Intercultural Studies Degree
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Credits
122
Course Length
16 weeks (semester)
Delivery Method
Traditional, On-Campus at Lancaster, PA
Why study Intercultural Studies at LBC | Capital?
If you have a heart for the nations, a deep love for other cultures and people, or simply feel a burden to serve internationally, consider how God might be calling you to serve Him in missions and beyond.
The God of the Bible is a missionary God. And as Christians, we’re called to go and share the gospel. But how exactly do you prepare for that type of calling? Through LBC’s intercultural studies major, you’ll learn more about God through our blend of Bible curriculum and major courses, all designed to give you a deeper understanding of what it means to be a missionary, no matter where God calls you. You’ll also get the chance to serve abroad through a range of missions trips, service projects and cross-cultural internship opportunities. Students are also strongly encouraged to earn a minor in their area of choosing to further equip them for ministry and service.
Studying intercultural studies doesn’t just prepare you to be a missionary; it’s much more than that. Through this major, students develop a heightened awareness of the distinct needs and customs of other cultures, become prepared to serve cross-culturally in a variety of settings, such as churches, schools, government programs, social services and more, and learn about the first-ever missionary: God.
Students in this major have ample opportunity to test out their skills in other cultures. The college organizes Journey Teams to give small groups of students the chance engage in service projects all over the globe. Students also get the chance to apply their classroom knowledge in the field, through internships and practicums that can be completed both nationally and internationally. Our student organization, Student Missions Fellowship, brings mission-focused students together in fellowship and prayer. The college also holds an annual Missions Conference to celebrate what God is doing around the world and to challenge the LBC community to get involved in missions both locally and globally.
So, what are you waiting for? Learn how to change the world by letting God put His love for the world on your heart!
Program Cost & Financial Aid
Admissions Process
Where LBC Students Have Interned
- International Church Planting Team
- Missions Pastor Intern
- Refugee Resettlement
- Teaching English Cross-Culturally
Can I Transfer Credits?
Yes! Read about LBC’s transfer policy.
Other Intercultural Studies Program Options
Bachelor’s + Master’s (4+1) Option
Minor – 12 credits
See bottom of this page for more information
Intercultural Studies Program Scope
Bachelor of Arts (BA) (122 Credits)
LBC Foundation Studies Courses 4 Credits
Bible & Theology Core Courses 30 Credits
Arts & Sciences Core Courses 31 Credits
Major Courses 45 Credits
Exploration Studies Courses 12 Credits
View the Academic Catalog for the complete curriculum plan, course descriptions and program details.
Schedule a Visit
Want to learn more about this major or the traditional undergraduate programs at Lancaster Bible College? Consider scheduling an in-person or virtual campus visit to see the campus and talk with our admissions counselors.
What makes this LBC Intercultural Studies program unique?
- Get practical, hands-on experience in local and global ministry settings through internships and practicums.
- Enjoy the experience of learning in cross-cultural ministry settings.
- Study under the teaching of longtime missionaries who have a passion for training the next generation of cross-cultural servant leaders.
What are career paths with an Intercultural Studies bachelor's degree?
The Intercultural Studies bachelor’s degree prepares students for a wide range of ministry and/or technical contexts. Here is a sampling of careers and opportunities this degree affords:
- Missionary
- Cross Cultural Ministries
- Nonprofit Leader
- Church Planter
- Teaching ESL Abroad
- Working with Refugees
Intercultural Studies Program Goals – In this program, students will…
- Display godly character within the pursuit of becoming a servant leader.
- Cultivate areas of individual gifting and abilities connected to relationships and cross-cultural ministry.
- Practice the interpersonal skills necessary for effective cross-cultural ministry.
- Communicate biblical truth in cross-cultural settings with creativity, accuracy, relevance and sensitivity.
- Develop multidirectional mentoring relationships to create a model for the lifelong disciple making process.
- Articulate a personal philosophy of cross-cultural ministry that addresses biblical, theoretical, practical, global and cultural concerns.
Core Courses in the Intercultural Studies Program
CML 102 Foundations of Ministry
CML 210 Fundamentals of Leadership
CML 324 Spiritual Formation of Leaders
ICS 350 ICS Internship
ICS 450 ICS Practicum
CML Elective
CML 201, CFM 202, CFM 201, PAS 220, YMN 210
THE 421 Biblical Theology of Missions
ICS 103 Relationships in Ministry
ICS 120 Discipleship/Evangelism
ICS 210 Perspectives on the World Christian Movement
ICS 331 Cross-cultural Communication
ICS 304 Drawing Near to God
ICS Electives [2]
CML 400 Cross Cultural Experience
Minoring in the Intercultural Studies Program
These are the required courses for a minor in Intercultural Studies (15 credits)
- ICS 103 Relationships in Ministry
- ICS 210 Perspectives on the World Christian Movement
- ICS/SOC 330 Cultural Anthropology
- ICS 331 Cross-Cultural Communication
- ICS 350 ICS Internship
View the Academic Catalog for details.
