More than 3 billion people live in poverty. Students in the intercultural studies program
develop a personal strategy to serve these underdeveloped communities around the world.
Students find where the world’s needs meet their passions, and professors show students
how to translate their passion into something useful. The program provides a decidedly
biblical worldview for the study of and engagement in culture and society through
discipleship, evangelism, justice ministries and community development.
Take part in immersion experiences CBU offers a number of opportunities to travel abroad. Locally, students visit religious
centers and can participate in service projects like teaching English to refugees,
serving in homeless ministries or playing sports with incarcerated youth. Our location
in the Inland Empire provides access to diverse ethnic and economic populations where
students are exposed to the world right in their backyard.
Gain transferrable skills Students won’t just learn about cultures, they’ll learn how to communicate cross-culturally,
how to problem solve and advocate for communities. These soft skills can be applied
in almost any industry, especially in education, government and health. Some of our
alumni found jobs with International Justice Mission, International Mission Board,
various churches, and local homeless and refugee advocacy organizations.
Learn from faculty who care The intercultural studies program is flexible enough for students to tailor it to
their unique goals. Professors care about each student and will talk with them about
what they want to do and guide them into the classes that will get them there. Some
special-topic courses include ones on poverty, refugees and Islam in Africa.
Global Christianity
ICS 305
A general survey of the redemptive activity of God in the world—past, present, and
future.
Current Events and Movements
ICS 375
This course will examine current political, social, economic and human events in select
areas of the world.
Intercultural Communication and Practice
ICS 430
This course will address principles and processes of communication from one culture
to another.
Upon completion of the intercultural studies program, graduates will:
Have a biblical and theological understanding of the global context of the Christian
faith.
Have a biblical and theological understanding of the gospel, discipleship, the kingdom
of God, and the church.
Identify models of social engagement and strategies appropriate to the expected professional
arena.
Take the next step toward living your purpose
As you make decisions about college, keep in mind the full social, spiritual and educational
experience awaiting you at CBU. Here, you will be supported by professors, staff and
fellow students who will help you discover your strengths and challenge you to do
more than you ever thought you could. Let us equip you with the education, training
and opportunities you'll need to start making a unique difference doing what you love.
Apply today! When you complete and submit your application to CBU, a friendly and
knowledgeable admissions counselor will guide you through the admissions process and
all the necessary steps to become a Lancer.
"I chose my major because it brings me the closest to serving others. I hope to work
for organizations that prevent human trafficking. I love that the professors here
are very knowledgeable and that the program offers service trips." Amanda Kurowski, 2021
"I chose my major because of my interest in social justice, fighting against human
trafficking, and understanding the unique cultures around the world. The professors
in the ICS department constantly amaze me in their knowledge, experience, and compassion
for their students. They have taught me so much about God's purpose and the practical
needs and solutions for the oppressed in our world." Kierra Jones, 2019
Alumni Spotlight
"I am a site manager of a family shelter where I case manage families to help bring
stability in their lives. At CBU, I learned about practices in social change that
have and haven’t worked. That is beneficial in going back to figuring out the best
way to run a program." Annabel Koher, 2016
"My major in intercultural studies prepared me for interacting with and living among
a new and different culture. I was offered a job at ICS-Lima (Peru) as a second-grade
teacher, and I recently signed a two-year contract to continue my time here. I often
look back at my time at CBU and wonder where I would be if God had not led me there." Ashley Ramming, 2013
Meet Some of Our Faculty
Amy Stumpf
Professor of Religion and Society
I grew up in a Buddhist country in Southeast Asia where my parents worked with relief
and development programs serving orphans and abandoned children in slums, refugee
camps and brothels. I hated feeling helpless to solve problems, so I decided to learn
what is working to bring restoration and renewal to broken communities. In my work,
I have lobbied for better policies in Washington, D.C., helped resettle refugees,
worked with the poor to help them gain dignity and joy, and now, I teach students
how to make the world a better place.
I grew up in a Buddhist country in Southeast Asia where my parents worked with relief
and development programs serving orphans and abandoned children in slums, refugee
camps and brothels. I hated feeling helpless to solve problems, so I decided to learn
what is working to bring restoration and renewal to broken communities. In my work,
I have lobbied for better policies in Washington, D.C., helped resettle refugees,
worked with the poor to help them gain dignity and joy, and now, I teach students
how to make the world a better place.
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