International Development, B.S. Business Administration

International Development, B.S. Business Administration

Program Overview

Are you are passionate and keenly aware of global social, economic, and political issues? Do you have a talent for recognizing the needs of others, uncovering the root of problems, and being an agent of change? If you want to be connected with and work alongside others who share your energy and concern for the world, a business degree in international development will suit you well.

PLNU's international development major covers a wide range of coursework, ranging from business, economics, and sustainability to political science and sociology. This interdisciplinary approach enables you to connect and dialogue with accomplished faculty and passionate students across multiple academic areas of study. You will be invited to seek new and better ways to serve others in need as you dive into conversation surrounding poverty, human rights, economic growth, leadership, globalization, community health, theology, and more. You will also find yourself studying abroad in a developing country as a requirement for your degree. Wherever you choose to go, you will be able to learn in a different context how to use business to alleviate poverty through sustainable and empowering ways.

International development majors also have access to a valuable resource in the Center for International Development (CID). If you are looking for mentorship, networking events, internships, jobs, or study abroad information, the CID has an abundance of resources for you to explore. Overall, PLNU, the CID, and the Fermanian School of Business offer you many ways to get involved and pursue your passions.

What does an international development major study?

With a degree in international development in business administration, you’ll learn how to intertwine the daily tasks of administration and running a business with a focus on impacting the international realm.

You’ll be invited to seek new and better ways to serve others as you dive into conversations surrounding many issues around the globe. The international development major focuses on long-term sustainable development in economics, global health, education, and infrastructure.

What skills do international development students cultivate at PLNU?

Some of the main skills that an international development major develops are problem-solving, team management, analytics, and business practices. Additionally, majoring in international development prepares students to enter the job market with strong writing and communication skills, making them an asset in any position they take on.

With these skills, an international development major learns how to handle the tasks that research assistants, administration positions, public relations specialists, teaching assistants, and lawyers face every day, positions in which many of PLNU’s international development majors are now.

Expanding Perspectives

Making a Splash Around the World — Founder of World Thirst Solutions, Luke Pinneo
Lauren Kim: Empowering Others to Reverse Poverty

Where Change Happens

Impactful Reflections

"Courageous Calling"
"Rooted Purpose"

Snapshots of Service

Discover More
Videos (2)
Articles (6)
Quotes (3)
Pictures (5)
Making a Splash Around the World — Founder of World Thirst Solutions, Luke Pinneo PLNU alum Luke Pinneo founded World Thirst Solutions, a platform that supports water-based projects in rural developing areas. Discover
Lauren Kim: Empowering Others to Reverse Poverty “I want to be someone who people know they can be heard by, who is a voice for the voiceless. The international development major pushes me to personally step out of my comfort zone and into those places that aren’t fully served.” Discover
Mamer Ajak Serves War-torn Communities in South Sudan South Sudanese people have experienced war, displacement, and destitution more than they have peace. We catch up with PLNU alum Mamer Ajak and hear about the ways he is working to bring healing and wellness to his country. Discover
Kekeli women bring light and life to their Ghanaian communities with the help of Rural Health Collective Rural Health Collective empowers women from the Akatsi region of Ghana to share safe healthcare and wellness practices within their communities. Discover
Aaron Walling and Stories of Transformation Alum Aaron Walling helps previously incarcerated individuals step into their purpose at CEO. Discover
What Degree Should I Get to Work in Nonprofits? There are many undergraduate degrees that prepare you for a career in the nonprofit sector, many of which can be tailored to your specific cause interests. Discover
Courageous Calling
"The faculty and staff at PLNU weren’t afraid to dive into hard conversations and that served me well for my career. I learned it’s okay for me to have really strong opinions about things, even when those opinions are different than those around me. In addition to helping broaden my perspective, my support system at PLNU challenged me to do something with my life that uses my knowledge, talents, and interests to give back to my community and the world. In my case, that means combining my passions for law and social justice to help others."
Sarah Hamill International Development Studies B.A.
Rooted Purpose
"I truly cannot speak highly enough about the impact PLNU had on me as an undergraduate student and continues to have on me each day. I know I always have a place I can return to and have challenging conversations, seek mentorship, and learn more about the nonprofit world as it specifically relates to global poverty alleviation. I had big goals walking in freshmen year – the guidance and education I received challenged me to focus on what I truly had a passion for and then provided me a means to reach those goals and do the work God has called me to."
Joshua Burgner International Development Studies B.A.
Development in Action
"When I started at PLNU, I had a deep interest in economic development and poverty in regions around the world. PLNU helped me realize the various components and struggles regions are dealing with when attempting to implement change. I was especially drawn to issues concerning access to capital for entrepreneurs in these parts of the world. Through working with campus clubs and the Center for International Development, I was able to learn about the options that are available for an entrepreneur and how these options could be improved or expanded. We also had the opportunity to work with local microfinance agencies in San Diego to see some of the impact firsthand."
Travis Hunter Business Administration B.A.

