Global Studies

DR. GREG BURCH, DEPARTMENT CHAIRPERSON

Global Studies at Multnomah University is an interdisciplinary program that prepares students to become deeply committed to understanding global issues affecting our world today. Just as we are called to understand God’s Word, we also need to understand God’s World. The focus of this major/minor is to prepare students for a variety of career and ministry paths both abroad and at home. In addition to classes on campus, Global Studies majors are encouraged to consider semester and short-term study abroad options.

The mission of the Global Studies Department is to provide quality academic programs and experiential opportunities that develop critical thinking by incorporating best practices and strategies in global ministry and international career contexts. Some of the emphases in our programs are: Care for Children at Risk, Cultural and Diversity Competency, Intercultural Missions, Transformational Development Work and Justice Initiatives.

Program Outcomes

On the completion of this program students will be able to:

• Understand theological and biblical principles for engaging in global career paths and issues. (GS 1)
• Analyze socio-cultural and socio-economic perspectives that have shaped our globalized world. (GS 2)
• Analyze both historical and contemporary factors that have led to the ebb and flow of growth within global Christianity. (GS 3)
• Reflect critically on the role of the Church in distinct socio-cultural contexts. (GS 4)
• Gain God’s heart and love for all of humanity and respond with compassion to a plethora of human conditions and situations that exist today. (GS 5)
• Develop communication techniques and cultural competency through specialized learning in intercultural communications and cultural sensitivity. (GS 6)
• Learn how to incorporate evangelism and church-based ministry in distinct socio-cultural settings and global career paths. (GS 7)
• Application of recognized best practices in responding to a variety of human conditions today. (GS 8)

Interdisciplinary Emphasis

Given the emphasis on interdisciplinary studies, students will benefit from cross-pollination and distinct schools of thought, which only expand on traditional limits of knowledge and seeks to address new and emerging challenges faced globally. Given the interdisciplinary nature of the program, the Global Studies major and concentrations include courses from the fields of Church Leadership, Cultural Anthropology, Communications, English, Environmental Science, Global Studies, History, Linguistics, Political Science, Psychology, Theology and Youth and Educational Ministries.

Internships

Internships are required for all concentrations. These internships consist of 200 hours during the 2nd or 3rd year (Can be broken into Fall and Spring or summers) and are to be in a field that relates to the student’s concentration and vocational goals. Internship requirements may vary per concentration. See your internship advisor for additional information.

FACULTY:  Sean Benesh, Greg Burch, Karen Fancher, Paul Metzger, Dan Scalberg, Leah Wheeler.

Click here for program details.