OpenFieldColumbia International University (CIU) is a private university in Columbia, South Carolina, offering accredited undergraduate, graduate, and seminary programs in clinical mental health counseling, intercultural studies, business administration, biomedical science, and disaster relief.
Accredited by SACSCOC, CACREP, and ATS, CIU integrates academic rigor with servant leadership. Its Clinical Mental Health Counseling program and Zwemer Center for Intercultural Studies attract students from over 40 nations for research in trauma counseling, global literacy, and humanitarian aid.
Undergraduate admissions require high school graduation credentials with minimum 2.0 GPA and a Christian ministry reference. Graduate programs require an earned bachelor’s degree with 2.70+ GPA, personal statement, and department interview.
Comprehensive 60-credit clinical graduate program preparing students for state licensure as Professional Counselors (LPC), with intensive training in trauma therapy, marriage counseling, and 700 hours of clinical practicum.
Advanced research doctoral degree focusing on cross-cultural anthropology, global religious dialogue, migration demographics, and indigenous educational strategies.
Online and on-campus 36-credit master program covering philanthropic financial administration, ethical enterprise management, international logistics, and strategic marketing.
Competitive annual scholarship for full-time residential undergraduate and graduate international students demonstrating extraordinary academic achievement and leadership dedication.
Applied professional degree training leaders in crisis logistics, disaster emergency response, post-conflict community rebuilding, and international humanitarian coordination.
Rigorous undergraduate curriculum in cell biology, organic chemistry, human physiology, and medical ethics preparing students for admission to medical, dental, and pharmacy colleges.
Vice President for Academic Affairs & Dean of the Faculty · Office of Academic Affairs & College of Education
Dr. Leah A. Zuidema leads academic curriculum strategy and faculty development at CIU, publishing extensively on collegiate writing instruction, critical thinking models, and academic administration.
View research profile ↗Professor of Counseling & Clinical Training Director · Seminary & School of Counseling
Dr. Stephen C. Hall supervises clinical practicum internships for CACREP graduate counselors, researching evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy integration in trauma survivor recovery.
View research profile ↗Director of the Zwemer Center for Intercultural Studies · Zwemer Center & College of Intercultural Studies
Prof. Trevor M. Castor directs interdisciplinary research on cross-cultural community engagement, training international NGO workers in respectful religious dialogue and refugee assistance.
View research profile ↗University profile compiled from official Columbia International University academic bulletins and institutional directories reviewed on 2026-10-16. OpenField is an independent research guide.