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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