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137 | COLUMBIA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY 2016-2017 SEMINARY & SCHOOL OF MINISTRY
Program Expectations
Community expectation (evangelical or secular) does not ultimately determine the meaning of a seminary degree from
Columbia International University Seminary & School of Ministry. We are responsible to define our own purpose and
establish our own achievement standards. All of CIU’s SSM graduate degree programs are intended to help students
prepare for Christian ministry. Criteria for granting a degree, therefore, are designed to reflect the student’s character and
competence in both general and professional areas.
Commitment to whole-life training designed to prepare Christians “to know Him and to make Him known” means earning a
graduate degree from CIU’s SSM involves more than meeting academic requirements. Graduating students also must
reflect appropriate achievement of the SSM’s educational objectives, including evidence of personal morality, positive
interpersonal and family relationships, and local church involvement.
Although educational objectives cannot be measured with complete objectivity, we believe valid, fair, and useful assessment
is possible and necessary.
To qualify for a degree, the student 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). The student must also demonstrate an
accurate understanding of and commitment to the inerrancy of the Scriptures.
The Building Block Approach to Masters Levels Programs
For most students, CIU’s SSM faculty believes the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) is the program of choice because:
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The M.Div. curriculum affords the most thorough training for ministry leadership.
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The M.Div. is the stated or preferred qualification for ordination in many churches.
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The M.Div. is the degree required for continuing professional development in any accredited Doctor of Ministry
(D.Min.) program.
The Certificate and Master of Arts programs are specifically designed so a student may begin in the certificate program and
later use those courses to proceed to an M.A. or M.Div. degree, as illustrated below: