Seminary and School of Ministry

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From the Desk of the Dean…

Greetings from the faculty and staff team of the Seminary & School of Ministry (SSM). It is my privilege to provide a brief introduction to the mission and goals of our college.

As one of the colleges of CIU, we wholeheartedly embrace the purpose of educating people from a biblical worldview to impact the nations with the message of Christ, or to put it more succinctly, “to know Him” better and “to make Him known” more effectively.

In SSM we pursue our role in implementing that purpose through three divisions: the Undergraduate Ministry Division, the Clinical Counseling Division, and the Seminary Division-Columbia Biblical Seminary (CBS). Although the missions of the individual divisions are stated differently, each presupposes the same four educational components: biblical-theological knowledge, spiritual formation, practical skill development, and a Great Commission focus.

As a faculty and staff, our desire is that studying with us will transform your life while enhancing your knowledge, attitudes, and skills in four areas:

1. The biblical-theological knowledge necessary to interpret and apply the biblical text and to engage contemporary theological, ethical, and apologetic issues
2. Consistent growth toward Christ-like attitudes and behavior accompanied by a commitment to helping others grow in Christ
3. A set of practical skills necessary to serve others with cultural understanding and sensitivity
4. A Great Commission mindset toward life and work

In other words, we hope you will strengthen your ability to think biblically, grow spiritually, and minister effectively with a Great Commission focus.

The following information will give you a taste of our programs, our personnel, and our passion, but it might not tell you everything you want to know. If we can help you personally, please call us at 800.777.2227 or email us at SSM@ciu.edu so we can answer your questions or discuss your specific needs.

Yours in Christ,

David A. Croteau, Ph.D.
Dean of the Seminary & School of Ministry

A Note on SSM Program Expectations

Community expectations (evangelical or secular) do not ultimately determine the meaning of a seminary degree from the Seminary and School of Ministry (SSM). We are responsible to define our own purpose and establish our own achievement standards. All SSM graduate programs are intended to help students prepare for Christian ministry or professional roles. Criteria for granting a degree, therefore, are designed to reflect the graduate’s character and competence in both general and professional areas.

Our commitment to whole-life training designed to prepare you “to know Him and to make Him known” means that earning a degree from SSM involves more than meeting academic requirements. Graduating students also must reflect appropriate achievement of SSM educational objectives, including evidence of personal morality, positive interpersonal and family relationships, and local church involvement.

View Programs available in Columbia Biblical Seminary  (a division of the Seminary & School of Ministry). 

Programs

• Church Ministry, BS
• Pastoral Theology, BA
• Youth Ministry, Family, & Culture, BS

• Biblical Greek Minor
• Biblical Hebrew Minor
• Church Ministry Minor
• Youth Ministry, Family, and Culture Minor

• Pastoral Theology (Five Year), BA/MDiv

• Addictions Counseling, MA
• Care & Counseling, MA
• Counseling, MA

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