Ph.D. & Ed.D. in Educational Studies
churches, throughout the world—in order to nurture the faith and maturity of children, youth and adults.
As a result of this program, the student will:
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1. Exhibit competence in significant original research to extend our knowledge, demonstrating skills with a range of quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis methods and a commitment to ethical research practices. 2. Exhibit the development of critical thinking, the ability to understand and evaluate critically the literature of the field of Christian education and related disciplines to apply appropriate principles and procedures to recognizing, understanding, and evaluating issues and problems in this academic discipline. 3. Exhibit the ability to think Christianly–competence in processes of integration of theological and social science data in light of educational issues/concerns to inform educational theory development and practice. 4. Demonstrate teaching ability suitable for higher education settings, and a commitment to the vocation of academic scholarship in its dimensions of teaching, learning, research, and service.
Faculty
Kevin Lawson, Ed.D.
Director
Anthony, Eguizabal, Issler, Lawson, Leyda
Professors
Carr, Kim
Associate Professors
Mission & Learning Outcomes
Talbot School of Theology of Biola University offers graduate work leading to the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degrees in Educational Studies. Talbot’s doctoral programs are accredited by the Association of Theological Schools and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The doctoral degree, established in 1984, is offered within the Department of Christian Education at Talbot School of Theology. The doctoral course of study is designed for men and women to enhance their leadership roles in a variety of educational ministries within God’s Kingdom—the local church, educational institutions, parachurch, and ministry organizations throughout the world. Students come to the programs already having completed a graduate degree and significant ministry experience in the field of educational ministry. In general, doctoral students are established within a particular ministry or educational organization and return following completion of the program. A few students are in transition in their career path. The curriculum particularly encourages critical thinking, integrative synthesis of Scripture and social science data, and original research. Courses typically follow a graduate seminar format requiring student initiative for significant participation in class discussion. Small class sizes of 8-12 students permit such a dialogical format, an important element for promoting critical and integrative thinking. The mission of the doctoral programs in educational studies (Ph.D. and Ed.D.) of Talbot School of Theology, Biola University, is to mentor men and women with evident gifts of leadership and teaching in mind and character, within a Christian community of scholars and practitioners, to make contributions, from a distinctly Christian perspective, in scholarship for and in the practice of Christian educational studies and ministry within God’s Kingdom— as faculty in educational institutions, as leaders in ministry organizations, and as pastoral staff in local
5. Demonstrate writing skills to communicate with academic audiences.
6. Exhibit breadth of knowledge within the field of Christian education, and depth of knowledge within the specialization area studied.
7. Exhibit a commitment to ongoing personal spiritual vitality and growth.
Distinctives
An important component of the Talbot doctoral program is the integrative synthesis of social science data within a Christian worldview perspective. Since both education and theology address the human condition, the doctoral faculty believe there is a great deal to be gained by an interdisciplinary study of biblical and theological knowledge, philosophical issues, human development, the teaching- learning process, and issues of leadership. Consequently, students are expected to come to the program with a sufficient background of theological training. (A minimum of 18 graduate units of Bible and theology is required. For those lacking these prerequisites, distance learning courses are available from Talbot School of Theology. Contact the Graduate Admissions office for further information.) In addition, elective courses in theology may be included in one’s program to study further the relationship of educational and theological conceptions.
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