Intercultural Studies, M.A.

Program Description

The M.A. in Intercultural Studies is designed to equip students both for careers in cross-cultural or multicultural environments and for ministries associated with spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ in cultures other than one's own. At the end of the program, graduates should be able to do the following:

1. Demonstrate their capacity to live and work in environments or cultures different than their own;
2. Articulate a cross-cultural or international perspective with respect to their professional training (e.g., in teaching, medicine, business, or development);
3. Produce written studies and reports manifesting their familiarity with the analytical and research tools available (particularly in the social sciences) and demonstrate their abilities to assess and adapt their objectives and activities to the cultural realities of their working environments;
4. Communicate a clear understanding of the dynamic nature of the gospel, the spiritual and cultural traits of a growing church, the deeply intertwined relationship between the gospel and culture in which God's self-revelation was given in culture, how it is now communicated across cultures, and how it is being faithfully lived out in appropriate contextualized acts of allegiance to the God of creation; and
5. Manifest godliness of character, personal standards of integrity and morality, concern for human rights and justice, and a passion for the reconciliation of humanity with their Creator.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies, students will be able to:

1. Articulate principles for successful living and working in diverse environments and cultures (ULO 1 and 2).
2. Express an understanding of an international perspective on their experience in mono-cultural training (e.g. teaching, medicine, business) (ULO 1).
3. Demonstrate proficiency in research skills and writing that includes assessment and adaptation to specific cultural contexts (ULO 1).
4. Describe the dynamic nature of the Gospel, the growing church, and how it is contextualized and communicated across cultures (ULO 1 and 3).

Each Program Learning Outcome (PLO) listed above references at least one of the University Learning Outcomes (ULO 1, 2, 3), which may be found in the General Information section of this catalog.

Graduation Requirements

1. Complete the required courses listed below.
2. Successfully pass a comprehensive examination over coursework.
3. Maintain a 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale.
4. Meet with department advisor and a Graduate Graduation Counselor in the Office of the Registrar one year prior to graduation to declare intent to graduate. (See the Graduate Graduation Application section.)

Program Description

The M.A. in Intercultural Studies is a 39-credit program. For the qualified applicant with extensive undergraduate work in intercultural studies/missions, it may be reduced to a minimum of 30 credits.

Curriculum Requirements

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Students may choose a combination of electives that is most suitable for their career goals.