GOSHEN — Goshen College is currently accepting applications for a new master of arts degree in Intercultural Leadership through its Professional Degree Program for adult students.

Building on the success of its master’s degree programs in environmental education and nursing, GC officials have announced that the college will begin offering the new master’s degree in intercultural leadership beginning in May of this year.

“Goshen College has long been recognized for expertise in the areas of intercultural and international education,” said Kathleen Yoder, program assistant with the Center for Intercultural and International Education at GC. “As our population becomes increasingly diverse, there is a demand for leaders with the knowledge, skills and capacity to engage multiple cultural contexts and appreciate diversity. This program fits well with Goshen College’s core values of Christ-centered servant-leadership, global citizenship, passionate learning and compassionate peacemaking.”

The program follows GC’s new accelerated schedule and consists of six seven-week sessions alternating between sessions that include a six-day residency and fully online sessions. Students take two courses in each session and the program can be completed in 18 months.

According to Yoder, the first cohort starts in June with a six-day residency and five weeks of online follow-up. After a break, a seven-week fully online session follows in September and October. Students will then return to campus for two more residencies over the 18 month period. Since the program is designed for working professionals, one third of the total program is focused on the development and implementation of a real workplace action-oriented project so students can easily complete the program while they are working.

“We saw and continue to see a need for professionals in the business, education and non-profit sectors to further their education in leadership for the diverse world of the 21st century,” Yoder said. “Our program is designed so that working professionals can customize their education by selecting a problem or issue in their organization, and then conduct research and implement solutions that benefit their organization directly. As students go through that process, they will gain valuable knowledge and skills, and also get an excellent credential.”

As for what graduates of the new mater’s degree program will be able to do with the new degree, Yoder said the knowledge and experience gained through the new program will help prepare them for leadership roles in areas including everything from business and government to education and not-for-profits.

“They will be able to lead and manage in any environment in which there are people from different cultures — practically all work environments in which we find ourselves today,” Yoder said. “We intend to serve students who are or wish to prepare for work as managers and leaders in the business, government, education and nonprofit sectors. We designed the program to be broadly applicable to these kinds of professionals and to serve their organizations.”

To date, Yoder indicated that interest in the new master’s program has been growing steadily and involves individuals from all manner of professions and fields of study.

“We are happy that we have had interest from people in a variety of fields — teachers, non-profit leaders and business managers,” Yoder said. “So far we are preparing to enroll small cohorts of 10 to 15 students that will start two times each year. The program will start on May 23 and enrollment is on-going until two weeks before the start date.”

For more complete information about the program, minimum requirements and admission details, visit the Intercultural Leadership master’s degree information website at www.goshen.edu/intercultural.