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      • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
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      • Master of Arts in International Community Development
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      • Online Master of Arts in International Community Development
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Online Master of Arts in International Community Development

Program Also Offered On-Campus ›

It takes more than good intentions to create real change in the world. It takes preparation. It takes knowledge. And it takes humility to learn from those we seek to help.

The Master of Arts in International Community Development degree will equip you to work with communities to create sustainable, community-owned and community-honoring change.

The MAICD curriculum has a practical emphasis and includes qualitative research skills, a six-credit certificate in Outcomes-Oriented Program Management, and opportunities to collaborate with existing nonprofit organizations. You’ll gain a big-picture view of community development and social justice issues, and an understanding of how they are interrelated. You will also be challenged to focus on a particular cause that you care about, and create a project or thesis around this theme.

Program Quick Facts

  • Next start: January 2, 2023
  • 36 credits
  • $727 per credit
  • $13,086 annual tuition costs (2022–23)
  • 20–24 months
  • Choice of 6–8 credits per semester
  • All online except two one-week international trips
  • Fully accredited university

Make your community development work as effective as possible.

You may know Robert Katende as the inspiring chess coach behind the Disney film Queen of Katwe. The creative community development work he began through chess was already making a difference in Uganda and around Africa, but he knew he wanted to do more. He chose the MA in International Community Development to help him evaluate and expand his work.

My name is Robert Katende, the founder of SOM Chess Academy and the Robert Katende Initiative, and I do community development work in the slums and remote communities in Uganda. And I've been able to also share my philosophy to other places in the world. I've used sports to impact those I have been able to connect to in the communities, and that's how I introduced just in the slums and I founded SOM Chess Academy in 2004.

Two of my lanas I traveled with to come to the U.S. at least—that's how I got connected to Northwest—and that's when I also got to learn more during the interactions we had about the ICD program. And because I found myself in community development work, I felt like this was something I would pursue, but I didn't have what it takes. Before I was flying blind folded. But going into the program, it actually opened up a lot of more insight, getting more theories to know how I can even better my work. So going through the formal training, I think that gave me a better understanding, not only to better the work, but also timesaving, because, you know, the concept, the principles that you can apply in certain situations and you see how everyone's involved and continuing to impact more lives.

It was my first time all the way to do an online kind of program. I had never done it before. I didn't know how it works. I was wondering how will we connect and how will we be able to know each other. The program is well organized, that there is a first week of interaction physically and we've got to connect to whoever is going to be in that class. So we've got to know each other at least. So the next two or two years that follow in the course, you're already at least have an image and a picture of someone you're talking to.

But it's been so impactful and interactive. Even right now, I feel I miss it, but I'm just so appreciative of the online class because I could even work in transit. I can even be on a plane, I mean like you fly and you have connection. And it's not limited to a location that has somehow made it a bit more convenient, especially for people who tend to be so busy and traveling that you are not bound to be in class and to sit in one location. Having this done, you can do it from anywhere you are.

I think if anyone is interested in the ICD program, number one, it is a bit scary. You feel like, oh, maybe I know. Or if not, is it worth it? Is it kind of too much? But I went to tell anyone who is willing to do it that overcome that fear and dive in it, you will never regret. Because even personally having been in the field I felt like is it worth it? Is it worth my time? But I'm so grateful that I overcame that and I chose to endure. And I want also to encourage those, especially maybe those still in school and those who are willing to enroll that before—sometimes we think being a missionary or going for missions is going abroad. No, mission starts from your vicinity, right from your home with you or your neighbor with those around you. And then you see how you can really impact them. You can be an agent of change relief to share and encourage them to work through their challenges.

We include the U.S. among the nations represented by “international,” and many of our locally-focused students find that the program is perfect fit for their work. Bonita Broadnax chose the MA in International Community Development to help her work with those needing low-income housing in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

I'm Bonita Broadnax, I'm from Chattanooga, Tennessee, and I graduated with a Master's in International Community Development in May of 2021. I currently work in the field of affordable housing and I decided to pursue this degree in international community development because of a passion I developed for community development while working at a nonprofit, affordable housing organization.

The "co-heart", and you usually have a cohort, a group of people that graduate with you, that walk with you through the degree. We didn't—early on we didn't even call them cohort—we decided to call ourselves the "co-heart". That's how bonded we became. That's how connected we became. And we became more than just a group of people pursuing this degree at the same time in the same space. We became connected and it was an amazing experience because of the friendships that we formed with each other, early on when we first came together, all the way through the degree. The support that we gave each other, they are what made the experience extraordinary. Some of the highlights of the International Community Development program, it would definitely be first going to Europe, traveling to Europe, specifically to England for the convocation. And then thereafter, like visiting in London, walking through Oxford, experiencing the community in Oxford, and also experiencing them with the people from my "co-heart", people from the Congo, people from Colombia, people from Mexico. It was awesome just to just to get to experience them and to experience it with them. So it was definitely one of the highlights of the degree.

