What will I study as a Master of Divinity (Spiritual Formation) student?

Each of Talbot School of Theology’s Master of Divinity programs include a core of biblical and theological foundation courses, a sequence of Hebrew and Greek, training in preaching and counseling, and an area of ministry specialization.

The concentration in Spiritual Formation includes both in-depth theoretical and integrative coursework, employing such disciplines as theology, philosophy, psychology and education as well as experiential-relational soul work in classes and co-curricular requirements to aid in understanding the spiritual life mentoring. Because the program is experiential and theoretical in nature with respect to spiritual growth and the dynamic processes involved, it draws upon an interdisciplinary faculty from both Talbot and Rosemead School of Psychology.

In addition to coursework, you’ll also participate in several co-curricular activities required of all ISF students.

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.

Note: Participation in the graduate programs in spiritual formation presumes a certain degree of ministry or life experience and personal maturity. This is particularly true of the M.A. in Spiritual Formation and Soul Care, which is not only an academic degree, but involves applied ministry where life experience and relational skills involved in spiritual direction are crucial. It is also our aim to keep the faculty-student ratio lower than in typical seminary programs. Thus, application consideration will be based on weighing the following factors:

• Ministry and life experience
• Personal preparedness for a growth journey
• Perception of calling and giftedness for ministry in spiritual formation and soul care

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:

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.

Three Reference Letters

• Pastoral reference
• Character reference (someone in a leadership role in your life)
• Reference form relating to your personal spiritual formation from the same pastor or character reference above
• Note: Additional instructions can be found in the online application.

Four Essays

• Christian testimony
• Essay demonstrating understanding of spiritual formation and goal of graduate study
• Personal essay addressing how studying spiritual formation will impact your life
• Biography of your personal spiritual development
• 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.
  • 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.

4. Successful candidates are required to participate in a personal interview following the submission of their initial application

 

Additional Forms

• “Change of Program” Form: Talbot General Change of Program Request
• Additional Student Forms:
  • Special Student Application
  • Graduate Readmit 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.