Master of Arts 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.  
 

Why Choose Columbia International University for your MA in Intercultural Studies? 

CIU started offering what became the MA in Intercultural Studies over 80 years ago. CIU's Intercultural Studies program is known around the world for preparing culturally-aware professionals. Our graduates have worked in over 160 countries. We continue to fine-tune the program by updating and adding new courses each year, adapting to the change and developments in our multi-cultural world.

At CIU, you’ll study with professors who are scholars and seasoned practitioners. Our faculty have served all over the world (Asia, Africa, Latin America, Europe). They’ve served as missionaries, in business, in the military and in education. You’ll study with faculty who have lived and continue to live what they are teaching.

Overall Benefits of MA in Intercultural Studies at CIU

The MA in Intercultural Studies provides training for those working and serving in a rapidly changing, multi-cultural world. Graduates from this program are equipped to work and serve in various spheres including:

• Mission Service: Missionaries in cross-cultural service across the world; mission agency office support personnel; mission mobilizer.
• Urban Ministry: Church planting, youth ministry and other ministries in urban centers in North America and around the world.
• Church Ministry: Mission pastors; ethnic-outreach coordinators.
• Non-Profit Sector: Serve in faith-based and other non-profit entities in multi-cultural contexts.
• Refugee Resettlement: Serve with a refugee resettlement office or ministry.
• Governmental Service: Diplomatic positions in U.S. embassies overseas.
• Military Service: Chaplaincy in various military branches.
• Business Service: Private-sector organizations or transnational corporations, such as marketing and product development.
• Education. For public and private school teachers working in multi-cultural schools in the United States or around the world, this program serves as a great form of ongoing professional development.
• Academic Careers: Ph.D. work leading to careers in college, seminary and university-level teaching, both in the United States and abroad.