score to provide a proof of their proficiency in English language.

Financial Aid

The institution offers financial assistance through various mediums such as grants, scholarships, loans, work-study programs etc. All students seeking financial aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.

Grants and scholarships are the type of financial aid that need not be returned. Some of them are Federal Pell Grants, Federal Academic Competitive Grant (ACG), Maryland State Part-Time Grants, Maryland State Campus Grants, Maryland State Scholarship, Charles County Commissioners Nursing/ Allied Health Scholarship, Indian Head Lions Club Scholarship, McDonough Charity School Scholarship, Civista Hospital Auxiliary-Health Career Scholarship, Joann Zwick Memorial Scholarship, Charles County Scholarship Fund, Inc, Burger King Scholarship Fund, Greater Waldorf Jaycees Foundation Scholarship, and Walter Grove II Memorial Art Scholarship.

Loans are the type of financial aid that must be returned with interest. Students can opt for the Federal Direct Loan Program or Federal Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS). Federal work-study programs help students take up part-time jobs to pay for college. CSM also offers VA educational benefits to eligible veterans, servicepersons, and certain dependents of veterans.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 6095th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Maryland.

Students

Student life shares the educational mission of the college to enhance student experiences through diverse programs, events, and services that are designed to support leadership skills, personal development, social and civic engagement in the competitive world. The students are encouraged to participate in the extra-curricular and/or co-curricular activities to foster their overall growth and development. The campus hosts a variety of events and activities to enrich the experience of the students.

The campus is also home to several clubs and organizations based on diverse interests of the students. Some of the registered student organizations are Student Association (SA); Budget Board; Student Activities Committee (SAC); Iron Hawks: Fitness, Exercise, and Lifting Club; and Animation (Anime) Club. Students can either join an existing club or start a new one. Students can also participate in the various events such as fall picnic, taste of soul, spring fling, and student advocacy.

The Student Success Center provides an all-inclusive system of student support services. These services include skills improvement software, peer and online tutoring, testing, and services to students with disabilities. The institution also provides special disabilities support and services for students with documented disabilities. Some of the services include reasonable accommodations to qualified students, protect the confidentiality of student records, and Assist the College community to understand the ADA, provide training for use of assistive technology, and act as a link to external agencies.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Athletics

The athletic department sponsors men’s and women’s teams in diverse sports such as basketball, soccer, golf, tennis, softball, and volleyball. College of Southern Maryland’s teams participate in the National Junior College Athletic Association, Division III sports. The athletes are nicknamed the Hawks. The colors are Black and Gold.

Additional School Information

The Career Center offers career counseling and advice to help the students take the right career decisions. The staff provides support with job search plans, interview practice, tips to conduct job search, drafting an effective resume, assisting to meet students’ workforce needs, and so on.

Accreditation

Accreditation is granted by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MHEC). Discipline based accreditations come from agencies such as American Physical Therapy Association, Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs, and National League for Nursing.

College of Southern Maryland