General Admission Requirements
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Evidence of Christian conversion and development of Christian character and freedom from habit-forming substances.
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Evidence of English proficiency (see the “International Students“ section for information about specific requirements).
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Agreement with CIU’s Doctrinal Standard.
- Undergraduate Applicants: Evidence of adequate academic preparation for college-level study (demonstrated by possessing a high school diploma or equivalent) by attaining appropriate standardized test scores and appropriate high school GPA (or college GPA if transferring) is required.
- Graduate Applicants: Evidence of adequate academic preparation for graduate-level study (demonstrated by possessing a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited institution) is required. Students must provide official transcripts showing an earned bachelor’s or master’s degree and any master’s level credit earned. Students holding a baccalaureate degree from a non-accredited institution may still be eligible for admission. See “Non-accredited Degrees” for more information.
In addition to the general requirements, individual degree programs may have specific admission requirements related to their fields.
Undergraduate Application Procedures
General Application Requirements
Applicants applying for admission as full or part-time degree seeking or non-degree seeking students must provide the following to the Admissions Office:
- Online application
- Non-refundable application fee
Freshman Students
Applicants who have not previously attended college or attempted fewer than 12 college credits post high school must provide the following to the Admissions Office:
- All general application requirements
- Official SAT, ACT, or CLT test score is required unless the applicant is 24 years of age or older or meets the criteria for a transfer or international student who completed high school outside of the United States. Super scores are evaluated to meet admission standard.
- Test Score Minimum:
- SAT: 940 (New SAT)
- ACT: 18
- CLT: 54
- Official high school transcript is required. Successful completion of General Educational Development (GED) Testing Program may be submitted in lieu of a high school transcript.
- Minimum high school grade point average (GPA):
- Official college transcripts of all coursework completed.
Final official transcripts are required prior to registering for courses.
Transfer Students
Applicants who have attempted 12 or more college credits post high school must provide the following to the Admissions Office:
Final official transcripts are required prior to registering for courses.
International Students
Applicants who are not United States citizens applying for admission as full or part-time degree seeking or non-degree seeking must provide the following to the Admissions Office:
- All general application requirements including additional Freshman or Transfer Student requirements.
- International Credential Advancement Package (ICAP) evaluation by World Education Services (WES) must be obtained for required transcripts for schools attended outside the United States. Academic records not written in English must be accompanied by a certified translation.
- Educational background form
- Official report of the score earned on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) if English is not the applicant’s first language.
- TOEFL score minimum:
- Internet-based exam: 70
- Computer-based exam: 195
- Paper-based exam: 525
- International Citizens Financial Certification form as well as a bank statement certifying the funds listed must be provided in order to validate proof of funds.
- Proof of residency for students who are living in the United States and not on an F-1 Visa.
- Following admission to the University, international students are required to submit an enrollment deposit and all necessary documentation for issuance of the student visa.
High School Concurrent Students
High school juniors and seniors may apply to enroll in lower division undergraduate courses as part of CIU’s high school concurrent program. A maximum of 24 credit hours may be earned as a high school concurrent student. Applicants applying for admission into the high school concurrent program provide the following to the Admissions Office:
- All general application requirements
- Official high school transcript
- High school seniors must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- High school juniors must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
Ben Lippen School high school juniors and seniors may apply to enroll in lower division undergraduate courses as part of CIU’s high school concurrent program. Applicants applying for admission into the high school concurrent program must provide the following to the Admissions Office:
- Online application
- Official high school transcript
- Minimum high school grade point average (GPA)
- High school seniors must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- High school juniors must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
CIU will accept Ben Lippen School students to be part of CIU’s high school concurrent program independent of their Christian testimony. It is CIU’s desire that all Ben Lippen School students who may not be Christians when they take courses at CIU, will be introduced to Him and come to accept Him as Savior.
A high school concurrent student attending CIU and seeking to enroll in CIU as a Freshman post high school provides the following to the Admissions Office:
- Official SAT, ACT, or CLT test score is required unless the applicant is an international student who completed high school outside of the United States. Super scores are evaluated to meet admission standard.
- Test Score Minimum:
- SAT: 940 (New SAT)
- ACT: 18
- CLT: 54
- Final official high school transcript is required. Successful completion of General Educational Development (GED) Testing Program may be submitted in lieu of a high school transcript.
- Minimum high school grade point average (GPA):
- Official college transcripts of all coursework completed excluding courses completed at CIU
Gap Year Students
Applicants who have taken a gap year (typically, an academic year) between secondary school and higher education to attend a specialized credit earning program provide the following to the Admissions Office:
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All general application requirements
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Official SAT, ACT, or CLT test score is required unless the applicant is an international student who completed high school outside of the United States. Super scores are evaluated to meet admission standard.
