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Admissions

As an evangelical 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 the field of intercultural studies. Biola does not discriminate on the basis of the applicant's race, color, sex, socio-economic status, disability, or national or ethnic origin.

 

Admissions Requirements

  • Applicants to the Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies program must possess a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) grade point average.
  • An accredited master's degree or its equivalent appropriate to the Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies is required for admission. Students must have a GPA of 3.30 in their previous graduate studies.
  • Three years of cross-cultural or multicultural experience.
  • Non-native English speakers are required to submit proof of English proficiency.

 

Application Steps

  1. Complete and submit the Biola University's online application.

  2. Submit a non-refundable $65 application fee

  3. Submit required documents through your online application portal (Note: Official documents presented for admission or evaluation become part of the student's academic file and normally cannot be returned or copied for distribution).

    Official Transcripts

    • An official transcript which shows a conferred master's degree and all other transcripts containing a conferred degree are required. Official transcripts should be sent directly from the school or physically delivered in an untampered envelope sealed by the institution to Biola's Office of Graduate Admissions to be considered official. In addition, transcripts with prerequisites, leveling courses, advanced standing, and any other courses relevant to your desired program should be submitted. For certain degrees, additional or all transcripts may be requested or required. Review the admissions requirements of your individual program or contact Graduate Admissions for details.

    • 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 Letters of Recommendation

    • Forms will be supplied by the admissions office.

    Vocational Objectives

    • Applicants must submit a 1-2 page statement outlining vocational objectives, how the degree will relate to those objectives and a possible dissertation topic.

    Proof of English Proficiency (Required for Non-Native English Speakers)

    • The Cook School of Intercultural Studies requires all students whose first language is not English to provide proof of English proficiency. Ways to provide proof of English proficiency includes one of the following:

      • Meet minimum TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo test score (TOEFL iBT: 100, IELTS: 7.5, Duolingo: 130).
      • Provide official transcript showing an accredited degree (bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral) completed/taught fully in English.
      • Successfully complete Biola’s English Language Scholars with passing status on the ELS Exit Exam

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Application Deadline

  • Decisions are made only on completed applications. This program currently admits new students in the fall and spring semesters.
    • Fall Semester 
      • Application Deadline: January 31
    • Spring Semester 
      • Application Deadline: August 31
      • International Student Application Deadline: August 1

 

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