MA in

Intercultural Studies

Communicate Effectively Cross-Culturally

Earn your MA in Intercultural Studies in 10 months

We live in an increasingly diverse, multi-cultural world, and many of our problems often stem from cultural misunderstanding. In the MA in Intercultural Studies, you will gain skills for life, work or ministry in a rapidly changing multi-cultural world. Whether you serve in cross-cultural mission work, urban church planting, the non-profit sector, education, the military or in international business, this program will help you attain cultural intelligence. You will grasp the complexities of culture and develop skills to communicate effectively across cultures all from a gospel-centered, Christian worldview.

We welcome you to join us face-to-face on our beautiful campus in Columbia, South Carolina and complete the program in one academic year. If you can’t move to Columbia, no problem. We’ll bring the program to you in a cutting-edge, interactive online format. Each online course is 8 weeks in length and is designed to work around your schedule. You’ll study in a cohort with other students and be taught by a recognized expert in the field.

You’ll take courses in understanding cultures and worldviews, world religions, biblical theology of mission and have the option of taking specialized electives in subjects like global migration, Islam and the history of global Christianity.

Location

Campus • Online

Next Start

Campus – January 3, 2025
Online – January 13, 2025

Credit Hours

30

College

School of Missions & Intercultural Ministry

Accreditation

SACSCOC

Quick Links

Campus Program Courses
Online Program Courses
Admission Requirements
Cost & Aid

Career Opportunities

  • Cross-cultural Mission
  • Urban Church Planting
  • Local Church Ministry
  • Non-Profit Work
  • Refugee Resettlement
  • Governmental Service
  • Military Service
  • International Business
  • Education
  • Academic Careers

Wide Range of Career Opportunities

The MA in Intercultural Studies provides training for those working and serving in a rapidly changing, multi-cultural world.

Study with Seasoned Practitioners

Our faculty have served all over the world (Asia, Africa, Latin America, Europe) as missionaries, in business, in the military and in education.

Culturally Aware

CIU’s Intercultural Studies program is known around the world for preparing culturally-aware professionals.

Meet the Faculty

Course Preview

In addition to the undergraduate core and other related courses, here is a glimpse at a few of the courses you will be taking in this program.

For a full list of courses related to this program, visit the Academic Catalog at one of the options below:

ICS 5830 Biblical Theology of Mission

You will engage in a comprehensive study of the biblical foundation for missions as it relates to the church’s missionary obligation before God to the world in both word and deed. Special attention will be given to exposing you to important issues within evangelical missiology today.

ICS 6024 Understanding Cultures & Worldviews

This course will enable you to understand the worldview assumptions that are foundational to a person’s belief systems and behavior patterns. You will analyze the culture and worldview of an ethno-linguistic or socio-economic grouping of people from a biblical worldview perspective. You will also consider elements of biblical contextualization.

INT 6920 Global Internship

As a capstone experience in your degree, you will spend a minimum of 250 hours in a context of intercultural or Muslim ministry under the supervision of a qualified mentor in the field. Your location, plan for ministry, and field mentor must be approved by your advisor before registration.

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