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Test Score Minimum:
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SAT: 940 (New SAT)
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ACT: 18
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CLT: 54
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Final official high school transcript.
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Official transcript if potential gap year credit earned
Previously Enrolled Students
Students must reapply and submit all program requirements if out of attendance for two consecutive regular semesters. Students who have missed only one regular semester of student contact the Registrar’s Office. Students also contact Residence Life if returning to reside in the residence halls, and the Financial Aid Office if financial aid is needed.
- Minimum GPA from most recent transcript after matriculation at the undergraduate level has occurred at CIU (unless otherwise stated within the specific program section of the catalog):
Non-Degree Seeking Students (NDSS)
Students not applying for a specific degree program may be accepted as a non-degree seeking student (NDSS). Examples include transient students, consortium students, and students seeking pre-requisites for licensure and certificates. NDSS applicants must complete the general application requirements; unofficial transcript or transient letter may be accepted as the admitting credential.
- Undergraduate applicants must hold a high school diploma or satisfy the requirements for a high school concurrent student.
Notification to Undergraduate Applicants
Once all application materials have been received, the completed application will be reviewed by admissions and the applicant notified of the admission decision. Admission decisions are made without regard to race, ethnic origin, nationality, gender, or disability. CIU reserves the right to deny or revoke the admission of any applicant whose behavior or lifestyle is inconsistent with biblical principles or with the lifestyle standards of the CIU community.
Enrollment Deposit
Applicants approved for admission submit an enrollment deposit that is applied toward tuition. Students are required to submit the enrollment deposit to secure their place within the desired start term.
Residence Hall Housing and Deposit Requirements
A $100 housing deposit is required to secure their place within the residence halls. Full-time students who are single and under 23 years old are required to live in the residence halls. Students must be 23 years of age before August 1 of the current school year to be eligible to live off campus during that school year.
Students living with immediate family within commuting distance are required to live on campus for a minimum of two semesters during their first year of attendance at CIU. This requirement also applies to dependents of CIU employees.
Required Immunizations
The University follows the CDC and American College Health Association’s recommendations regarding immunizations for college students. All incoming students are required to submit a completed immunization record and medical history form by their orientation date or move-in day. Immunization requirements must be met and on file at Health Services or a hold will be placed on the student’s registration for the next academic term.
Students may be exempt from the required immunizations on grounds of permanent medical contraindication, conflicting religious beliefs, or enrolling in online only courses.
Provisional Acceptance
Entering undergraduate students who have a deficiency in their academic qualifications may be admitted on a provisional basis. Provisional minimum:
- Test Score:
- ACT: 17
- SAT: 890 (New Test)
- CLT: 50
- GPA:
Students who do not meet the provisional minimum may be reviewed by the Admission Review Committee, where the candidate’s performance in previous education, work, or military training along with the student’s plan to be successful will be used to determine if provisional admission is appropriate.
Honors Program
Undergraduate students accepted to CIU who would like to enhance their educational experience may apply to the Honors Program. The Admissions Office will provide the Honors Program application. Minimum entering credential test score and
GPA requirements:
- SAT: 1250 (New Test), ACT: 27, CLT: 87
- 3.25 GPA on a 4.0 scale
Graduate Application Procedures
General Application Requirements
Applicants applying for admission as full or part-time degree seeking or non-degree seeking must provide the following to the Admissions Office:
- Online application
- $45 non-refundable application fee
- Application essay (if applicable to the degree program)
- Official transcript from highest earned degree and any other graduate level coursework
- Minimum GPA (unless otherwise stated within the specific program section of the catalog):
- Official test scores are based on degree program requirements and entering GPA. Refer to specific degree program for required tests and minimum test score requirement.
- Specific degree program reference forms
- Complete any additional specific degree requirements
Final official transcripts are required prior to registering for courses.
International Students
Applicants who are not United States citizens applying for admission as full or part-time degree seeking or non-degree seeking must provide the following to the Admissions Office:
- All general application requirements and specific degree program requirements
- International Credential Advancement Package (ICAP) evaluation by World Education Services (WES) for required transcripts for schools attended outside the United States must be obtained. Academic records not written in English must be accompanied by a certified translation.
- Applicants to CIU graduate programs who have graduated from aschool accredited by Asia Theological Association (ATA) may be considered as having received the equivavalent of a U.S. Bachelor or Master degree from an accredited institution, as long as the school’s accreditation with ATA is current at the time of the student’s graduation.
- Educational background form
- Official report of the score earned on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) if English is not the applicant’s first language.
- TOEFL score minimum:
- Internet-based exam: 79
- Computer-based exam: 213
- Paper-based exam: 550
- International Citizens Certification of Funds form as well as a bank statement certifying the funds listed must be provided in order to validate proof of funds.
