What is it?

At the heart of the Intercultural Studies Major is the Mission of God and equipping you for cross-cultural service. Our program includes (1) biblical and theological foundations, (2) equipping students to thrive interculturally, (3) understanding mission history and the rise of world Christianity which shape current theories, strategies, and practices, and (4) equipping students with skills in evangelism and outreach. These content areas are honed through experiential learning, culminating in your 14-week-long internship in a cross-cultural setting.

Combining the study of world religions and cultures with an understanding of how to communicate and minister to people across cultures, makes this a very relevant degree. Trinity Intercultural Studies majors develop strong organization and communication skills, an appreciation and respect for cultural differences and an understanding of Christian mission foundations.

Intercultural Studies at Trinity

Holistic: You’ll receive first-rate training related to our three core values: (1) the Mission of God, (2) holistic Gospel (proclamation and service), and (3) intercultural competencies. These, together with a solid biblical core and an extensive internship, provides you with a strong and well-rounded program.

Intercultural competencies: You’ll gain an ability for living cross-culturally, whether you are in a remote area of another continent or a multicultural urban environment in the United States.  The urban environment of Everett is your first classroom, but this program takes you to South America, Africa, Asia, or beyond—matching your passions and interests with host organizations.

What degree will I get?

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Intercultural Studies

What can I do with it?

Become a missionary. Plant churches. Work in global development. Teach English to speakers of other languages. Serve in an urban outreach organization. Work in a non-governmental organization (NGO) abroad.  Pursue graduate studies or seminary.

Program Faculty

Experienced practitioners in community organizing, global outreach, urban ministry, evangelism, cultural competency, and diversity training teach the broad array of offerings in Intercultural Studies. Learn more about our department faculty and program director Beth Elness-Hanson.

Resume-building internships

As part of the program, you participate in a 14-week internship in an urban or international setting. You might teach street children in India, work at a church school in Samoa, or care for children in Tanzania who are undergoing physical rehabilitation in order to walk again. We match your passions with internship opportunities.

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Course sampling

ICUL 211 Encountering Religions & Belief Systems of the World: This experiential class combines readings, discussions, interviews and fieldwork to introduce you to non-Christian religions and religious movements while helping you uphold the Gospel and respect those of other faiths.

ICUL 330 Language and Cultural Immersion Experience: Begin the process of language and culture acquisition by traveling to another continent and living with a local family. You will also experience evangelistic and development ministries and learn about the history, culture and spirituality of the region. These trips are offered sequentially in Latin America, Africa and Asia.

ICUL 450 Biblical Theology of Mission: This mission-focused survey of Scripture gives you a framework from which to reflect on your own calling. In this class you will also research a topic pertinent to your academic and career interests and will develop your own “theology of mission.”