Columbia International University: Courses, Admission, Cost

Founded in 1923, the Columbia International University (CIU) is a for-profit university in Columbia city of the South Carolina state, United States. The institution originally started operating as Columbia Bible School for providing 2-year courses in biblical studies to the local mill workers. In 1927, it transformed into a college and started offering undergraduate degrees in Bible. Initially, it operated in downtown, but, eventually, the growing student population led to the requirement of a new campus. CIU relocated its campus to the present-day location in 1960 and took up the name Columbia Bible College and Seminary. It followed another name change in 1994 when CIU became a university under its current name. CIU has affiliations from the Association of Theological Schools, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Association for Biblical Higher Education.

CIU has a beautiful 400-acre main campus in a picturesque location that lies on a high peak overlooking the Broad River. The campus features excellent academic, administrative, recreational and support facilities for the students. The university library holds a rare and unique collection of printed and electronic resources that can be accessed by both faculty and students for teaching, learning, and research. Shortess Chapel with a 1,000-member seating capacity is the largest room on the campus. Rossi Student Center has a cafeteria, post office and several multi-purpose areas for relaxation and recreation.

Moore Fitness Center is the building that houses athletic and fitness facilities such as volleyball and basketball courts, aerobics practice area and a fitness center with weight training equipment. CIU has six residences that accommodate over 400 students. Other facilities featured on the campus include a 500-seater auditorium, bookstore, music center, and conference rooms. Though the campus is away from the city, several shopping malls, museums, and state parks are easily accessible via public transport.

CIU has five colleges that offer undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral degree programs in arts, business, science, counseling, intercultural studies, psychology, and education. It also extends a range of certificate courses and online degrees in various disciplines. At present, the university is home to about 1,011 students, out of which 51% are female students and 49% males. The student population includes international students from various countries in the world. The university has a highly-learned and experienced academic staff. With an average class having 20 students, the student-to-faculty ratio at the university is 17:1.

Columbia International University has a global alumni network of more than 18,000 graduates living in 148 countries of the world. Many of them are highly-successful and recognized for their contribution in their respective professional fields. Some notable names in the alumni list are Doris Aileen Bartholomew (American Linguist), Chester Allen Bitterman (Christian Missionary and Linguist), Podimannil Thomas Chandapilla (Vicar General), Nabeel T. Jabbour (Lecturer and Author), Joy Fanny Ridderhof (American Missionary), Laura Mixon Elvington (Singer and Songwriter) and Philip Yancey (Author).