B.S. in Intercultural Studies
Program Overview
Intercultural Studies Program Overview. SPS offers its Intercultural Studies Major completely online. This program helps men and women increase their understanding of Scripture, develop practical skills for various cross-cultural ministries, and/or pursue graduate studies in the field. Typically, about three-quarters of ministry students are already involved in volunteer or vocational ministry, including intercultural ministry. They come to Hope International University to deepen their theological roots, strengthen their relationship with the Lord, and develop their ministry gifts.
SPS has firmly grounded its Intercultural Studies Major in God’s
ongoing effort to draw all nations to Himself. This divine mission
gives purpose and guidance to every ministry we perform, whether
in the location where our faith first matured or in service to peoples
who have never heard the gospel. In the 21st century, increased
mobility brings people groups into close proximity with believers in
community, creating many opportunities for cross-cultural mission
work. The Intercultural Studies Major equips students to think and
act in ways that encourage those around them to explore their
relationship with their Creator. It prepares students to establish faith
communities sensitive to God’s presence in their lives.
Program Purpose & Goals
Effective Christian ministry takes place when God brings a culturally relevant, life-changing message to the community through His actions and those of His people. This program equips students for vocational mission work, throughout the world, that is appropriate for the cultural and cross-cultural contexts in which the Lord places them.
Goal 1: Help adult students develop knowledge of God through His Word.
Goal 2: Help adult students develop professional abilities for intercultural ministry.
Goal 3: Help adult students develop a Christ-like character in relationship with God and others.
Program Requirements
To earn the Bachelor of Science degree with an Intercultural Studies Major, students must complete the following degree components:
HDV1100 Strategies for Success - 3 units
General Education Core - 42 units
General Electives - 27 units
Intercultural Studies Major - 48 units
TOTAL: 120 units
Major Course Sequence
The Intercultural Studies Major guides students, step-by-step, toward higher levels of knowledge and skill, devotion and service among the unreached peoples of the world. It consists of the following sequence of courses:
BIB1205 Biblical Foundations for Ministry* 3
BIB2130 Gospels of the Kingdom 3
BIB2320 Old Testament Themes 3
BIB3500 People of God 3
BIB2230 Interpreting Scripture 3
BIB3460 Ephesians in the Context of Pauline Theology 3
BIB2700 Servant Leadership Theory 3
BIB3600 Holy Spirit 3
COM3210 Intercultural Communications 3
ICS2300 The Intercultural Ministry 3
BIB3706 Personal Development of the Intercultural Minister 3
ICS4335 The Church in Context 3
ICS3500 Strategizing for Mission 3
ICS4200 Intercultural Leadership and Teamwork 3
BIB4905 Ministry in Context [capstone] 3
CHM4860 Field Practicum: Mentored Ministry** 3
TOTAL UNITS: 48
*As noted above, students may substitute equivalent transfer courses for no more than two courses in the Major. No substitution may be made for BIB1205, which lays a foundation for the remainder of the Intercultural Studies program.
**The Field Practicum runs concurrently with ICS2300 through
BIB4905, which facilitates the use of field assignments in those
courses.
