Curious About Columbia?
If you're looking for more info, look no further! Our Admissions Team is happy to answer any questions you have.
1-Year Programs
Certificates and gap-year programs are a great place to start finding your way. Some of our certificates can be applied toward future studies if you decide later that you want to continue studying at Columbia!
2-Year Programs
Many of our diplomas can also be applied toward our 4-year degree programs if you’re not sure about the 4-year commitment yet.
4-Year Programs
Choose from Biblical Studies, Psychology, Leadership and Business, and Church Ministry with a variety of majors and minors depending on your interests.
“I had previously started a BA in Psychology and wanted to continue studying in this field with the influence of Christian instructors. I have appreciated the focus on counselling because it is unique for an undergrad program. Something else I’ve appreciated is that every psychology instructor I’ve had here has practical experience in applying their skills in counselling practices and are willing to share these experiences (within the confines of confidentiality of course) for the benefit and learning of their students.”
—William B, Psychology Program
“I came into Columbia as someone who lacked conviction and didn’t even really know where I was headed in life- or why. At the same time, I desperately wanted to appear like I had it “all together”, so I often kept others at arms-length. The greatest growth I have experienced is in the fact that I now have a very solid sense of purpose, and I no longer live in a mindset of having to solve every problem by myself. This capacity to accept help and guidance has also allowed me to experience a greater sense of connection in my relationships, and to be more vulnerable. By God’s grace I was nudged out of my comfort zone and drawn into classes, roles, and relationships that allowed me to grow. Of course, I’ve had failures along the way, but there was always support to get back up and keep at it. It has truly reshaped how I see myself and others.”
—Donnel S, Psychology Program
So Many Possibilities
Sometimes we need a little inspiration to start heading in the right direction.
It’s not always easy to imagine the future. Where will you go? What will you do? What’s even possible?
Columbia’s grads have been where you are right now. They know what it’s like to work through big questions and step into God’s dreams for their lives. It’s amazing to see the kingdom-focused, world-impacting vocations our alumni are pursuing today – in a huge variety of roles, organizations, and places. We gathered some of their stories and insights to give you a little inspiration.
What story will you share one day?
Alumni Stories
“I believe God designed us to heal and to thrive. That doesn’t mean we don’t have limitations or stuck points. I believe God made us with the resources within to be connected to who we are at our core – who we are as made in his image. But stuff gets in our way. I love to help people discover healing. That’s the best part of my job. Seeing people who come into my room pretty hopeless discover there’s hope.”
—Danielle, BA Caregiving & Counselling 2004 | Founder & Counsellor, Re.Pose Therapy
“I am part of a small team responsible for the spiritual care of our staff and clients. Some days I may be talking to someone who has relapsed for the fifth time and is about to give up hope; another day I might be celebrating with someone as they make it to one year clean and sober; another day I might be working through the book of Mark with a new Christian, helping him see Jesus with new eyes.”
—Jordan, BA Intercultural Studies 2012 | Chaplain, Harbour Light Addictions & Recovery Centre
“Being a camp director allows me to be intentional with our staff and campers as we spend at least a week together in the middle of Creation, building community and sharing about Jesus. This job brings me so much joy as I watch Jesus work in the lives of kids who are so broken, lonely and scared. I see him speak to them, I see them love the Word of God and I see them feel safe.”
—Kate, BA Intercultural Studies 2015 | Director, Camp Likely
Learn More About Our Programs
1-Year Programs
QUEST
Adventure. That’s what you’re signing up for when you apply to gap year programs like QUEST. This is adventure with the potential to change your life. You in?
Columbia One
Columbia One gives you the freedom to pursue your interests. With nine credits of elective room, plus one Bible elective, you have options!
Emergency Rescue Technician
You’re not the type to shy away when people need help. You like to dive in, get your hands dirty, and make a difference. Our one-of-a-kind ERT certificate program is the perfect fit for you.
Educational Assistant
Begin a fulfilling career empowering the next generation of learners with our Educational Assistant certificate program: blending theory and hands-on experience, our graduates emerge ready to excel as EAs in private schools and select public-school districts.
2-Year Programs
Biblical Studies
Uncover profound truths and deepen your faith journey as a Biblical Studies student. Engage in rich discussions, explore diverse perspectives, and develop vital skills for interpreting scripture and applying its timeless wisdom to your life and community.
Psychology
Columbia’s Psychology degree program equips students with knowledge and skills foundational to helping others. Integrate Bible, theology, psychology, counselling skills, and practical ministry courses within a Christian view of persons.
Leadership and Business
Unlock your leadership potential with Leadership and Business at Columbia. Tailored by industry experts, our program blends biblical wisdom with practical skills, empowering you to lead with integrity and confidence in today’s global landscape.
Practical Theology
In the Diploma of Practical Theology, you’ll have the opportunity not only to deepen your Christian faith as you study the Bible, but also to explore a fascinating mix of academic disciplines.