- Proof of residency for students who are living in the United States and not on an F-1 Visa.
- Following admission to the University, international students are required to submit an enrollment deposit and all necessary documentation for issuance of the student visa.
Non-Baccalaureate Students
Students without an earned baccalaureate degree may still be considered for admission to graduate and seminary programs at Columbia International University. Requirements and availiability for non-baccalaureate students is available in the Non-Baccalaureat Admissions Policy available at www.ciu.edu/policy.
Notification to Graduate Applicants
Once all application materials have been received, the completed application will be reviewed and the applicant notified of the admission decision. Admission decisions are made without regard to race, ethnic origin, nationality, gender, or disability. CIU reserves the right to deny or revoke the admission of any applicant whose behavior or lifestyle is inconsistent with biblical principles or with the lifestyle standards of the CIU community.
Enrollment Deposit
Applicants approved for admission submit a $100 enrollment deposit that is applied toward tuition (see “International Students” for international enrollment deposit requirement) with the exception of online only students. Students are required to submit the enrollment deposit to secure their place within the desired start term.
Required Immunizations
The University follows the CDC and American College Health Association’s recommendations regarding immunizations for college students. All incoming students are required to submit a completed immunization record and medical history form by their orientation date or move-in day. Immunization requirements must be met and on file at Health Services or a hold will be placed on the student’s registration for the next academic term.
Students may be exempt from the required immunizations on grounds of permanent medical contraindication, conflicting religious beliefs, or enrolling in online only courses.
Provisional Acceptance
Entering graduate students who do not meet the minimum requirements for their desired degree program may be admitted on a provisional basis. The Admission Review Committee will review the candidate’s performance in previous education, work, or military training and determine if provisional admission is appropriate.
General Admission Policies
Official Transcript
An official transcript is a comprehensive record of academic progress, including transfer courses, credit earned by exam, and earned degrees. High school, homeschool, and college transcripts must list the following:
- Dates the student attended the institution
- Titles of courses and examinations completed
- Grades (marks) received
- Credit, hours or units earned
- any degree or diploma received
Transfer Credit
For transferable credits, see the Academic Policy section.
Previously Enrolled Students
Students must reapply and submit all program requirements if out of attendance for two consecutive regular semesters. Students who have missed only one regular semester of study contact the contact the Registrar’s Office. Students also contact Residence Life if returning to reside in the residence halls, and the Financial Aid Office if financial aid is needed.
Non-Degree Seeking Students (NDSS)
Students not applying for a specific degree program may be accepted as a non-degree seeking student (NDSS). Examples include transient students, consortium students, and students seeking prerequisites for licensures and certificates. NDSS applicants must complete the general application requirements; unofficial transcripts or transient letter may be accepted as the admitting credential.
Graduate applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree. A maximum of 12 graduate hours may be taken as a non-degree seeking student. Students taking courses for professional development beyond the 12 credits will need to sign the Waiver of Credit Hour Limitation housed in the University Registrar’s office.
Non-Accredited Degrees
The faculty and administration of CIU recognize some higher education institutions, both in the United States and around the world, have chosen to offer quality instruction and training without the benefit of accreditation by an organization approved by the United States Department of Education. Generally, students graduating with a bachelor’s degree from such institutions are not eligible for admission to graduate programs at CIU. However, in a limited number of cases, it may be determined that the academic rigor required in the bachelor’s program was sufficient to merit admission. Applicants in this category must satisfy the general admission requirements and the specific requirements for the program to which they are applying. As evidence of ability to pursue successfully an academic program, applicants must have the minimum GPA in undergraduate study required by the program to which they are applying. Applicants must accompany the Unaccredited Institution Review Form found on MyCIU with the following documents from the institution(s) where they completed their earlier study:
- An institutional catalog or other document(s) that includes the institution’s history, information on faculty credentials, the institution’s relationship to state, regional, national, or international educational agencies, the grading system, and course descriptions
- A list of accredited institutions that have accepted students for graduate work from the institution
- Syllabi from at least five classes appropriate to program preparation as selected by the applicant
Students admitted to a program based on a degree from a non-accredited institution are admitted with provisional acceptance (see the “Provisional Acceptance” section for more information).
Columbia Biblical Seminary (CBS) does not accept transfer credit from unaccredited institutions without special approval. A student may request advanced standing with credit through a proficiency examination for courses completed at an unaccredited institution. For more information regarding advanced standing, see “Competency/Proficiency Examinations” in the Academic Policy section.
Auditors
Persons desiring to audit classes may do so with the approval of the Registrar and the instructor of the course. The University reserves the right to refuse to allow an individual to register as an auditor in any course. Auditors do not take examinations or receive credit and may participate in class discussions with the approval of the instructor.
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