Bachelor of Science in Humanitarian Leadership
Learn conflict resolution strategies and cross-cultural communication skills so you can become the humanitarian leader you were meant to be.
The Bachelor of Science in Humanitarian Leadership at Jakes Divinity School will prepare you to lead in times of crisis and provide relief for people in the United States and abroad.
Through biblical and theological lessons, you will be ready to lead in times of humanitarian disasters and to establish and lead nonprofit organizations, and minister to children and refugees in peril.
Our flexible, value-driven approach and small class sizes will allow you to closely collaborate with your peers and professors. Allow your innate leadership to develop and unfold throughout your humanitarian leadership academic courses.
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Empower yourself with conflict resolution skills
Learn from Spirit-filled scholars and leaders
Be mentored by experts through our mentorship program
Integrate your faith with the principles of business leadership
Why choose the JDS online humanitarian leadership degree?
Match your desire to help with a humanitarian leadership degree that lets you fulfill your mission.
Learn conflict resolution strategies and cross-cultural communication to assist in crisis and become a humanitarian leader who can make a difference
Our average class size of 17 students in your humanitarian leadership academic courses will allow you to have engaging interactions with your Spirit-filled professors and your peers.
Transfer credits from another college or university and save time and money earning your humanitarian leadership degree at JDS. Contact us to learn more about transferring into this JDS program.
Balance your studies with your life through a humanitarian leadership degree that is offered fully online. Each semester is 16 weeks with manageable, 8-week sessions.
Through your humanitarian leadership academic courses, you will make global connections and cultivate relationships with students of faith from across the country and around the world.
Your BS in humanitarian leadership at Jakes Divinity School is powered by North Central University, ranked #53 in U.S. News & World Report for Colleges and Universities in the Midwest.
Twice a year, you will have opportunities to attend face-to-face residencies, including the International Leadership Summit with master classes given by illustrious industry thought leaders.
Connect with experienced humanitarian professionals to have your questions answered and receive advice and guidance. Take advantage of career services through North Central University.
Learn from JDS founder and chancellor Bishop T.D. Jakes through exclusive virtual masterclasses focused on biblical-theological insights and the wisdom he has gained from his varied career.
Are you looking to earn your Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in as little as 5 years? If that’s you, look no further!
Students who are interested in earning their undergraduate and graduate degrees quickly may now take advantage of the accelerated 4+1 program, powered by our partner school, North Central University. Eligible students may enroll in two Master Level Courses to get a head start on graduate studies during their senior undergraduate year.
Learn MoreLakesha Chatman
“Providing charitable human life support services to at-risk youth and young adults, legacy building, and developing knowledge in the area of theology are three of the reasons why I am pursuing a degree in Humanitarian Leadership. Most importantly while in pursuit of accomplishing my educational goal of earning a Bachelor’s degree, I hope to develop a closer relationship with God.”
What can you do with a bachelor of humanitarian leadership?
As a graduate of the humanitarian leadership program, you’ll be ready to begin your mission providing humanitarian relief, aid, and counseling in a number of ways, from nonprofit settings to crisis organizations, both in the United States and abroad.
These are just a few humanitarian careers you could pursue:
- Crisis relief organization worker
- Foreign aid worker
- Nonprofit organization worker
- Program director
- Youth ministry leader
Outlook for humanitarian careers
By 2026, it is projected that the United States will need 71,000 new humanitarian leaders based on a need for an additional 63,800 humanitarians, and the expected retirement of 7,200 current humanitarians, according to CareerExplorer.
Your humanitarian leadership degree starts here
Our FAQs section is a great place to gather more information about JDS and the humanitarian leadership program. If you still have questions or want to connect with someone directly, please call 1-866-85-MYJDS (1-866-856-9537) or email info@jakesdivnity.org.
Apply Today
If you’re ready to become a humanitarian leader, apply for the JDS Bachelor of Humanitarian Leadership. See the requirements below.
Financial Aid
There are many ways to finance your JDS humanitarian leadership degree, such as grants, scholarships, and federal loans. Fill out the FAFSA form and use School Code: 002369 North Central University.
Learn more
If you want to learn more about the humanitarian leadership degree, you can also fill out this form and we will be in touch.
General Electives – 26 Credit Hours
*Select from any courses offered.
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS = 124
Note: Degree requirements subject to change.
Applicants will need a high school diploma with a minimum GPA of 2.2. If the applicant has a low or no GPA, then an essay is required.
What needs to be submitted with my application?
- Official high school and college transcripts
- All official transcripts should be submitted as follows:
- Physical transcripts can be sent to the address below and must be in a sealed envelope from the school remitting the transcript to be accepted:
North Central University
Attn: NCU Admissions
910 Elliot Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55404 - Electronic transcripts can be sent to: admissions@northcentral.edu (must be sent from a third-party Safe Sender, such as eScrip or Parchment to be accepted).
