History
Columbia International University (CIU) was born from a prayer group of six women who sought the Lord for a means to evangelize and disciple mill workers of Columbia. The results went beyond their expectations. The CIU ministry was founded in 1923 as Columbia Bible School, occupying the former Colonial Hotel in downtown Columbia in 1927. We became Columbia Bible College in 1930, one of the first four-year Bible colleges. Graduate courses were first offered in 1936, marking the beginning of what is now Columbia Biblical Seminary & School of Missions. The school moved to its present 400-acre campus in suburban Columbia in 1960. We changed our corporate name in 1994 to Columbia International University and, in 1999, a third higher educational division, the Graduate School, was formed to offer professional training in education and counseling.Robert C. McQuilkin was CIU's first president, holding the office until his death in 1952. He was succeeded by G. Allen Fleece, who led the ministry until 1966. Robertson McQuilkin, son of the first president, served from 1968-1990. Johnny V. Miller, CIU faculty member and former pastor, served as president from 1991-1998. George Murray was appointed to the presidency in 1999. Dr. Murray served in missions leadership for 30 years and on the CIU board for 15 years.
CIU was founded for the purpose of "preparing world Christians to know Him and to make Him known," as our ministry's motto states. That purpose for our higher education divisions remains the same to this day. The Bible College, Graduate School, and Seminary offer regionally and professionally accredited courses of study ranging from one-year certificates through the doctorate. All programs emphasize spiritual development, biblical training and ministry skills development. From the early years until the present, CIU has focused on three core values: world evangelization, authentic Christian living, and the functional authority of the inerrant Word of God.
The school’s first class boasted seven students. Currently, CIU enrollment includes over 1000 resident students and several hundred additional students involved in non-traditional and distance education programs. Approximately 16,000 students have received training at CIU. Hundreds of alumni serve in the majority of the countries of the world, making CIU a leader in training laborers for the harvest.
CIU serves students from 42 states and more than 30 foreign countries, although the majority of students come from the five southeastern states. More than 52 church denominations and independent fellowships are represented in the faculty and student body. CIU graduates serve in vocational Christian ministries and within the marketplace. Approximately 30% of CIU graduates work in cross-cultural contexts. Other CIU ministries include Ben Lippen School (K-12) and the Columbia Bible College Broadcasting Company, which currently operates educational radio stations in the metropolitan Columbia, SC ( WMHK ), and Charlotte, NC (WRCM ) markets.
Purpose
Columbia International University (CIU) is a multi-denominational Christian higher education institution dedicated to preparing world Christians to serve God with excellence. Its educational divisions offer degree programs ranging from associate 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, practicum and internship experiences.Mission
The mission of Columbia International University is to glorify God through education programs that assist the church to evangelize and disciple the nations in this generation. The programs foster growth in biblical competence, spiritual formation and ministry skills, with special emphasis on biblical authority, authentic Christian living, and world evangelism.Our purpose is summarized in our motto, “Preparing world Christians to know Him and to make Him known.” The curriculum and community life at CIU are designed to provide a dynamic context in which students are assisted and encouraged to pursue the following goals:
- Know Christ by learning submission to His Lordship and dependence on the Holy Spirit, thus making progress in conforming to His image.
- Know the Word by gaining mastery of its content and understanding of its meaning, by assimilating and applying its truth, and developing skill in the use of study tools.
- Know themselves by an increasing awareness of spiritual gifts and personal potential.
- Know people by becoming sensitive to their needs, the contexts in which they live, and by improving communication with them, whatever their culture.
- Know the skills required in one's area of service.
The mission of the Graduate School is to develop competence in students by fostering growth in biblical knowledge, spiritual maturity, ministry orientation and the professional skills necessary for service in a variety of cultural contexts.
Educational Perspective
It is the intention of the Graduate School to include in its educational values a full commitment to biblical literacy coupled with a ministry orientation and marketable, professional skills. To fulfill the Great Commission in a variety of settings, graduates must have a biblical servant-leader orientation and refined professional skills. The programs of the Graduate School require demonstrated excellence in areas of value, inquiry, knowledge and practice.Educational Goals
The goal of the Graduate School is to develop in students:- the foundation and/or advanced knowledge base and skills needed for professional practice.
- the ability to articulate and represent a biblical model for one's chosen professional discipline.
