CIDP Concentrations
Whereas the core course requirements for the MSA in Community and International Development provide limited options in terms of how they are fulfilled, the opposite is true of the concentration requirements.
The concentration area is selected by individual choice and will draw on Behavioral Sciences faculty strengths and utilize courses offered throughout the university. The program director/advisor, in consultation with the student, will select a minimum of 6–8 credits of elective courses related to the chosen concentration to meet the student’s career goals.
Students interested in international exposure but who cannot afford an overseas internship may elect to take a Study Tour for 4 credits from the credits required for concentration. The tour should be relevant to the student’s area of concentration. Students who decide to take the Study Tour, will be required to take an additional 4 credits towards their area of concentration. Students who choose not to take the Study Tour option can choose between 6–8 credits towards their area of concentration. The student will submit a plan and rationale for the concentration requirements to the program director/advisor for approval.
The field practicum and research project/thesis will be related to the area of the concentration emphasis in order to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the chosen specialization area.
Suggested concentration areas
• Advocacy
• Community Education
• Community Health
• Disaster Preparedness
• Forced Migration
• Gender, Poverty and Microenterprise
• International Relations
• NGO Development and Operations
• Peace and Conflict Resolution
Suggested courses that may apply to a specific concentration are outlined below. The schools and departments regulate policies that govern the elective courses offered as part of the concentration package. Some elective courses may have pre-requisites and should be discussed in advance with the program director/advisor for guidance in completing the concentration. However, please note that the list contains suggested courses; it is not exhaustive. Students may suggest alternative courses, with proper argumentation, and discuss alternatives with the program director/advisor. See the university Bulletin for more information on alternative classes, transfer requirements, etc.
The Field Practicum and Research Project/Thesis will necessarily be related to the area of concentration in order to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the chosen area, and with the possibility of applying coursework in practice. Students are required to undertake a 300-hour internship through a field placement with a domestic, national, or international organization/project. Internships are based on prior approval and advice from the program director. Arrangements for the internship will be made by the program director/advisor pending availability and feasibility of the placement proposed by the student.
Planning Your Concentration
Concentrations are built into the program to enhance the expertise of the student in a particular area, providing a multitude of flexible ways to complete them. Due to this flexibility, as well as to the various options available, students should start planning for their concentration from the very beginning of the program.
The key person assisting with this planning is the academic advisor. Students will be referred to a concentration advisor as they decide for a particular topic of interest.
Selecting a Concentration
A concentration is a centering of your program of study in one field of learning in which you expect to do work on advanced level. In selecting a field to concentrate in, you should be mindful of the following:
• Previous learning that could serve as a foundation for your
concentration, such as a background in agriculture, social work, health,
or engineering.
• Future plans that you may have with regard to work and study which
you would like to begin to build toward.
• Current or emergent opportunities in your place of employment for
which you would like to prepare yourself to be involved.
• Availability of training opportunities in a possible area of concentration
through Andrews University, your employer, a local university, or a
distance learning program of which you are aware.
• Recommendations of your academic advisor with regard to what is
doable given the policies and requirements of the MSA program.
Minimum Requirements for Concentrations
In building your concentration students should keep in mind the following minimum expectations of all concentrations:
• Must include a minimum of 6 semester credits of concentration
coursework, as presented in the bulletin.
• Must include a practicum component consisting of 300 hours of training
directly related to the concentration. It is highly recommended that
students will take their field practicum in concentration-related areas.
The field practicum will count for an additional 2 credits beyond
concentration coursework.
• Must include a research component carried out by the student with
supervision by an expert in the student’s field of choice.
• Must include a comprehensive exam component to be written by the
student in connection with the general comprehensive exam.
• Must include a portfolio component to be assembled by the student
over the course of the program, demonstrating the concept of project
management.
Plan of Work for Concentrations
When planning for the concentration, students should be considering the following issues:
• Core courses offer opportunities to work on assignments that might
relate to the area of concentration.
