Frequently Asked Questions
Why a degree at Columbia International University?
At CIU, we believe in Total Life Training. We focus on equipping students to grow academically, spiritually, and within their own areas of ministry. In approaching education this way, CIU offers a unique experience as a biblical university: that doesn’t simply focus on academics, spiritual formation, or ministry, but that combines all three elements to help prepare students both while they are here and after they graduate.
Is financial aid available for students enrolled in online programs?
Yes, students taking online only courses may be eligible for federal and/or state aid if they are degree seeking at CIU. Students who wish to receive aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov. For degree seeking students, all online courses can qualify for Military Tuition Assistance and Veteran’s Benefits. Online only students are not eligible for institutional financial aid. For more information on financial aid, contact CIU’s Student Financial Services Office at finaid@ciu.edu or (803) 807-5036.
Can you tell me which (if any) of my previous courses will transfer?
Course credits earned at another institution may be counted toward a CIU degree. Additional policies governing transfer credit are outlined in the respective academic catalog.
How long will it take for me to complete the program?
The length of online programs at CIU depends on the individual. The programs can be completed in 1 to 5 years of study. To get a sense of the suggested timeframe for degree completion, be sure to check out the specific page related to your online program.
How do online courses work?
To access your online courses, go to courses.ciu.edu. Books and printed materials are typically used in combination with online lectures, assignments, and supplementary course materials. Most courses have micro lectures, which run about 15 minutes in length, offering you greater flexibility. Lectures typically engage audio and video, utilizing Power Points as the main video content so that you are able to visualize the materials as the professor teaches.
You will communicate with your professor and classmates using online forums, live chats, e-mail, and electronic submissions. The course is designed so that you receive course assignments, complete them by the scheduled due date, and then return them as electronic documents. Your instructor will evaluate them and provide feedback. All of your quizzes and exams will be taken online.
You should expect to spend as much time for study, as a face-to-face course. The content and rigor of the online courses offered by Columbia International University are equivalent to the on-campus version of the same course.
Will I have a scheduled time for online courses?
Your course is conducted according to a schedule outlined in your course syllabus, but there are no "live" classes to attend. Instead, lectures, coursework, and discussions all take place at your convenience, allowing you to choose when and where to work on your course. There may be times when you are asked to conduct a live chat with either a professor or classmates, but they will occur on a case-by-case basis and will always be clearly discussed in your course syllabus.
Will I need to visit campus for any part of your online program?
No! The online courses at CIU are offered 100% online and do not require you to visit the campus for orientation or commencement. Of course, we would love to meet you if you ever decide to travel our way!
Will my diploma or transcript say “online”?
No. At the end of your online studies at Columbia International University, you will receive a diploma identical to the one that on campus students recieve.
What will CIU’s online program equip me to do once I graduate?
At CIU, we educate students for the ministry, the marketplace, and the mission field. We equip students to serve as ministers and pastors in a church, as businessmen and women in the marketplace, and as missionaries in the United States and abroad. CIU’s online program will help you grow in your specific area of interest, allowing you to fulfill the purpose of CIU by impacting the nations with the message of Christ.
Where can I find important dates regarding courses and registration deadlines?
Simply click here to view this information.
