Why major in Intercultural Studies at CIU?
Because wherever in the world God is leading you, the Intercultural Studies (ICS) program at Columbia International University can take you there. You will be prepared to effectively serve in international and cross-cultural ministry, marketplace, or mission opportunities. Plus, the ICS professors know what they are talking about – not just from a text book – but from personal experience. They have served in a variety of capacities all over the globe; from international business development to spreading the gospel in Muslim nations. They will help you develop the skills of interpreting culture and how to relate to people cross-culturally, as you study the strategies necessary to flourish in cross-cultural settings.
Your Future
The career possibilities that come with a degree in Intercultural Studies include:
-
Government: diplomatic positions in U.S. embassies overseas
-
Military: chaplaincy
-
Church: mission pastors; ethnic outreach coordinators
-
Missions: short-term to long-term missions in any cross-cultural setting anywhere in the world; mission agency office support; mission mobilizer; Bible teacher, church planter, discipler, evangelist; Bible translator; linguist
-
Business: entry-level positions in non-governmental organizations or transnational corporations; tentmakers/business as mission or other creative-access platform overseas; marketing specialist
-
Education: international Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) instructor; K-12 TEFL teacher; cross-cultural sensitivity consultant in educational environments
-
International Community Development: entry-level positions in community development organizations
Review the catalog and course requirements.
Admissions Requirements
1. Complete the online application and pay the $25 application fee
2. Review and complete admissions requirements
Featured Faculty
Professor of Intercultural Studies
Dr. Cashin is professor of intercultural studies in the College of Intercultural Studies at CIU. Previously, he lived in Sweden, where he served as pastor of two churches.
Dean, College of Intercultural Studies, Professor of Intercultural Studies and History of Global Christianity
Ed Smither joined the Columbia International University faculty in 2012. Previously, he taught church history and intercultural studies at Liberty University (2006-2012) and spent fourteen years in
Professor of TESOL/Linguistics
Joe LeTexier joined the CIU faculty in 1996. Prior to that, he was involved in cross-cultural ministry working primarily in Zaragoza, Spain. Dr. LeTexier is fluent in Spanish and has conducted
Associate Professor of Intercultural Studies, International Community Development, and Disaster Relief and Emergency Management
Michelle L. K. Raven joined CIU in 2017 and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2020. She is a retired USAF Lieutenant Colonel (JAG Corp) and was a missionary with Christar International for five
Director, Zwemer Center for Muslim Studies
Dr. Castor and his wife, Katie, served as YWAM missionaries in South Asia before coming to CIU. He started working at the Zwemer Center for Muslim Studies in 2008. His research interests are in Muslim
