Biola University 2013–14 Catalog
Talbot Writing Proficiency Examination (TWPE) Advanced compositional skills, commensurate with graduate-level theological studies, are foundational and indispensable, both in terms of educational and ministerial success. Based on objective criteria, some new students will be required to take the Talbot Writing Proficiency Exam (TWPE) prior to registration for the first semester. TWPE results will determine whether enrollment in TTSS 500 Theological Writing will be required. If required, this course must be taken in the first semester of seminary study (see course description). Students who receive a grade of “NC” (No Credit) in this course must repeat the course (the course is graded on a Credit/No Credit basis). Academic Load The minimum full-time load is 9 credits for those in the Master of Divinity, Master of Arts and Master of Theology degree programs. Those carrying less than the full-time load are considered part-time students. The standard student load in the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) program is 12 credits. A student is permitted to carry a maximum of 18 credits each semester, pending approval. To exceed this maximum load, the student must petition the Office of the Registrar. A maximum of 10 credits may be taken by a student in a combination of Arranged Courses, Independent Studies, and Theological Studies Digital Courses to be counted toward a student’s program. Doctoral students are considered full time for a maximum of two years in the dissertation phase of their program. A credit is generally considered to consist of one class hour (50 minutes) a week for a semester. In some cases, such as laboratory sessions, a credit may involve more than one class period a week. As indicated on the curriculum charts for each program, the various curricula require 14-18 credits per semester in order to graduate in the number of years specified by the chart. However, students who find it necessary to work 20 or more hours weekly to provide living expenses should plan to reduce their academic load. Such a reduction would extend the time required for a degree program, though participation in Summer session and Interterm could help offset the difference. Admission of International Students It is essential that students from other countries be able to understand directions and lectures in English and also to be able to express their thoughts clearly in spoken English immediately upon arrival on campus. In order that the applicant’s proficiency in English may be determined, the applicant must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) as administered by the Educational Testing Service at the nearest overseas examination center. The minimum score for admission is a total of 550 paper/213 computer/79 internet for the graduate student, 575 paper/231 computer/88 internet for Th.M. students, and 600 paper/250 computer/100 internet for doctoral students. For graduate students, scores of 55 or above must be achieved for all three sections of the TOEFL. Applicants with scores between 550/213 and 599/248 paper will be required to take up
to four English courses in addition to their program. The D.Min., Ph.D. and Ed.D. in Educational Studies programs also require a score of 4.0 or above on the Test for Written English (TWE). Preference in admission will be given to applicants with TOEFL scores of 600 paper/250 computer/100 internet or over, and 4.0 or over on the TWE. However, those scoring between 580 paper/237 computer and 599 paper/248 computer on the TOEFL will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. (See Admission Requirements for the Ph.D. and Ed.D. programs in Educational Studies.) International Students English Skills Requirements International students and those for whom English is a second language who are applying to Talbot graduate programs (not doctoral) will fall into one of two categories with respect to English Skills Requirements: 1. Those who score above 600 paper/250 computer/100 internet on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) will take the Talbot Writing Proficiency Exam (TWPE; see above). 2. Those who do not take the TOEFL prior to admission, or whose TOEFL score is at or below 600 paper/250 computer/100 internet, are required to take the Biola English Placement Exam (BEPE) prior to registration for classes. The BEPE results will determine whether enrollment in appropriate ESL course work will be required. Talbot master’s level coursework may or may not be allowed during the time a student is taking ESL coursework, depending on the level of placement. Classification of Students M.A. FirstYear: 1-28 credits SecondYear: 29 + credits M.Div. FirstYear: 1-28 credits SecondYear: 29-57 credits ThirdYear: 58-86 credits FourthYear: 87+ credits Pre-Seminary Study The following pre-seminary study guidelines are recommended for students who are planning to attend Talbot. The student should plan his or her collegiate curriculum so that moderate competence will be possessed in all of these areas and skills developed so that one can communicate easily, having the ability to write and speak clearly with correct English prose. Note : The number of credits indicated is the suggested minimum number of semester credits for each discipline. General Understandings Humanity
3 credits Philosophy 3 credits Psychology
Modern social institutions and problems 6 credits Social Science
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