Admission Requirements
Complete Your Application
After submitting your application to Columbia International University, review the admission requirements for your specific program. We’ll start processing your application right away and will provide a list of your outstanding requirements in your personalized application portal.
Undergraduate Admission Requirements
Campus Undergraduate
- Official high school transcript or successful completion of General Education Development (GED) Testing Program
- Official college transcripts if dual enrollment courses have been taken
- Minimum high school GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale. Students with a GPA under 2.0 may be admitted on a provisional basis.
- CIU is test optional, meaning that submitting an SAT, ACT, or CLT isn’t required for admission. Students applying for South Carolina State Aid, or those who are NAIA student athletes, may still need to submit official test scores. Entering freshman undergraduate students who do not meet the minimum GPA requirement are encouraged to submit official test scores.
- Affirmation that you are a Christian and agree with CIU’s Statement of Faith
- Students pursuing a degree in Music, Worship Arts & Music Ministry, or Music Education will be required to audition.
Transfer Undergraduate
- Students who have attempted 12 credits or more after high school graduation are considered transfer students.
- Official college transcripts of all work completed or in progress
- Minimum GPA of 2.0 on 4.0 scale
- South Carolina residents are required to submit an official high school transcript or successful completion of General Education Development (GED) Testing Program
- Affirmation that you are a Christian and agree with CIU’s Statement of Faith
Online Undergraduate
- Official high school transcript or successful completion of General Education Development (GED) Testing Program
- Applicants who have attempted 12 or more college credits post-high school must provide official college transcripts of all work completed or in progress. Recommended college grade point average (GPA) is 2.0 on a 4.0 scale (those with a GPA under 2.0 may be admitted on a provisional basis)
Dual Enrollment
- Official high school transcript
- Be a high school sophomore, junior, or senior
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
International Students
- Official high school transcripts. For schools attended outside of the United States that are not accredited through ACSI, an official evaluation from InCRED or World Evaluation Services (WES) must be submitted.
- The GPA requirement for freshmen international students is 2.7 on a 4.0 scale and the requirement for transfer international students is 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Official English proficiency test score from TOEFL or DuoLingo English Test. Students who have successfully completed 4 years at a U.S high school or 1 year at a U.S university do not need to provide English proficiency scores.
- TOEFL computer based-exam minimum: 195
- DuoLingo English Test minimum: 105
- Following admission to CIU, international students must provide proof of funding for the entire school year along with their international student deposit.
Returning Students
- Students who have attended CIU post high school and have been out of attendance for two consecutive regular semesters must reapply and submit official transcripts of coursework completed after leaving CIU.
- Affirmation that you are a Christian and agree with CIU’s Statement of Faith
Honors Program
Students who meet the following requirements are invited to apply to the Honors Program after acceptance to CIU:
- Minimum GPA of 3.75 on a 4.0 scale
- Standardized Test Score
SAT: 1280
ACT: 27
CLT: 84
There are limited spots in the Honors program, so we recommend applying soon after receiving the invitation.
Nursing Students
Declaring Nursing as a major or being accepted into the Nursing major by CIU Admissions does not ensure admission into the Nursing cohort. The requirements to apply for the Nursing cohort are:
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on 4.0 scale on all prerequisite coursework, earning a C or above in each science prerequisite. All science prerequisite courses must have been completed within the last 5 years
- 70% or higher on the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills)
- International students must have a satisfactory score on the TOEFL or IELTS exam.
TOEFL (Internet-based): 80
TOEFL (paper-based): 570
IELTS International Academic Course Type 2: 6.5 - Personal interview with the BSN Admissions Committee
- After admission into the Nursing cohort, additional requirements will apply.
