Classical Theology Certificate

Talbot School of Theology

Overview

The Classical Theology Certificate invites students into the theological riches of the Christian tradition. Classic expositions of Scripture, from many cultures and from across the patristic, medieval, Reformation, and modern eras, will be our “textbooks.” Following the classic Christianity embodied in these texts, every class seeks to integrate theology, history, and exegesis together with personal spirituality for the sake of the church.

Students in the Classical Theology Certificate will experience a Socratic pedagogy in the classroom or online. That is, class time is largely devoted to faculty-led discussion of classic Christian texts.

Participants experience select courses in Common Places, Master Practitioners and the Sacred Page from Talbot School of Theology's Master of Arts in Classical Theology — courses that can apply toward the full graduate degree for those who choose to continue.

This certificate can be completed on campus, online or in a hybrid format. Please note that the program can only be completed part time if it is done fully online.

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Total Credits

Every program at Biola University features rigorous academics, biblically integrated curriculum and vocational preparation.

WSCUC (Pending)

Accreditation

Biola University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission. Additional accreditations may apply to specific programs.

Admissions & Deadlines

As a Christian institution, Biola seeks to admit applicants whose backgrounds clearly demonstrate scholarly aptitude, a commitment to the historic Christian faith, personal character and integrity, and a positive service-oriented motivation toward their field of study. Biola does not discriminate on the basis of the applicant's race, color, sex, socio-economic status, disability, or national or ethnic origin.

Education and GPA Requirements

You must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution by the time you plan to start coursework at Biola, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
Note: If you do not meet the degree or GPA requirements above, you may still be considered for admission. Please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions office at graduate.admissions@biola.edu. If you are an international student, contact grad.international@biola.edu.

English Proficiency Requirements

If English is not your first language, you are required to display your English proficiency before admittance into a Biola University graduate program. See “English Proficiency” in the application steps section below.

Application Deadlines

Fall Semester
- General: July 1
- International Students
  - On Campus: June 1
  - Online/Hybrid: July 1
Spring Semester
- General: November 1
- International Students: October 1

Application Steps

Complete and submit the online application
Submit a non-refundable $65 application fee
Submit supplemental application materials through your online application portal:

Official Transcripts

Submit all official transcripts from previous academic institutions.
- Request official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
- If enrolled at the time the application is filed, be sure to request transcripts of work finished to date and final transcripts upon completion of your course of study.
- Transcripts will be considered official only when a) mailed directly from the institution to Biola, b) sent electronically through an approved vendor or c) physically delivered in an untampered envelope sealed by the institution. Final approval for admission is contingent on receiving an official transcript.
  - Mail transcripts to:
    Biola University Office of Graduate Admissions
    13800 Biola Avenue, La Mirada, CA 90639
Note for International Students: All international transcripts need U.S. grade equivalencies noted (i.e. GPA on a 4.0 scale). If your transcripts do not show U.S. grade equivalencies, you must have them evaluated by a credential evaluation agency like SpanTran (Biola Discount), World Education Services (WES) or Foundation for International Services (FIS). Be sure to choose "course by course report" and have SpanTran/WES/FIS send them directly to Biola University via online portal or post (13800 Biola Ave, La Mirada, CA 90639) in order to be considered official.

Two Reference Letters

Pastoral reference
Character reference (someone in a leadership role in your life)
Note: Additional instructions can be found in the online application.

Two Essays

Christian testimony
Vocational testimony
Note: The essay prompts can be found in the online application.

English Proficiency (required for non-native English speakers)

Evidence of English proficiency is required for all students to support student success. Proficiency must be shown through one of the methods described below:
- Minimum test score on a qualifying standardized test
  - TOEFL: minimum score of 100 iBT
  - IELTS: minimum score of 7.5
  - Duolingo: minimum score of 125
- A degree (bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral) issued by an institution where English is the medium of instruction.
  - Official written communication from the institution (Registrar, Controller of Examinations Office, or Undergraduate College)
  - Official degree statements or transcripts may be accepted given English is stated as the medium of instruction
  - Official catalog verification
  - Note: For universities from non-Anglophone countries, further language assessment may be required.

Additional Forms

“Change of Program” Form: Talbot General Change of Program Request
Special Student Application

Things to Note

Track your application status at any time. You do not have to complete the application in one sitting. You can complete a portion and finish at a later time. Your information will be saved. When you apply, to guarantee confidentiality, you will be asked to create a user name and a password, and will receive a personalized identification number. Track your application status by logging in to the online application.
Official documents presented for admission or evaluation become part of the student’s academic file and normally cannot be returned or copied for distribution.
International students who will be studying on campus are required to apply for an F-1 student visa. For more information, visit biola.edu/international/admitted-students.