Course List

For information about the courses required for the International Development, B.S. Business Administration program, view the PLNU Catalog. 

Course Information

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Student Support

For most students, the transition into college life is one full of adjustments. There is the excitement of newfound freedoms, but also some uncertainty as you begin to make choices and take responsibility for your own future. 

At PLNU, we’re committed to supporting you — academically, professionally, spiritually, personally — so that you may be successful both in your time as a student and beyond. That’s why we offer a holistic support system that focuses on your unique experiences, particular needs, and personal and professional goals — resulting from our deep concern for you, our student.

With a focus on authentic relationships and personalized attention, our goal is to help transform you so you can follow your calling in your own career and life.

Student Support

Career Opportunities

The international development major’s cross-disciplinary curriculum will challenge you to become aware of the political and social factors affecting the success, sustainability, and development of different nations. This major exposes students to economics, sociology, political science, anthropology, and law.

What can you do with an international development degree?

Policy Analysts

2025 Median annual salary: $86,790

Policy analysts work to raise awareness about social issues. This avenue allows for an individual to work in a variety of areas they’re passionate about. Being a policy analyst employs many of the critical thinking skills that students develop here at Point Loma. The main job policy analysts do is researching, evaluating, and trying to reshape public policy. Salaries for policy analysts vary based on the organizations they work for.

Lawyers

2025 Median annual salary: $153,470

Becoming a lawyer requires additional education and hard work. But it can be quite rewarding and encouraging to see the end result. Job prospects for lawyers are projected to continue to increase in the future. Whether representing an organization as a whole or specific individuals, a lawyer helps fight legal battles using evidence, law, and arguing a case. Lawyers are needed in all avenues of occupations. Lawyers must be good at writing, speaking, and maintaining deadlines effectively. 

Public Relations Specialists

2025 Median annual salary: $67,440

The job of a public relations specialist is one that bolsters the image of the organizations and companies they work for. This allows for a presence on social media, contact with other organizations, and media coverage. Key aspects of the job are to uphold the organization’s reputation and increase its awareness

Other common job titles for international development majors include:

  • Missions coordinator
  • Policy advocate
  • Human rights officer
  • Fundraiser
  • Relief and development worker
  • Diversity consultant
  • Microenterprise business counselor
  • Social enterprise coordinator
  • Nonprofit manager
  • Poverty researcher

Where are PLNU international development majors now? 

Due to the set of skills that our alumni develop over their years at PLNU and beyond, international development students have gone on to work at organizations and industries involved in:

  • Peace building
  • Development aid
  • Relief work
  • Foreign aid
  • Economics
  • Security
  • Human rights
  • Governance
  • Environment
  • Health care
  • Conflict management and resolution
  • Gender equality
  • Infrastructure
  • Business

Studying abroad as an international development major

One way Point Loma Nazarene University sets apart its international development degree is the emphasis on studying abroad. Many students who major in international development opt to spend a semester abroad, applying their education in real-world scenarios. PLNU students have travelled all over the globe, from Costa Rica to South Africa, Germany, Spain, Brazil, Australia, and many more destinations. 

Students who return from studying abroad report that their time was well-spent, adapting to new scenarios and learning how to expand their comfort zones, something that pertains to all aspects of life. Studying abroad opens a student up to new ways of thinking and studying. These students learn under professors around the globe who engage different techniques and bring new worldviews from various cultures. They gain a new appreciation for different cultures and their customs, language, food, and people. 

The experience of living abroad allows growth and independence to take place as well. Students return to Point Loma and finish their degree, setting them apart from other candidates as they take this knowledge with them into the job field. 

Apply to PLNU today or get connected with one of our counselors for additional support and answers to any questions you may have.

Department Faculty

Get Involved

A bird's eye perspective of hands shucking green lima beans into a large metal pot

Center for International Development

Passionate about relieving global poverty? Interested in learning sustainable economic solutions? If so, join PLNU's Center for International Development (CID).

A group celebrates planting a new tree at the Human Factor Leadership Academy in Ghana.

Fermanian School of Business International Opportunities

Do you want to learn how business operates around the world? PLNU's Fermanian School of Business offers a variety of opportunities to study internationally.