Columbia International University

Students hunched over a laptop, studying together. Backdrop: Fall trees outside the window.

About

For nearly a century, CIU has educated people from a biblical worldview to impact the nations with the message of Christ. CIU focuses on developing leaders while affirming the Bible as the foundation for all learning. We live by our motto, “To Know Him and to Make Him Known.” CIU is a multi-denominational, evangelical, coeducational, private Christian university, graduate school and seminary, all with full accreditation. Located in Columbia, South Carolina, CIU offers more than classes and degrees.

You bring us your passion. We’ll provide you the space for personal growth, academic excellence, and the avenues you need to pursue your dreams.

College or University
Columbia, SC

I chose to study the Teacher Education program at CIU because I wanted to get my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in just 5 years! Throughout my time at CIU, I have completed practicums at Ben Lippen School where I taught Bible lessons to elementary school students. I also completed practicums at two public elementary schools where I taught English, Math, and Science lessons to both 5th-grade and Kindergarten students.

Tiffany Wulff

Programs

Bachelor’s & certification

Bachelor of Science in Teacher Education Program

48 months
Program Duration
In-person
Program Format
Pre-Test Required
No

Relevant Links

Program

Program Info

The Teacher Education program focuses on equipping Christian educators to think, teach, and lead biblically in educational settings throughout the world. This approach provides a biblical foundation for a career in teaching. Graduates will think biblically about the profession of teaching as well as the nature and needs of children. They will be equipped to serve in Christian, international, public, mission, home, charter, and private schools.

Upcoming Deadlines

Deadlines
Program Start

Aug. 14, 2025
Fall

Get Deadline Reminders

Application Fee & Annual Tuition

Learn how to get$100 Back
and apply for a$1000 Scholarship

$26,700
In State Tuition
$25
Application Fee

Ways to Lower Your Costs

Students at Columbia International University have reduced the cost of their program using these methods. Check with Columbia International University to see if you can, too!

Amount

Description

$3,000-$12,000

Grants, Stipends, Scholarships

The Merit Scholarship is available to all CIU students, and is based on your GPA when you start the program. That amount will be awarded to the student all years they are at CIU (given their GPA doesn't fall below our threshold).

Certifications

Choral Music (PK-Grade 12)
Early Childhood (PK-Grade 3)
Elementary Education (Grades 2-6)

Program Semesters/Steps Overview

Year 1
Students will:

Interview with a faculty advisor concerning interest in the Teacher Education program.
Successfully complete required classes (see “Course of Study”) with a minimum of a 2.75 GPA.

Year 2
Students will:

Submit an official Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (CORE) report with prescribed minimum scores (Reading 156, Writing 158, Math 150) or a composite score of 464 or higher on the three Praxis Core subtests, with no individual subtest score more than four points below the required passing score for that subtest, or ACT or SAT scores with prescribed minimum scores (two-part SAT 1100, ACT 22). (The exam must have been taken within the last five years. Information on test sites and registration is available directly from ETS at www.ets.org. CIU code is 5116.)
Successfully complete required classes (see “Course of Study”) with a minimum of a 2.75 GPA
Submit a formal application to the Teacher Education program.

Year 3
Teacher Education candidates who have been formally admitted to the Teacher Education program must:

Successfully complete required classes (see “Course of Study”) with a minimum of a 2.75 GPA for the first semester of this junior year
Satisfy all professional classroom and field experience requirements, which include a faculty review of student dispositions and a Student Life recommendation.
Submit documentation of a negative TB test to the Director of Field Experiences prior to field experience.
One semester prior to EDU 4901 each candidate’s background must be screened and approved through a SLED check prior to participation in any field experience: (http:/www.sled.sc.gov/).
During the 2 semesters prior to Clinical Practice, which occurs in second semester-senior year, students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA with no grade lower than 2.0 (“C”) in any education (EDU) course.

Year 4
Teacher Education candidates will:

Successfully complete the field experiences requirements and required classes (see “Course of Study”) with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA, with no grade lower than a 2.0 (“C”) in any education (EDU) course, and complete milestones 2-5.
During the second semester, candidates will be in clinical practice/student teaching where they are placed full time in a local public school classroom.

Program Hallmarks

Stats

Gender

Male
Female

14%

86%

Get Started

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