Location
On Campus
Curriculum
120 credit hours
Program Length
as few as 36 months
Accreditation
Accredited by ABHE
Prepare to Help Others Flourish with a BS in International Community Development
The Bachelor of Science in International Community Development equips students to help global communities to become sustainable and to thrive. In our present world, millions of people are affected by poverty, drought, famine and other natural and man-made disasters. Prepare yourself to help communities grow and prosper.
Following a foundation of community development studies and basic economics, students spend one semester away in a simulated developing world environment at the HEART (Hunger, Education and Resource Training) Village in Lake Wales, Florida. Areas of training include sustainable agriculture, spiritual development, small animal husbandry, food technology, appropriate technology, primary health and cross-cultural ocmmunication and community edvelopment. Students also take courses in intercultural studies in order to understand and be able to communicate in cross-cultural, global contexts.
McKenzie
Why Choose Columbia International University
At Columbia International University, the Bachelor of Science in International Community Development program provides you with the skills needed to promote sustainable communities with a Christian perspective and cultural sensitivity. With this program, you will be trained to bring relief to those who are suffering and promote human flourishing. As part of your training, you will work alongside experts who have decades of experience in International Community Development. The HEART Village in Lake Wales, Florida provides you with a simulated developing world environment where you will gain hands-on experience. You will take courses in basic and economic community development studies, as well as courses in intercultural studies, which will help you understand and communicate effectively in cross-cultural contexts. You will also have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as sustainable agriculture, small animal husbandry, food technology, appropriate technology, primary health and cross-cultural communication & community development. Through this program, you will be equipped to make a meaningful impact in the world and work towards creating flourishing communities with Christian compassion.
Overall Benefits of the degree
As a graduate of the Bachelor of Science in International Community Development, you will be equipped to make a real difference in the world. You will have a unique set of skills that will allow you to bring economic sustainability and Christian compassion to underserved communities around the world. Here are some of the career paths that you can explore with this degree:
- International missions organizations: You can work with organizations that focus on relief and development around the world. You may work in areas like water and sanitation, education, health care, or food security.
- Faith-based non-governmental organizations (NGOs): You can work with NGOs that focus on relief and development while incorporating Christian values. These organizations work towards alleviating poverty, addressing issues of social justice and building sustainable communities around the world.
- Secular NGOs: You can work with secular NGOs that are committed to community development. These organizations often work in partnership with local communities to address issues like poverty, education and health care.
- Urban churches: You can work with churches in urban areas in the United States that are committed to cultivating economic development. Your work could include community outreach programs, job training initiatives, or small business development.
With your Bachelor of Science in International Community Development, you will have the knowledge and practical experience to serve in a wide range of roles in these areas.
Featured Faculty
Edward L. Smither
Dean, School of Missions & Intercultural Ministry, Professor of Intercultural Studies and History of Global Christianity
What Will I Study?
In addition to the undergraduate core, here are degree specific-courses you can expect to take:
- ICS 3140 Cultural Anthropology
In this course, you will study cultural anthropology for the purpose of equipping followers of Christ to be competent interpreters of culture in 21st Century global contexts.
3.00 credit hours
- ICS 3300 Biblical Theology of Mission
You will engage in a comprehensive study of the biblical foundation for mission 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.
3.00 credit hours
- ICS 4110 Intercultural Internship Preparations
This course is required of Intercultural Studies majors in the semester before the ICS 4930. You will prepare for your internship spiritually, mentally, and logistically. (Approval and registration are required in advance of the internship experience.)
0.00 credit hours
- ICS 4400 Practical Skill Development in Intercultural Studies
This course is designed to offer you ministry skills experience within the discipline, providing opportunity for you as an upperclass student to gain competency and confidence within related vocations. Experiential learning requirements are defined by your program and assessed by the program faculty. A minimum of 50 clock hours of direct experience is required for a unit of credit, and advisor approval is required. Repeatable.
3.00 credit hours
- ICS 4720 Contemporary Issues in Missions
This capstone course in the ICS undergraduate program draws upon visiting speakers on various subjects related to how to effectively live, work, and serve in multicultural settings.
3.00 credit hours
- ICS 4930 Intercultural Internship
This internship is required of Intercultural Studies majors, usually following the junior year (90 hours of course work). During this internship you will integrate guided study and field experience in cross-cultural ministry under an approved program and a CIU faculty mentor. (Approval and registration are required in advance of the internship experience.)
3.00 credit hours
- MSD 1210 Foundations for Calling and Work
In this course, you will explore the biblical and theological foundations for vocation with an eye toward your own future career interests. You will reflect on your chosen major and, as you begin that degree, make a plan toward your future career placement (3).
