The Community Development major is designed to prepare women and men for service in church, parachurch, and non-profit ministries. A Community Development student will experience a curriculum focused on understanding and empowering various types of communities. Students choose a specialization and gain skills necessary for service in national and international relief and development agencies as well as in churches and community development organizations. If you have a passion for ministries of compassion, justice, reconciliation, or development, this may be the major for you. You’ll bring together deep study of Scripture and theology with a contemporary understanding of asset-based community development and specialized skills for service in a variety of areas.
Why Pursue My B.S. in Community Development at IWU?
Faculty in the School of Theology and Ministry love to connect with students and invest in their spiritual, academic, and personal growth. As a Community Development major, you’ll find professors who really care about you and want to partner with you in your education and your faith. You’ll have an academic advisor to help you understand your life calling, make the best choices for your college life, and discern your next steps after graduation. You’ll also have access to the academic, spiritual, and emotional support you need to thrive.
We grow most when we grow together. That’s why the School of Theology and Ministry makes community a priority through monthly community-building events, the Follow the Call first year student retreat, the all-STM Deeper Life retreat, small groups, mentoring, and more. Build lifelong friendships through a transformational experience of Christian community.
Your Community Development courses emphasize practical application and experience. Choose from ten specializations to prepare for your unique calling. You can specialize in Child Advocacy, Criminal Justice, Design for Social Impact, Economics and Public Policy, Environmental Studies, Human Trafficking Studies, Pastoral Counseling and Care, Public Health, TESOL, or Youth and Family Ministries.
Credential up with the Pastoral Ministries Second Major! Add the Pastoral Ministries second major to your first major in Community Development with a Youth and Family Ministries or Pastoral Counseling and Care specialization. Courses in the Pastoral Ministries second major provide a broad foundation for ministry, equipping you to serve the church and communities in many ways. By joining the Pastoral Ministries (Kern) Program you’ll have access to additional scholarships and professional development opportunities. In this “3+2” program, you can complete your bachelor’s degree in 3 years and Masters of Practical Theology (MDiv equivalent) in 2 years. A master’s in Spiritual Care with a Human Services specialization is also a popular choice for Community Development majors. Pastoral Ministries second majors also fulfill requirements for ordination in The Wesleyan Church and receive advanced standing in master’s programs.
The School of Theology and Ministry partners with the Next Internship program through Global Partners, the missionary organization of The Wesleyan Church, to send student interns around the world to discern a calling to long-term mission service and to partner with missionaries working in international development. Students have recently served in Bosnia, Istanbul, Cambodia, and more. We also have relationships with other missionary and internationals development organizations and can help students connect with internship and long-term service opportunities around the world.
Intercultural Engagement in Ghana, led by Dr. DJ Coleman, takes students to West Africa to expand their vision of the global church and participate in inter-religious dialogue with Muslims. Students visit Accra and Tamale and engage with missionaries and local spiritual and civic leaders. This program is offered during May term in even years.
You’ll also have opportunities for internships and other experiential learning specific to your specialization. Students have worked with organizations across the country and around the world including in prisons, human trafficking intervention programs, educational programs in vulnerable communities, and much more. Your professors are excited to connect you with opportunities to develop your skills and passions.
What Will I Learn in this Bachelor’s in Community Development Program?
All majors in the School of Theology and Ministry are built on a foundation of spiritual formation, practical ministry, and biblical and theological studies. Specialized Community Development courses include Biblical Theology of Social Justice, Transformational Community Development, Non-Profit Funding, Missional Innovation, and more. Courses in your chosen specialization integrate Community Development principles with practical skill development.
What Makes IWU Different?
IWU has provided on-campus education for more than 100 years.
Faith-integrated curriculum and a commitment to changing the world.
Center for Student Success for counseling, tutoring, and more!
With a bachelor’s degree in Community Development you will be able to:
Additionally, after completing your bachelor's degree, you will be prepared to pursue a graduate degree such as a master's or doctorate.
General Education Requirements
Students in these majors meet the general education competencies by taking the approved standard courses or meeting competencies except as otherwise noted.
Admission to Professional Majors
Admission to the majors within the Division of Practical Theology may require a formal screening process separate from the initial declaration of intent. The process includes the successful completion of the prescribed courses designated by each major. Students need to have a GPA of 2.25 cumulative and 2.5 in the coursework required for the major. Students must also file application forms including a written essay and references. In some cases a personal interview with school faculty may also be required. Enrollment in some advanced courses in the division is restricted to those admitted to these majors. A student needs to start the application to the major process by the end of their sophomore year (60 credit hours) and after the successful completion of the designated courses in his or her respective majors. Delay on this process will prohibit students from enrolling in advanced courses in their professional major.
Continuation in Professional Majors
Students must maintain a cumulative 2.25 GPA and a 2.50 academic GPA in coursework required for the major. Failure to do so may necessitate repeating courses or withdrawal from the major. The School of Theology and Ministry faculty reserves the right to request the withdrawal of any student who in its judgment fails to satisfy the standards of Christian character, moral integrity, and social fitness required for a professional minister.
Wesleyan Students
Students anticipating future service in The Wesleyan Church should include Wesleyan Church History/Discipline (REL-431) among their elective courses. The Christian Ministries and Pastoral Ministries majors are specifically designed to meet all the academic requirements for ordination in The Wesleyan Church. Any deviation from the course requirements should be approved in writing by both the Dean and the Executive Director of Education and Clergy Development for The Wesleyan Church. Students who are members of The Wesleyan Church should be in contact with their District Board of Ministerial Development (DBMD) prior to applying for admission to the professional majors.
Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), www.hlcommission.org, 312-263-0456. Other accreditations and associations of Indiana Wesleyan University are available at www.indwes.edu/about/iwu-profile/accreditation.
