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.