Academic Programs

Admissions

Tuition & Financial Aid

Student Experience

B.S. in Intercultural StudiesCreating Connections
Across Cultures

Request Information

Explore Academics

Bachelor of Science in Intercultural Studies

The intercultural studies major empowers you to communicate, work and live cross-culturally with empathy, cultural intelligence and theological competence.

Degree Type

  • Bachelor of Science

Format

  • On Campus
  • Residential

Location

  • Grand Rapids

Four-Year Degree Plan

Internships

Intercultural studies majors at Cornerstone gain experience inside and outside the classroom through internships built into their program. Cornerstone has partnered with several ministries and organizations across West Michigan to prepare you for what’s next.

Opportunities

  • Neurocore Pro
  • Up and Out Ministries

Careers

Our graduates enter the workforce with cultural competence and an understanding of global relationships and communication. These skills are invaluable across disciplines and career paths, and intercultural studies alumni find themselves in both businesses and ministries across the globe.

Opportunities

  • Program developer
  • Church planter
  • Community leader
  • Overseas or inner city ministry leader

100%

Of our intercultural studies graduates from the class of 2018 were employed within six months of graduation.

15:1

Student-to-faculty ratio with an average class size of 22.

100%

Of students participate in internship or practicum experiences.

Program Features and
Learning Outcomes

The intercultural studies program at Cornerstone University is designed to inspire and prepare you to authentically engage with others in a culturally diverse world.

Off-Campus Study Opportunities

Students have the opportunity to travel abroad to Greece or Israel and Palestinian territories.

Led by Cornerstone professors, our two-week Israel Experience study tour meets a course requirement and offers you in-depth, on-site learning experiences at places such as Jerusalem, Judea, the Coastal Plain, the Negev, the Dead Sea, the Jordan Valley and Galilee.

Explore Off-Campus Study Programs

Advanced Standing at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary

Intercultural studies majors have the opportunity to qualify for advanced standing at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. This gives you the option to apply up to 24 of your bachelor’s degree credits towards a master’s degree in divinity, ministry, biblical studies or counseling. This is a useful way to complete up to 25% of your master’s degree before graduating from Cornerstone.

Program Learning Outcomes

The intercultural studies program reflects our commitment to developing students’ knowledge, skills and attitudes in five distinct yet interconnected areas.

Specialized Knowledge

Students will demonstrate foundational knowledge of key terms and theories specific to intercultural studies.

  • Recognize cultural dimensions in other cultures.
  • Identify systems of power and inequity.
  • Identify different types of conflict and styles of conflict resolution.

Applied Knowledge and Collaborative Learning

Students will apply cultural intelligence to interact effectively in intercultural situations.

  • Reflect on one’s own cultural identity and journey toward cultural intelligence.
  • Develop creative strategies to mitigate cultural tensions and establish cross-cultural dialogue.

Intellectual Skills

Students will demonstrate your ability to integrate both traditional and non-traditional cognitive skills, including analytical inquiry, information literacy, quantitative fluency and communicative fluency.

Civic and Global Learning

Students will demonstrate intercultural competence in addressing civic, social, environmental and economic issues.

Biblical Worldview Integration

Students will articulate a Christ-centered worldview and its personal, professional and communal embodiment through Christian virtues.

I have had countless conversations with professors that have led me to learn about new perspectives on how my faith allows me to impact others for Christ.

Isaac Lopez (B.S. ’23)

Faculty

CU professors are devoted to the success of our students. Select a faculty member to learn more about their campus involvement, research interests and teaching responsibilities.

Related Programs

Cornerstone’s Bible, Religion & Ministry Division offers a variety of Bible and ministry programs. Discover how God wants to use your gifts in one of our other ministry-related programs.

Admissions Office

Contact

F:
616.222.1418

Hours

MON - FRI: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
SAT & SUN: Closed

Want to Learn More About CU?

Connect With CU