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Master of Intercultural Studies
Location: Online
Credits: 45
Overview
The Master of Intercultural Studies trains students to understand cultures, religions, and social structures in order to serve effectively in cross-cultural ministry, mission, and development.
Goals
Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:
Explain biblical and theological foundations of mission.
Analyze cultural and religious contexts using social sciences.
Communicate the gospel appropriately across cultures.
Develop mission strategies sensitive to local contexts.
Work effectively on intercultural teams.
Requirements
| General core - 21 credits | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Code | Title | Credits | |
| GEN501 | Biblical Worldview | 3 | |
| GEN502 | Research Methods | 3 | |
| GEN503 | Entrepreneurial Theology | 3 | |
| GEN504 | Biblical Epistemology | 3 | |
| GEN505 | Theology, Economics and Development | 3 | |
| GEN506 | Biblical Ethics and Social Change | 3 | |
| GEN507 | Bible and Cultural Intelligence | 3 | |
| Concentration - 24 credits | |||
| Code | Title | Credits | |
| ICS601 | Theology of Mission | 3 | |
| ICS602 | Anthropology for Mission | 3 | |
| ICS603 | Cross-Cultural Communication | 3 | |
| ICS604 | Contextualization of the Gospel | 3 | |
| ICS605 | Global Religions and World Christianity | 3 | |
| ICS606 | Urban Mission and Social Transformation | 3 | |
| ICS607 | Mission Strategy and Church Planting | 3 | |
| ICS608 | Intercultural Leadership and Teamwork | 3 | |
Opportunities
Graduates of the Master of Intercultural Studies may pursue roles such as:
Cross-cultural missionary
Intercultural ministry director
NGO worker in development and relief
Trainer for intercultural competence
Mission strategist or consultant
General core - 21 Credits
GEN501 - Biblical Worldview (3 Credits)
This course introduces students to a comprehensive Christian worldview grounded in Scripture. It explores the nature of reality, human purpose, ethics, culture, and the mission of God. Students examine competing worldviews and develop the ability to interpret contemporary issues through a biblical-theological lens, strengthening their capacity for faithful Christian leadership in society.
GEN502 - Research Methods (3 Credits)
A graduate-level introduction to qualitative, quantitative, and mixed research methodologies. Students learn how to design research projects, analyze data, review scholarly literature, formulate hypotheses, and integrate theological reflection with academic inquiry. Emphasis is placed on research skills relevant to ministry, leadership, and theological scholarship.
GEN503 - Entrepreneurial Theology (3 Credits)
This course explores theological and practical foundations for innovation, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving within Christian ministry. Students examine biblical models of creativity, stewardship, and mission-shaped leadership. The course equips learners to design ministry initiatives, launch sustainable projects, and respond to emerging needs within church and society.
GEN504 - Biblical Epistemology (3 Credits)
A study of how knowledge, truth, and belief are understood within Scripture. The course examines philosophical and theological questions concerning revelation, faith, reason, certainty, and spiritual understanding. Students develop tools to think critically about how Christians know what they know and how to apply biblical truth in academic and ministry settings.
GEN505 - Theology, Economics and Development (3 Credits)
An interdisciplinary exploration of economic life from a biblical and theological perspective. Topics include stewardship, work, wealth, poverty, justice, development, public policy, and global mission. Students evaluate modern economic theories in light of Scripture and consider how Christian leaders can promote economic flourishing in their communities.
GEN506 - Biblical Ethics and Social Change (3 Credits)
A study of ethical reasoning grounded in Scripture with application to contemporary social issues. Students analyze moral philosophy, biblical ethical frameworks, justice concerns, human dignity, and the Christian’s role in promoting societal transformation. The course equips graduates to lead ethically in ministry, leadership, and public life.
GEN507 - Bible and Cultural Intelligence (3 Credits)
An examination of how Scripture informs cross-cultural engagement and Christian leadership in diverse contexts. Topics include cultural anthropology, worldview analysis, intercultural communication, and biblical perspectives on ethnicity, unity, and mission. Students develop cultural intelligence necessary for ministry in a globalized world.
Concentration - 24 Credits
ICS601 - Theology of Mission (3 Credits)
A study of biblical theology of mission from Genesis to Revelation. Students explore God’s redemptive plan, the Great Commission, and the missionary mandate of the church.
ICS602 - Anthropology for Mission (3 Credits)
An introduction to cultural anthropology with a focus on understanding cultural worldviews, social systems, rituals, and human behavior. Students learn tools for effective ministry across cultures.
ICS603 - Cross-Cultural Communication (3 Credits)
A study of communication theory applied to intercultural and multicultural contexts. Students learn strategies for overcoming language, cultural, and perceptual barriers.
ICS604 - Contextualization of the Gospel (3 Credits)
A study of how the gospel can be communicated faithfully and effectively across cultural settings. Students evaluate models of contextualization and develop frameworks for ministry in diverse environments.
ICS605 - Global Religions and World Christianity (3 Credits)
An examination of major world religions and the global expansion of Christianity. Students explore comparative theology and inter-religious engagement.
ICS606 - Urban Mission and Social Transformation (3 Credits)
A study of the complexities of urban life, including poverty, migration, multiculturalism, justice, and community transformation. Students learn holistic mission models for urban contexts.
ICS607 - Mission Strategy and Church Planting (3 Credits)
An exploration of church planting principles, missionary strategy, leadership development, and movements that lead to sustainable ministry growth.
ICS608 - Intercultural Leadership and Teamwork (3 Credits)
A study of leadership and team dynamics in international and multicultural settings. Students learn conflict resolution, cultural empathy, and collaborative mission strategies.