If you want to make a greater impact in your community through a Christian worldview, the BS in Community Development program at Indiana Wesleyan University was designed for you. It is estimated that 1 out of 3 people in the world are living in poverty. With so much suffering in the world, there is plenty of God’s work to do here in the United States, and all over the world. Discover how IWU helps students pursue rewarding careers helping improve the lives of the people and solving societal challenges through God’s love.
Why Pursue My B.S. in Community Development at IWU?
There are several benefits to pursuing your community development degree at IWU. This accredited degree program is taught by faculty with experience helping build local, national, and global communities in a variety of professional contexts. We also provide student services, from tech support to tutoring, to help you succeed in this program. Students learn from expert faculty who will become mentors in the faith, integrating classroom learning with biblical truths for a Christ-centered environment that encourages spiritual growth.
What Will I Learn in this Bachelor’s in Community Development Program?
This community development program is designed to help students gain the knowledge, skills, and Christian principles to change the world. Students engage in career-focused coursework, projects, and class trips for hands-on experience. Upon completion, students should have a strong understanding of scripture, along with the leadership skills to help deal with issues of poverty, hunger, and other social ailments. Course topics cover ministerial placement and persistence, ministry in context, non-profit management, and more.
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!
This BS in Community Development program offers students a variety of paths:
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.
Graduate Credits-in-Escrow
A senior who is currently enrolled at Indiana Wesleyan University and who is within the last semester of completing course requirements for the baccalaureate degree may, with the approval of the appropriate dean register for a maximum of two graduate courses per semester. Such students who desire to take additional graduate courses after earning the baccalaureate degree must follow the regular admission procedure.
Graduate courses may not be counted at Indiana Wesleyan University for both graduate and undergraduate requirements.
Advanced Standing with Credit
Graduates of undergraduate programs with relevant theological courses in Bible, theology, church history, and practical theology, and who enroll in the relevant graduate programs of the School of Theology and Ministry may receive advanced standing with credit on the basis of competence achieved in certain undergraduate courses. Advanced standing with credit may not exceed 25% of the total hours in the program. Advanced credit may be granted for the courses listed below under the following conditions:
Required Undergrad Courses | |
BIL 510 Biblical Hermeneutics (3) |
Two of the Following: BIL 202 Inductive Bible Study |
THE 500 Christian Doctrine (3) |
Two of the following: THE 233 Theology I |
REL 510 History of the Global Christian Church (3) |
Two of the following: GLM 380 History of Christian Missions and Contextualization |
REL 525 Spiritual Care and Counseling (3) |
Two of the following: REL 229 The Christian Life: Sustaining Spiritual Vibrancy throughout Life |
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.