Bachelor of Science in International Community Development

Location

Curriculum

120 credit hours

Program Length

as few as 36 months

Accreditation

Regionally Accredited by SACSCOC

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

Michelle L. K. Raven

Adjunct Professor of Intercultural Studies, International Community Development, and Disaster Relief and Emergency Management

Edward L. Smither

Dean, College of Intercultural Studies, Professor of Intercultural Studies and History of Global Christianity

What Will I Study?

  • BIB 1116 Old Testament Survey

    In this course, you will become familiar with the basic contents of each book of the Old Testament and the broad historical framework of Old Testament events. You will pay special attention to key passages and prominent themes of the Old Testament. You will read the Old Testament with a view to using it for spiritual formation and discipleship.

    3.00 credit hours
  • BIB 1120 New Testament Survey

    This course is an overview of the books of the New Testament and the historical circumstances surrounding these writings. You will focus on the background, content, message, and personal application of each book in the New Testament. You will also examine the process by which the New Testament canon was formed and the New Testament was transmitted through the history of the Church.

    3.00 credit hours
  • BIB 3420 Principles of Bible Interpretation

    This course will guide you through the hermeneutical principles basic to interpreting Scripture. Many of these principles are common to language and literature, while others apply uniquely to the Bible. All of them are based on the way in which the Bible interprets itself. You will begin to lay a foundation of cognitive understanding, with an emphasis on practice in applying the principles.

    3.00 credit hours
  • BIB 3616 Romans

    Within the framework of an exegetical study, you will focus on the New Testament's most organized, thorough exposition of the Christian faith and its relation to human history and implications for Christian living. Giving special attention to the personal application of the message, you will apply principles of biblical interpretation to the study of this book.

    3.00 credit hours
  • BIB 4310 Progress of Redemption

    In this course, you will explore God's plan of redemption as it progressively unfolds in the Bible. You will trace the basic historical revelation in the Old and New Testaments to see what God is doing and by what method. You will consider the spoken revelations as you observe the progress of doctrine.

    3.00 credit hours
  • ENG 1110 Composition and Research

    This course provides you an introduction to reaching well-reasoned conclusions based upon the most credible evidence available, skills fundamental to college writing but also for life as an educated adult. You will develop your abilities with modern academic library resources as evidenced through an annotated working bibliography, among other assignments. You will spend the majority of the course drafting and revising papers which demonstrate the effective use of secondary resources.

    3.00 credit hours
  • ENG 1111 Literature and Research

    This second writing course is designed to foster an appreciation of literature, use literary texts as a platform for strengthening skills in reading, writing, and analysis, and continue to emphasize foundational skills in library research. Texts and genres (such as short fiction, poetry, and drama) will vary.

    3.00 credit hours
  • PHI 2110 Introduction to Philosophy

    In this course, you will explore some of the fundamental issues that must be addressed by anyone attempting to formulate a comprehensive understanding of things (worldview), and will examine primary texts in order to observe some of the very best thinking regarding these fundamental issues.

    3.00 credit hours
  • PHI 4140 Seminar in Ethics

    In this capstone course, you will integrate Scripture, theology, and philosophy as they relate to who we are, what we should do, and living well. You will develop a Christian framework for ethical thinking and decision-making based on the Christian understanding of human nature as bearing the Image of God. Course limited to students classified as seniors.

    3.00 credit hours
  • PSY 2110 General Psychology

    In this survey of scientific psychology, you will focus on historical roots, human development, and the physiological basis of behavior, learning, motivation, perception, emotions, personality, socialization, and pathology. You will learn how to filter psychological data through biblical principles to help produce a biblically-consistent model of human psychology which can then be used in both Christian and non-Christian environments.

    3.00 credit hours
  • MAT 1110 College Algebra

    This course covers standard college algebra such as functions and expressions, linear, quadratic and rational expressions, and financial formulas. The course will also include real numbers, equations and inequalities, linear and quadratic functions, exponential and logarithmic functions. (3)

    3.00 credit hours
  • MAT 2100 Introduction to Statistics

    This course provides an elementary overview of probability and statistics that will prepare students to conduct and interpret research in a variety of scientific fields. The content will include descriptive statistics; probability; discrete and continuous random variables; binomial, normal, and student-t distributions; methods for conducting inference, including confidence intervals and hypothesis tests; and linear correlation and regression. (3 semester hours)

    3.00 credit hours
  • PHI 2610 Introduction to Logic

    This is an introduction of the science of reasoning in both formal and informal logic, so that you can begin to accurately apply the logic/ mathematical properties of validity, satisfiability, consistency, logical truth, and logical equivalence.

