Degrees for Education

The Department of Education offers programs that prepare students for teacher certification in early childhood, elementary/ special education, secondary English and specialty areas in music and physical education. Programs reflect a strong liberal arts foundation in the professional preparation of students for careers in education. The diverse student population, small faculty student ratio and supportive academic environment contribute to the development of strong teacher candidates reflective of the programs’ mission and goals identified in the conceptual framework.

The Master of Education program in Curriculum and Instruction is designed for the experienced classroom teacher who desires to either elevate current skills to the level of Master Teacher or focus on acquiring the skills needed to evaluate, develop and supervise the school’s curriculum. A range of electives allows for the development of expertise in areas of interest, need or previous study. The instructional focus is on biblical and subject matter integration, differentiated instruction, critical thinking and authentic assessment.

The Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership is designed to meet your professional development needs as a Christian school leader. Birthed from CIU’s long-standing commitment to Christian school education, the Ed.D. program aims to develop you as a Christian school leader who will lead, model, think, communicate, and research with excellence. In short, you will grow in your ability to enhance God’s kingdom work in Christian schools, and to represent Christian education perspectives in the broader society.

This TEFL certificate program is designed for those already involved in Christian ministry who are interested in teaching English as an additional avenue for outreach. The five courses of the certificate provide basic teaching theory and skills and an understanding of how language works. For international students whose first language is not English, a score of 100 on the Internet-based, 250 on the computer-based or 600 or above on the paper version of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required before being admitted into the TEFL certificate program.

The Certificate provides the student with personal spiritual enrichment and foundational preparation for ministry through a basic understanding of the Scriptures, growth in godliness, and introductory exposure to ministry principles and practices.

The Certificate provides the student with personal spiritual enrichment and foundational preparation for ministry through a basic understanding of the Scriptures, growth in godliness, and introductory exposure to ministry principles and practices.

The student may earn a specialization in Intercultural Studies by taking four elective courses (12 semester hours) in this discipline.

The Certificate provides the student with personal spiritual enrichment and foundational preparation for ministry through a basic understanding of the Scriptures, growth in godliness, and introductory exposure to ministry principles and practices.

The student may earn a specialization in Ministry Studies by taking four elective courses (12 semester hours) in this discipline.

The Certificate provides the student with personal spiritual enrichment and foundational preparation for ministry through a basic understanding of the Scriptures, growth in godliness, and introductory exposure to ministry principles and practices.

The student may earn a specialization in Counseling Studies by taking four elective courses (12 semester hours) in this discipline.

The Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) minor is designed to be an asset to those who desire to minister cross-culturally, especially in creative access countries. The TEFL program at Columbia International University is unique in that it offers a great deal of practical training. The purpose of the program is to prepare students to teach English in cross-cultural settings. It lays a linguistic foundation, aids in understanding the nature of language and language learning, provides practical experience, and enables students to make wise selections concerning use of materials, methods, and procedures for effective English teaching.

The Pastoral Ministries program focuses on the “everyday” skills needed for effective church leadership. The program was designed by those who spent time in church work, who learned first hand about the heartbreak and joy that pastors experience. The Pastoral Ministries program prepares students to lead and equip the local church through biblical preaching, evangelistic outreach, pastoral care, and the administration of the total church program. In addition to their professional studies, all students at Columbia International University have a major in Bible. We want Pastoral Ministries majors who know their Bible and who are ready to face real-life church situations.