Columbia International University

Columbia International University educates our students from a Biblical worldview to impact the nations with the message of Christ!

For 100 years, CIU has been educating professional ministers for domestic and global missions who are making an impact in over 150 countries worldwide. In addition, CIU has within the past seven years began training ethical and principled "ministering professionals" to impact the world through the marketplace with the message of Christ. Our graduates are pastors in churches and leaders in charitable and nonprofit organizations throughout the Midlands of South Carolina, as well as worldwide.

Columbia International University offers undergraduate and graduate programs to prepare students to fulfill the Great Commission. Located on 400 acres in Columbia, South Carolina, CIU serves an international student body representing many denominations, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and reflects the socioeconomic diversity of the world--united by their desire to 'know Christ and to make Him known'. As a result of our work to enhance the Midlands community, we were honored to be named Community Impact Organization of the Year by the North Columbia Business Association. Our students are regularly engaged in community service--volunteering their musical talents to local churches, running sports camps for underprivileged youth, delivering food to senior citizens, and assisting in local schools--through our "Cola Serves" and Christian Service Learning programs.

Testimonials

From Joseph Illig (Christian Camp Manager): "CIU doesn't give you just an education, the faculty here invest in you as an individual to help you succeed academically, personally, spiritually and professionally. . . .God has used this wonderful place to tremendously bless me and prepare me for the next steps, as well as the rest of my life. I know that with the amazing people running our school, my experience is not alone. . . "

From Jesse Dukes (Assistant Director of Operations, Carolina Healthcare): "My time at CIU prepared me with the knowledge and tools I needed for my career and the real world, and also changed my perspective of how I viewed the secular workforce. CIU taught me that I can glorify God through how I treat my fellow employees and my employers, how I handle trials and tribulations as well as success and blessings; and giving GOD all the praise through it all!"

From George Huff (2021 Graduate-Samaritan's Purse): "Not only have I had an amazing environment to learn in, excellent professors, great friends, and strong spiritual guidance, but the connections I've made here are incredible. . . .at CIU, the success of the students is a priority. In business terms, they are concerned about you getting a return on your tuition investment, or "ROI"!

From Walter Smiechewicz (1992 Graduate-Los Angeles: "Even full-time professionals can have an impact in the world - that's something I've learned since graduating from Columbia International University. . . . My wife and I served in India for two years after I graduated from CIU. While we were there, we developed a series of training programs for village clergy and later wrote a small book titled "Discipleship Training Manual Written for Pastors and Lay Leaders in India." While those two years in India were fruitful, I believe that God is using us now, more than ever, to make an impact. My wife and I now support Indian churches both financially and through ministry training. The cross-cultural focus at CIU helped me in business and in ministry. There is a culture in every company which guides its thinking and decision-making. And I have been challenged personally to live internationally - to be involved in what God is doing around the world - even though I live in the United States. In fact, I've seen God use the business skills He's given me to use me in India in a way I wouldn't have been used without those abilities. As I share my experiences, I have noticed an interest among other professionals who want to be involved in similar ministries, but never knew it was possible. It has been quite an adventure to watch how God can use anyone, anywhere if they are willing to yield their gifts and dreams to His purposes.