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181│ COLUMBIA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY 2017-2018 │ EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
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.)
Cooperative Educational Programs
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
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 Biblical Seminary 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 Village
The HEART (hunger, education, and resource training) Village offers courses to a cohort of students from a variety of
schools participating through articulation agreements. The HEART Village is affi liated with and located adjacent to Warner
University in Lake Wales, Florida. CIU students selected to participate in the program will be under the faculty supervision.
(Please note that admission to the HEART Village at CIU requires an additional application process.)
Institute of Theological Seminars
The Institute of Theological Seminars (ITS), a joint ministry of Great Commission Center International (GCCI) and Christian
Renewal Ministries (CRM), is dedicated to providing graduate theological training for Chinese Christian professionals.
Through a formal articulation agreement, Columbia Biblical Seminary permits students who have completed studies at the
Institute of Theological Seminars to become transfer students with advanced status in the certificate and degree programs
of CBS. Students transferring from ITS must have completed a bachelor’s degree from a recognized college at the time
they pursue coursework at ITS.
Jerusalem University College
Since Columbia International University is a member of the Associated Schools Consortium of Jerusalem University College
(JUC), CIU students have access to an off-campus center for the study of biblical history, geography, and archaeology on
Mount Zion in Jerusalem. Students enrolled in CIU’s bachelor’s degree in Middle Eastern Studies have a year of study in
Jerusalem built into their program (provided they are accepted to attend JUC). Students in other CIU programs may
supplement their studies with courses at JUC.
JUC provides exposure to the history, culture, language, and geography of Israel from antiquity to the present. The faculty
includes Christian, Jewish, and Arab scholars from the faculties of Israel’s leading institutions, as well as JUC’s resident
faculty. Classroom instruction is complemented with field work in archaeology and historical geography. Students may study
the Hebrew language, biblical history, Middle Eastern studies, and early Christianity studies. Undergraduate students may
bring up to one year of study at JUC into their program at CIU. Graduate programs are also available through JUC’s School
of Graduate Studies. For more information, visit or contact the Middle Eastern Studies program director.