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or to accelerate progress toward graduation. Typically a student must invest ten hours per week in a Fall or Spring online
course and 15-20 hours per week in a Summer studies online course.
Discussion forums and chats provide the interactive experience of an online community. Syllabi are available when
registration opens; some assignments may be available online before the semester begins. Once students register for a course
they have access to the CIU library for research and can begin submitting assignments electronically. The professors who
facilitate online courses provide prompt feedback 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 Columbia International University 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.)
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Allen University
Columbia International University’s Seminary & School of Ministry (SSM) 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) 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
Columbia International University 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). A total of 11 semester programs and one summer program are offered and 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, Columbia International University’s Seminary & School of Ministry 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.
The HEART Institute
The HEART (hunger, education, and resource training) Institute offers courses to a cohort of students from a variety of schools
participating through articulation agreements. The HEART Institute is affiliated with and located adjacent to Warner Southern
College in Lake Wales, Florida. CIU students selected to participate in the program will be under the faculty supervision of Dr.
Mike Barnett. (Please note that admission to the HEART Institute at CIU requires an additional application process and that
admission is limited.)
Institute for Strategic Languages & Cultures
As part of a continuing partnership with Columbia International University, the Institute of Strategic Languages and Cultures
offers undergraduate-level courses in Russian and Chinese. Students may study language full-time (a five hour per day
curriculum) or may enroll in individual courses covering vocabulary, grammar, Bible in another language, and conversational
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Columbia International University
Educational Opportunities