Academic Catalog 2013-2014

facilitate online courses provide prompt feedback and encouragement beginning with the published start date and continuing

throughout the duration of the course. Work not completed in a timely fashion during a student’s final semester may delay the

student’s graduation date and/or receipt of a diploma and final transcript.

Zwemer Center for Muslim Studies

The Zwemer Institute was established in 1979 to offer in-depth courses in Islam, produce papers, foster dialogue, and facilitate

research on pertinent topics. In 2003, the Zwemer Institute moved to the campus of CIU’s SSM to become the Zwemer Center

for Muslim Studies. Every year the Zwemer Center offers graduate-level courses on the Columbia campus. Most courses are in

a one-week intensive format offered in January and July. Some courses are available through distance education year-round

and some are offered on-campus during Fall and Spring semesters. All intensive courses may also be taken as non-credit

seminars. Non-credit seminars are also available at other locations upon request.

O O P E R A T I V E

D U C A T I O N A L

R O G R A M S

Allen University

Columbia International University’s Seminary & School of Ministry and Allen University have established a cooperative

agreement that makes it possible for students to complete a dual study program consisting of a Bachelor of Arts degree with a

major in Religion at Allen University and either a Master of Arts (Theological Studies) degree or a Master of Divinity degree at

CIU’s SSM. This agreement provides a smooth curricular transition for students, allowing them to enter a master’s degree

program without loss of credit or duplication of coursework. For further information on this agreement, contact the SSM

dean’s office.

AMBEX Semester Abroad in Germany

CIU has an articulation agreement with the AMBEX semester abroad program sponsored by Corban College in Salem, Oregon.

This semester experience in Germany is offered in English and includes approximately 16 credits of coursework such as

geography, Reformation theology, Christian worldview, art history, and an introduction to the German language. The program

is headquartered in Regensburg, one of the oldest Roman settlements in Germany, located on the Danube River about an hour

from Munich. Extensive travel is part of the experience.

Best Semester Ever Program

Best Semester Ever Program is the portal for the off-campus study programs offered by the Council for Christian Colleges &

Universities (CCCU). There are a total of 11 semester programs and one summer program designed to serve the academic

interests of CCCU member institutions. Students from CIU have participated in several of these off-campus programs in the

past, including the L.A. Film Studies Center, Australia Studies Centre, and the Oxford Summer Program. For more information,

visit

www.bestsemester.com

Carolina Theological Consortium

In order to advance the cause of Christ through graduate-level theological education in North and South Carolina and to affirm

a spirit of collegiality, CIU’s SSM is a full member of the Carolina Theological Consortium. Other members of the consortium

are Erskine Theological Seminary, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary—Charlotte, and Reformed Theological Seminary—

Charlotte. Students in good standing in each of the member schools may cross-enroll in master’s or doctoral degree courses

offered by any of the schools and may borrow library materials from any of the schools. Admission of students who wish to

cross-enroll depends on an available space.

Focus on the Family Institute

Focus on the Family operates a one semester academic institute three times each year in Colorado Springs, Colorado. College-

level students receive intensive coursework on family-related topics. Highly qualified experts give instruction on marriage

enrichment, parenting, and social trends affecting family values. Through a cooperative agreement with Focus on the Family,

CIU students may apply for one semester (or summer) experience at the Focus Leadership Institute (FLI) and receive credit at

CIU. Costs are similar to a semester at CIU. Applicants for this innovative educational opportunity work with the Church

Ministry program director, but the Focus on the Family Institute makes all admission decisions concerning the applicant’s

acceptance at FLI. For more information, contact the Church Ministry program director.

Gradu te Institute for Applied Linguistics (GIAL)

Students who are interested in linguistics and Bible translation opportunities should consider a summer of study at the

Graduate Institute for Applied Linguistics (GIAL), which is an educational institution under the Summer Institute of Linguistics

International. GIAL provides training in culture and language learning, particularly with reference to languages that have little

or no written tradition. The courses at GIAL are designed to train people to work with speakers of minority languages to

develop written materials in those languages and to promote mother-tongue literacy. Students may take courses in socio-

linguistics, grammatical analysis, phonology, and phonetics, as well as other areas. For further information concerning any of

OLUMBIA NTERNATIONAL NIVERSITY

DUCATIONAL PPORTUNITIES