Entrance Requirements
Race, ethnic origin, nationality, sex or handicap are not factors in our admissions policies. Requirements are listed under each academic program.
Qualified applicants for Program I who intend to earn a degree may enter a degree program when they enroll. A decision to pursue a degree program may be delayed, however, to a later date, normally by the beginning of the second semester of the Certificate Program. Students enrolled in the Certificate program who desire to proceed to degree programs must complete the application form available outside the door of the SSM Dean’s Office (Schuster 140).
Requirements
Evidence of 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.
Evidence of ability to pursue successfully an academic program (normally including a 2.5 GPA minimum in undergraduate study). In cases where this standard is not met, a limited number of applicants may be accepted into SSM on a probationary basis. After one regular semester of study, the student’s work is evaluated to determine whether this probationary status should be removed, an alternate program recommended, or enrollment terminated.
Evidence of 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.
A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
Appropriate undergraduate background. It is generally agreed that the best preparation for SSM is a well-balanced undergraduate program that includes courses in the humanities and sciences. While expertise in all disciplines is not expected, we recommend at least reasonable competency in English (grammar and composition), world history, philosophy, and the social and natural sciences.
Recommended Minimum Background in Liberal Arts Subjects:
English (grammar and composition): 6 semester hours
Philosophy: 3 semester hours
Social Sciences (especially psychology or sociology): 3 semester hours
Natural Sciences: 3 semester hours History: 6 semester hours
Speech: 3 semester hours
In addition to the above requirements a Program II student will have other specific entrance requisites.
Admission Procedure
Apply Online or request application materials from Seminary and Graduate School Admissions, P.O. Box 3122, Columbia, South Carolina 29230 or email yessem@ciu.edu.
Application plus $45 application fee, $50 for D.Min. applications (non-refundable).
Official transcripts from each post-secondary institution.
References from a pastor and two other persons on forms provided. Note: Reference forms should be mailed directly to the Seminary and Graduate School Admissions Office. Instructions on other required items are listed in the application packet.
Distance Education applicants need only to submit the applicaiton, application fee, and college transcripts.
The Admissions Office cannot guarantee any application received after the stated deadlines will be processed for enrollment for that semester.
Confirm intention to enroll within 21 days from receipt of letter of acceptance by sending the $300 enrollment deposit and, if living on campus, the $100 security deposit. The enrollment deposit is waived for the spouse of a full-time SSM student.
A medical packet will be sent from the Health Services Office after acceptance. The completed immunization verification, physical exam by a physician and insurance information must be received by health services before the student may register for classes.
International Applicants
Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Exam and must score a 550 on paper-based examination or 213 on the computer-based examination before being considered for acceptance into the Seminary and School of Missions. International students applying for the TEFL progam must have a score of 600 on the paper-based examination or 250 on the computer-based examination and be interviewed by the director of the TEFL program. This includes internationals who are transferring to Columbia from another graduate school in the United States. The TOEFL is not required of students taking all of their work at the SSM Extension Site at Korntal, Germany. The TOEFL Exam is available through American consular offices. These applicants must send official transcripts (or certified true copies) of all academic work beyond the secondary school level. Records of collegiate level work should be accompanied by a syllabus, course sheet, university catalog or statement by the applicant of the content of each subject covered in each examination taken. Records not in English should be accompanied by a certified translation into English.
Acceptance for study does not imply the availability of scholarship or other financial assistance.
CIU Graduates
If more than one year has elapsed between graduation from the Undergraduate School at CIU and anticipated enrollment in SSM, all application forms must be completed and references submitted. If less than a year has elapsed, an abbreviated application is available with a statement of the applicant’s vocational goals, reasons for seeking graduate study, and recommendations.
Non-Degree Students
Although students are normally accepted for study on condition that they intend to complete requirements for the Certificate or a degree program, other persons not applying for the degree programs may also be accepted on a conditional basis.
Applicants must hold at least a baccalaureate degree and be committed to lifestyle standards which are consistent with evangelical Christians and the general ethos of SSM. Information on eligibility, limitations and application procedure is available in the Seminary and Graduate School Admissions Office.
Divorced Persons
Certain limitations and conditions may apply in the admission of persons who have been divorced. Please contact the Admissions office for further information.
Veterans
CBS is approved by the State Approval Agency, South Carolina Department of Education, State of South Carolina for training persons who are eligible for benefits under Veterans Administration Programs. The registrar serves as veterans’ advisor.
Return After Absence
Students who have not been enrolled in SSM for one or more semesters must apply for re-admission. If more than one year has elapsed since enrollment, the full application procedure is necessary. If less than a year has elapsed, an abbreviated application is required. Forms are available in the Admissions Office. In addition, should a student break matriculation for two consecutive regular terms, the catalog in effect at the time of return to SSM (or subsequent catalogs) must be used to satisfy the requirements for the degree.
Provisional Acceptance
When mitigating circumstances warrant, qualified applicants who have not completed an accredited baccalaureate degree may be accepted provisionally into designated Ministerial Leadership degree programs. Call the Admissions Office for specific entrance requirements.
Ethical And Doctrinal Criteria
Columbia International University reserves the right to deny or revoke the admission of any candidate whose behavior or lifestyle is inconsistent with biblical principles or with the ministry standards of the CIU community. An applicant will not be admitted who denies any teaching expressed in the doctrinal standard, sections 1-7. An applicant who holds a doctrine which historically has been divisive may be accepted into a degree program only on the basis of a signed commitment not to propagate that teaching in any way. Examples: Glossolalia as the sign of the Spirit’s baptism, repentance unnecessary for salvation, limitation of the universal offer of salvation and the extent of God’s love for all people, or annihilation of the wicked dead. (For graduation affirmation of the doctrinal standard is required, except for agreement with the pre-millennial position.)
Instances Of Fraud
Anyone found to have been admitted to SSM on the basis of false information will be immediately dismissed and will forfeit all financial payments made and academic credits accumulated during all periods of enrollment following that admission.
