CIU Overview

To Know Him and to Make Him Known

Columbia International University (CIU), founded in 1923, has a history of over 100 years. It is a prestigious private comprehensive university in the United States, located in the capital city of Columbia, South Carolina.

CIU comprises the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Computer Science and Business, the School of Intercultural Studies, and the School of Education. All programs are accredited by authoritative organizations such as SACSCOC (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges) and CHEA (Council for Higher Education Accreditation). CIU is authorized to confer bachelor’s (BA/BS), master’s (MA), and doctoral (PhD) degrees.

Columbia International University (CIU) is recognized by the Ministry of Education of China and is included in the list of “Foreign-related Regulatory Information Network of the Ministry of Education of China”.

Kepha Overview

In 2022, CIU established The Kepha Institute. The word Kepha is the Aramaic form of Cephas, which originally meant rock. We use this name in the hope that our graduates will become strong cornerstones for transforming communities. The main function of the institute is to integrate the existing international projects of the university, manage them administratively, and further optimize the development and synergy.

Our vision

Kepha Institute upholds a worldview grounded in the pursuit of truth and is dedicated to cultivating community leaders who are compassionate, socially responsible, and exceptionally talented. To fulfill this mission, we design academic programs that inspire students to innovate boldly, think critically, build strong character, acquire professional skills, and enhance their communication abilities.

Kepha Institute is committed to imparting skills in philosophy, education, business, psychology, and other disciplines in the pipeline, developing people with integrity and expertise to spread truth and build society.

Committed to making quality higher education accessible to all

  • Truth Education: Education at the levels of worldview, values, and faith, serving as the foundation for a well-rounded character.
  • Character Education: Cultivating students' noble taste in morality, aesthetics, and common sense, aiming to develop their wholesome personality.
  • Professional Education: Pursuing excellence in professional knowledge and skills, preparing students to become competitive leaders in their fields.

Message from the Provost

Dr. James E. Lanpher
Provost

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The Kepha Institute anchors on the key vision of higher education for the commoners. It is an effort of organizing high-quality educational resources to deliver them via online platforms at a cost that’s affordable to the qualified recipients. The Kepha Institute focuses especially on the developing communities around the world, providing them with professional trainings as well as moral and spiritual upbrings. We encourage our graduates to live in, to serve and to transform the communities to which they belong. With those goals in mind, the Kepha Institute offers practical majors, e.g. MA in Clinical Counseling, MBA, MA in Cybersecurity and MA in Education. The Kepha Institute prepares to offer undergraduate majors in near future, which includes Psychology, Business, Computer Science, Education and etc.

Kepha as a special term comes from John 1:42, where Jesus first met Peter, he called him Cephas. Kepha is the original Armaic form of Cephas. We assume this name with the hope that our graduates may serve as solid foundation for communal transformation.

The Kepha Institute exists as a unit of Columbia International University. All degrees conferred by Kepha bear the same value as other programs at CIU. Our degrees are accredited by SACCOC, as well as other professional accrediting agencies. Columbia International University is also an academic institute recognized by PRC Department of Education.

We cordially welcome same-minded friends around the world to partner with us. There are opennings in Adjunct Professor and Teaching Assistant positions to which you may apply.

Dean's message

Dr. Zhiqiu Xu
Dean of Kepha Institute

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The core concept of Kepha Institute is to democratize higher education by organizing high-quality educational resources on a global scale and delivering them through an online platform at affordable tuition fees for eligible students. Kepha Institute primarily serves resource-limited regions worldwide by providing solid vocational skills training and cultivating moral and community-oriented values. Students are encouraged to take root in their communities, serve them, and promote positive transformation. To achieve this mission, Kepha currently offers practical professional programs, including a Master’s in Clinical Counseling, Master of Business Administration, Cybersecurity, and a Master’s in Education. The institute is also developing undergraduate programs in Psychology, Business, Computer Science, Education, and other related fields.

The name Kepha is derived from John 1:42, where Jesus first named Peter “Cephas.” Kepha is the Aramaic form of Cephas. We chose this name with the hope that our graduates will become a solid foundation for transforming their communities. Kepha Institute is an affiliated school of Columbia International University (CIU). All degrees awarded by Kepha carry the same value and accreditation as those from CIU’s main campus, recognized by American university associations and relevant professional bodies. Columbia International University is also recognized by the Chinese Ministry of Education as an accredited overseas institution.

We warmly welcome like-minded friends from both home and abroad to join us in the teaching and development of this program. We are currently recruiting visiting professors and teaching assistants, and invite qualified individuals with expertise to apply!