• The practicum requirement for the degree should be planned to
include/relate to the practicum required for the concentration.
• The research requirement for the degree should be planned to focus
on a topic directly related to the concentration area.
• Supervised independent study in a concentration area is an option that
might be allowed for completing the concentration, once the main
courses for that concentration are covered.
• For courses included in the concentration package, that have
prerequisites, students should plan in advance with the academic
advisor and the concentration advisor, to meet the requirements for
registering for those classes.
• If there is interest for more than one area of concentration, students
should discuss this issue with the academic advisor. Students have the
option of taking an extra graduate certificate in an area of interest,
besides the 6 minimum credits for the concentration required for the
degree. Also, for related areas, concentration could be planned to
include broader students' interests.
Concentration Courses
Advocacy
PLSC420: (3cr) Human Rights, Violations and Reconciliations
An interdisciplinary approach to concepts of human rights within western and non-western traditions. The course will evaluate legal and political instruments that address human rights and examine the meaning and relevance of these rights to such contemporary issues as torture, political repression, war crimes, and genocide and refugees.
PREL510: (2cr) Advancement and Communication (Public Relations)
Developing communication skills necessary to the non-profit arena, including working with volunteers, promoting and positioning various service organizations. Communication with relevant publics.
PLSC230: (3cr) International Relations
A systematic analysis of select nation-states in the modern era, with particular consideration given to the geographic,, cultural, religious, social , and economic factors that contribute to shaping each nation’s politics.
SOCI425: (3cr) Racial and Ethnic Relations
A study of the distinctive racial and cultural minorities in American society with an emphasis on problems and adjustments within the larger society.
NOTES:
* AdvancedStanding students should note that emphasis is offered in odd years (e.g. 2009-10, 2011-12, etc.).
** For regular standing students, please choose 9 credits from the classes listed above.
Community Education
SOCI470: (3cr) Demography
Overview of the world’s population; spatial dimensions of human populations; fertility concepts, measurements, trends, levels, and explanations; mortality and migration; population structures, life chances; population growth, economic development, and the environment.
COMM436: (3cr) Intercultural Communication
Students examine the relationship between culture and communication and the ways culture influences values and perceptions. Discussion and activities help students develop and apply analytic and communication skills which enable them to interact with cultural sensitivity and communicate more effectively in intercultural, interethnic, and cross-gender contexts. Particularly useful for students in business, behavioral sciences, education, and theology.
EDCI610: (3cr) Teaching the Adult Learner
Examines and applies educational theory to skills used by helping professionals in the classroom, community and clinical facility. Topics include the taxonomies of learning, learning styles, multiple intelligences, educational technology and application
EDCI611: (3cr) Design and Development of Training Programs
Design and creation of programs for adult learners in training settings (i.e., NGO, continuing education, health care, corporate). Includes the planning of a field-based implementation project. Prerequisite: EDCI610
NOTES:
*Advanced Standing students should note that the emphasis is offered in odd years (e.g.2009-10, 2011-12, etc)
**For regular standing students, please choose 9 credits from the classes listed above.
Community Health
SOCI415: (2cr) Substance Abuse in American Society
An overview of substance-use terminology, historical issues, definitions, epidemiology, consequences and drugs of abuse within an American cultural and historical framework. Normally offered odd years.
SOCI420: (3cr) Medical Sociology
Analysis of the relationship between social characteristics and the incidence and prevalence of disease, as well as geographical determinants of health and medical systems. Normally offered even years.
SOCI460: (2cr) Death and Grief in Contemporary Society
The study of cultural and societal perspectives on death and personal and interpersonal dynamics of death and dying. Designed to help the student understand cultural and societal perspectives on death as well as develop an increased awareness and sensitivity to the personal and interpersonal dynamics of death, dying, and loss. The student’s personal encounter with dying, death, and loss, as well as the experiences of guest speakers, provides topics for class discussion. The “art of condolence” is discussed for helping people deal with uncomplicated death and loss issues.
