Academic Programs Frequently Asked Questions

Applied English Major

• Can I go straight into teaching English at a public or private high school or middle school with the Applied English major?

  Probably not.  Teaching at the high school or middle school level in public schools in the United States or in internationally accredited schools requires various forms of certification, which generally can be met with study beyond the undergraduate level.

  Christian private schools generally require ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International) certification, which can also be obtained with further course work (offered at CIU).  Students seeking ACSI certification will want to get additional advising to determine how the requirements can be met in a timely manner. 

  However, it should be noted: teaching positions are many, and the number of qualified teachers is not sufficient to meet the demand.  Options are available, both in the United States and internationally, for receiving certification after having begun teaching.

• Does CIU have an English major?

  Yes, CIU’s newest degree program is the B.A.in Applied English – a practical English program including the Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certificate and literature and education courses.

• How is the Applied English Major different from the English minor?

  The minor in English is a highly flexible collection of 18 hours of primarily literature courses, without specific direction towards future study in English literature or teaching.  The Applied English major is a much more focused and intentional program, preparing graduates for vocational and professional requirements, including further study.

• How is the Applied English major different from the minor in TEFL?

  The TEFL minor provides a student with a TEFL certificate.  However, language is more than a matter of pronunciation, grammar, or teaching techniques for reading and writing: language is culture, and literature is where culture is expressed deeply and clearly.  If someone wants to teach English with excellence, having an understanding of the literature which has contributed to and grown from the English language is invaluable, and will be appreciated by both employers and students of such a teacher.  The TEFL certificate is a fine addition to another degree program for those interested in teaching English as part of a vocation, but the Applied English degree is designed for those interested in teaching as their primary vocation.

• Some of the courses offered are quite different from those at other schools with a more traditional English major. Why?

  Columbia International University is not like many other schools.  We are a Great Commission university, with all of our degree programs built upon a full Bible major which grounds students in the Word of God – how to interpret and apply it with integrity.  The Applied English major seeks to extend that ability to the content area of English – both the language and the literature.  Each course is included to give students desired abilities for the profession (ability to teach language, ability with different genres and periods of literature, with literature of different cultures, and with various interpretive theories, to name the more prominent ones).  CIU does not seek to do less with the limitation of course hours created by offering double majors to all students: CIU seeks to do more as a result of a clear focus upon the Word and the world’s need for Christ.  We do not mirror the world, but we do reflect the credentials and proficiencies of each professional major we teach so that our graduates may serve with excellence wherever God calls them.

• What can a person do with a degree in Applied English?

  A. Teach English in other countries – The degree’s combination of literature, education and TEFL courses uniquely prepares students to teach English with excellence and understanding, a practical and exciting ability in a world where English is in much demand.  Many positions are available at schools seeking well trained English teachers with a bachelor’s degree and training in TEFL.

  B.  Go on for graduate studies – students with an Applied English Major can pursue graduate studies in English, Linguistics, or Education and find many pre-requisites met by the program's requirements.

  C.  Teach English in the United States – due to changing demographics, school district and places of employment need to prepare non-native English speakers with greater fluency.   Although most teaching positions will require further training, many opportunities exist for those trained and willing to serve with excellence.

• What if I’m not expecting to teach English? Is Applied English still a good idea?

  Perhaps not.  Applied English majors graduate with a TEFL certificate and teaching experience; students with zero interest in teaching should not pursue it.

  However, students who enjoy literature and are open to teaching, at least while pursuing a degree, could well find the Applied English major a rewarding choice.   

• What makes CIU’s Applied English Major a great option?

  • English for mission purposes,
  • English for language and culture – literature and linguistics, with a cross-cultural focus,
  • Preparation for graduate school or the market place,
  • An undergraduate English degree that opens employment and/or ministry opportunities in the field before graduate school.

• Why is the degree called “Applied English”? Why not just call it English?

  The term “Applied English” is truth in advertising, making clear the major’s focus upon teaching.  A traditional English program is primarily a major in literature, with some emphasis upon writing or other aspects of language.  Applied English is a term commonly used internationally and in some schools in the United States for programs which prepare teachers to teach English – including literature – to non-native speakers.