Bachelor + Master Options in Intercultural Studies
LBC | Capital’s unique 4+1 program provides students the opportunity to earn their undergraduate BA degree in Intercultural Studies while also pursuing a Master of Arts either in Ministry (MAM) or Biblical Studies (MABS). A student can experience all the benefits of dynamic undergraduate student life all five years while maximize your time in college and minimize the cost of your education without sacrificing the quality of your experience. Graduate-level courses taken during undergraduate studies fulfill both undergraduate elective requirements and graduate program requirements. In the 4+1 program, students are dual-enrolled in LBC and Capital Seminary & Graduate School.
A student may opt for the 4+1 track at any point up through the beginning of their junior year. Before a student is formally admitted to the track, an evaluation will be conducted by their academic advisor. The evaluation considers the student’s previous academic performance, character and ability, and the recommendation of another LBC faculty member. Students that complete the 4+1 program can start their professional career sooner with the right credentials.
Customize Your Intercultural Studies Major with a Specialization
By combining the core course plan with one of these 18-credit specializations, you can customize your course of study to better meet your educational goals.
Business As Missions Specialization
Students choosing to earn a specialization in History will take the following courses:
CML 102 Foundations of Ministry
CML 210 Fundamentals of Leadership
CML 324 Spiritual Formation of Leaders
CML 400 Cross Cultural Experience
CML 201, CML 202, CFM 201, PAS 220,
CML Elective
ICS 103 Relationships in Ministry
ICS 120 Discipleship/Evangelism
ICS 210 Perspectives on the World Christian Movement
ICS/SOC 330 Cultural Anthropology
ICS 331 Cross-cultural Communication
ICS 304 Drawing Near to God
ICS 322 Principles of Church Planting
ICS 350 ICS Internship
ICS 450 ICS Practicum
ICS 421 Biblical Theology of Missions
THE 314 Theology of Work & Wealth
YMN 201
BUS 102 Intro to Business
BUS 113 Foundations of Accounting
BUS 205 Finance
BUS 302 Marketing
Church Planting Specialization
Students choosing to earn a specialization in Global Church Planting will take the following courses:
CML 102 Foundations of Ministry
CML 210 Fundamentals of Leadership
CML 324 Spiritual Formation of Leaders
CML 201, CML 202, CFM 201, PAS 220, YMN 201
CML Elective
CML 400 Cross Cultural Experience
ICS 103 Relationships in Ministry
ICS 120 Discipleship/Evangelism
ICS 210 Perspectives on the World Christian Movement
ICS 222 Case Studies in Missions History
ICS 240/424 Wayumi OR Urban Church Planting
ICS 331 Cross-cultural Communication
ICS 304 Drawing Near to God
ICS 322 Principles of Church Planting
ICS/SOC 330 Cultural Anthropology
ICS 350 ICS Internship
ICS 340 World Religions
ICS 450 ICS Practicum
THE 421 Biblical Theology of Missions
CFM 323 Pastoral Care of Children & Family
CFS 421 Children & Family Ministry in Community
Community Development Specialization
Students choosing to earn a specialization in Community Development will take the following courses:
CML 102 Foundations of Ministry
CML 210 Fundamentals of Leadership
CML 324 Spiritual Formation of Leaders
CML 400 Cross Cultural Experience
ICS/SOC 330 Cultural Anthropology
ICS 350 ICS Internship
ICS 450 ICS Practicum
CML 201, CML 202, CFM 201, PAS 220, YMN 201
CML Elective
ICS 103 Relationships in Ministry
ICS 120 Discipleship/Evangelism
ICS 210 Perspectives on the World Christian Movement
ICS 222 Case Studies in Missions History
ICS 331 Cross-cultural Communication
ICS 304 Drawing Near to God
ICS 424 Urban Church Ministry
THE 421 Biblical Theology of Missions
SWK 102 Intro to Social Work
CRJ 101 Intro to Criminal Justice
PCN 481 Community Psychology
SWK 204 Cultural Diversity
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Specialization
Students choosing to earn a specialization in TESOL will take the following courses:
CML 102 Foundations of Ministry
CML 210 Fundamentals of Leadership
CML 324 Spiritual Formation of Leaders
CML 201, CML 202, CFM 201, YMN 201
CML 400 Cross Cultural Experience
CML Electives [2]
THE 421 Biblical Theology of Missions
ICS 103 Relationships in Ministry
ICS 120 Discipleship/Evangelism
ICS 201 Second Language Acquisition
ICS 210 Perspectives on the World Christian Movement
ICS 331 Cross-cultural Communication
ICS 304 Drawing Near to God
ICS/SOC 330 Cultural Anthropology
ICS 350 ICS Internship
ICS 450 ICS Practicum
ELT 101 Intro to TESOL
ELT 205 Teaching Speaking and Listening
ELT 305 Teaching Reading and Writing
ELT 402 Contexts & Values in TESOL