3.00 credit hours
- BUS 3800 International Business Practices
This course will explore the international dimensions of business, including globalization, developing and implementing strategies for international settings, cross-cultural human resource management, governmental relationships and laws, and unique ethical, cultural and legal considerations in international settings. You will learn practical skills necessary to conduct business internationally. International trade, antitrust, and the impact of economic free trade zones will also be studied. (3)
3.00 credit hours
- ENG 3810 Professional Writing
This course prepares students to write and produce the wide variety of workplace related documents typically required of writers by employers. Students will be challenged to develop a crisp and concise writing style through completion of short writing assignments, reports, and research projects. (3)
3.00 credit hours
- ICD 1100 Introduction to International Community Development
In this survey course, you will develop an understanding of key issues and dilemmas encountered in the international development field. Beginning with biblical and theological foundations and the history of community development, you will also explore concepts and theories of the development field. You will further study the role of non-profits, the most urgent development issues in the non-Western world, the current dilemmas for action, and the key actors and institutions who shape the development field (3).
3.00 credit hours
- ICD 3410 Disaster Response Operations and Management
In this course, you will uncover the principles that promote effective disaster response operations and management. You will review the divergent approaches to disaster response operations (e.g., command and control vs. networking and problem solving). You will learn how to provide an effective response for the affected population and an overview of disaster response functions such as implementing the emergency operations plan, warning, evacuation, search and rescue, emergency medical care/mass casualties, mass fatalities, sheltering and mass care, donations management, damage assessment, the disaster declaration process, media relations/public information, individual and public assistance, and critical incident stress debriefing (3).
3.00 credit hours
- ICD 2310 Appropriate Technologies
During this practical course, you will be introduced to basic engineering techniques focusing on the conservation and development of resources to address human needs such as clean water, sanitation, energy, shelter, and appropriate technology to improve the quality of life in under-developed communities. Module and field work are required. Offerred through the HEART Village.
3.00 credit hours
- ICD 2320 Small Animal Husbandry
This is an applied study in the theory and practice of raising small animals for consumption and marketing in the underdeveloped world. You will explore breeding, nurturing, and management techniques for small animals including goats, poultry, rabbits, fish, and other species. Module and field work are required. Offerred through The HEART Village.
3.00 credit hours
- ICD 2330 Sustainable Agriculture
This is an applied study in the theory and practice of raising vegetables and fruits to meet human nutritional needs. You will explore the design and extension of agricultural practices that are sustainable and adaptable for small animals in a wide variety of settings. You will also design and maintain a garden plot. Module and field work are required. Offerred through The HEART Village.
3.00 credit hours
- ICD 3310 Primary Health and Nutrition Heart Village
This course deals with health and nutrition issues, practices, and education for missionaries who will be living in developing communities of the world. You will be presented with an overview of common health and nutrition issues that are typically faced in developing areas including malnutrition, tropical diseases, skin issues, child birth and first aid. Offered through the HEART Village.
3.00 credit hours
- ICD 3900 Semester Practicum Heart Inst.
This experience is designed to offer a practical intervention into community life development, spiritual formation, and applied agricultural techniques for students preparing for service in developing communities of the world. You will be expected to research, define, and produce a manageable project that can be completed within the time frame of the H.E.A.R.T. experience and be able to share the outcomes of your research and project at the end of the term. Offered through the HEART Village.
3.00 credit hours
- ICD 4110 Cross-Cultural Communication in Community Development
This course provides you with practical insights necessary for proclaiming the Gospel and functioning more effectively in a cross-cultural and community development setting. You will be introduced to a variety of Christian spiritual disciplines as they are integrated into personal and community life. Other aspects of this course include the practical application of leadership and organizational skills. Offered through the HEART Village.
3.00 credit hours
Accreditation and Accolades
- International missions organizations
- Faith-based non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
- Secular NGOs
- Urban churches
Top FAQs
- Why is international community development necessary?
-
Millions of people around the world are affected by poverty, draught, famine and the negative effects of natural and man-made disasters. Because the Bible often speaks about human flourishing and ministering to the whole person (spiritual, physical, emotional needs), community development is a Christian response to real human needs.
- Is this program offered fully on campus at CIU?
-
Following basic training in business, economics and intercultural studies, students will take one semester away at the HEART (Hunger, Education and Resource Training) Village in Lake Wales, Florida. In this simulated developing world context, students take courses in sustainable agriculture, spiritual development, small animal husbandry, food technology, appropriate technology, primary health and cross-cultural communication and community development.
- What are CIU International Community Development graduates doing with this degree?
-
Graduates work with as community development specialists with international missions organizations, faith-based non-governmental organizations (NGOs), secular NGOs and with government organizations.
- What are examples of faith-based non-governmental organizations (NGOs) focused on community development?
-
Samaritan’s Purse, World Vision, Tearfund and Food for the Hungry.
- What are examples of faith-based non-governmental organizations (NGOs) focused on community development?
-
The United Nations and the Red Cross.