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.

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

Course Information

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?

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.