BHSC450: (3cr) Community Health and Human Disease
Examines in-depth emerging issues in the behavioral sciences. May be repeated in different specialized areas.
NRSG517: (3cr) Health Care Systems
Examines the organizational structure of health-care systems in the United States and other countries. Alternative approaches for the delivery of health care are compared with consideration of quality-related, economical, and ethical concerns.
FDNT469: (2cr) International Nutrition
A study of world food production, supply, storage, and marketing. Causes and symptoms of nutritional deficiencies in the developing world. Diseases of the affluent. Effects of nutritional deprivation on health and productivity. Effects of social and cultural factors in nutrition.
* Students must choose 9 credits from the classes listed above.
Disaster Preparedness
BHSC425: (2cr) Emergency Planning
Principles of emergency planning used in any type of disaster.Includes working with volunteers, handling special events, evacuation, mass fatalities, planning for schools, and homeland security planning. Required course for Michigan professional Emergency Management (PEM) certification. Includes satisfactory completion of FEMA-provided modules in Professional Development Series. Prerequisite: BHSC/SOWK 408.
BHSC449: (2cr) Disaster Response and Emergency Operations
Study of the phases of disaster response and recovery with attention to local, state, and national roles and expectations. Models of emergency management operations including communication, coordination, and chief executive decision making under conditions of disaster response will be emphasized. Attention will be given to the problems and concerns of recovery of victims and communities and the implications of disaster recovery efforts. Required course for PEM certification. Evidence of Satisfactory completion of PDS modules, IS244 Developing and Managing Volunteers, IS 546-547 Continuity of Operations, and IS700 National Incident Management System.
BSAD526: (3cr) Emergency Management
Study of the ideas and concepts of emergency management. Expands basic principles covered in FEMA Independent Study (IS) modules, giving attention to leadership issues in managing change and making sound policy decisions and communicating during crisis incidents. Includes attention to specific hazards, laws, and standards of state government and federal requirements. Relationships between community preparedness and local emergency management programs will be emphasized. Emphasis will be given to the Integrated Command Systems (ICS) and Emergency Operations Center models of emergency management operations. Required course for Michigan PEM certification. Includes satisfactory completion of FEMA-provided modules in Professional Development Series. Prerequisites: BHSC/SOWK401 or IS modules IS-100 and IS-244.
COMM435: (2cr) Crisis Communications
Understanding communication during crisis conditions. Planning, preventing and anticipating Public Relations emergencies. Preparing a crisis communication’s plan including internal and external consulting factors. Implementing Public Relations activities including understanding and handling the media and the press, explaining technical information, communicating about risks and responding to warnings. Notification priorities and protocols. Developing information centers and methods and tools for disseminating information during emergencies.
Gender, Poverty & Microenterprise
COMM446: (3cr) Gender Communication
The study of the interactive relationships between gender and communication as experienced in various contexts such as personal relationships, school and work settings (even years).
SOCI430: (3cr) Gender Roles in Contemporary Society
Significant issues related primarily to the concerns of women as members of American society, but also in cross-cultural perspective. Includes such topics as socialization in sex roles, women in the professions, women in minority groups, the feminization of poverty, and women and substance abuse and crime.
BSAD410: (3cr) Entrepreneuring
A systematic study of entrepreneuring, with an emphasis on contemporary trends. The creation, assessment, development, and operation of new and emerging ventures, including home-based businesses, franchises, and existing business purchases. Addresses entrepreneurial profiles and elements required to write a business plan. Prerequisites: BSAD355 and MKTG310.
ECON427: (3cr) Economic Development
A study of the problem of poverty in the world and theories about the growth of developing countries. The effects of population growth, trade and aid, alternative strategies for expansion, and challenges facing these countries are evaluated. Prerequisites: ECON225, 226.
ACCT455: (3cr) Accounting for Not-for-Profit Organizations
The study of the fundamental accounting systems used by government, hospitals, schools, and other not-for-profit organizations. Topics include the budgeting process, and the analysis and interpretation of non-profit financial statements. Prerequisite: ACCT122.
