History and Focus

The Intercultural Studies Department of Wheaton College Graduate School began as a program in 1965 under the direction of Dr. H. Wilbert Norton. In 1985, under Dr. John Gration, the Intercultural Studies Program became an academic department in the Graduate School. Our department has a history of developing men and women for service in many fields locally and overseas. We seek to develop students as competent communicators of Christ, skillful facilitators of intercultural communication, and effective servants. Our faculty members come from a variety of backgrounds and overseas ministries, and share their knowledge and their life experiences with students. Although core courses focus in Intercultural Studies, Contextualization, and Historical and Theological Foundations, professors also teach electives in their areas of field experience, such as community development, spiritual conflict, and the role of the Holy Spirit in mission.

Community

When you become a part of this community, we truly become a part of your life. One of the distinctives of our department on this campus is the sense of community we strive to create in and out of the classroom. With socials, informal gatherings, class meetings in homes, film nights, and other activities, we seek to build a supportive community for one another as we prepare for ministry. Our faculty and staff invest in students’ lives and spiritual development, and most of our graduates stay in touch with the department long after they have left Wheaton. If you choose to come to Wheaton to prepare for service, you will discover a wonderful network of support for ministry and life-long learning.