Incoming freshman students may apply for priority admission into the Nursing cohort by meeting the following requirements:
- 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- 1110 on SAT (520 or higher in math) or 22 on ACT (20 or higher in math)
Master's Admission Requirements
Business & Leadership
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Official transcripts for bachelor’s degree and any master’s degree work
- Bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.0 GPA
Master of Organizational Leadership (MOL)
- Official transcripts for bachelor’s degree and any master’s degree work
- Bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.0 GPA (those with a GPA under 2.0 may be admitted on a provisional basis)
Education
Master of Arts Bible Teaching
- A GPA of 2.7 or higher
- Official transcripts for highest earned degree and any master’s degree work
- Professional reference
- Application Essay (800 words total, typed)
Master of Arts Teaching
- Official transcripts for highest earned degree and any master’s degree work
- Academic Proficiency as evidenced by passing: Official Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators report, SAT, ACT, or GRE
- Professional reference
- Application Essay (800 words total, typed)
- Minimum cumulative 2.7 GPA
Master of Education in Educational Administration
- Official transcripts for highest earned degree and any master’s degree work
- One professional reference and one general reference
- Minimum cumulative 2.7 GPA
Master of Education in Instruction & Learning
- Official transcripts for highest earned degree and any master’s degree work
- One professional reference and one general reference
- Minimum cumulative 2.7 GPA
Psychology & Counseling
Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling
- A GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Official transcripts for highest earned degree and any master’s degree work
- Resume or CV
- Professional/Professor reference
- Interview (Once admissions documents are in, instructions will be sent)
- Application Essay (800–2000 words total, typed) in response to the following items that explore your Christian experience and reasons for applying to the clinical counseling program:
- Describe your spiritual journey including:
How did you become a Christian?
What does it mean for you to be a follower of Jesus Christ?
What experiences, trials, and/or people have shaped your development?
On what do you base your faith as a Christian?
How do you understand the gospel of Jesus Christ for your salvation?
What has been your involvement in Christian service?
How do you connect with other believers? - Explain how attending the clinical counseling program at CIU will help you achieve your professional goals in the context of God’s purpose for your life?
- Self-examination is an important part of the preparation for mental health counselors. Describe your willingness to engage in this process and offer an example to support your readiness
- Describe your spiritual journey including:
Seminary & Missions
Master of Arts (Bible Exposition, Care & Counseling, Chaplaincy, Global Migration, Intercultural Studies, Ministry Studies, Muslim-Christian Relations, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, or Theological Studies)
- A GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Official transcript(s) for completed bachelor’s degree(s). If you have not completed an undergraduate bachelor’s degree, you can still potentially apply for admission in accordance with CIU’s Non-Baccalaureate Policy.
- Official transcript(s) for any graduate-level coursework. If you have attended a school outside of the United States, you must have your transcripts validated through World Education Services.
- Essay (approximately 800 words)
- Church leader reference
Master of Divinity
- A GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Official transcript(s) for completed bachelor’s degree(s). If you have not completed an undergraduate bachelor’s degree, you can still potentially apply for admission in accordance with CIU’s Non-Baccalaureate Policy.
- Official transcript(s) for any graduate-level coursework. If you have attended a school outside of the United States, you must have your transcripts validated through World Education Services.
- Essay (approximately 800 words)
- Church leader reference
Competency-Based Theological Education
Master of Arts in Ministry Studies
- A GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Official transcript(s) for completed bachelor’s degree(s). If you have not completed an undergraduate bachelor’s degree, you can still potentially apply for admission in accordance with CIU’s Non-Baccalaureate Policy.
- Official transcript(s) for any graduate-level coursework. If you have attended a school outside of the United States, you must have your transcripts validated through World Education Services.
- Essay (approximately 800 words)
- Church leader reference
Master of Divinity in Ministry Studies
- A GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Official transcript(s) for completed bachelor’s degree(s). If you have not completed an undergraduate bachelor’s degree, you can still potentially apply for admission in accordance with CIU’s Non-Baccalaureate Policy.
- Official transcript(s) for any graduate-level coursework. If you have attended a school outside of the United States, you must have your transcripts validated through World Education Services.
- Essay (approximately 800 words)
- Church leader reference
International Students
- Submitted test scores for one of the following standardized tests for the English language:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (minimum score of 79)
- DuoLingo (minimum score of 105)
- IELTS Online Test (minimum score of 6 for undergraduate students and 6.5 for graduate students)
- Completed educational background form (provided after application submission)
- Financial certification of funds form (provided after application submission)
Doctoral Admission Requirements
Business & Leadership
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
- Official transcripts for highest earned graduate degree
- A minimum 2.5 GPA for the most recent degree obtained
- Graduate Level Degree: Provide a transcript from an accredited college/university demonstrating the attainment of a graduate level degree include a Master’s in Business Administration or Master Degree in a business specialty (finance, management, accounting, etc.), or Master Degree as approved.
- Academic writing sample (Master’s thesis or graduate research paper)
- CV or Resume that demonstrates minimum 3 years of business experience at any level.
