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Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies

Overview

Biola’s Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies equips experienced intercultural professionals for vocations in a variety of cross-cultural arenas. The program aims to produce graduates who engage in research and writing about cross-cultural issues, have competence in intercultural interaction, change, and transformation, and integrate a biblically informed perspective into their understanding of culture.

Biola University will prepare you for a career in intercultural studies through advanced qualitative research and scholarship. Through guidance from our exceptional faculty, you will be academically and spiritually transformed, fully equipped to communicate, live, work and fulfill the Great Commission in any cultural setting with sensitivity and effectiveness.

Upon completion of the Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies, you will be able to:

  • Demonstrate a mastery of relevant theories in intercultural studies and related disciplines associated with one’s research area and/or ministry context.
  • Engage in and publish independent research in intercultural studies.
  • Generate new understandings and explanations (e.g., theoretical constructs) and apply them in culturally appropriate ways to the improvement of vocational outcomes in diverse contexts.
  • Discuss and analyze the integration of one’s faith commitments and theological understandings within the discipline of intercultural studies.
  • Exemplify rigorous scholarship accompanied by Christ-honoring professionalism in all scholarly activities.

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Global Learning Center

The global learning center provides students the unique opportunity to earn credits while taking courses in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

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Courses

What will I study as a Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies student?

In order to foster the university's emphasis on developing critical thinking and encouraging sound biblical faith, the course offerings for this program are highly integrative in nature. Along with guidance from a faculty advisor, you will be challenged to critically evaluate and test various theoretical models, subject them to theological and biblical examination, and apply those concepts for the purpose of service and ministry in the world. You will further your knowledge through courses such as:

  • Intercultural Communication
  • Culture and Transformation
  • Curriculum Design for Intercultural Contexts
  • Theoretical Issues in Cross-Cultural Engagement
  • Dynamics of Religious Experiences

Career Outlook and Preparation

What can you do with a Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies?

Graduates of the Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies program often teach in higher education and lead international or intercultural institutions. While this degree will equip you to step into a wide variety of cross-cultural settings and vocations, a few career paths to consider include:

  • Faculty at a Domestic or International Seminary or University
  • Administrator at a Domestic or International Seminary or University
  • Domestic or International Missionary
  • Administrative Leader for a Domestic or International Non-Profit Organization
  • U.S. Government Service
  • Pastor

Parnell Lovelace Jr

Those considering the Ph.D. program at CSICS will find the program challenging and Christ-centered. Scholarly research aligns with spiritual discernment and a commitment to proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Pastor and Church Consultant
Intercultural Studies, Ph.D. '21

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, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
  • You must have a master's degree or its equivalent appropriate to the Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies from an accredited institution, with a minimum grade point average of 3.30 (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.

Professional Experience

  • Three years of cross-cultural or multicultural experience.

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: January 31
  • Spring Semester
    • General: August 31
    • International Students: August 1

Visit Biola

Explore our sunny Southern California campus in person or virtually. Learn more about your program of interest and the admissions process by scheduling an appointment with an admissions counselor.

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Meet Your Admissions Counselor

If you have more questions about the program, admissions process or Biola in general, schedule a phone call or send an email to your admissions counselor.

Graduate Admissions Counselor

Photo of Amy Finn
Amy Finn

Email: amanda.finn@biola.edu
Text or Call: (562) 573-1206
Book a Phone or Virtual Appointment

International Graduate Admissions Counselor

The Office of International Admissions serves students who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States.

Email: grad.international@biola.edu
Book a Phone or Virtual Appointment

Application Steps

  1. Complete and submit the online application

  2. Submit a non-refundable $65 application fee

  3. Submit supplemental application materials through your online application portal:

  4. 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

    • Note: Forms will be supplied by the admissions office.

    One Essay

    • 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.

    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.
      • Completion of the English Language Scholars (ELS) with passing status on the ELS's final exit exam, which must be approved by the ELS Director in collaboration with the academic program committee. An updated TOEFL or IELTS score may be used at the end of a term to test directly into the graduate program for the following term.
      • Qualify for English Language Scholars (ELS), which allows students who do not meet the minimum TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo scores to still enroll in their graduate degree program. Students would be taking academic English courses concurrently with the graduate degree program courses. 
        • Students eligible for ELS will be assessed by the ELS Director to determine the total number of academic English courses to take while enrolled in their graduate program courses. The following are the scores needed to qualify for ELS: TOEFL iBT 90 / IELTS 7.0 / Duolingo 110–124.
        • Note: Students must be admitted to the graduate program first to be considered for ELS.

     

    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.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Biola is committed to help make your studies affordable — each school offers different scholarship, grant and loan opportunities to help finance your education.

Cost Per Credit (2024‑25) $1,359
Regular Coursework Based on fall and spring enrollment at 6 credits per term$8,154
Dissertation Phase Based on fall and spring enrollment at 3 credits per term$4,077
Total Program Tuition (Estimated) Based on total program credits and 2024‑25 cost per credit$81,540

Faculty


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Format

Hybrid (On Campus and Online): This program includes a blend of course formats, including online and in person at Biola University's Southern California campus.

Total Credits

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

Cost per Credit

This is the cost per credit; total tuition costs for each term will differ for part-time and full-time students.

Standard Completion Time

This indicates the standard duration of this program. Completion time may vary depending on transferred coursework and preferred courseload.

Accreditation

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