Columbia International University
Columbia, United States • Founded 1923
Overview
Founded in 1923, the Columbia International University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Columbia (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), South Carolina.
Officially accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Columbia International University (CIU) is a small-sized coeducational US higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Evangelical religion. Columbia International University (CIU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 101-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 40-49% making this US higher education organization an averagely selective institution.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
CIU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Geographic and contact information for Columbia International University — useful before scheduling visits or sending enquiries. Each channel below routes to a different team, so pick the one matching your question.
Academic Details
Columbia International University's academic profile in numbers — useful for sizing the institution against your shortlist. Each figure links to a different facet of how the institution operates day to day.
Programs Offered
Find a programme at Columbia International University by filter, or browse by degree level. Online and on-campus delivery modes differ in tuition, time commitment, and credential recognition — confirm which mode each programme runs in.
Bachelor's Degree
26 programmes
Columbia International University lists 26 programmes that award a bachelor's degree — the foundational tier where students establish a discipline before narrowing their focus later.
Theological and Ministerial Studies Religious Studies
Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries Religious Studies
Religious Music and Worship Religious Studies
Religious Education Religious Studies
Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology Religious Studies
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Public Health Public Health
Human Services, General Public Administration
Psychology, General Psychology
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Education, General Education & Teaching
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Media Studies & Mass Media
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Bible/Biblical Studies Religious Studies
Philosophy and Religious Studies, General Philosophy & Ethics
Area Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies Liberal Arts
International/Globalization Studies Liberal Arts
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
20 programmes
There are 20 programmes to choose from at Columbia International University for graduates, aimed at advanced expertise, a career change, or a stepping stone toward doctoral research.
Theology and Religious Vocations, Other Religious Studies
Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries Religious Studies
Theological and Ministerial Studies Religious Studies
Religious Education Religious Studies
Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology Religious Studies
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions Counselling & Psychotherapy
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Public Health Public Health
Social Sciences, General Social & Cultural Studies
Public Administration Public Administration
Human Services, General Public Administration
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Curriculum and Instruction Education & Teaching
Bible/Biblical Studies Religious Studies
Religion/Religious Studies Philosophy & Ethics
Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies Liberal Arts
International/Globalization Studies Liberal Arts
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
6 programmes
There are 6 programmes to choose from at Columbia International University for doctoral candidates. A PhD or equivalent typically takes three or more years of supervised, independent research.
Theology and Religious Vocations, Other Religious Studies
Theological and Ministerial Studies Religious Studies
Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology Religious Studies
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies Liberal Arts
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Professional Doctorate
12 programmes
There are 12 programmes to choose from at Columbia International University for doctoral candidates. A PhD or equivalent typically takes three or more years of supervised, independent research.
Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries Religious Studies
Theological and Ministerial Studies Religious Studies
Theology and Religious Vocations, Other Religious Studies
Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology Religious Studies
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Curriculum and Instruction Education & Teaching
Bible/Biblical Studies Religious Studies
Religion/Religious Studies Philosophy & Ethics
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
13 programmes
Alongside its degrees, Columbia International University provides 13 programmes at associate, certificate, diploma, and foundation level, typically shorter and more applied in focus.
Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries Religious Studies
Theological and Ministerial Studies Religious Studies
Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology Religious Studies
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Public Health Public Health
Bible/Biblical Studies Religious Studies
Human Services, General Public Administration
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Bible/Biblical Studies Religious Studies
Bible/Biblical Studies Religious Studies
Religion/Religious Studies Philosophy & Ethics
Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies Liberal Arts
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Columbia International University
A practical five-step guide to applying to Columbia International University, from programme research through submission and follow-up.
- 1 Research programmes at Columbia International University
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Columbia International University runs 77 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
- 2 Review admissions criteria
Before applying to Columbia International University, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for United States.
- 3 Gather supporting documents
Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Columbia International University's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.
- 4 Lodge your application
Lodge your application through the official website (www.ciu.edu). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.
- 5 Confirm receipt and track progress
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (800) 777 2227. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Columbia International University
Below are the key facts most prospective students ask about Columbia International University, drawn directly from institutional records.
When was Columbia International University founded?
Columbia International University was established in 1923 (approximately 103 years ago).
Where can I find Columbia International University?
The institution is located in Columbia, United States.
What is Columbia International University's control type?
Columbia International University is a private institution.
How many students does Columbia International University have?
The institution has a student body of 2,000-2,999.
What is Columbia International University's religious tradition?
Columbia International University operates within the Christian-Evangelical tradition.
Who recognises Columbia International University?
Yes, Columbia International University is recognised by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
How do I find Columbia International University online?
You can find Columbia International University online at www.ciu.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
These are the most highly ranked universities in the United States. Putting Columbia International University alongside them gives a clearer picture of where it sits in the national academic landscape, especially when reputation matters for credential portability.
Members of National Athletic Association (NAA)
Network-level rankings exist for some National Athletic Association (NAA) groupings (e.g., U21, Universitas 21). These differ from country rankings and reflect coordinated members' shared performance.
Other American Universities Affiliated with Christian-Evangelical
Interfaith dialogue programmes exist at many Christian-Evangelical universities and signal openness alongside tradition. The peers below often run such programmes at varying levels of depth.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Universities geographically close to Columbia International University are listed below — useful if commute, campus visits, or regional culture factor into your shortlist. Many students compare nearby options before committing to a final choice.
Where Else to Study Religious Studies
Looking for Religious Studies programmes beyond Columbia International University? Other universities in the United States cover the same discipline. Cross-comparing modules, assessment styles, and faculty profiles is the fastest way to find the right fit.
Universities Often Compared with Columbia International University
Looking at Columbia International University through a comparison lens? These universities share similar academic positioning and are commonly considered against Columbia International University during the application process. Cross-comparison helps clarify the institutional fit beyond ranking signals.