BSAD545: (3cr) International Management
Understanding the global enterprise and how management concepts, principles, and practice transcend national boundaries. Focus on global strategies, the importance of cultural differences to organizational effectiveness, management of people in international organizations, personnel selection and repatriation, political risks, ethics and social responsibility. Prerequisite: BSAD355.
*Students must choose 9 credits from the classes listed above.
International Relations
BSAD560: (3cr) Intercultural Business Relations
Study of the role of culture in business, aims to develop skills in cross-cultural communication and negotiations; and prepares the student for the increasing cultural diversity in the workplace. A research paper and a project are required.
BSAD545: (3cr) International Management
Understanding the global enterprise and how management concepts, principles, and practice transcend national boundaries. Focus on global strategies, the importance of cultural differences to organizational effectiveness, management of people in international organizations, personnel selection and repatriation, political risks, ethics and social responsibility. Prerequisite: BSAD355
SOCI470: (3cr) Demography
Overview of the world’s population; spatial dimensions of human populations; fertility concepts, measurements, trends, levels, and explanations; mortality and migration; population structures, life chances; population growth, economic development, and the environment.
COMM436: (3cr) Intercultural Communication
Students examine the relationship between culture and communication and the ways culture influences values and perceptions. Discussion and activities help students develop and apply analytic and communication skills which enable them to interact with cultural sensitivity and communicate more effectively in intercultural, interethnic, and cross-gender contexts. Particularly useful for students in business, behavioral sciences, education, and theology.
PLSC420: (3cr) Human Rights, Violations and Reconciliations
An interdisciplinary approach to concepts of human rights within western and non-western traditions. The course will evaluate legal and political instruments that address human rights and examine the meaning and relevance of these rights to such contemporary issues as torture, political repression, war crimes, and genocide and refugees.
PREL510: (2cr) Advancement and Communication
Developing communication skills necessary to the non-profit arena, including working with volunteers, promoting and positioning various service organizations. Communication with relevant publics. (Public Relations)
ECON427: (3cr) Economic Development
A study of the problem of poverty in the world and theories about the growth of developing countries. The effects of population growth, trade and aid, alternative strategies for expansion, and challenges facing these countries are evaluated. Prerequisites: ECON225, 226.
SOWK437: (2cr) International Environment of Social Welfare
Students engage in critical thinking in relation to global issues. Theories of causation and alternative models of global intervention. Explores the social, cultural (including religious), political, and economic factors impacting social-welfare policies and the delivery of human services in Third World, developing, industrial, and post-industrial societies.
PLSC230: (3cr) International Relations (Sign up for PLSC590 Independent Study)
A systematic analysis of select nation-states in the modern era, with particular consideration given to the geographic, cultural, religious, social, and economic factors that contribute to shaping each nation’s politics. Students will need to sign up for PLSC 590 after consulting with the instructor. They will attend class at the scheduled PLSC230 time and complete all assignments, plus fulfill additional requirements for graduate credit.
*For advanced Standing students, the emphasis is offered in odd years (e.g. 2009-10, 2011-12, etc)
**For regular standing students, please choose 9 credits from the classes listed above.
NGO Development & Operations
BSAD545: (3cr) International Management
Understanding the global enterprise and how management concepts, principles, and practice transcend national boundaries. Focus on global strategies, the importance of cultural differences to organizational effectiveness, management of people in international organizations, personnel selection and repatriation, political risks, ethics and social responsibility. Prerequisite: BSAD355.
PREL510: (2cr) Advancement and Communication
Developing communication skills necessary to the non-profit arena, including working with volunteers, promoting and positioning various service organizations. Communication with relevant publics. (Public Relations)
SOWK437: (2cr) International Environment of Social Welfare
Students engage in critical thinking in relation to global issues. Theories of causation and alternative models of global intervention. Explores the social, cultural (including religious), political, and economic factors impacting social-welfare policies and the delivery of human services in Third World, developing, industrial, and post-industrial societies.
