Bachelor of Arts in Intercultural Studies

Are you interested in serving in cross-cultural ministry abroad or in the U.S.? SBU's unique intercultural studies degree will equip you with both academic training and practical experience needed for long-term service in a cross-cultural setting.

SBU was a pioneer in offering an intercultural studies program with a six-month semester abroad experience as a degree requirement component. You will work under the direction of an expert in cross-cultural ministry, gaining experience in ministry, language acquisition, and cultural acclimation.

You will also complete a minor (or second major) in a subject area of your choice as part of your degree to equip you with a marketable skill needed when entering a restricted country or when pursuing bi-vocational ministry. Options include business management, computer science, education, English as a second language, health care, sports management, social work, or another subject of your choice.

The SBU Advantage

• Benefit from a distinctive combination of theological and cultural training, training in a marketable skill, and experience in cross-cultural service
• Complete a minor (or second major) of your choice to gain valuable career training in an area of your interest and talents.
• Study under ICS faculty that bring real-world experience in cross-cultural ministry into the classroom. Based on practical experience, they are able to share what it is like to serve and share the Gospel among Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Shintoists, as well as other religions.
• Learn to live as a global follower of Jesus Christ with the understanding needed to share your faith among people of various religions and cultures.

Founded in 1878, Southwest Baptist University is a Christian liberal arts university offering more than 100 areas of academic study at undergraduate and graduate levels throughout four physical campuses in Bolivar, Mountain View, Salem, and Springfield, Mo., plus an online campus.

Founded in 1878, Southwest Baptist University is a Christian liberal arts university with:

• More than 100 areas of academic study on undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels;
• Faculty who are passionate about you, your education, and your future success;
• Global service and mission projects to share your faith and develop as a servant leader;
• Vibrant campus life within a close-knit community for getting involved and developing lifelong friendships; and
• Five campuses throughout the southwest and south central Missouri. The 152-acre main campus is in Bolivar, Mo., population 10,300 about 25 minutes north of Springfield, Mo. Additional campuses are in Mountain View, Salem, and Springfield, Mo., and Online.

Liberal arts schools provide both breadth and depth. Breadth is offered across the curriculum with coursework in the arts, sciences, and humanities, with the goal of preparing students for life. Depth is provided through the major, which focuses on preparation for work in a specific field. In a Christian liberal arts education, the Christian lens is the primary lens for learning. Breadth and depth in a Christian liberal arts setting also mean a focus on critical thinking so that non-Christian perspectives are examined (but not endorsed) and students are prepared to serve in secular careers and in service to Christ.