- knowledge of and commitment to the ethical code that is an integral part of the practice.
- an understanding of the theory of the discipline as a foundation for continued growth and leadership within the field.
- a level of biblical competency which includes the ability to articulate major teachings of the Bible and to interpret and apply the Bible to contemporary culture in the exercise of one's profession.
- a deepening relationship with and submission to Christ and to the Bible as the authoritative Word of God as evidenced through a commitment to a Christian ethic and lifestyle and healthy interpersonal relationships.
- a biblical servant-leader orientation for the purpose of furthering God's kingdom.
- a world Christian perspective including intercultural sensitivity and skills.
- a dedication to the life and work of the local church.
- life-long habits of professional reading, reflection and reasoned discussion which demonstrate the process of using revealed truth as the basis for critiquing contemporary culture and for building a Christian world-and-life view.
- on-going collegial relationships as a source of support and
encouragement during future ministry.
Doctrinal Standard
Teaching at Columbia International University is based on the great fundamentals of the Christian faith, all of which center in the person of Jesus Christ, our crucified, risen, and glorified Savior and Lord. The following, together with other Christian principles of doctrine and practice, including the affirmation of the full trustworthiness of Scripture, which in its original writing was verbally inspired and without error, shall be the basis of the faith and doctrine of the Columbia International University:- The Bible is the inspired Word of God, the written record of His supernatural revelation of Himself to man, absolute in its authority, complete in its revelation, final in its content, and without any errors in its teachings.
- All men in their natural state are lost, alienated from God, spiritually dead: “All have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23).
- Salvation is only by grace, a free gift of God, through faith in the Lord Jesus, who died for our sins according to the Scriptures (1 Cor. 15:3). Those who thus receive Christ by faith have their sins forgiven (Eph. 1:7), their hearts cleansed (Acts 15:9), are born of the Spirit, become children of God (Jn. 1:12, 13), and are made new creatures in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17).
- God is One God, Who reveals Himself in three Persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ, as the Scriptures affirm, is the Son of God and Son of man. He was born of a virgin and is Himself very God. The Scriptures also declare the deity and personality of the Holy Spirit.
- Our Lord Jesus rose from the dead in the same body that was laid to rest in the tomb (Jn. 20:25-27). The bodies of all believers who die will be raised from the dead, and they will receive an incorruptible body like His glorious body (1 Cor. 15:53; Phil. 3:21). All other men shall be raised unto “the resurrection of judgment” (Jn. 5:28, 29).
- Christians, born of the Spirit, are to live the new life in the present power of the Spirit. “If we live by the Spirit, by the Spirit let us also walk” (Gal. 5:16-25; Col. 2:6). The Christian’s responsibility and his normal attitude of life is to yield himself to God (Rom. 6:13), trusting God to keep him.
- Christian “living” includes Christian service, the winning of souls around us, and the preaching of the Gospel in the uttermost parts of the earth. In carrying on this work there is needed the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit which is granted to every believer as he yields and trusts (Acts 1:8; 1 Cor. 12:7; Eph. 3:20; Acts 5:32). In all of this service, prayer is to have the central place (Jn. 14:12-14; Eph. 6:18, 19).
- Jesus Christ will come again to earth the second time (Heb. 9:28), personally (Acts 1:11; 1 Thess. 4:16), bodily (Acts 1:11; Col. 2:9), and visibly (Matt. 26:64; Rev. 1:7). His coming will precede the age of universal peace and righteousness foretold in the Scriptures (Matt. 24:29, 30, 42; 2 Thess. 2:7, 8; Rev. 20:1-6). (Candidates for graduation need not affirm the premillennial position.)
Denominational Relationships
Although Columbia International University is denominationally unaffiliated, it seeks to serve a variety of evangelical denominations and independent congregations. The faculty and student body reflect church affiliations across a broad spectrum of North American and non-North American denominations and church fellowships. Students find exposure to persons from various ecclesiastical traditions, who are united in their commitment to evangelical orthodoxy, an enriching and beneficial experience. Columbia prepares its students to return to the denomination or church tradition that nurtured them. The following affiliations are typically represented on campus:| African Methodist Episcopal | Evangelical Free Church of America |
| African Methodist Episcopal Zion | Freewill Baptist |
| American Baptist | Independent Baptist Churches |
| Assemblies of God | Independent Churches |
| Associate Reformed Presbyterian Synod | National Baptist Convention |
| Christian and Missionary Alliance | Pentecostal |
| Church of God in Christ | Presbyterian Church in America |
| Church of the Nazarene | Presbyterian Church, various |
| Conservative Baptist Association | Southern Baptist Convention |
| Episcopal | United Methodist Church |
Accreditation and Recognition
Columbia International University is:- Accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award degrees at the associate, baccalaureate, master’s, first professional, and doctoral degree levels.
