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To qualify for a degree doctrinally students must demonstrate an accurate understanding of basic biblical doctrines and be in
agreement with the institution’s doctrinal statement (with the exception of section 8). Students must also demonstrate an
accurate understanding of the doctrine of the inerrancy of the Scriptures and affirm belief in that doctrine. Students will not
be accepted as candidates for a degree who affirm error in Scripture or who believe in the ultimate salvation of all people.
Applying for a Degree
: CIU has three graduation dates per year on which diplomas and certificates are issued: one at the end of
the Summer term (in August), one at the end of Fall semester (in December), and one at the end of Spring semester (in May).
Students planning to receive a degree or certificate at any of these graduations are required to submit to the Office of the
University Registrar a completed application for graduation and pay a non-refundable graduation fee by the deadline
specified. If a student fails to complete all requirements by the date set, the degree or certificate will not be issued. A new
application to graduate must be filed and another graduation fee must be paid by the deadline for the new term of expected
graduation.
Undergraduate-level:
Scholastic Honors: Students graduating from undergraduate four-year programs will receive diplomas with scholastic honors
according to the following:
Summa cum laude (highest honor) for a GPA of 3.85 or above
Magna cum laude (high honor) for a GPA from 3.71 to 3.84
Cum laude (with honor) for a GPA from 3.5 to 3.7
Transfer students must have completed at least 48 semester hours at CIU to be eligible for scholastic honors. Grades from a
student’s last semester in the student’s degree program are not included in the determination of scholastic honors.
Delta Epsilon Chi Honor Society:
The undergraduate faculty has established a chapter of Delta Epsilon Chi, the Honor Society of
the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE). No more than seven percent of the graduating class for any given year
may be nominated to this group by the faculty. ABHE minimum criteria for nomination by the faculty include a cumulative GPA
of 3.3 or above, positive demonstration of Christian character, and clear exhibition of leadership ability following a biblical
model.
Grievance Procedures (Academic)
See the “Academic Grievance Procedure” located in the Student Life section of this catalog.
Internships
The purpose of internships is to provide supervised experience in ministry in line with the student’s vocational objectives (see
specific programs for internship details). Such an experience allows the student to engage in professional activities while
receiving feedback and supervision from an experienced mentor. All internships have as their principle component – the
practice of ministry. Internships promote personal growth as the intern integrates the academic and the experiential with the
student as an individual. Internships are planned around specific objectives. Supervision of students before, during, and after
the internship is common to all internships, along with evaluation from a variety of sources. CIU personnel work along with
field personnel to ensure that students receive maximum benefit from their internships.
Ministry Skills Development (Undergraduate Program)
Christian Service Learning (CSL)
: All undergraduate students are required to register for CSL for three semesters during their
freshman and sophomore years. To this end, the focus of the first two years of a student’s bachelor degree program
emphasizes biblical studies, general education courses, and CSL opportunities. The goal in these three semesters of CSL is to
encourage students to build service-oriented relationships within the local church, and at least 80 clock hours of Christian
service is required.
Associate and bachelor degrees require two Ministry Skills Development courses, MSD 1120 Evangelism and Discipleship, and
MSD 2230 Communicating God’s Word. All required MSD courses and field experiences are graded following normal academic
structures with a balanced emphasis on knowledge, dispositions, and competencies. MSD credits are calculated into a
student’s GPA. A student must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the knowledge, dispositions, and competencies to gain a
waiver for specific requirements.
Practical Skill Development
: All undergraduate students during their third and fourth years are required to complete at least
three units of practical skill development. Each program will determine the requirements within the professional programs
and students should consult with their academic advisors to plan appropriate practical skill development requirements within
a professional major or minor. At least 50 clock hours of practical skill development are required for each unit of credit.
Programs may require students to complete multiple credit practicum and internship experiences built upon prerequisite
character, knowledge, and skill requirements as determined and approved by their advisors and/or program directors.
Professional programs may waive field experience requirements, provided the student demonstrates proficiency of the
necessary knowledge, dispositions, and competencies within a practical skill development program.
194 │Columbia International University
Academic Policy