Columbia International University offers psychology and counseling programs at the associate through doctoral level, including a BS in Psychology and a CACREP-accredited MA in Clinical Counseling. CIU holds regional accreditation from SACSCOC and ABHE, and is a non-denominational evangelical Christian university located in Columbia, South Carolina.
Founded in Columbia, South Carolina, in 1923, CIU started as a training school for missionaries and Christian leaders. It now offers psychology and counseling programs from the two-year associate level through a doctoral program in counselor education, with faith integration built into the curriculum at every level.
Accreditation Details
CIU holds regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which covers all degree levels from associate through doctoral. The Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) also accredits the university at all levels.
The MA in Clinical Counseling carries CACREP accreditation for clinical mental health counseling. The MA and MDiv in Pastoral Care & Counseling are accredited through the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) via Columbia Biblical Seminary.
For more on evaluating accreditation standards in faith-based programs, see our guide on finding an accredited Christian clinical psychology degree program.
Application Requirements
The following requirements apply to the MA in Clinical Counseling. Requirements for other programs vary — see CIU’s admissions page for program-specific details.
- Bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Official undergraduate transcript and any master’s degree work
- Resume or CV
- One professional or professor reference
- Application essay (800–2,000 words) addressing Christian faith experience, professional goals in the context of calling, and readiness for self-examination
- Interview (scheduled after admissions documents are received)
Tuition and Financial Aid
CIU’s 2026–2027 per-credit-hour rates for psychology and counseling programs are listed below. A student service fee applies each semester: $500 for six or more credit hours, or $250 for fewer than six. Federal financial aid is available to eligible students through Direct Loans.
- AA/BS in Psychology or Human Services: $445 per credit hour
- MA in Clinical Counseling: $625 per credit hour (60 credit hours total)
- MA in Pastoral Care & Counseling: $550 per credit hour
- MDiv in Pastoral Care & Counseling: $550 per credit hour
- PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision: $625 per credit hour
Psychology Programs at Columbia International University
CIU’s psychology and counseling programs span four degree levels. Undergraduate programs build foundational knowledge in psychology and human services. Graduate programs focus on clinical practice and spiritual integration, with the MA in Clinical Counseling designed for students pursuing licensure as professional counselors in their state.
Associate Programs
CIU offers two associate-level options: an AA in Psychology and an AA in Human Services, both at $445 per credit hour. These two-year programs introduce students to psychological theory, human behavior, and foundational counseling concepts within a Christian liberal arts framework. They’re designed for students who plan to continue into a bachelor’s program.
Bachelor Programs
At the undergraduate level, CIU offers a BS in Psychology and a BS in Human Services, both at $445 per credit hour. The BS in Psychology covers psychological theory, research methods, and human development. Both programs integrate a biblical worldview throughout the curriculum and prepare students for graduate study or entry-level roles in human services, ministry, or community-based work.
Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling
CIU’s flagship graduate program for students pursuing professional licensure. The MA in Clinical Counseling is CACREP-accredited for clinical mental health counseling and covers counseling theory, assessment, diagnosis, trauma-informed care, and multicultural counseling. It requires 60 credit hours and includes supervised clinical placements in community agencies or private practices. The program is available on campus or fully online, with students able to choose their format each semester rather than being locked into one delivery mode. Tuition is $625 per credit hour. If you’re weighing clinical mental health counseling against other graduate tracks, our overview of what counseling psychology involves covers the distinction.
MA and MDiv in Pastoral Care & Counseling
These seminary-based programs are offered through Columbia Biblical Seminary for students pursuing ministry and pastoral counseling roles rather than clinical licensure. Both are accredited through ATS. The MA and MDiv integrate theological and counseling frameworks, preparing graduates for church, chaplaincy, and pastoral settings. Tuition is $550 per credit hour for both programs.
PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision
CIU’s doctoral program prepares graduates for counselor education, clinical supervision, and advanced practice. The PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision is offered through CIU’s Seminary & School of Counseling at $625 per credit hour and is designed for students who have completed a master’s in counseling and want to move into academia, supervision, or leadership roles in the mental health field.
Use the tool below to compare accredited psychology and counseling programs, review application requirements, and connect with schools that fit your goals.