Also, the experimental, the teaching, the experimental teaching. It wasn't monotone. It wasn't boring. It wasn't top-down. It was, they were teaching you based on what your passion was. So it kind of made the degree all the more enjoyable. The degree itself and the program contributed to my career, specifically a career in affordable housing. So I've been in the field now going on five years. To actually have a program hone in specifically on culture, having cultural brokers, the importance of culture. What happens if you ignore culture? Helped me to really have a relationship with my residents in my affordable housing community. And instead of going in and telling them these are the programs we're going to bring in and this is what you're going to do and this is how we're going to help you. The program kind of pulled me back and allowed me to listen to them so they could tell me what they needed for their community, instead of me dictating it to them.

If you ask me what sort of person should join the International Community Development program, I would say someone who is passionate about seeing and effecting change in their own community. They love it when they get to experience transformation, they get to be around it. They're in the same space with it. Like it makes their life sing. That's the sort of person that should definitely check into the International Community Development degree program.

Someone who's just thinking about it or considering it. Call and talk to someone about the program, tell them what you're passionate about, tell them what gets you excited, and then they're going to tell you how the program connects with that, how the program can enhance that. Give you the tools to be better about bringing your passion into the world. About finding the field that excites your passion.

The last thing I would like to share, I was able to actually speak and my May graduation. And I said, you need something that makes your life sing. The International Community Development program, it's not what makes your life sing, it's what's going to help you decide what makes your life sing. And I think everybody needs that opportunity. So I would definitely say that if that's something that you're looking for, this is the program for you.

MAICD Application Information

Deadlines

  • October 1st with an acceptance decision in late October
  • November 1st with an acceptance decision in late November
  • December 1st with an acceptance decision before Christmas

Details

  • No GRE required
  • FAFSA eligible
  • Military benefits available

Hear From Our Graduates

Many of our International Community Development graduates have gone on to make the world a better place. Some have worked with local governments. Others have been employed by existing relief organizations. Still others have started their own organizations. All have been equipped for success.

I'm Jason Love from Atlanta, Georgia, well actually Griffin, but nobody knows where Griffin is, so I'm from Atlanta, Georgia.

So my name is Susie Walter.

My name is Katie Cannon.

But my name is Edward.

My name is Stephanie Robinson. And I'm originally from Alabama. But I work in Haiti. I've worked in Haiti for most of, gosh, the last eight years.

I live and work in Jakarta, Indonesia.

And I'm from Chicago, but for the last 10 years I've lived in Tijuana, Mexico, working as a missionary, a full time missionary.

When I first moved to Indonesia, I didn't know a whole lot about community development. And over working in different slum communities, over a couple of years, I realized that what I wanted to do in the communities and my knowledge wasn't sufficient to be able to really make an impact in the lives.

I think a lot of people have a heart for ministry. You have to have more than a heart in order for your ministry and mission to succeed. And I feel like I understand a little bit more about the business side of things. I feel like I understand how to evaluate programs. How to make real lasting change in a way that I can contribute and collaborate with local leaders.

During my time working as a missionary. I really felt like I was to play more of a role in teaching and training practitioners. And so I wanted to find a program where I could get in-depth knowledge about community development that could be applied internationally so that this is the perfect program for that. And because I am a full time field practitioner. I wasn't able to participate in any sort of on-campus program. And so because the ICD program only has the orientation and the final thesis defense as an on-campus, that's how this program worked out perfectly for me.

The depth of experience that a lot of the professors at Northwest had, it was really a no brainer for me, especially also because it was an online program. I could continue to do my ministry. I didn't have the stop and sign on and do all that stuff I knew in my assignments or do that was really, really helpful.

I think one of the main takeaways that I've learned from this program is an affirmation that valuing local partners is essential. What I love about ICD is it's not just about theory. It's not just about what just some random study and some random books say that no one will ever read. It's about Annie, it's about Linda Watke. It's about real lives and real people. And how can we make an impact in their lives? It's practical. It's useful, it's challenging. But it's such a supportive community to me.

To me, ICD is a worth while investment.

The investment of your time and your resources is in the international community and that matters more than our own personal comfort.

You need tools, you need to understand the world of development because ICD gives you a wider world view, it opens your eyes to very small things that people ignore. So ICD is invaluable. If you have a passion to make a difference in a community, you need the ICD.

