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  • Are there opportunities for overseas experiences?

    TraveLearn is a department dedicated to helping students receive cross cultural experiences by providing opportunities for foreign internships, study tours, student teaching, and semesters abroad.

  • Are there opportunities for student leadership?

    The Student Senate is the executive cabinet responsible for representing the students before the administration and communicating back to the students. The presidents of all student organizations serve on the Senate with the four student senate executive officers. Opportunities for leadership also include; The Student Union, Student Mission Connection, The Finial, Married Student Association, African American Student Association, Grad Life Council, Mu Kappa, The Exchange, International Students Ministries, The Credo, Freshmen Leadership Team, Class Officers and Pilgrims Protest.

  • Are you an accredited school?

    Yes!  Review our accrediting agencies here.

  • Can I work on campus?

    Yes. All student employment positions are posted online at www.ciuonline.com and on the bulletin board in the Administration Building near Human Resources.

  • Can students have vehicles on campus and TV’s in their dorm rooms?

    Students can have cars on campus.  There is a parking permit fee per year.

    Students cannot have TV’s in their dorm rooms, but there are TV’s in the student center and in the lounges in each dorm.  Students may have laptop computers and can watch movies and have video games in their rooms.

  • Do you have a business program?

    Yes. Our Business and Organizational Leadership program has an international emphasis, and prepares students for serving the Lord world-wide, both in the traditional market place and in non-profit activities.

  • Does CIU accept Advance Placement (AP) courses and CLEP testing?

    Yes, have students contact AP and have their scores sent directly to the admissions office.  Student must score a 3 or higher to earn college credit.  A score of 5 might earn the student additional credit.

    CIU offers 33 CLEP exams that can be taken throughout your studies here. Freshman English and College Math CLEP tests should be taken during your first year, and must be taken prior to enrolling in the respective course.  CLEP exams must be taken at CIU in order for you to receive academic credit at our institution.  If you have already taken a CLEP exam elsewhere, you may petition the Associate Dean of Arts & Sciences' office.

  • Does CIU have Security?

    Security patrols campus night and day. Campus Security can be reached at (803) 513-3967.

  • Does CIU offer other student services besides educational?

    CIU is equipped with a team of chaplains for individuals as well as married students. They are an essential resource. CIU also offers a masters in counseling which affords the institution opportunities for professional counseling.

    CIU has a team that offers help with resume construction, interviewing, career assessments and job application activities. We also offer a job board that allows students to post resumes online and be informed of job opportunities.

  • How can students get involved in local churches, youth groups etc?

    CIU holds an annual church fair made up of 30-40 churches that are connected CIU. The students can speak to members and leaders of the churches as well as talk to other students that attend those churches. CIU also has curriculum within the core classes that requires students to attend several different congregations.

  • How conservative would you consider your school? Why?

    In the area of theological, Christ-like essentials CIU holds a fairly conservative view. CIU built its foundation on biblical principles and strives to be an institution that focuses on the character and heart of the student. All other attributes of the students should reflect that desire.

  • How do your course requirements prepare your students for a real life environment?

    Each vocational course taught at CIU is taught from a biblical world view. This means that though the student may be learning communications, teaching, or business principles, they are also learning how to apply ethical, moral, and biblical skills to other parts of their life.

  • How many students are at Columbia International University?

    There are 1,284 student enrolled in the undergraduate, graduate, and Seminary programs at CIU.

  • Is CIU affiliated with a denomination?

    CIU is made up of many denominations of people and is unaffiliated. We strive towards a basis of evangelical unity. 

  • What are the class sizes?

    The average class size is 19 students for 2010-2011.

  • What are the most popular majors?

    • Intercultural Studies (ICS)
    • Psychology
    • Youth Ministry, Family, and Culture
    • Communication
  • What are the on- campus living requirements?

    All single Undergraduate students under 23 are required to live on campus. Undergraduate students living with family within commuting distance (50 miles) must live on campus their first two semesters at CIU. Students may move off campus if they will turn 23 during that semester. Seniors and those who are 22 may petition to live in the on-campus apartments. For additional information regarding housing requirements and appeals contact the Residence Life Office (803) 807-5485.

  • What are your undergraduate admissions requirements?

    The minimum admissions requirements are a 2.0 high school GPA, and a 1290 (out of 2400) on the SAT or an ACT score of 18 (out of 36).

    The average scores for students entering in Fall 2010 is 1097 SAT, 23 ACT and a 3.57 GPA.

  • What can I do when I'm on campus, but I'm not in class?

    Wanna get outside for a while?  (Why, yes!!  I do!)  How about a walk to the Pointe or a hike on our 400+ acres, a bike ride to the lake, or a game of ultimate frisbee on the lawn?!  Do you enjoy a little physical competition?  We have the following intramurals: football, basketball, volleyball, dodgeball, and more!

    Need a quick break from homework?  Play a game of ping-pong, pool, or cards with friends in the Student Center.  Wanna keep off the freshman fifteen?  Work out at the fitness center in the weight room, on the basketball courts, on the ellipticals, or in the aerobics room!

