Seminary Academic Catalog 2012-2013

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2012-2013 Seminary Programs Academic Catalog
Neither race, ethnic origin, nationality, sex nor
physical disability are factors in our admissions
policies.
Qualified applicants for Program 1 who intend to
earn a degree are encouraged to declare a degree
program when they enroll, although it is possible
to delay that decision until a later date. A student
who does not declare a degree program will be
enrolled in the Bible and Theology Certificate. If a
student subsequently decides to declare a degree
program, that decision must be processed using
a Degree Change form (available outside the door
of the CIU SSM dean’s office — Schuster 140).
Who should apply?
The Seminary & School of Ministry requires appli-
cants to provide evidence of:
1. Conversion and development in Christian char-
acter, 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.
2. A baccalaureate or graduate degree from an
accredited institution.
3. Ability to pursue successfully an academic pro-
gram, normally a 2.5 GPA minimum in under-
graduate study. (See “Probationary
Acceptance” section below if you do not meet
these standards.) A 3.0 GPA in undergraduate
study is required to enter the M.A. in Ministry
Care and the M.Div. (Ministry Care) degree. A
3.0 GPA in M.Div. study is required to enter the
D.Min. degree.
4. 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. (See “International
Applicants” section below.)
5. An appropriate undergraduate background. The
best preparation for CIU SSM usually is a well-
balanced undergraduate program that includes
courses in the humanities and sciences. It is
helpful for undergraduate studies to include:
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
An applicant whose academic background does
not include any of these areas may be requested
to remove the deficiency as a condition for admis-
sion.
In addition to the requirements listed above,
Program 2 has other specific entrance require-
ments that must be met. (See Programs of Study.)
how to apply:
1. Complete the online Seminary and Graduate
School Application found at:
You may also request
an application packet from the University
Admissions Office at (800) 777-2227 or P.O.
Box 3122, Columbia, S.C. 29230-3122, or from
our website at The
University Admissions Office can assist you
whether you intend to study full time or part
time, on or off campus, including non-degree
and special student status.
2. Submit:
• An application and the $45 application fee
(non-refundable).
• Official transcripts from each postsecondary
institution you have attended.
• References from your pastor and two other
persons on forms provided. Note that your
references should mail the forms directly to
the University Admissions Office.
• Instructions on other required items are pro-
vided in the application packet and online.
3. Within 21 days from receipt of letter of accept-
ance, confirm your intention to enroll by send-
ing a $300 enrollment deposit and, if living in
the Residence Halls, a $100 security deposit.
The enrollment deposit is waived for the
spouse of a currently enrolled, full-time CIU
SSM student.
Admissions