Dual Degree Program
Earn two degrees while studying at CBC through our partnership with Indiana Wesleyan University
You don’t have to choose between deepening your faith or preparing for your career. Earn two bachelor’s degrees in four years — a practical theology degree from CBC and a professional degree from IWU, equipping you to thrive in your career, ministry, and life.
Two Degrees. Two Schools. One Home.
At Columbia, you’ll build a foundation for life. You’ll grow spiritually, form lifelong friendships, and discover how faith integrates with every part of life. In the classroom, you’ll be challenged to think deeply, study faithfully, and sharpen essential skills.
Through our partnership with Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU), there’s a strong bridge between faith formation and career preparation. You can graduate with two fully accredited degrees from two great schools that will open doors for career opportunities and further studies.
Christ-Centred, Learning-Focused
CBC’s core curriculum anchors you in biblically rich, practical theological foundation while equipping you with essential academic skills. You’ll study in a community that strengthens both your faith and your mind.
A Clear Path to the Marketplace
The IWU partnership provides access to a variety of professional degrees — business administration, management, marketing, and communications — taught by world-class faculty with clear pathways to careers, with the option to add more degree options in the future.
Two Degrees in the Time of One*
You’ll graduate with both a CBC BA in Practical Theology and an IWU professional degree in about four years, without prolonging your studies.
*A four-year graduation pace requires a full-time course load, careful planning to meet all requirements, and specific courses to be offered.
One Campus, One Community
Live all four years on the CBC campus. Worship, serve, build lifelong friendships, and explore opportunities like student leadership, ministry and athletics as you take advantage of the full CBC experience.
Affordable & Accessible
The partnership is designed so that you get two degrees from two schools at an affordable price* — a streamlined path that doesn’t require relocating or doubling costs.
*For on-campus students, IWU courses are offered at the same price as CBC courses during the school year. For off-campus students, there is an IWU course administrative fee.
Program Checklists
IWU partners with CBC to provide access to a variety of professional degree programs. Students may choose from any of the following bachelor degree options:
This program does not require approval by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training. As such, PTIRU did not review this program.
The Dual Degree Program in a Nutshell
Faith & Formation — Deep biblical foundation over all 4 years
Professional Degree — A strong, marketplace-oriented credential from IWU
Two Degrees, One Mission — Graduate with both a strong faith foundation and marketplace qualifications
Campus Life — Live the full CBC experience — friendships, worship, mission and athletics
Efficient & Affordable — No extra years, no relocation, one streamlined plan
Expanded Possibilities — Enables a flexible future with both ministry and marketplace skills
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for the dual degree program?
First, you apply to Columbia Bible College. Once you are enrolled at CBC, the Registrar’s Office will assist you in applying to IWU in order to access their programs. Apply here.
How are the four years structured between CBC and IWU courses?
The structure can vary, but this is a typical breakdown:
- Year 1: 100% CBC courses
- Year 2: ~75% CBC / 25% IWU
- Year 3: ~50% CBC / 50% IWU
- Year 4: ~25% CBC / 75% IWU
Are IWU courses delivered online?
Yes — all IWU classes under this partnership are delivered online in modular units (often 6-week units), with two units running per CBC semester.
Is Indiana Wesleyan University accredited?
Yes — Indiana Wesleyan University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a major US regional accreditor that is widely respected among Canadian public universities. IWU is a nationally recognized Christian university in Indiana, known for academic excellence and for integrating faith and learning to equip students for life and career. IWU has an established reputation of excellence in the area of online learning.
What professional degree options are available through IWU?
Students may choose from any of the following bachelor degree options:
Can I begin the IWU program partway through my time at CBC (after Year 1 or 2)?
Yes — existing CBC students can transition into the dual degree path. Because the load gradually shifts, the structure accommodates students who decide to join later.
Will courses I take at other colleges transfer into CBC or into the IWU degree?
Yes, though some conditions and restrictions apply. Columbia values the prior learning that students bring with them and seeks to recognize both formal and informal learning through transfer credit.
For IWU, prior coursework from accredited institutions, Bible colleges, and some non-traditional experience can be evaluated for transfer credit. Since CBC is an ABHE accredited institution, IWU will accept credits earned at CBC for transfer. We cannot guarantee that courses that have been transferred into CBC will subsequently be accepted by IWU.
Do I save time or cost by doing this dual degree?
Yes — students can earn two bachelor’s degrees from two schools without adding significant time or cost, and without relocating.
What student services or support exist for IWU/CBC students?
Students access standard support — e.g. advising, registration, tutoring, library services (online), career development, and chaplain support.
What are important traits of a student enrolling in the Dual Degree Program?
To succeed with online courses and a full course load, you will need to have strong time management skills, discipline, and the ability to work independently.
Celebrating Columbia’s First Graduate from our Dual Degree Partnership with IWU
“This program is very rewarding! I’ve come away with a diverse selection of knowledge in practical, biblical, and managerial subjects, all of which can ultimately help me succeed in my career, ministry, and life-style pursuits.”
