Intercultural Studies at Houghton

The Intercultural Studies Major seeks to prepare students to serve effectively as scholar-servants in cross-cultural communities. The major, drawing heavily on the methodologies and perspectives of anthropology and related social sciences, integrates the theory of cross-cultural development work with experiential learning in cross-cultural settings. This major will provide competence for students seeking to serve in such fields as community development, relief work, health services, education, missions, and Bible translation in developing countries and inner-city context. 

The major consists of a 26-hour core of courses plus either an optional concentration or 9-hours of electives. The concentrations are in missions, linguistics, Islamic studies, development, French, Spanish, TESOL or urban ministry.

Broadening Your Educational Opportunities

Houghton offers ideal preparation for missions.  The intercultural studies program combines faculty with missions experience, foundational studies, and cross-cultural theory with spiritual preparation and practical experience.  The field of missions today demands an understanding of your beliefs, yourself, and your world.  You must know the Bible, but also the culture.

At Houghton, there are numerous co-curricular opportunities available which will enhance your academic program.  These include the availability of college-appointed missionaries-in-residence; short-term missions opportunities; numerous study abroad programs; local service opportunities in churches, musical groups, camps; interaction with faculty role models in missions; and access to a community of furloughed or retired missionaries.

A Smart Way to Prepare for Your Career

Houghton's intercultural studies program will prepare you to serve in such fields as community development, relief, health services, education, general missions, evangelism, church planting, theological education, administration, Bible translation, and literacy in both nearby and global cross-cultural settings.

In a recent survey of Houghton graduates, several alumni shared these thoughts about what Houghton provided to prepare them well for a career in missions:

•  "a broad understanding of life and other cultures"

• "an excellent Bible and theological training"

•   "a place to learn to think, be spiritually fed, and make good friends"

• "a true sense of community, servant scholars, faculty role models"

Hundreds of Houghton alumni serve in dozens of the top mission agencies today, including: SIL (Bible translation), SIM, Wesleyan World Missions, HCJB World Radio.  Hundreds more serve diligently in the front lines of cross-cultural missions as translators, doctors, educators, evangelists, broadcasters, relief workers, and more.

A Houghton education will also prepare you well for graduate studies.  Among the graduate schools our alumni have attended are: SUNY Geneseo, Buffalo State University, University of Buffalo, Alfred University, Mansfield State University (PA), St Bonaventure University, University of South Carolina, Nazareth College, Regent University, Wheaton College Graduate School, Fuller Theological Seminary, Asbury Theological Seminary, and Trinity International University.