Do you have a talent for recognizing the needs of others, uncovering the root of problems, and being an agent of change? Perhaps you are majoring in a different field but want to direct your work toward issues related to global poverty or disadvantaged populations. If so, a minor in international development could be the perfect fit, allowing you to gain expertise in another area while building a foundation and understanding about global development initiatives.

PLNU's international development minor will expose you to a wide range of coursework, from business and economics to philosophy, political science, and sociology. You will be invited to seek new and better ways to serve others in need as you dive into conversation surrounding poverty, human rights, war, economic growth, race, gender, globalization, community health, and more. You will also have the option to incorporate a study abroad in a developing country as part of your experience. Whichever classes you choose, you will learn how to use business to alleviate poverty through sustainable and empowering ways.

Student Profile

Joshua Burgner

I had big goals walking into the Center for International Development 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.

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International development minors 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, the CID and other opportunities through the Fermanian School of Business offer you many ways to get involved and pursue your passions. 

For information about the courses required for the International Development, minor program, view the PLNU Catalog. 

Course Information

The faculty and staff at PLNU weren’t afraid to dive into hard conversations, even controversial ones, and that’s really serving me well now in law school, where I’m surrounded by people from all different backgrounds. 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 Parker, Class of 2015
International Development Studies, B.A.

International development attracts people with a passion for doing business with integrity and purpose. They are aware of the political and social challenges within the global arena and have a deep understanding of factors that affect success and sustainability along the path of development. Alumni have applied their thorough base of knowledge and transferrable skill set into many careers within the field of international development and beyond. They have also used the resources available from the Center for International Development to work with organizations like World Relief, Plant with Purpose, Hope International, Christian Missionary Fellowship, and many other public, private, and non-profit organizations.

A minor in international development can help lead to a variety of careers, including:

• Microenterprise Business Counselor
• Human Rights Officer
• Relief and Development Worker
• Missions Coordinator
• Field Communicator
• Policy Advocate
• Diversity Consultant
• International Aid Worker
• Social Enterprise Coordinator
• Nonprofit Manager
• Poverty Researcher

Breaking Poverty’s Cycles

PLNU professor Rob Gailey, Ph.D., considers an approach to global poverty as Christians committed to doing what we can.

Read More in the Viewpoint Online Magazine