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Denominational Relationships
Although CIU SSM is denominationally unaffiliat-
ed, it seeks to serve a variety of evangelical
denominations and independent congregations.
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CIU SSM prepares students to return to the
denomination or church tradition that nurtured
them.
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The CIU SSM curriculum makes provision for
church polity courses taught by ministers who
represent various denominations.
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CIU SSM provides for elective courses on
denominational distinctives as desired by vari-
ous groups.
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Education for ministry at CIU SSM is widely
accepted. CIU SSM is accredited by the
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
(SACS), the Association of Theological Schools
(ATS) and the Association for Biblical Higher
Education (ABHE). Our graduates serve in over
40 different denominations.
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The CIU SSM faculty and student body reflect
church affiliations across a broad spectrum of
North American and non-North American
denominations and church fellowships.
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Students find exposure to persons from various
ecclesiastical traditions who are united in their
commitment to evangelical orthodoxy to be an
enriching and beneficial experience.
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Ordination requirements vary. Students who
plan to seek ordination are responsible to con-
figure their programs to meet the specific
requirements for the local church, association or
denomination in which ordination is sought.
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The following ecclesiastical affiliations typically
are represented in the CIU SSM student body
by three or more students:
African Methodist Episcopal
Assemblies of God
Brethren in Christ Church
Christian and Missionary Alliance
Church of God (Anderson, Indiana)
Conservative Baptist Association
Evangelical Free Church of America
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Foursquare Gospel Church
Free Methodist Church
Free Will Baptist
Independent/Non-denominational
Methodist (Various)
Mission Churches
Pentecostal Holiness
Presbyterian Church in America
Presbyterian (Various)
Southern Baptist Convention
The Episcopal Church
United Methodist Church
Wesleyan Church
Accreditation and Recognition
Columbia International University is:
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Accredited by the Commission on Colleges of
the Southern Association of Colleges and
Schools to award degrees at the associate,
baccalaureate, first professional, masters and
doctoral degree level.
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Accredited with the Association for Biblical
Higher Education (formerly the Accrediting
Association of Bible Colleges).
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An affiliate campus of the Council of Christian
Colleges and Universities.
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A member of South Carolina Independent
Colleges and Universities.
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Approved by the State Approval Agency, South
Carolina Department of Education, state of
South Carolina, to train persons under the
Veterans Administration programs.
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Authorized under federal law to enroll non-immi-
grant alien students.
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Recognized by the Selective Service System.
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Chartered as a collegiate institution by the state
of South Carolina, and authorized by the state
of South Carolina to grant such degrees as the
Board of Trustees shall determine.
Columbia International University Seminary &
School of Ministry is accredited by the
Association of Theological Schools.
2012-2013 Seminary Programs Academic Catalog
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