    3.00 credit hours
  • HIS 1110 Introduction to World History

    This course gives an overview of the major trends in global history that have created our modern world. The course will explore the major chronology of world history, focusing on the changes, continuities, and connections between major world regions during this period focusing on Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The course will examine the cultural, technological, political, economic, religious and social transformations which shaped the societies. (3)

    3.00 credit hours
  • HIS 2310 United States History and Government

    In this survey from colonial America to the present, you will examine the enduring issues and themes of American history. While the course is structured around historical events, particular effort is made to understand the paradox of American unity through diverse social, economic, political, and cultural factors.

    3.00 credit hours
  • ART 2110 Art Appreciation

    This course introduces students to the fine arts in their various media and period styles, with the goal of developing students' understanding and experience of the role of the arts in life. An ongoing focus on the relationship between art and the Bible will encourage students to develop a theology of art.

    3.00 credit hours
  • MUS 2110 Music Appreciation

    This course will introduce the student to the place that music traditionally held as one of the seven liberal arts as an apologetic to the study and enjoyment of music. The goal of the class is to enhance critical listening skills and to develop a working vocabulary of music that is meaningful to the non-musician. The course will introduce the basic elements of music and a brief overview of the history of Western classical music, American Jazz, World, and Pop music. (3)

    3.00 credit hours
  • BIO 2113 General Biology

    In this course, you will explore the concepts of biology, emphasizing the structure, function, and cellular organization of living organisms. Following an introduction to the general nature of science, the scientific method, and the nature of biology, you will focus on cellular biology, botany, zoology, and human biology.

    3.00 credit hours
  • NTR 2110 Introduction to Nutrition

    This course is designed to provide a foundational knowledge about nutrition as health science that discusses the nutrients essential for human life. Students will begin to learn and better understand the biochemical composition, metabolic action, requirements, and food sources of the nutrients studied. Students will also learn scientific basis for promoting health and quality of life. (3)

    3.00 credit hours
  • PHE 2120 Health Science & Personal Wellness

    This course provides an introduction to health science and personal wellness concepts. You will have the opportunity to build a foundation of knowledge that will help you actively pursue a healthy and well lifestyle. An introduction to and application of the foundations of physical, aerobic, and muscular fitness will be included. Strategies to maintain personal health and wellness, including weight control through nutrients and physical activity, will be covered. You will gain an understanding of the impact physical activity has on personal wellness as well as the broad spectrum of health science issues. This course provides information and experiences that will enable you to make informed decisions by incorporating healthy solutions as they relate to quality of life and longevity.

    3.00 credit hours
  • CSL 0101 Christian Service Learning I

    Having identified a local church during your first semester experience, you will now faithfully attend that church and volunteer at least 20 clock hours of service at that church or within a ministry in the community that is approved by the CSL Director. This service must be documented and approved by the CSL Director and a record submitted to the CSL office. No credit will be given, but completion of the service hours is a graduation requirement. Lack of faithfulness in attending or participating in a local church is an issue related to Christian character; failure to demonstrate faithfulness will be addressed by the Student Life office. (0)

    0.00 credit hours
  • CSL 0201 Christian Service Learning II

    Having identified a local church during your first semester experience, you will now faithfully attend that church and volunteer at least 30 clock hours of service at that church or within a ministry in the community that is approved by the CSL Director. This service must be documented and approved by the CSL Director and a record submitted to the CSL office. No credit will be given, but completion of the service hours is a graduation requirement. Lack of faithfulness in attending or participating in a local church is an issue related to Christian character; failure to demonstrate faithfulness will be addressed by the Student Life office. (0)

    0.00 credit hours
  • CSL 0202 Christian Service Learning III

    Having identified a local church during your first semester experience, you will now faithfully attend that church and volunteer at least 30 clock hours of service at that church or within a ministry in the community that is approved by the CSL Director. This service must be documented and approved by the CSL Director and a record submitted to the CSL office. No credit will be given, but completion of the service hours is a graduation requirement. Lack of faithfulness in attending or participating in a local church is an issue related to Christian character; failure to demonstrate faithfulness will be addressed by the Student Life office. (0)

    0.00 credit hours
  • ICS 1210 Discovering the Mission of God

    This course is designed to help you develop world-Christian characteristics. You will explore the Christian's heritage in the history of the church and missions, begin to develop a scriptural perspective on the purpose of the gospel in confronting ideologies, religions and spiritual needs of the world, and discuss current strategies for identifying and reaching the lost.

    3.00 credit hours
  • MSD 1110 Encountering Spiritual Formation

    This course is designed to introduce the student to the foundational principles of spiritual formation for effective life, ministry, and vocation. The process of the student's spiritual formation includes their relationship with God, their biblical self-image, their relationship with the Body of Christ, their personal relationships, and their relationship with the world. Students are invited into a multiple-year journey of encountering spiritual formation in community. The goal of this course is to help students build a foundation for continued spiritual formation at and beyond their time at CIU.

    3.00 credit hours
  • 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
  • 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

ABHE (The Association for Biblical Higher Education)
SACSCOC (The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges)
  • 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.

 

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