Master of Arts in International Community Development
There are people in this world who see injustice and don’t just send a check. They send themselves. But it takes more than desire to successfully help the oppressed. It takes preparation. It takes knowledge. And it takes humility to learn from those we seek to help.
Our International Community Development (ICD) program will transform your passion for serving others into a profession that is focused, skilled, and effective. You’ll learn from practitioners in the field who have developed successful international programs. You’ll learn by doing—by developing project plans for use in real service organizations. And you’ll learn alongside others who share your passion.
The world needs you.
But it needs a “you” that is fully equipped to make a difference. We’re here to help you get there.
Program Quick Facts
- Next start: September 2, 2021
- 36 credits
- $699 per credit
- $12,582 annual tuition costs (2020–21)
- 20–24 months
- Choice of 6–8 credits per semester
- Evening classes from 6–10pm, usually just one night per week
- Fully accredited university
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Why Choose Our MAICD Program?
A Cutting-Edge Community
Northwest University is located in the greater Seattle area, home to over 650 non-profits. We are surrounded by international world-changing organizations—such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation—working in areas such as health research, education, poverty, and other development issues. In this hub of global development innovation, you’ll learn from professionals engaged in cutting edge development work and find an abundance of opportunities for internships and employment—both here and around the world.
Grow your career. Expand your influence.
Many organizations require a master’s degree of those who want to move up into positions of leadership. Our program is designed for those who’d like to move their career to the next level and help others on a larger scale.
Highest accreditation possible.
Our ICD program represents the gold standard in accreditation. You’ll strengthen your professional credibility and graduate knowing that your degree is widely recognized and deeply respected. You’ll have professional credibility the minute you step into the field.
Maximize your cross-cultural influence.
We equip you to understand the culture of a given service context. Our core belief? You must know a culture deeply—and surrender yourself to the wisdom of those whom you serve—if you want your efforts to have maximum impact.
Learn through hands-on experience.
The ICD program integrates head knowledge with action. Through intensive, hands-on engagement with real-world challenges, you will learn to think critically and integrate the tools of project management, sustainable funding and grant writing, and program evaluation.
Build a stronger spiritual foundation.
ICD professors seek to incorporate components of spiritual growth alongside academic learning. Our premise? All truly effective service flows out of a sense of spiritual purpose and theological grounding.
Focus on your passion.
Our program is unique in that it allows you to tailor your fieldwork, coursework, and thesis project to your specific interests. It’s an approach that fosters true mastery of a particular area of praxis.
The ICD program taught me how to be a trust builder between people and organizations. The Department of Labor saw this skill set in me and hired me to apply it to their project.
–Brian Humphries
Master of Arts in International Community Development
The MAICD program equips people to become:
- Scholars with sensitivity and expertise at observing and interpreting culture.
- Innovators who create culturally responsive strategies to address social issues.
- Critical thinkers able to evaluate existing approaches to meeting the needs of the marginalized, poor, and oppressed.
- Skilled professionals with both broad theoretical understanding and hard skills for creating and managing programs and projects.
- Leaders and managers who inspire with life-changing compassion and world-changing vision.
- Collaborative practitioners who build authentic and supportive communities.
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A Degree that Opens Up the World.
As an ICD graduate, you’ll be prepared to work with non- profits, social enterprises, businesses, ministries, missions, churches, charities, civic organizations, and local, tribal, and international government agencies. Get the tools and the understanding you need to be effective in any context. Find your niche—or create one!
Common Career Paths
Relief and Development Agencies
World Vision; World Concern.
Local Government
Health and Human Services; tribal relations consultant.
International Government
World Health Organization; United Nations.
Church Ministries
Missions director; urban outreach coordinator.
Corporate Relations/Philanthropy
Grant coordinator; community impact researcher.
Healthcare
Cultural communications consultant; minority rights advocate.
Project Management
Homeless shelter vocational trainer; orphanage director.
Education
Minority student advisor; literacy advocate; English teacher abroad.
Research
Immunization program design; program impact evaluation.
We’re In Good Company:
The Nonprofits That Surround Us
Our beautiful 56-acre campus is surrounded by natural beauty and recreational adventures. But perhaps even more importantly, are the surrounding vocational opportunities. The Seattle area is a hub for leading nonprofits that are making significant impacts all around the world. If you’re looking to get plugged in with an organization that’s making a real difference, earning your degree next door is a great place to start.
View Course Descriptions
You can explore program details and course descriptions for this program in our academic catalog.
Go to the Catalog