Intercultural Studies at JBU
Intercultural Studies gives you a global perspective.
JBU facilitates your growth.
In the intercultural studies major, you will learn the value of being a global Christian and appreciate various dimensions of culture. At JBU you will have the opportunity to experience a diverse community on-campus and in the surrounding Siloam Springs and Northwest Arkansas area. You can choose between three concentrations in which you will practice humility in preparation for your career.
Choose one of three emphases:
Community Development
The Community Development emphasis offers students both on-campus and off-campus tracks. In the on-campus track, students take classes in the Principles and Philosophies of Community Development, Poverty & Welfare in American History, and Family Law and Society. In the off-campus track, students have the opportunity to spend four weeks in May at the Institute for Biblical Community Development, learning about Appropriate Technology for community development in a very hands on, experiential way.
Intercultural Ministries
The Intercultural Ministries emphasis is for those who want to go into global missions or minister among those of different cultural backgrounds. In this emphasis students choose 3 of the following five classes: Discipleship & Evangelism, Intercultural Leadership Skills, Community Development, Human Formation and Ministry, and Preaching & Teaching.
International Studies
The International Studies emphasis is for those considering work in journalism, embassies, or other international environments. In this emphasis students choose 3 of the following five classes: Intercultural Leadership Skills, 20th Century World History, International Relations, The Modern Middle East, and African Civilization since 1850.
What to expect as an Intercultural Studies student at JBU
Engage the World
Experience other cultures first-hand through the cultural diversity in our own community, including Hmong, Hispanic, Somali, and refugees from numerous locations. In addition, internships, as well as semester, summer, and spring break trips to Jordan, Guatemala, Uganda, Lithuania, Costa Rica, South Korea, Ecuador, Ireland, and many more places give opportunities for intercultural engagement.
Expand Your Worldview
Understand how your story connects with God's story for the nations. Learn to approach and engage other cultures with an inquisitive and humble attitude. Learn how to decenter your own worldview and see the world through the eyes of others.
Conduct Original Research
Conduct a senior qualitative research project of your own design. After learning about research methods and conducting a review of the relevant academic literature, collect data from research participants about their meanings, experiences, and perceptions relating to your topic. Finally, analyze your findings and tease out implications, before presenting your conclusions.
Experience Community
Be part of a cohort of classmates who are all passionate about the world's peoples and cultures. Participate in a variety of community events, such as the ICS Christmas Party, the Bible Division Retreat, the Intercultural Film Festival, and the graduation/towel ceremony.
Double Major
Combine the cultural knowledge and relational skills learned in Intercultural Studies with another major, such as Spanish, Family & Human Services, Photography, Biology, English, Psychology, History, or many others. ICS requires a minor, but we encourage (and enable) double majoring as a way to broaden your impact.
Alumni Profile

Liz Meyer '18
Following my studies at JBU, I worked for an international nonprofit in Myanmar that operated development programs in health, counter-trafficking, clean water, and livelihoods. I spent my time collecting stories, designing donor communication materials, and writing grants. The courses throughout the ICS program equipped me with the skills to not only work and communicate in a cross-cultural setting, but to capture and share people’s stories in a culturally-sensitive, dignifying way. My growing interest in the field has led me to pursue a Master’s degree in International Community Development, which will equip me to manage cross-cultural programs. My vision, which began in the ICS program, is to see communities around the globe partnering together to address spiritual and physical poverty in ways that echo the coming Kingdom of God.
What could you do with an Intercultural Studies degree?
Community Development Worker
Community Development workers focus on how to help specific communities improve in certain areas. Workers may be involved in agricultural development and water purifying techniques for rural communities, and they may be a church staff member responsible for fostering local community.
Missionary
ICS equips students to effectively engage in the world for Jesus Christ. Overseas ministry involves living and working with individuals from a culture different from one's own. ICS teaches you how to humbly engage with and learn from those of other cultures as you minister to them.
Cultural Anthropologist
Cultural Anthropologists study, research, and write about culture. Anthropologists are interested in how people create culture, the role culture plays in the human experience, and the specific aspects of various cultures. ICS lays the groundwork for further studied in cultural anthropology by introducing students to various aspects of cultural engagement, qualitative research, and anthropological theory.
Qualitative Researcher
Intercultural Studies encourages an investigative mindset through practicing qualitative research. Senior ICS majors conduct a qualitative research project of their own design, learning the aspects and practical implications of qualitative research. Qualitative research focuses on find the meaning and motivations of people through stories, interview, and archival research.
Workplace Ministry
ICS equips students to engage with other cultures and individuals no matter what field you work in. As Christians, it is important for us to learn to minister to others in a way that humbly engages them in an outward-focused manner.
Meet the Intercultural Studies Faculty

