
PO Box 3122 7435 Monticello Road, Columbia, SC 29203, USA


Columbia International University was established in 1923, beginning as a small Bible institute devoted to training Christian workers. Over time, it evolved from this modest origin into a comprehensive institution offering a variety of degree programs focused on ministry, education, and leadership. The early years were marked by a commitment to providing biblically grounded education tailored for service both at home and abroad.
Throughout its history, Columbia International University expanded its academic scope by introducing undergraduate and graduate degrees, reflecting a growing emphasis on professional preparation alongside spiritual development. The institution maintained a clear vision rooted in its founding principles while adapting to changing educational needs.
Significant milestones include the establishment of graduate schools and specialized programs that enhanced its academic reputation. Despite growth and diversification, the university has continued to prioritize leadership training and practical ministry skills, aiming to equip students for effective roles in various fields. This historical trajectory shows a consistent balance between faith-based education and academic advancement.
Columbia International University offers a diverse array of faculties and departments designed to cater to students pursuing a broad spectrum of academic and professional interests. The institution emphasizes a comprehensive curriculum that integrates theological studies with liberal arts and professional disciplines, reflecting its commitment to both spiritual formation and academic excellence.
The university's academic structure includes faculties dedicated to biblical studies, theology, and ministry, which provide foundational and advanced courses for students preparing for various roles in religious and community leadership. These programs focus on scriptural knowledge, practical ministry skills, and theological understanding, aiming to equip graduates for service both locally and globally.
Beyond its core religious programs, Columbia International University houses departments in areas such as intercultural studies, education, business, psychology, and counseling. These faculties focus on equipping students with practical skills and specialized knowledge to engage effectively in diverse cultural contexts, educational environments, and organizational settings.
The department of intercultural studies, in particular, prepares students for cross-cultural missions and global engagement by offering courses that address language acquisition, cultural analysis, and missiology. The education department trains future educators with a curriculum that balances pedagogical theory and practical classroom experience.
In the fields of business and counseling, the university combines ethical foundations with contemporary professional practices. The business faculty delivers instruction on management, organizational leadership, and entrepreneurship, while the counseling department emphasizes psychological principles integrated with spiritual care.
Overall, Columbia International University's faculties and departments are structured to provide students with both a solid academic foundation and opportunities for practical application, fostering growth in both intellectual and character development.
Columbia International University is located in Columbia, South Carolina, with a mailing address at PO Box 3122 and its campus situated on 7435 Monticello Road. The city of Columbia serves as the state capital and offers various amenities that might interest prospective students. For travel convenience, the nearby Columbia Metropolitan Airport provides regional connectivity, facilitating easier access to and from the university.
Columbia International University articulates a clear commitment to equipping students with comprehensive education that integrates academic excellence and practical training. The institution's mission revolves around preparing individuals to serve effectively in various professional fields by fostering spiritual growth and intellectual development simultaneously.
Its vision emphasizes cultivating leaders who can impact communities and organizations through ethical and informed decision-making. The university seeks to blend rigorous scholarship with character formation, encouraging students to pursue lifelong learning and service-oriented careers. This approach aims to create graduates capable of addressing complex challenges with thoughtful judgment and integrity.
The educational environment at Columbia International University is designed to support this mission and vision by offering programs that blend theory with hands-on experience, reflecting an overarching goal to prepare well-rounded professionals who contribute meaningfully in their chosen vocations.
Name of the institution
Columbia International UniversityLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PrivateSetting type
City: MidsizeInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
1,000 - 4,999School type
UniversityMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
SemestersFoundation year
1923
Certificate of less than 1 year
Certificate of at least 1 year, but less than 2 years
Associate's degree
Bachelor's degree
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Master's degree
Post-master's certificate
Doctor's degree - research/scholarship
Certificate of at least 2 years, but less than 4 years
Doctor's degree - professional practice
Doctor's degree - other
Other degreeDegrees
Area Studies
Data not availableBible/Biblical Studies
$27,420Business Administration, Management and Operations
Data not availableCommunication and Media Studies
Data not availableEnglish Language and Literature, General
Data not availableHealth and Physical Education/Fitness
Data not availableHuman Services, General
Data not availableIntercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies
Data not availableInternational/Global Studies
Data not availableLiberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Data not availableMiddle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Data not availableMissions/Missionary Studies and Missiology
Data not availablePastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
Data not availablePhilosophy and Religious Studies, General
Data not availablePsychology, General
Data not availablePublic Health
Data not availableRadio, Television, and Digital Communication
Data not availableReligious Education
Data not availableReligious/Sacred Music
Data not availableTeacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
Data not availableTeaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
Data not availableTheological and Ministerial Studies
Data not available