COMM436: (3cr) Intercultural Communication
Students examine the relationship between culture and communication and the ways culture influences values and perceptions. Discussion and activities help students develop and apply analytic and communication skills which enable them to interact with cultural sensitivity and communicate more effectively in intercultural, interethnic, and cross-gender contexts. Particularly useful for students in business, behavioral sciences, education, and theology.
ACCT455: (3cr) Accounting for Not-for-Profit Organizations
The study of the fundamental accounting systems used by government, hospitals, schools, and other not-for-profit organizations. Topics include the budgeting process, and the analysis and interpretation of non-profit financial statements. Prerequisite: ACCT122.
BSAD560: (3cr) Intercultural Business Relations
Study of the role of culture in business, aims to develop skills in cross-cultural communication and negotiations; and prepares the student for the increasing cultural diversity in the workplace. A research paper and a project are required.
PREL460: (3cr) Development
Provides student with an understanding of the facets of development intrinsic to a non-profit organization. Students work on team projects in local agencies and organization. They report to the class, write reflection papers, and give a final oral presentation about their experiences.
BSAD670: (3cr) Human Resources Seminar
Topics may include human resources planning, job analysis and design, recruitment, screening and selection, training and career development, performance evaluation, compensation and rewards, affirmative action, discipline, unions, grievances, and conflict resolution. Emphasis on cases, projects, and research. Prerequisite: BSAD515 or permission of instructor.
MKTG540: (3cr) Marketing for Non-Profit Organizations
The study of marketing concepts and tools for not-for-profit institutions. Topics include marketing research, conducting a marketing audit, communication strategy, publicity, development and philanthropy. A field project and case analyses are required. Prerequisite: MKTG310 or permission of instructor.
EDCI611: (3cr) Design and Development of Training Programs
Design and creation of programs for adult learners in training settings (i.e., NGO, continuing education, health care, corporate). Includes the planning of a field-based implementation project. Prerequisite: EDCI610
* Students must choose 9 credits from the classes listed above.
Peace & Conflict Resolution
SOCI470: (3cr) Demography
Overview of the world’s population; spatial dimensions of human populations; fertility concepts, measurements, trends, levels, and explanations; mortality and migration; population structures, life chances; population growth, economic development, and the environment.
COMM435: (2cr) Crisis Communications
Understanding communication during crisis conditions. Planning, preventing and anticipating Public Relations emergencies. Preparing a crisis communication’s plan including internal and external consulting factors. Implementing Public Relations activities including understanding and handling the media and the press, explaining technical information, communicating about risks and responding to warnings. Notification priorities and protocols. Developing information centers and methods and tools for disseminating information during emergencies.
COMM436: (3cr) Intercultural Communication
Students examine the relationship between culture and communication and the ways culture influences values and perceptions. Discussion and activities help students develop and apply analytic and communication skills which enable them to interact with cultural sensitivity and communicate more effectively in intercultural, interethnic, and cross-gender contexts. Particularly useful for students in business, behavioral sciences, education, and theology.
PLSC420: (3cr) Human Rights, Violations and Reconciliations
An interdisciplinary approach to concepts of human rights within western and non-western traditions. The course will evaluate legal and political instruments that address human rights and examine the meaning and relevance of these rights to such contemporary issues as torture, political repression, war crimes, and genocide and refugees.
COMM320: (3cr) Interpersonal Communication
Emphasis is placed on interpersonal skills for the workplace. Students examine components of interpersonal communication such as listening, perception, managing conflict, etc., and then apply specific strategies to build relationships.
*Advanced Standing students should note that the emphasis is offered in odd years (e.g. 2007-07, 2009-10, 2011-12, etc)
**For regular standing students, please choose 9 credits from the classes listed above.
***The Mennonite Seminary offers electives in this area. Please inquire at the CIDP office.