Columbia International University (CIU) is a Christian institution of higher education located in Columbia, South Carolina. As a biblical university, CIU is a fully accredited institution (through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools) recognized for its emphasis upon spiritual formation, biblical authority and world evangelization.

Through its expanding number of liberal arts programs and its historically strong Bible and ministry programs, CIU seeks to meet the challenges of the 21st century both in the United States and abroad by producing “professional ministers” such as pastors, and “ministering professionals” such as teachers, psychologists and business professionals.

CIU achieves this through the practice of “total life training” which engages the head, the heart, and the hands, what they call their “educational triad”:

1. Head – Strive for academic excellence with the Bible at the core of all learning;
2. Heart – Grow in maturity in Christ;
3. Hands – Practice skills related to personal and vocational goals in the community away from the classroom.