College of Education

The College of Education “equips Christian educators to think, teach and lead biblically in educational settings throughout the world.”  This mission encompasses the preparation of teachers to enter both early childhood and elementary classrooms (M.A.T.), the training of K-12 Bible teachers (undergrad major and M.A. in Bible Teaching), and the equipping of practicing teachers and administrators for leadership positions through graduate studies (M.Ed. - Curriculum and Instruction, M.Ed. - School Administration and Ed.D. - Educational Leadership at both secondary and higher education levels).

Upon graduation, students who qualify to enroll in CIU’s five year teacher education program receive both their undergraduate degree (Bible major and supporting minor) and a Master of Arts in Teaching degree.  These degrees qualify graduates for Christian school licensure through the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and public school licensure through the South Carolina Department of Education.  They are thus qualified as classroom teachers within Christian schools, International Schools around the world or public school classrooms across the U.S..  Their preparation includes training that equips them to think in culturally responsive ways within the world’s increasingly diverse classrooms.  Students are involved in leading urban Bible Clubs, teaching Bible in Christian schools, and field observations within CIU’s two Ben Lippen elementary campuses as well as practicum and internship experience in area public schools.    

It is the vision of the College of Education that we not only prepare highly qualified classroom teachers but also instructional leaders and administrators that reflect the educational philosophy and values of CIU.  Currently more than one hundred graduate students are enrolled during the summer months to become Christian school principals and headmasters, curriculum supervisors, and administrators in Christian higher education or international theological institutions.  These students, drawn to CIU through the reputation of our faculty and graduates, currently come to study at CIU not only from schools across the U.S. but  Australia, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Indonesia, Korea, Bolivia, China, Taiwan, Mexico, the Dominican Republic and the Philippines.  There is no question that the COE reflects CIU’s middle name---International. 

*Fully online through CIU Online Studies