PhD in Organizational Leadership
- Minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA
- Official transcripts for highest earned graduate degree
- Academic writing sample (Master’s thesis or graduate research paper)
- CV or Resume that demonstrates 3 years of leadership experience
Education
PhD in Educational Leadership and Education Specialist
- Minimum 3.2 GPA
- Official transcripts for highest earned graduate degree and any additional graduate degree work
- Two general references
- Academic writing sample (Published article or graduate research paper)
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae
Psychology & Counseling
PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision
- Minimum cumulative 3.5 GPA
- Official transcripts from a licensure-track, 48-hour (minimum) master’s degree in counseling or a related field such as psychology or social work. Those with less than 48 hours or non-CACREP accredited degrees may have to take additional coursework as a prerequisite to admission or concurrently with their first year in the program.
- 3 references (1 Professional, 1 Academic, and 1 Church Leader)
- Resume/CV
- Essay
- Research proposal
- Have at least one year of experience in a mental health field (highly desirable).
- Master’s thesis or a major research paper (at least 10,000 words) provided from a prior degree or coordinated during the application process
- Interview with admissions committee
- Students are required to attend 3-one-week residencies each summer throughout their program of study with an optional fourth writing intensive residency the final summer of dissertation
Seminary & Missions
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
- Minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA
- Application Essay (800 words total, typed)
- Your conversion
- Your call to ministry or cross-cultural experience
- A summary of your ministry experience
- Your concept of your ministry
- Your reasons for desiring to enter the DMin program at CBS
- The anticipated impact of the program on your ministry
- A listing of your recent reading in theology/leadership/missions or ministry related areas
- A masters-level theological degree from an accredited institution (not limited to MDiv or equivalent)
- Official transcripts for highest earned graduate degree and any additional graduate degree work.
- One church leader reference
- 3 years of ministry experience
PhD in Biblical Studies
- Minimum cumulative 3.5 GPA
- Official transcripts from accredited institutions (all graduate level work)
- Completed MA, MDiv, or ThM
- Major research paper, (20–24 pages)
- Proposed research topic (1 page plus bibliography)
- Two academic references
- Interview with admissions committee
*International requirements when appropriate
PhD in Intercultural Studies
- Minimum cumulative 3.25 GPA
- Official transcripts for highest earned graduate degree and any additional graduate degree work
- One church leader reference and two academic references
- Academic writing sample (Master’s thesis or 30-40-page graduate research paper)
- Application Essay (2000 words total, typed)
- Using Scripture references, explain your understanding of God’s plan of salvation as revealed in the Bible.
- Explain how the Lord revealed Himself to you and share the circumstances of your own conversion to Christ.
- Describe relationships, circumstances, and events God has used in your life to teach you and help you grow in your faith.
- Describe your current disciplines of Bible study and prayer, both private and corporate.
- Tell us about how the Lord allows you to share your faith with others.
- What would those who know you say about your character and sense of integrity.
- Please list church related or other Christian service in which you have been involved.
- Describe your personal career or ministry goals and your understanding of God’s direction for your future, and how you believe the PhD program will assist you
PhD in Practical Theology
- Minimum cumulative 3.5 GPA
- Official transcripts from accredited institutions (all graduate level work)
- Completed MA, MDiv, or ThM
- Major research paper, (20–24 pages)
- Proposed research topic (1 page plus bibliography)
- Transcript evidence of having completed four semesters of Greek and/or Hebrew (in any combination)
- Two academic references
- Interview with admissions committee
- *International requirements when appropriate
PhD in Theological Studies
- Minimum cumulative 3.5 GPA
- Official transcripts from accredited institutions (all graduate level work)
- Completed MA, MDiv, or ThM
- Major research paper, (20–24 pages)
- Proposed research topic (1 page plus bibliography)
- Transcript evidence of having completed four semesters of Greek and/or Hebrew (in any combination)
- Two academic references
- Interview with admissions committee
*International requirements when appropriate
International Students
- Submitted test scores for one of the following standardized tests for the English language:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (minimum score of 79)
- DuoLingo (minimum score of 105)
- IELTS Online Test (minimum score of 6 for undergraduate students and 6.5 for graduate students)
- Completed educational background form (provided after application submission)
- Financial certification of funds form (provided after application submission)
Questions?
Contact us at (803) 807-5024 or admissions@ciu.edu
