International Development, minor

International Development, minor

Program Overview

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.

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. 

Expanding Perspectives

Making a Splash Around the World — Founder of World Thirst Solutions, Luke Pinneo
Lauren Kim: Empowering Others to Reverse Poverty

Where Change Happens

Impactful Reflections

"Rooted Purpose"
"Courageous Calling"

Snapshots of Service

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Videos (3)
Articles (6)
Quotes (3)
Pictures (4)
Making a Splash Around the World — Founder of World Thirst Solutions, Luke Pinneo PLNU alum Luke Pinneo founded World Thirst Solutions, a platform that supports water-based projects in rural developing areas. Discover
Lauren Kim: Empowering Others to Reverse Poverty “I want to be someone who people know they can be heard by, who is a voice for the voiceless. The international development major pushes me to personally step out of my comfort zone and into those places that aren’t fully served.” Discover
Is Adding a Minor to Your Degree Worth It? Learn more about college minors, how to add a minor to your degree, and how future employers see value in adding a college minor to your degree. Discover
Mamer Ajak Serves War-torn Communities in South Sudan South Sudanese people have experienced war, displacement, and destitution more than they have peace. We catch up with PLNU alum Mamer Ajak and hear about the ways he is working to bring healing and wellness to his country. Discover
Kekeli women bring light and life to their Ghanaian communities with the help of Rural Health Collective Rural Health Collective empowers women from the Akatsi region of Ghana to share safe healthcare and wellness practices within their communities. Discover
Jessica Morris recruits game developers for Pokémon Go creator Niantic Inc. Discover how Jessica Morris found her passion for recruitment and how PLNU equipped her for success. Discover
Rooted Purpose
"I truly cannot speak highly enough about the impact PLNU had on me as an undergraduate student and continues to have on me each day. I know I always have a place I can return to and have challenging conversations, seek mentorship, and learn more about the nonprofit world as it specifically relates to global poverty alleviation. I had big goals walking in 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."
Joshua Burgner International Development Studies B.A.
Courageous Calling
"The faculty and staff at PLNU weren’t afraid to dive into hard conversations and that served me well for my career. 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 Hamill International Development Studies B.A.
Purpose Found
"I always knew I wanted to help people at every opportunity. I would give presentations to my class in elementary school about global warming and recycling and saving the polar bears. I had never heard of Point Loma at the time but when I picked up a pamphlet and saw the majors offered and noticed things like sustainability and nonprofit management I thought, 'This is for me; I am so ready for this."
Isabel Ashley International Development B.A.
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Course List

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

Course Information

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Undergraduate Program Base: Application Information

Are you ready to take the next step to begin your PLNU journey? Whether you’re a high school senior, college transfer student, or international student, find out what we’re looking for in our applicants and how you can apply.

Apply Now

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Student Support

For most students, the transition into college life is one full of adjustments. There is the excitement of newfound freedoms, but also some uncertainty as you begin to make choices and take responsibility for your own future. 

At PLNU, we’re committed to supporting you — academically, professionally, spiritually, personally — so that you may be successful both in your time as a student and beyond. That’s why we offer a holistic support system that focuses on your unique experiences, particular needs, and personal and professional goals — resulting from our deep concern for you, our student.

With a focus on authentic relationships and personalized attention, our goal is to help transform you so you can follow your calling in your own career and life.

Student Support

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Career Opportunities

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
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    Department Faculty

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    Get Involved

    A bird's eye perspective of hands shucking green lima beans into a large metal pot

    Center for International Development

    Passionate about relieving global poverty? Interested in learning sustainable economic solutions? If so, join PLNU's Center for International Development (CID).

    Microfinance Club

    Microfinance Club

    PLNU's Microfinance Club brings students together who have a passion for global poverty issues, and serving "the least of these" by combining viable business solutions with a compassionate mindset.