Intercultural Studies, B.A.

an intercultural studies major discusses with classmates

Do you desire to gain skills in ministering or working among diverse nationalities and cultures? If so, the Intercultural Studies major might be just what you're looking for. The program is designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills and character needed for effective transformational work in international and/or urban settings. You will learn how to understand and interpret cross-cultural social contexts and apply Christian truth in ways appropriate to a variety of settings.

School of Liberal Arts & Sciences

West Palm Beach

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Overview

  • Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
  • School: School of Liberal Arts & Sciences
  • Start Terms: Fall & Spring entry
  • Requirements: Transcripts & GPA
  • Total Credit Hours: 120 credit hours
  • Time to Complete: 4 years full-time
  • Program Format: On Campus
  • Experience: Missions & Field Service

Why Study Intercultural Studies at PBA?

Prepare to serve and lead across cultures through Palm Beach Atlantic University’s Bachelor of Arts in Intercultural Studies. Students develop biblical, theological, historical, and cultural knowledge while learning to understand diverse social contexts and communicate Christian truth effectively across cultural boundaries. Through mission opportunities, field experiences, and faculty mentorship, graduates are equipped for transformational work in international and urban settings.

  • Cross-Cultural Preparation: Develop the knowledge and cultural awareness needed to work effectively among diverse communities.
  • Christ-Centered Education: Build a biblical and theological foundation for intercultural ministry, leadership, and service.
  • Experienced Faculty: Learn from professors with extensive experience in intercultural studies, missions, and ministry.
  • Global Experience: Put your learning into practice through internships, field service, ministry experiences, and PBA’s mission trips.

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What You'll Learn

Students in the Intercultural Studies program learn to:

  • Understand and interpret diverse cultural and social contexts
  • Apply biblical and theological principles across cultures
  • Develop effective cross-cultural communication skills
  • Understand world religions, missions, and intercultural ministry
  • Build the character and leadership skills needed for international and urban service

Program Details

The Intercultural Studies program combines biblical and theological study with cultural understanding and practical ministry preparation. Through faculty mentorship, mission opportunities, internships, and field experiences, students develop the knowledge, character, and cross-cultural skills needed to serve communities around the world.

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.

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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.

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Students benefit from collaborative learning environments and PBA resources that support intercultural study, ministry preparation, and global engagement. Through classroom learning and opportunities beyond campus, students develop the skills needed to serve diverse communities locally and internationally.

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Learn from dedicated faculty members who bring academic expertise, intercultural experience, ministry leadership, and a commitment to student success. Through mentorship, field experiences, and personalized guidance, PBA professors help students develop the knowledge, cultural awareness, and confidence needed for effective intercultural work and ministry.

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Students gain practical experience through internships, ministry placements, field service activities, and cross-cultural mission opportunities. These experiences allow students to apply classroom learning in diverse cultural settings while developing skills in intercultural communication, ministry, leadership, and community engagement.

Students may also participate in PBA’s mission trips, providing opportunities to serve and learn alongside communities around the world.

Entry Requirements

  • Completed application
  • Official high school transcripts
  • Additional admissions materials as required

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Visit the Office of Admissions website for current application, scholarship, and financial aid deadlines.

Admissions

Career Outcomes

Intercultural Studies graduates are prepared to serve and lead across cultural boundaries in missions, humanitarian organizations, international businesses, nonprofits, churches, and public service. Through cross-cultural study and practical ministry experiences, graduates develop the communication, leadership, and cultural awareness needed to work effectively in diverse settings.

Potential career paths include:

  • Global Missions Leader
  • Humanitarian Program Coordinator
  • International Development Specialist
  • Missionary
  • International Ministry Leader
  • Cross-Cultural Outreach Coordinator
  • International Policy Analyst
  • Multinational Organization Leader

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What can you do with an Intercultural Studies Degree?

Student Stories

Intercultural Studies students gain valuable experience through missions, intercultural engagement, ministry opportunities, and faculty mentorship. These experiences help students develop cultural awareness, strengthen their faith, and prepare to serve communities around the world.

“My time at PBA taught me what grit is and how necessary it is to ‘make it’ in life. I grew in my faith, I made lifelong friendships, and I was prepared for the exponentially increased pace of life once school was over.”
— Eric Aquino

Josh McKinley: Serving Across Cultures

Watch Josh McKinley’s story below to learn how studying Intercultural Studies at PBA prepared him to engage diverse cultures through faith, service, and meaningful relationships. Through faculty mentorship, cross-cultural experiences, and a Christ-centered education, Josh developed the cultural awareness and leadership skills needed to serve 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.

West Palm Beach Admissions

Office of Admissions

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Phone: (561) 803-2100

Related Programs

Intercultural Studies, B.A. + Global Development, M.S. (3+2)

Do you desire to gain skills in ministering to diverse nationalities and cultures? How about truly making a brighter world? The program is designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills and character needed for effective transformational work in international and/or urban settings giving you the foundation with a multi-disciplinary approach to study, coupled with a classroom that spans the world.

Intercultural studies students sit under an umbrella on campus.

Intercultural Studies, Minor

Blend core ministry courses with courses in cultural competence, world religions, and missions—plus your choice of electives—for 21-credit-hour undergraduate minor in intercultural studies.

PBA students participate in discussion during a classroom presentation.

Intercultural Studies, B.A. + Master of Divinity, M.Div. (3+2)

You've heard God's call and are eager to answer. At Palm Beach Atlantic University, we are eager to help prepare you for the great journey the Lord has in store for you. Our mission is to equip students just like you to fulfill their calling and make a difference for the kingdom of God.