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INTRODUCTION

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, occu-

pying the former Colonia 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 International University Seminary &

School of Ministry. The school moved to its pres-

ent 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. In the 2009-2010

academic year, graduate school programs were

moved to their respective colleges — Counseling,

Education and Intercultural Studies.

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 min-

istry 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 1991-1999. 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. Dr. Bill

Jones became president of CIU in 2007 after

serving on the faculty of CIU for 17 years.

CIU was founded for the purpose of preparing

students “To know Him and to make Him

known,” as our ministry’s motto states. That

purpose remains the same to this day. The

Undergraduate Programs, various Graduate

Programs and CIU Seminary & School of ministry

offer regionally and professionally accredited

courses of study ranging from one-year certifi-

cates 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 five

core values: Authority of Scripture, Victorious

Christian Living, World Evangelization, Prayer &

Faith and Evangelical Unity.

The school’s first class boasted seven students.

Currently, CIU has an enrollment of over 1,200

students, including several hundred students

involved in non-traditional and distance education

programs. Approximately 17,000 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 over 40 states and

more than 30 foreign countries, although the

majority of students come from five southeastern

states. More than 50 church denominations and

independent fellowships are represented in the

faculty and student body. CIU graduates serve in

vocational Christian ministries and within the mar-

ketplace. Approximately 30 percent of CIU gradu-

ates work in cross-cultural contexts. Other CIU

ministries include Ben Lippen School (Pre-K to

12) and radio stations 89.7 WMHK in Columbia

and New Life 91.9 WRCM in Charlotte, N.C.

Mission

Columbia International University (CIU) is a multi-

denominational Christian higher education institu-

tion dedicated to preparing Christians to serve

God with excellence. Its educational divisions

offer degree programs ranging from associate to

doctoral level. All postsecondary programs

emphasize spiritual formation, mastery of biblical

content and interpretation skills, cultivation of a

biblical worldview and ministry skills develop-

ment, the latter through field education,

practicum and internship experiences.

Purpose

Columbia International University educates peo-

ple from a biblical worldview to impact the

nations with the message of Christ. Our purpose

is summarized in our motto, “To know Him and to

2012-2013 Graduate Programs Academic Catalog

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