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P
R O G R A M S O F
S
T U D Y
Undergraduate Teacher Education Major and Minor
The Teacher Education Program prepares teachers to enter early childhood and elementary classrooms with a
five-year, two-degree program that includes an undergraduate Bible major and Teacher Education major and a
master’s in 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 licensure recommendation in South Carolina as well as
with the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).
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 train
ing. The degree consists of an education core, Bible foundation, 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 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.) program 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.
67 | Columbia International University
College of Education