- Physical transcripts can be sent to the address below and must be in a sealed envelope from the school remitting the transcript to be accepted:
- All official transcripts should be submitted as follows:
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- Complete admissions interview (This will be scheduled with you by an Enrollment and Student Services Coordinator once you have completed the other steps.)
General Education and Christian Studies Core – 49 Credit Hours
Christian Studies – 18 Credit Hours
- Old Testament History and Literature – BIBL 126 (3 credits)
- New Testament History and Literature – BIBL 127 (3)
- Reading and Interpreting Scripture – BIBL 220 (3)
- God and the Gospel – THEO 210 (3)
- God and Religion – WTHE 220 (3) or God and Humanity – WTHE 230 (3)
- Select any BIBL, THEO, or WTHE elective (3)
English – 6 Credit Hours
- Rhetoric and Research – ENG 124 (3)
- Select any ENG elective – ENG *** (3)
Social and Behavioral Sciences (Select any 2 courses) – 6 Credit Hours
- General Psychology – PSYC 125 (3)
- Introduction to Sociology – PSYC 126 (3)
- Select any PSYC elective – PSCY ***
Mathematics and Science – 6 Credit Hours
*Select 1 Math course and 1 Science course:
- Applied Math and Personal Finance – MATH 110 (3)
- Liberal Arts Math – MATH 115 (3)
- College Algebra I – MATH 125 (3)
- Statistics – MATH 260 (3)
- Biology – SCI 114 (4)
- Science, Technology, and Society – SCI 280 (3)
- Select any MATH or SCI elective – MATH *** / SCI ***
History (Select any 1 course) – 3 Credit Hours
History of Global Christianity – HIST 212 (3)
- World History – HIST 240 (3)
- Select any HIST elective – HIST ***
Global Awareness (Select any 1 course) – 3 Credit Hours
- Global Perspectives – ICS 111 (3)
- Cultural Anthropology – ICS 112 (3)
- Select any ICS elective – ICS ***
Critical Thought (Select any 1 course) – 3 Credit Hours
- Visions of the Good: Ethics and Worldview – CT 213 (3)
- Select any CT elective – CT ***
Fine Arts (Select any 1 course) – 2 Credit Hours
- Music Appreciation – FA 112 (3)
- Film Appreciation – FA 131 (3)
- Select any FA elective – FA ***
Communication Arts – 2 Credit Hours
- Public Speaking – COMM 220 (2)
Humanitarian Leadership Core – 45 Credit Hours
- Cross-Cultural Communication – ICS 252 (3)
- Holistic Development – ICS 261 (3)
- Theology of Compassion – HULE 210 (3)
- Non Profit Administration – BUS 281 (3)
- Conflict Resolution and Negotiation – PMIN 330 (3)
- Leading Compassion Projects – HULE 310 (3)
- Health Management in Global Settings – HULE 320 (3)
- Public Policy and Advocacy – HULE 410 (3)
- Domestic Disaster Services – HULE 420 (3)
- International Disaster Services – HULE 421 (3)
- Applied Sustainability – HULE 430 (3)
- Crisis Counseling – PSYC 370 (3)
- Children and Youth in Crisis – ICS 385 (3)
- Seminar: Working with Refugees and Migrant Populations – SWK 477 (3)
- Internship – PMIN 491 (3)
- $535 per credit hour
- Technology and Program Fee: $450 per semester
Powered by North Central University
The degree is offered online with some face-to-face opportunities for learning, networking, and hands-on experience. All of Jakes Divinity School students will have face-to-face residency opportunities twice a year. The first is during the International Leadership Summit each spring of a given degree program. Students will arrive on site of the summit the Sunday evening prior and remain for a week until the end of the summit. The second residency will likely take place in Dallas, TX, at Jakes Divinity School in the fall of each year.
PLEASE NOTE: We are currently accepting students from all 50 states in all programs powered by North Central University
Apply NowIs there is an admissions application fee?
The admissions application fee is currently waived.
Is the program online?
This degree is offered in an online hybrid format with opportunities for face-to-face residencies twice a year and live video conferencing.
What is the course format?
Each of our semesters are 16 weeks total with 8-week sessions.
Students are also encouraged to participate in two residencies per year – the International Leadership Summit and the JDS Symposium.
How long is the program?
The program is 124 credits which should take approximately 4 years.
Do you accept international students?
Yes. However, there is no federal financial aid available or institutional scholarships for international students. Contact your Enrollment and Student Services Coordinator for details on the admissions process for international students.
Are there admissions deadlines for financial aid?
Yes. Please refer to the financial registration deadline and academic registration dates made available through your JDS Enrollment and Student Services Coordinator.
Does the program allow financial aid?
Yes. You have the option of applying for federal loans, grants and/or scholarships.
How can I apply for Financial Aid?
Complete a FAFSA application and use School Code: 002369 North Central University.
North Central University (NCU)
910 Elliot Ave Minneapolis, MN 55404
School Code: 002369
Click here to complete a Spanish FAFSA application.