    Passing through the Student Center between classes?  Grab some coffee in the bookstore and visit the Student Life Office!

    In the mood for a good flick?  Watch a movie in the dorm basements and lobbies!

  • What do I need to submit when I apply for admission?

    1. Application
    2. Official High School transcript
    3. Official SAT/ACT Scores
    4. 3 References
    5. Essay
    6. $45 application fee (For current tuition and fee information, click here.)
  • What does "interdenominational" mean?

    Unity in the essentials. Grace in the non-essentials.

  • What does it mean to be a transfer student?

    If a student is transferring in less than 24 credits, they need to proceed with the normal registration process including a high school transcript and test scores. However, if they are transferring in more than 24 credits, the high school transcript and test scores are not necessary.

  • What happens if I withdraw during the semester?

    Students who withdraw after the semester has begun are subject to CIU's published Student Withdrawal Policy.

  • What if I have financial aid questions?

    To find information about financial aid or to contact a Financial Aid Counselor, visit the Financial Aid section of our website.

  • What is the cost of tuition?

    Find current tuition and fee information here. 

  • What is the male to female ratio?

    45% male students and 55% female students.

  • What is the retention rate?

    81%.  This is the fourth highest in the state for private institutions.

  • What is the student/faculty ratio? Will I be taught by faculty or graduate assistants?

    The student/faculty ratio for 2010-2011 is 20 to 1. All of our classes are taught by CIU faculty members.

  • What is there to do in Columbia with a group of friends?

    Is it Historic? Gracious? Southern? Columbia, South Carolina encompasses each of these and much more! Columbia tantalizes all of your senses with a relaxing; comfortable pace; an abundance of playgrounds including Lake Murray, rivers, parks, gardens and the Riverbanks Zoo - one of the best in the country; the 5 Universities and Fort Jackson. History abounds and is celebrated in museums, historic homes and even in repurposed buildings with a new start as shops and restaurants.

    As the Palmetto State's capital and a college town, Columbia's fiery vibe cultivates a colorful arts scene while an indie spirit envelops several energized entertainment districts overflowing with locally owned boutique shops, eateries, and spas and salons. For those with an adventurous spirit, the rivers, trails or the Congaree National Park will provide endless fun. Food-lovers have over 450 restaurants to choose from and can pick a new feast for every day and night of the week. The variety is abunadant and all with an easy reach.

    Columbia is also close to several other metropolitan areas such as Charlotte, NC, Charleston, SC, and Atlanta, GA.

  • What kind of sports program do you have?

    Our club/intramurals include:  men and women’s soccer, volleyball, flag football, running, several different aerobic/fitness classes available.  CIU has a fully equipped weight room with cardio machines as well as free weights.

    The future intercollegiate program is being developed and may include the following sports in the next 5-6 years:  men’s soccer, women’s volleyball, m/w cross country, basketball, women’s soccer, baseball and softball.

  • What percentage of students are employed 6 months after graduation? What are some of the jobs they have obtained?

    Sixty-four (64) percent of graduates were employed within 3 months of graduation. Most of our graduates pursue a full-time career in the ministry (64%). Other fields include business (48%), education (20%), and non-profit (9%).

  • What programs of study are offered?

    Every student has a Bible major and a second major in one of 15 areas.  There are 6 minor areas as well. The top majors include Intercultural Studies, Youth, Family, and Culture, Communication, and Psychology. 

    Programs include:  Applied English, Biblical Languages, Bible Teaching, Business and Organizational Leadership, Communication, Family and Church Education, General Studies, Humanities, Intercultural Studies, Middle Eastern Studies, Music, Pastoral Ministries, Psychology, Teacher Education, Youth, Family and Culture.

    Minors available in: Digital Media, English, International Community Development, Philosophy, TEFL.

  • What recreational opportunities are there for students?

    The freshman class is guided by their leadership in a way that builds unity among the students. Recreational outings, group building activities, and scheduled events are all planned by the Freshman Leadership Team.

    CIU is hoping to have teams competing at the collegiate level by the fall of 2011. Possible Future Sports include: Men's Soccer, Men's and Women's Cross Country, Women's Volleyball, Men's Basketball.

    CIU has a variety of intramural sports which include; Co-Ed Volleyball, Co-Ed Flag Football, Co-Ed Dodge ball, Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball, Co-Ed Indoor Soccer, and Co-Ed Ultimate Frisbee.

  • What type of special needs and disabilities services does CIU offer?

    Under the ADA requirements, disability accommodations are provided on an individualized basis and can include test adjustments, printed media reformatted to audio, course substitution, readers, tutors, note-takers, study groups, proctored testing etc. CLEP testing and proctoring missed and distance course exams are additional services provided through Academic Services.

  • When is my bill due each semester?

    Bills are due by the first day of class.

  • When is the application deadline?

    Click here for current application deadlines.

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Source URL (retrieved on 05/21/2013 - 02:03): http://ciu.edu/become-student/faq