Explore the Nielsen College of Business
The mission of the Hans A. Nielsen College of Business is to honor God by preparing
individuals for success in life through programs that integrate best business practices and
timeless biblical principles. We are committed to preparing students to be successful
business leaders who reflect Charleston Southern University’s dedication to academic
excellence and Christian principles.
The faculty of the Nielsen College of Business are learned practitioners and scholars. Many
faculty members experienced 20 or more years in business before entering academia. They
are committed to teaching business principles based not only on theory but also practical
experience.
Our undergraduate programs include accounting, entrepreneurship, managerial finance,
personal finance, human resource management, supply chain management, marketing,
management, and others. Undergraduate students in the Nielsen College of Business
receive excellent teaching, professorial mentoring, and plenty of experiential learning
opportunities. These learning activities include internships, professor-led consultancies, and
international travel. In 2023, students joined faculty-led trips to Italy and Kenya. In 2024 we
plan to visit South Korea and the Middle East. These travel opportunities provide both our
students and faculty with life-changing experiences.
The graduate programs include the MBA, the SHRM® aligned Master of Science in human
resources management, and the Master of Arts in organizational leadership. The MBA has
specific programs in general management, healthcare management, and supply chain
management. Students can take their graduate courses online and/or on campus. US News
and World Report ranked our MS in HRM and MA in organizational leadership #78 in their
latest online program rankings. With over 30 years of providing graduate degrees for
business students, expect a master’s degree from the Nielsen College of Business to
enhance both your career prospects and job performance.
The Center for Personal Financial Management continues to expand its impact on the
university and across the region by helping students, faculty, staff, and the community learn
more about biblically based financial practices. The Personal Financial Management major is
now CFP® certified and readies students for a career in financial advising. The CPFM is the
first of several business centers for our faculty and students to work with experts and future
employers to create opportunities for learning, innovation, and world impact.
CSU is in one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas of the United States. Charleston is
home to the third largest seaport on the east coast; large corporations like Boeing,
Mercedes Vans, Volvo; and businesses in all industrial sectors. The Lowcountry’s history as
an incubator for entrepreneurs and financiers provides many opportunities for students to
develop the skills necessary to succeed in business.
There are plenty of good opportunities for you in Charleston, at CSU, and as a student in the
Nielsen College of Business.
The Nielsen College of Business consists of nine undergraduate degree programs.
The Nielsen College of Business consists of three graduate degree programs, with many emphases.

Public Statement of IACBE Accreditation:
A Member with Accredited Programs has successfully completed the IACBE accreditation process, achieving IACBE specialized accreditation for one or more business-related programs, and has affirmed its continued commitment to excellence in business education. The specialized accreditation granted by the IACBE is specific to the programs granted accreditation –this does not include any accreditation/approval of the overall institution or any of its business units.
The Hans A. Nielsen College of Business has received specialized accreditation for its business program(s) through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) located at 11960 Quivira Road in Overland Park, Kansas, USA. For a list of accredited programs please view our IACBE member status page.
Get Plugged In!
- Internships
The internship program allows students to get supervised work experience and the opportunity to apply what they have learned in the classroom to the business world. Internships allow students to earn academic credit and explore career choices. Internship experiences add to students’ resumes and can often lead to employment after graduation. Because of CSU’s location, students have access to internships in a broad array of industries, companies, and nonprofit organizations.
- Honor Society
Sigma Beta Delta is an international honor society recognizing scholarship and achievement in business and promoting personal and professional improvement and a life distinguished by honorable service. The Nielsen College of Business invites qualified juniors, seniors and second year MBA students to become members. Sigma Beta Delta is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies.
- Center for Personal Financial Management
Learn more on important topics such as the biblical view of money, stewardship, budgeting, debt management, investing, charitable giving and wealth management.
The Center provides a four-pronged approach to meeting the needs of our campus:
- Freshman seminar modules and Buc$ense
- Personal financial management courses
- Peer-to-peer counseling for students
- Financial literacy promotion at churches and schools by CSU students
- Board of Advisors
Harry Carter, PhD
Provost Emeritus, Georgia Southern University
Professor Emeritus, The Citadel
Raleigh, NCHerbert L. Drayton, III
President and CEO, Vertical Holdings, LLC
Charleston, SCElizabeth Hogue, Esq.
Attorney
Summerville, SCLaura M. Knotts
Co-founder, LaunchPath Innovation
Charleston, SCRoger S. Nielsen
President, Abbey Color
Philadelphia, PA
- Scholarships
For undergraduate scholarship opportunities, click here.
For graduate scholarship opportunities, click here.
- Resources
His Way at Work Global CEO, Christ Patton – 4/8/21
CSU Chapel with Peter Freissle – 3/24/21