Who Should Apply?

Graduate Studies

Applicants should evidence strong Christian character and commitment, potential for effectiveness in Christian ministry, and the scholastic achievement, communication skills and intellectual ability needed for graduate studies.

Our student body includes a blend of people fresh out of college, those with careers, single and married persons, and transfer students. The student body includes people of diverse ages, geographical and cultural backgrounds, personal and family backgrounds, and denominational affiliations. This diversity adds to the richness of the CIU educational experience.

The basic criteria for selection of graduate students include the following:

1. Evidence of Christian conversion (normally at least one year prior to enrollment) and development in Christian character.
2. Evidence of Christian character, submission to the will of God, and willingness to accept the administration’s authority and guidelines.
3. Evidence of the physical and emotional health needed for academic success and the ability to participate in the cross-cultural, church, marketplace, and/or ministry roles for which they are preparing.
4. Evidence of ability to successfully pursue an academic program. Requirements for individual degree programs are found in the Graduate Academic Programs Catalog.
5. Evidence of effective use of English (international students should see the section International Applicants for information on specific requirements).
6. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. (Students holding a baccalaureate degree from a non-accredited institution may in some cases still be eligible for admission.)
7. Agreement with the Doctrinal Standard. An applicant will not be admitted who denies any teaching expressed in the Doctrinal Standard. (Exception: Students are not required to affirm the pre-millennial position expressed in Section 8 of the Doctrinal Standard.)

In addition to the general requirements listed above, the various degree programs have specific prerequisite and entrance requirements related to their professional fields.

Seminary Studies

The Seminary requires applicants to provide evidence of:

1. Conversion and development in Christian character, potential for effectiveness in Christian ministry, submission to the will of God, ability to do serious study, and willingness to accept the administration’s authority and guidelines.
2. A baccalaureate or graduate degree from an accredited institution.
3. Ability to pursue successfully an academic program, normally a 2.5 GPA minimum in undergraduate study. (See “Probationary Acceptance” section below if you do not meet these standards.) A 3.0 GPA in undergraduate study is required to enter the Master of Arts in Ministry Care degree.
4. Effective use of English. When English is not a student’s first language, a satisfactory score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) may be required. (See “International Applicants” section, below.)
5. An appropriate undergraduate background. The best preparation for CIU SSM usually is a well-balanced undergraduate program that includes courses in the humanities and sciences. It is helpful for undergraduate studies to include:

• English (grammar and composition): 6 semester hours
• Philosophy: 3 semester hours
• Social Sciences (especially psychology or sociology): 3 semester hoursNatural Sciences: 3 semester hours
• History: 6 semester hours
• Speech: 3 semester hours
• An applicant whose academic background does not include any of these areas may be requested to remove the deficiency as a condition for admission.
• In addition to the requirements listed above, Program 2 has other specific entrance requirements that must be met. (See Programs of Study.)

All applicants should check the catalog for specific requirements for their chosen degree.

How to Apply

  1. Complete the online application. Or request a paper copy from the Admissions Office by calling (800) 777-2227, ext. 5024, emailing yesgrad@ciu.edu or by writing the office at Columbia International University, P.O. Box 3122, Columbia, SC 29230-3122.

  2. Provide:

• Completed application form, the application fee, and a written Christian Experience essay.
• Official transcripts from each post-secondary institution. Transcripts should show date of graduation, grade-point average, and all courses taken. Remember, all transcripts must be sent directly from the school to CIU. Personal copies are not official.
• References from pastor and two other persons on forms provided. Note: Completed reference forms should be mailed directly to the Admissions Office.
• Documentation of any program-specific admissions requirements. Any test scores (i.e.: GRE, Praxis I:PPST, Praxis II 0014) or other documentation required should be submitted to the Admissions Office as soon as possible. Score reports must come directly from the testing agency.

For current tuition and fee information, click here.

  3. Confirm intention to enroll within 21 days from receipt of acceptance letter by sending the $300 enrollment deposit and, if planning to live on campus, the $100 housing deposit for students starting in the fall or spring semesters. Students in the summer only program should submit a tuition deposit of $300 and, if desiring to live on campus, a housing deposit of $50 with their summer registration form. These are not extra charges. The tuition deposit is a confirmation of intention to enroll and is applied toward the student’s tuition at the time of enrollment. The housing deposit reserves space in the dormitory and is applied toward room and board costs at the time of enrollment. For more details on refunds, see the financial information section of this catalog. The enrollment deposit is waived for the spouse of a full-time graduate or seminary student.

  4. A medical packet will be sent from the Health Services Office after acceptance. The completed immunization verification, medical history and insurance information must be received by health services before the student may register for classes. Not required for summer-only students.

Note: Columbia International University follows a rolling admissions policy. Applications are reviewed when the admissions office has received all of the application materials. Prospective students are notified of decisions on their applications within a reasonable time frame, usually two to four weeks after all application materials are received. Please see website for upcoming semester deadline.