- Chartered as a collegiate institution by the State of South Carolina, and is authorized by the State of South Carolina to grant such degrees as the Board of Trustees shall determine.
- Authorized under Federal law to enroll non-immigrant alien students.
- Recognized by the Selective Service System.
- A member of South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities.
- Listed in Accredited Institutions of Postsecondary Education
- Listed in Education Directory (Higher Education).
- Approved by the State Approval Agency, South Carolina Department of Education, State of South Carolina, to train persons under the Veterans Administration Programs.
- Approved at the graduate level for elementary and early childhood teacher education programs by the South Carolina Department of Education.
- Approved at the undergraduate and graduate levels for elementary
and early childhood teacher education programs by the Association of
Christian Schools International (ACSI).
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
1866 Southern Lane
Decatur, GA 30033-4097
(404) 679-4500
www.sacs.org
South Carolina Department of Education
Division of Teacher Quality
Landmark II Office Building
3700 Forest Drive, Suite 500
Columbia, SC 29204
(803) 734-8466
www.scteachers.org
Association of Christian Schools International
P.O. Box 35097
Colorado Springs, CO 80935-3509
(719) 528-6906
Facilities
Columbia International University’s 400-acre suburban campus overlooks the Broad River just north of Columbia. It is easily accessed from Interstate 20. Since the campus was occupied in 1960, numerous facilities have been constructed so that currently the campus houses 21 major buildings including residence halls, graduate and undergraduate classroom buildings, Shortess Chapel, Rossi Student Center, a gymnasium, a modern cafeteria/dining facility, Ridderhof Media & Music Center, Fleece Library, an alumni ministry center, and more. Following is a brief overview of some key facilities.- Fisher Classroom Building: Newly renovated, this two-story, air-conditioned facility contains the offices of the college’s academic dean and several faculty members.
- Shortess Chapel: With a seating capacity of over 1,100, Shortess Chapel accommodates the entire college, graduate school, and seminary family for daily chapel services and special monthly prayer days. Concerts, assemblies, conferences, and major social events frequently occur in Shortess.
- Ridderhof Media/Music Center: Completed in 1987, the Ridderhof Center (named for CIU’s first alumna, Joy Ridderhof) houses the student computer lab, as well as offices and resources for several undergraduate programs including music and communications. The Ministry Resource Department and Hoke Auditorium, a 500-seat concert hall/auditorium, are also here.
- G. Allen Fleece Library: The Library provides a collection of over 130,000 book and media items (print and non-print) and 10,000 visual aids for student teaching. The Library subscribes to some 425 journals with journal holdings representing over 1,000 titles.
- Gymnasium/Athletic Facilities: The CIU gym is a corporate facility shared by high school, college, graduate school, and seminary students. Daily times are scheduled for open play as well as for physical education classes and intramural sports. Fitness equipment is available in the gym and in student dormitories. Additional recreational facilities include lighted outdoor tennis, basketball and volleyball courts, soccer and softball fields, a track, and area trails.
- Rossi Student Center/Dining Complex: This building provides multi-purpose recreational and relaxation areas in addition to a modern cafeteria, snack facilities, post office and campus bookstore.
- On-Campus Residential Facilities: Over 400 students live on the CIU campus. In addition to six traditional dormitory residences, CIU also owns two suite-style housing facilities known as the Clusters and three on-campus houses for graduate students. Each on-campus residential facility includes a community kitchen, laundry room and lounge.
- CIU Village: Approximately 100 families live in the “CIU Village,” a modern, comfortable mobile home community on the campus. CIU owns a few mobile homes and rents them to students. Current CIU students own most of the homes and as these students complete their studies, they sell the homes to incoming students.
