International Studies

Bachelor of Arts

Learn to skillfully navigate cross-cultural interactions

Overview

The world is becoming more interconnected every day, and Christians need to be well equipped for cross-cultural service. BJU’s international studies program is specifically designed to meet that need. Classes in social studies, history, business and a foreign language, combined with the BJU Core, all work together to provide you an excellent education that develops your biblical worldview and cross-cultural skills.

When you graduate, you will be well prepared to meet the challenges of cross-cultural service in the 21st century and well equipped with the knowledge and skills you need to navigate cross-cultural interactions successfully.

student in class

Program

The international studies program at BJU is multidisciplinary, and you’ll have some flexibility to customize your program. Within international studies you’ll take courses such as Economics for the Professional, Cultural Anthropology, and Comparative Politics. The broad base of knowledge and the exercise of analytical and communications skills you’ll gain from classes like these ensure that you’ll be ready to contribute effectively in a variety of situations.

Acquiring the skills to communicate in a foreign language is an essential part of your education. Whether you choose Spanish, French, German or Chinese, you’ll find that adequate preparation in a foreign language is a definite advantage in cross-cultural interactions.

For the capstone project for your program, you’ll research and write a paper on an issue related to international studies. Recent papers by students have explored topics such as the role of women in the military and the problem of the loss of World War II memorabilia and graves in the South Pacific. This project is designed to challenge you to apply your research, analysis and communication skills to a significant real-world problem or question, perhaps laying the foundation for future research or action.

BJU Core

The BJU Core is a unique combination of liberal arts and Bible courses taken by every BJU student. Bible courses, as well as daily chapel services and godly professors, will nurture your growth in Christlikeness. As your biblical worldview is strengthened, you’ll learn how to apply the timeless truths of God’s Word to difficult questions that may arise cross-culturally. You’ll also be refreshed and encouraged by how the body of Christ transcends borders, cultures and races.

Liberal arts courses will further broaden your horizons, enabling you to connect with people from all walks of life. These courses will also equip you with skills essential for cross-cultural work and for all of life—skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, effective communication, ethical decision making, adaptability, and much more.

Electives

A variety of electives are already included in the international studies program, from communication to history to political science. You may tailor your program with more courses in an area such as business, or with courses in teaching English as a second language, linguistics or missions.

Success

Jim Lord, ’10

I’m deeply thankful for the training I received at BJU. While preparing me for my career, my professors also took the time to develop me personally. They instilled an appreciation for academic rigor and discipline, for creativity and the beauty of culture, and for truth and the skill to communicate it with grace.

Their coursework gave me a broad understanding of global culture and international relations, emphasizing the role of geography, anthropology, and the dynamics of modern multinational states. I also benefited from courses in language and business, as well as electives that gave me training in computer science and publishing.

My teachers also gave me a strong foundation in research, challenging me to synthesize diverse perspectives, pursue critical feedback, and value iteration. These principles guided my study in Beijing during the summer after my sophomore year, which in turn led to the publication of a peer-reviewed paper on Chinese policy during my senior year. None of that would have happened without the encouragement and advice of my professors.

Today I have the privilege to work with people from a variety of backgrounds—educators, writers, editors and translators from around the globe. Thanks to the work of my professors, I have the chance to build bridges across many cultures, all through a shared appreciation of truth, beauty and the gospel of grace.

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Your Future

Jobs

The international studies program opens the door to a wide array of opportunities, including:

Businessperson in the U.S. or abroad
Teaching English as a foreign language in school and/or business settings
Non-governmental organizations (NGO)
U.S. government agencies
Representing the U.S. as a Foreign Service officer
Private security
Serving in the military

Graduate Schools

Our international studies graduates have been accepted into graduate schools such as:

University of Miami
Indiana University

Graduate Experience

Our graduates are ready to use what they’ve learned at BJU to serve God in whatever capacity He directs them. Our graduates have filled these positions:

Writer and editor of textbooks
Administrative/personal assistant in China
Insurance agent
Department of State intern at U.S. consulates in Germany
International school administrator
Teacher of English as a second language at all levels
Salesperson with an international company (ScanSource)
Administrative assistant with a mission board

Career Support

BJU offers students a variety of ways to network with employers and organizations. A multitude of job opportunities are posted each year on Career Central, our online job board. In addition, more than 60 businesses and 150 Christian schools/mission boards/Christian organizations come on campus to recruit students through on-campus interviews and job/ministry fairs. Career Services also helps students by holding seminars on resume preparation and interview techniques.

Learning Experience

University Language Association

The University Language Association is a student-run organization that brings in speakers from various countries and occupations to give you opportunities to see the connections between a foreign language, such as Chinese or Spanish, and future careers. You’ll also learn about needs in Christian ministries around the world so you can give of yourself through prayer and other means for the glory of God.

Mission Teams

Each fall, faculty/staff-led mission teams are formed and students begin to raise financial support. The teams prepare throughout the school year and then begin their summer outreach using trade skills, music, teaching and preaching to spread the Word.

Faculty

Carl Abrams
Division of Social Science

View Faculty

Because international studies is an interdisciplinary program, you’ll learn under great faculty who teach in various subject areas, such as TESL, foreign languages and business. They’re involved in the community, in groups such as Upstate International, which extends a welcome to people from other cultures to the Upstate. In addition to their practical experience in the field, nearly all of your faculty hold terminal degrees or the equivalent and teach in their areas of expertise.