Academics

Columbia International University (CIU) is a multidenominational Christian higher education institution dedicated to preparing world Christians to serve God with excellence.

The five colleges of CIU’s university division, the College of Arts & Sciences, the College of Intercultural Studies, the College of Education, the College of Counseling, and the Seminary & School of Ministry, offer post-secondary degree programs ranging from Associate of Arts to Doctor of Ministry. All postsecondary programs emphasize spiritual formation, mastery of biblical content and interpretation skills, cultivation of a biblical worldview, and ministry skills development, the latter through field education and internship experiences.

In its residence programs, CIU serves students from more than 40 states and more than 30 foreign countries, although the majority of students come from five southeastern states. More than 50 church denominations and independent fellowships are represented in the faculty and student body. The majority of CIU graduates serve in vocational Christian ministry roles, including approximately 30 percent of CIU graduates who serve in cross-cultural contexts. Online programs serve several hundred additional students, both graduate and undergraduate, in the United States and around the world.

Other CIU ministries include Ben Lippen School (K4-12) and two radio stations, 89.7 WMHK in Columbia, S.C., and New Life 91.9 in Charlotte, N.C.  The mission of Columbia International University is to serve Christ and His church by inspiring, developing, and equipping people for the lifelong pursuit of God and servant leadership in His global cause.