Student Focus Areas

Our students’ areas of focus vary widely, including both local and international issues and settings. Students create thesis projects around their chosen topics, and very often put these projects into practice—either in their current professional roles, or soon after graduation. These topics have included:

  • localized community development
  • human trafficking prevention/solutions
  • employment for vulnerable populations
  • social enterprise
  • technology/design for developing contexts
  • empowering trauma survivors
  • healthy church/community partnerships
  • holistic missions
  • orphan or elder care
  • environmental justice and sustainability
  • refugee/immigrant assistance
  • contextualized nutrition
  • educational issues for developing contexts
  • race relations and equality
  • peacemaking/ peacebuilding
  • empowering women and children
  • land rights and water access

Common Career Paths

Relief and Development Nonprofits

Whether you are a current seasoned professional or just starting out, we can help you take your career in relief and development to the next level. Our practical classes can be applied to many roles, including project manager, program evaluator, fundraiser, and country director.

Your Own Organization

Make your own social enterprise, nonprofit organization, business, or network more purposeful, sustainable, and effective. Some of our alumni begin the program having already launched an organization, and have used the MAICD degree to become more effective, credible, and sustainable. Others go on to start their own initiatives after graduation.

Local Government and Advocacy

Work for the department of labor, health and human services, tribal relations, city planning, advocacy and policy groups influencing the government, or nonprofits in partnerships with local government. Direct, facilitate, or serve as a consultant.

Schools and Education Systems

Start a school for a disadvantaged population, advocate on behalf of immigrant students, advise multicultural programs, organize an educational program, or teach students of all ages. Our graduates serve in all levels of education.

Church Ministries and Missions

Serve as a missions director, an urban outreach coordinator, or a missionary; transform your context through a holistic approach to intercultural work, and create healthy partnerships in your community and around the world.

Healthcare Organizations

Become a cultural communications consultant or a minority rights advocate, start a clinic, or facilitate the sustainable growth of improved healthcare in a particular context. Medical professionals often take our program as a way to orient their skillset around issues of community health and/or cross-cultural praxis.

Businesses and Foundations

Work in the corporate relations department of a business, or in a philanthropic foundation. Found your own social purpose business. Become a grant coordinator or a community impact researcher. Ensure that organizations doing great work are truly sustainable.

Plan your thesis project in Oxford

And return to another city to defend your thesis project. Recent trip destinations include Prague, Antalya, and Cardiff. With our online global hybrid program, you will not only have the opportunity to travel for your fieldwork (if desired), but you will also have two one-week trips with your cohort, as you first process and plan your fieldwork and thesis or thesis project, and later defend and present your final work to your cohort, family, and friends. More than just a chance to study together, these week-long trips will allow you and your peers to become both friends and central figures in each other’s emerging professional networks. It’s an important program feature that will enrich your online learning experience.

Why Choose Northwest University for your MA in International Community Development Degree?

Learn through hands-on experience.

Our practical skills classes comprise the Graduate Certificate in Outcomes-Oriented Program Management, which you will earn as a part of your MAICD degree, and feature opportunities for intensive hands-on engagement with organizations in the field.

Study in a diverse, close-knit cohort.

Our students live and work all over the world. Uniquely among Christian International Community Development programs, the MAICD does not require students to embrace a particular faith statement, so you can expect to engage a real-world variety of perspectives. And with our built-in trips, and the consistent community resulting from a retention rate of 95%, you will know your cohort well.

Maximize your cross-cultural influence.

We equip you to understand the culture of a given service context by teaching an ethos of listening well in the spirit of mutual empowerment. 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.

Focus on your passion.

Our program allows you to tailor your fieldwork, coursework focus, and thesis project to your specific interests, while still equipping you with a global view of the field.

Understand and embrace your calling at a Christian university.

ICD professors seek to incorporate components of spiritual growth, personal transformation, and vocational exploration alongside academic learning. Our premise? The most effective service flows out of a well-developed sense of one’s core values.

Receive the highest accreditation possible.

We represent the gold standard in accreditation. You’ll strengthen your professional credibility and graduate knowing that your degree is widely recognized and deeply respected.

Experienced Faculty

At Northwest University, we have over 80 years of experience in creating and teaching curriculum, and over 12 years teaching the MA in International Community Development. Our faculty have invested that experience—as well as their own development practitioner experience and the collaborative input of alumni and nonprofit representatives—into every one of the 36 credits that make up our Master of Arts in International Community Development degree.

Program Faculty

Which Program is Right for Me?


Master of Arts in International Community Development

This program predominately focuses on global community development—often in overseas contexts—by:

  • Emphasizing intercultural competencies and context.
  • Emphasizing environmental sustainability and resilience.

Master of Arts in Community Economic Development

This program predominately focuses on domestic and local community development.

  • Emphasizing economics and economic development.
  • Emphasizing advocacy and policy work.

View Course Descriptions

You can explore program details such as course descriptions and graduation requirements for this program in our academic catalog.

Go to the Catalog
Lisa San Martin

Questions about this program?

I would love to answer any questions about the Master of Arts in International Community Development program that you may have.

Lisa San Martin, M.A.

Director of Student Services
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
425-889-5298

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