Outdoor Leadership
Experience adventure and transformation with our Outdoor Leadership program. Our hands-on training equips you for success in the adventure tourism industry while fostering Christian ministry and leadership.
Worship Arts
Columbia’s Worship Arts diploma program equips students with the foundational theological, pastoral, and artistic skills required to lead the local church in Bible-centered, transformational worship.
Youth Work
Columbia’s Youth Work diploma program is for students interested in exploring the pastoral heart of youth ministry, develop capacities for leading and shepherding ministry programs, consider their character as a ministry leader, and survey the cultural landscape that emerging generations are growing up in.
4-Year Programs
Biblical Studies
Uncover profound truths and deepen your faith journey as a Biblical Studies student. Engage in rich discussions, explore diverse perspectives, and develop vital skills for interpreting scripture and applying its timeless wisdom to your life and community.
Psychology
Columbia’s Psychology degree program equips students with knowledge and skills foundational to helping others. Integrate Bible, theology, psychology, counselling skills, and practical ministry courses within a Christian view of persons.
Leadership and Business
Unlock your leadership potential with Leadership and Business at Columbia. Tailored by industry experts, our program blends biblical wisdom with practical skills, empowering you to lead with integrity and confidence in today’s global landscape.
Church Ministry
The Church Ministry degree program is for students exploring a call to ministry and/or leadership within the local church. Students will develop a Christ-centered identity and will grow in both clarity and confidence regarding the unique contribution they can make as ministers and leaders.
Why Columbia
Be Known. Make a Difference.
As one of the top Christian colleges in Canada, Columbia has an amazing team of instructors who will challenge you, help you learn and grow in your faith, and equip you for the path ahead. Instructors at Columbia are accessible and become valued conversation partners for students seeking to follow Jesus wholeheartedly.
Known for authentic community, where each student can be deeply known by others, Columbia provides new opportunities to grow and be nurtured together each day. Whether in residence or commuting, our campus is built to connect students with each other.
We are here to help you discover that you are known, loved and called by God. If you want to be part of something bigger than yourself and equipped to make a real difference in the world, Columbia Bible College is the place for you.
Accreditation
Association for Biblical Higher Education
Columbia Bible College is accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) Commission on Accreditation (5850 T. G. Lee Blvd., Ste. 130, Orlando, FL 32822, 407.207.0808) to grant certificates and degrees at the Associate and Baccalaureate levels. Columbia has been accredited with the ABHE since 1991. For more information, visit the ABHE website.
Private Training Institutions Branch
Columbia Bible College has held designated certification, which means accredited status, for nearly 10 years with the Private Training Institutions Branch of the Ministry of Advanced Education in the Province of British Columbia. The Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) succeeded the Private Career Training Institutions Agency (PCTIA) as the regulatory agency for private training institutions. For more information visit the PTIB Website.
Columbia is also a member of the following associations:
- Association of Christian Librarians
- Association of Christians in Student Development
- Association of Christian Service Personnel
- British Columbia Camping Association
- Canadian Association of Christians in Student Development
- Canadian Collegiate Athletics Association (CCAA)
- Christian Camping International
- Christian Higher Education Canada
- North American Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals
- Pacific Western Athletics Association (PACWEST)
Columbia has also been approved as a designated institution for the purposes of the Canada Student Loan Plan and for financial aid through most provincial Departments of Education. The U.S. address for financial aid is U.S. Department of Education, Office of Post Secondary Education, Washington, D.C. 20202.
Columbia Bible College Act
On June 26, 1987, the B.C. Legislative Assembly passed the Columbia Bible College Act, giving Columbia the right to grant theological degrees.
What Employers Are Saying
“In my experience, Columbia grads show great resourcefulness, tenacity, deep empathy, mindfulness of their environment, putting others first. I’ve watched people go through great crisis in their lives. Of the people I’ve observed, Columbia grads seem to be more prepared to cope with the realities of life than others. There’s a Christ-centredness that’s thoroughly trained and disciplined in them, so that when bad things happen, they act and react based on the training. Those who not only cope but also excel out of hard situations are graduates of Columbia.”
—Gerry Wiebe, President, Wiebe Industrial Services
“A business can spend a lifetime looking for people who exemplify servant leadership, and Lepp Farm Market is privileged to have not one, but two outstanding Columbia graduates as leaders in our company. Both men consistently live out the leadership standards Jesus calls us to, both in how they treat their team as well as how they represent our business to customers and suppliers. Their positive outlook on life makes them the kind of leaders that their teams respectfully and eagerly follow and benefits our entire company. We are grateful to CBC for the solid Biblical teaching and mentoring that equips men such as Dan and Brent to go out into the world and live out the teachings of Jesus.”
—Rob & Char Lepp, Lepp Farm Market, Abbotsford