Overview
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Why Study Christian Community Development at PBA?
Prepare to serve communities with compassion and purpose through Palm Beach Atlantic University’s Bachelor of Arts in Christian Community Development. Students combine biblical principles, intercultural studies, qualitative research, and community engagement to develop practical strategies that promote lasting transformation. Through a Christ-centered education, mission opportunities, and faculty mentorship, graduates are equipped to serve churches, nonprofits, and communities around the world.
- Christ-Centered Service: Integrate biblical principles into community development, social justice, and ministry.
- Community Engagement: Learn to assess community needs and develop practical strategies that promote long-term transformation.
- Global Mission Opportunities: Apply classroom learning through mission experiences and service opportunities around the world.
- Interdisciplinary Preparation: Combine community development, intercultural studies, and qualitative research to address complex social challenges.
What You'll Learn
Students in the Christian Community Development program learn to:
- Evaluate the biblical and historical foundations of Christian community development
- Understand social justice traditions and community transformation
- Conduct qualitative research and community needs assessments
- Develop strategies for community engagement and sustainable development
- Integrate Christian faith into service, leadership, and ministry
Program Details
The Christian Community Development program prepares students to become servant leaders who strengthen communities through ministry, research, and practical engagement. Through classroom instruction, mission experiences, faculty mentorship, and community partnerships, students gain the knowledge and skills needed to create meaningful and lasting change.
PBA offers a variety of courses that students can choose from within this program. Take a look at what you’ll be learning while working toward your degree.
Students can customize their academic experience through elective coursework, minors, and additional majors that align with their academic and career goals. Explore the opportunities available at PBA.
Students benefit from the resources of the School of Ministry while participating in collaborative learning, community engagement, and ministry preparation. These experiences help students develop the leadership, service, and practical ministry skills needed to make a lasting impact in communities around the world.

Learn from dedicated faculty members who bring a combination of academic expertise, professional communication experience, and a commitment to student success. Through mentorship, hands-on learning opportunities, and personalized guidance, PBA professors help students develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to excel in communication-related careers.
Students gain valuable experience through community engagement projects, mission trips, ministry partnerships, and qualitative research. These opportunities help students assess community needs, develop practical solutions, and prepare for careers focused on community transformation and Christian service.
Students also have opportunities to participate in mission experiences in locations such as Brazil, Greece, Japan, South Africa, Haiti, Finland, and other communities around the world.
Entry Requirements
- Completed application
- Official high school transcripts
- Additional admissions materials as required
Visit the Office of Admissions website for current application, scholarship, and financial aid deadlines.
Career Outcomes
Christian Community Development graduates are prepared to serve churches, nonprofit organizations, mission agencies, and community organizations by promoting holistic community transformation through faith, leadership, and service. Many graduates also continue their education through graduate programs in ministry, community development, and related fields.
Potential career paths include:
- Community Development Specialist
- International Development Coordinator
- Community Outreach Coordinator
- Social Ministry Leader
- Missionary
- Nonprofit Program Coordinator
- Church Ministry Leader
- Community Engagement Director
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Student Stories
Christian Community Development students gain valuable experience through community engagement, mission trips, faculty mentorship, and service-learning opportunities. These experiences help students develop the leadership, compassion, and practical skills needed to serve communities through Christ-centered ministry.
Aliya Rajnic: Using Creativity to Transform Communities
Watch Aliya Rajnic’s story below to learn how her experience studying Dance and Christian Community Development at PBA helped her combine creativity, faith, and service. Through faculty mentorship, community engagement, and a Christ-centered education, Aliya discovered how the arts can be used to share the gospel, build relationships, and make a meaningful impact in communities around the world.
Financial Aid
PBA’s robust scholarship program awards over $3 million every year. Invest in your learning with major-specific scholarships and other financial aid opportunities, which are awarded to 97% of our undergraduate students. Explore the resources below to learn more about tuition, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities.