Department of Intercultural Studies

The Department of Intercultural Studies seeks to: 1) articulate the importance of the Great Commission mandate to make disciples of all nations; 2) expose students to various cultures for the purpose of developing a caring sensitivity for all people; 3) integrate knowledge and skills across a missiological framework of theology, history, culture, and strategy to develop effective missions paradigms in diverse settings; and 4) equip students with the skills to enter, understand, work, and minister in a cross-cultural context.

The department offers a degree and a minor in Intercultural Studies. The Intercultural Studies degree is offered as a Bachelor of Arts and as a Bachelor of Science. Both degree options require 120 credit hours and a minor or a second major in business, communication, or another area of study that prepares graduates to be culturally competent marketplace professionals and missionaries in an increasingly multi-cultural world.

Also, jointly offered with the School of Business is the Bachelor of Science in Business in Cross-Cultural Business Management. The degree, which is conferred by the School of Business, combines courses in business and intercultural studies to meet the need for entrepreneurial mission work. Students will be equipped with the necessary business skills to enter the private sector as well as with the theological, missiological, and cultural knowledge necessary to be a career missionary. Students interested in pursuing this degree can find the requirements in the School of Business section in this catalog.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program of study, graduates will be able to:

demonstrate the ability to employ critical research and writing methods common to the disciplines of biblical hermeneutics;
demonstrate proficiency in defining important theological terms;
demonstrate ministry competency through class projects and internships;
engage with various cultures through national and international study and mission opportunities; and
demonstrate measured growth in emotional, cultural, and spiritual competencies, which will be used to prepare students for their internship.

Programs

Major

Minor

Intercultural Studies Minor (15 hrs)

Special Program

Arabic Language Initiative (12 hrs)