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R O G R A M S O F
T U D Y
Undergraduate Teacher Education Program and Minor
The Teacher Education Program prepares teachers to enter both early childhood and elementary classrooms with
a five-year, two-degree program that includes an undergraduate Bible major and graduate master’s of teaching
(B.A./B.S. and M.A.T.). This approach provides a biblical foundation for a career in teaching. Graduates will think
biblically about the profession of teaching as well as the nature and needs of children. They will be equipped to
serve in Christian, international, public, mission, home, charter, and private schools.
Master of Arts in Bible Teaching
The Master of Arts in Bible Teaching (M.A. in Bible Teaching) program is specifically designed to prepare students
to teach the Bible in a school setting. In three semesters of study (Fall, Spring, and Summer), students with a Bible
background build a knowledge of best educational practices as they explore every aspect of Bible curriculum, from
the “big-picture” of K-12
th
grade curriculum to daily lesson plans.
Master of Arts in Teaching – Early Childhood and Elementary Education
The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) program in Early Childhood Education (PK-3
rd
) and Elementary Education
(2
nd
-6
th
) seeks to create a learning environment that provides models, growth experiences, and communities of
practice for equipping Christian educators who make wise decisions as they create effective learning communities.
We are equipping discerning educators. The program attempts to provide each prospective teacher with a broad
historical perspective, current trends, learning and teaching theories, and practical application of these theories in
the classroom. Candidates are eligible for initial teacher certification recommendation in South Carolina as well as
with the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).
Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
The M.A. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) program prepares professional teachers of
English to speakers of other languages with a foundation in the theory and practice of English language teaching.
The aim of the program is to prepare theoretically informed and practically equipped, competent, caring, and
culturally sensitive ESOL teachers and leaders for domestic and international K-12
th
grade and adult classrooms.
Upon completing this program, students can be recommended to receive ACSI certification in TESOL.
Master of Education
The Master of Education
(M.Ed.) degree is designed for those already working in a K-12 school setting who are
interested in further trai
ning. The degree consists of an education core, Bible core, and concentration. The
Educational Administratio
n concentration prepares students to work as Christian school administrators in the
United States or around the world. The Curriculum and Instruction concentration is for Christian school educators
who are interested in moving to a master teacher level in their area of interest. The program can be completed in
two to four years through a combination of online and face-to-face Summer studies. The program may also be
completed entirely online. A year-round option may be available depending on the program track for Curriculum
and Instruction concentrations in TESOL, Teaching Bible, or Elementary/Early Childhood.
Education Specialist
The Education Specialist (Ed.S.) program is specifically intended to help extend professional understanding and
practice in the critical area of education. Ed.S. students will develop capacities to think, communicate, and model
biblical excellence in educational leadership positions. They will more clearly represent Christ-centered
perspectives in the broader society by impacting students, their families, faculty, and staff with competencies
specifically defined for Kingdom growth.
Doctor of E ucation
The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) is designed to meet professional development needs as a Christian educational
leader. Birthed from Columbia International University’s long-standing commitment to Christian schools and
Christian higher education, the Ed.D. program aims to develop educators to lead, model, think, communicate, and
research with biblical excellence. Ed.D. graduates complete a concentration in one of three areas: Christian Higher
Education Leadership, Christian School Leadership, or Curricular and Instructional Leadership.
OLUMBIA NTERNATIONAL NIVERSITY
OLLEGE OF DUCATION