Traditional Undergraduate
Intercultural Studies
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Bachelor/Master (4+1) & Minor Available
Credits
125
Course Length
16 weeks (semester)
Delivery Method
Traditional On-Campus, Lancaster
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 preach 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 you are. 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, like in 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. And we also hold an annual Mission 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
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 Program Selections
Bachelor + Master (4+1) Option
Minor – 12 credits
See bottom of this page for more information
Bachelor's Program Scope
Intercultural Studies (125 Credits)
Bible & Theology Core 43 Credits
Arts & Sciences Core 37 Credits
Intercultural Studies Core 45 Credits
View the Academic Catalog for the complete curriculum plan, course descriptions and complete 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.
Program Distinctive - What makes this program at LBC 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 long-time missionaries who have a passion for training the next generation of cross-cultural servant leaders.
Career Paths
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
- Non-Profit Leader
- Church Planter
- Teaching ESL Abroad
- Working with Refugees
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 for an Intercultural Studies Student
CML 102 Foundations of Ministry (3)
ICS 103 Relationships in Ministry (3)
ICS 120 Discipleship/Evangelism (3)
CML 210 Fundamentals of Leadership (3)
ICS 210 Perspectives on the World Christian Movement (3)
CML 202 Teaching Skills for Adults (3)
ICS 330 Cultural Anthropology (3)
ICS 350 ICS Internship (3)
ICS 331 Cross-cultural Communication (3)
ICS 450 ICS Practicum (3)
General Electives (6)
Visit the catalog for the complete listing and descriptions.
Minoring in the Program
These are the required courses for a minor in Intercultural Studies (15 credits)
- ICS 103 Relationships in Ministry (3)
- ICS 210 Perspectives on the World Christian Movement (3)
- ICS/SOC 330 Cultural Anthropology (3)
- ICS 331 Cross-Cultural Communication (3)
- ICS 350 ICS Internship (3)
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 201 Foundations of Ministry (3)
- ICS 103 Relationships in Ministry (3)
- ICS 120 Discipleship/Evangelism (3)
- ICS 222 Case Studies in Missions History (3)
- CML 210 Fundamentals of Leadership (3)
- BUS 102 Introduction to Business (3)
- ICS 210 Perspectives on the World Christian Movement (3)
- BUS 113 Foundations of Accounting (3)
- ICS 350-BAN ICS Internship (Business as Missions) (3)
- BUS 205 Finance (3)
- ICS 331 Cross-cultural Communication (3)
- CML 202 Teaching Skills for Adults (3)
- BUS 302 Marketing (3)
- ICS 450–BAM ICS Practicum (Business as Missions) (3)
- ICS 322 Principles of Church Planting (3)
- BUS Business Elective (3)
Global Church Planting Specialization
Students choosing to earn a specialization in Global Church Planting will take the following courses:
- CML 201 Foundations of Ministry (3)
- ICS 103 Relationships in Ministry (3)
- ICS 120 Discipleship/Evangelism (3)
- ICS 222 Case Studies in Missions History (3)
- CML 210 Fundamentals of Leadership (3)
- ICS 210 Perspectives on the World Christian Movement (3)
- ICS 350 CP ICS Internship (Church Planting) (3)
- ICS 322 Principles of Church Planting (3)
- CFM 421 Children & Family Ministry in Community (3)
- ICS 331 Cross-cultural Communication (3)
- CML 202 Teaching Skills for Adults (3)
- ICS 240 Wayumi OR ICS 424 Urban Church Ministry (3)
- ICS 450 | CD ICS Practicum (Community Development) (3)
- CFM 323 Pastoral Care of Children & Family (3)
- ICS 340 World Religions (3)
Community Development Specialization
Students choosing to earn a specialization in Community Development will take the following courses:
- CML 201 Foundations of Ministry (3)
- ICS 103 Relationships in Ministry (3)
- ICS 120 Discipleship/Evangelism (3)
- SWK 102 Introduction to Social Work (3)
- ICS 222 Case Studies in Missions History (3)
- CML 210 Fundamentals of Leadership (3)
- ICS 210 Perspectives on the World Christian Movement (3)
- CRJ 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice (3)
- ICS 350-CD ICS Internship (Community Development) (3)
- PCN 481 Community Psychology (3)
- ICS 331 Cross-cultural Communication (3)
- SWK 204 Cultural Diversity (3)
- ICS 424 Urban Church Ministry (3)
- ICS 450–CD ICS Practicum (Community Development) (3)
- SWK 212 Social Work & Child Welfare (3)
- CML 202 Teaching Skills for Adults (3)
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 (3)
- ICS 103 Relationships in Ministry (3)
- ICS 120 Discipleship/Evangelism (3)
- ELT 101 Introduction to TESOL (3)
- ICS 201 Second Language Acquisition (3)
- CML 210 Fundamentals of Leadership (3)
- ELT 205 Teaching Speaking & Listening (3)
- ICS 210 Perspectives on the World Christian Movement (3)
- ELT 305 Teaching Reading & Writing (3)
- ICS 350-TESOL ICS Internship (TESOL) (3)
- ICS 331 Cross-cultural Communication (3)
- LAN 380 Grammar for Language Teachers (3)
- ELT 402 Contexts & Values in TESOL (3)
- ICS 450-TESOL ICS Practicum (TESOL) (3)