About Us

Although located in a peaceful, rural part of Michigan, Andrews University embodies a global humanitarian mission. Founded in 1874 by Seventh-day Adventist pioneers as a small liberal arts college, the University has a current on-campus student body of about 3000 representing over 100 nationalities and nearly 80 major fields of study. It also offers off-campus programs to about 2,500 other students around the world.

Among its 25,000 alumni can be found members of national assemblies and congresses, governors, leaders of international humanitarian organizations, college and university presidents, captains of industry, business entrepreneurs, engineers, lawyers, medical doctors, ministers, teachers, and representatives of a host of other callings.

Andrews' campus environment gives the visitor compelling evidences of the Adventist worldview with its emphasis on stewardship of the earth, the mind, body, and spirit. Its beautiful grounds have been designated an arboretum with over 300 species of native and exotic trees and shrubs. Food served in campus dining halls is vegetarian, and faculty and students are expected to refrain from consumption of tobacco products and alcohol-containing beverages. The residential campus has separate dormitories for single men and women and a range of housing options for married couples and families. Religious services are central to the weekly rhythm of campus life.

Service is an integral part of a student’s program. A focal point of Andrews' community interventions has been nearby Benton Harbor, one of America's most needy inner cities. Over the past 20 years, partnerships have been formed with dozens of organizations in this town, including city hall, the school system, local churches, and various community development agencies and projects.

These partnerships have enabled Andrews’ students to contribute thousands of hours to help local organizations expand their humanitarian activities. In targeting agencies to be served through this capacity-building program, priority has been given to those that have emphasized education and employment training. Thus, the largest proportion of student service hours are devoted to tutoring and to initiatives that have helped provide employment skills and other training needed to enable local residents to attain economic independence.

Faculty and students in various departments and institutes are engaged in research related to Andrews' global humanitarian mission. Examples include the Department of Agriculture, which is studying the benefits of solar barns on bovine health. At the Institute for Prevention of Addiction, research is advancing on ways to motivate youth to stay away from addictive substances. The Department of Biology has made one of the foci of its research the campus environs, which it has developed into an arboretum. The Department of Nutrition has long researched the health benefits of various vegetarian diets.

The Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences is involved in several international research projects studying AIDS risk behaviors and prevention. In cooperation with the Institute of Archaeology, it is researching long-term food system dynamics, focusing especially on ancient water and soil management practices in Jordan and Palestine. These are all areas in which Community & International Development students may become involved while focusing on their chosen concentration area.

Because of its historic role as a private faith-based institution, Andrews University has, since its founding, sought to strengthen civil society. It has done so through its graduates, a large number of whom – working in their own home communities – are helping to create and sustain service clubs, youth organizations, and a host of private voluntary organizations and community service agencies. Generous giving to education and to international faith-based aid organizations is another notable attribute of Andrews University graduates.

Education at Andrews University has always been rooted in the concept of Christian service. Educators, administrators, nurses, agronomists, and various technicians have developed schools, hospitals, agricultural programs, and a host of other institutions and facilities that can improve the quality of life and empower people globally. The Master of Science in Community & International Development (MSCID) is led by the same principles of service. The main goal is to provide students with the opportunity of a purposeful mission of service, either locally, through community development, or globally through international development work.

The Community & International Development program (CIDP) is housed in the College of Arts and Sciences. The policy governing and monitoring admission of students to the program, is in compliance with the Andrews University policy and is governed by the School of Graduate Studies. The implementation of new courses and curricula, as well as scheduling and content of concentration offerings is under direct coordination of the CIDP Director who works closely with the Curriculum Committee and the School of Graduate Studies.

MISSION

Andrews University educates its students for generous service to the church and society in keeping with a faithful witness to Christ and to the worldwide mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Accordingly, students are challenged

to be inquisitive
to think clearly and communicate effectively
to explore the arts, letters, and sciences within the context of a Christian point of view
to develop competencies in their chosen fields of study
to prepare for a meaningful position in the work place
to respect ethnic and cultural diversity
to embrace a wholesome way of life
to heed God’s call to personal and moral integrity
to nurture life in the Spirit, and
to affirm their faith commitment

The Community and International Development Program is committed to preparing individuals for excellence during a lifetime of professional service and compassion in action.

Accessible and quality education for leadership and service
Create networks to support community development and practice research
Building capacity toward creating sustainable communities worldwide

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me." -- Matthew 25:35-36