Bible College
CIU’s Bible College Division offers a complete range of collegiate programs leading to a one-year Bible Certificate, two-year Associate of Arts degree, and four-year Bachelor’s degrees. All Bachelor’s degree programs feature a Bible major with selected professional majors and minors in Bible teaching, biblical languages, communication, deaf ministry (minor only), elementary education, early childhood education, family and church education, general studies, humanities, intercultural studies, middle eastern studies, music, outdoor leadership (minor only), pastoral studies, psychology, radio broadcasting (minor only), teaching English as a foreign language (minor only), video production (minor only), and youth ministry. The elementary and early childhood education programs lead to both ACSI and state certification. Through a cooperative agreement with Midlands Technical College (MTC), students may incorporate a MTC certificate, or associate degree program into various CIU bachelor degree programs. Nursing and information systems are just two examples of programs offered at MTC that can be incorporated to enhance the student’s future ministry. An exceptional faculty considers it one of their highest privileges to invest in the lives of the students that God sends to CIU.Columbia Biblical Seminary and School of Missions
An enthusiastic mix of recent college graduates, second career professionals, seasoned pastors, furloughing missionaries, and international church leaders trains for ministry at Columbia Biblical Seminary and School of Missions. Students learn together at our Columbia, South Carolina campus, at our branch campus in Korntal, Germany, and at course offering sites located in Toccoa Falls, Georgia, and Pawley’s Island, South Carolina. Customized programs and flexible delivery systems take into consideration a student’ s previous Bible training and ministry experience. A highly qualified and godly faculty with strong academic credentials and varied ministry backgrounds create a community of instruction, counsel, mentoring, and fellowship with students.A one-year Certificate in Biblical Studies, offered both on campus and by Independent Distance Learning (IDL), provides foundational training. The Certificate also serves, for those lacking previous theological education, as the first year of a degree program. The Master of Divinity provides optional concentrations in Pastoral Leadership, Christian Education, Missions, Pastoral Counseling, Muslim Studies, Leadership for Evangelism and Discipleship, and Academic Ministries. Other ministerial leadership degrees include the Master of Arts in Christian Education, Master of Arts in Leadership for Evangelism and Discipleship, Master of Arts in Missions and Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling. Also, the Master of Arts is offered with concentrations available in General Theological Studies, Bible, Old Testament, New Testament, Missiology, Intercultural Studies and Muslim Studies. The Doctor of Ministry degree is offered with concentrations in either Pastoral Theology or Missions. Most courses meet once a week to enhance flexible scheduling.
The AIM (Advancement in Ministry) program is structured to allow students pursuing an M.Div. or certain M.A.concentrations to spend four weeks per year on campus in intensive modular courses and complete other courses via IDL, enabling them to complete an entire M.Div. curriculum in as little as sixty months and the M.A. in as little as forty months. Students with previous Bible training or transfer credit can complete the program in even less time.
On the Korntal campus, students may complete the Certificate in Biblical Studies and M.A. with concentrations in Bible, General Theological Studies or Missiology. Extension sites offering ongoing courses are located at Toccoa Falls College in Toccoa Falls, Georgia. Occasional courses are available at Pawley’s Island, South Carolina.
Ben Lippen School
Ben Lippen, a Scottish phrase meaning “mountain of trust,” is the name for an evangelical Christian school for grades K4 - 12. Founded in 1940 by Robert C. McQuilkin, CIU’s first president, Ben Lippen continues to strive toward Dr. McQuilkin’s goal of teaching young people that there is “life in abundance” (John 10:10) for those who follow Jesus Christ as Lord. The school is college preparatory, coeducational, and receives both resident and day students.The Ben Lippen family consists of students from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds. As many as 30 foreign countries and 25 states have been represented in a single year. Some students come from homes of missionaries, pastors, and other full-time Christian workers. Others come from families representing all areas of professional and educational careers. This “melting pot” of young men and women offers an educational experience in itself.
The proximity of Ben Lippen School to Columbia International University provides an opportunity for convenient Christian schooling for children of CIU students.
Radio Stations
WMHK Radio (89.7 FM) This 100,000-watt stereo educational FM station broadcasts Bible-centered programming and music to Columbia and central South Carolina 24 hours a day.WRCM Radio (91.9 FM) This 10,000-watt stereo educational FM station broadcasts Bible-centered programming and music to the Charlotte/Wingate, North Carolina area 24 hours a day.
