Biola University 2014–15 Catalog
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.
requirements individually apart from the scheduled class meeting. An Arranged Course form is used for adding this type of course to a student’s schedule and is obtainable in the Office of the Registrar. Independent Studies are an integral part of the Biola University experience. An Independent Study is a course which does not appear in the Catalog, is initiated by the student, and the student then works independently toward the goals and objectives outlined by the professor on an Arranged Course form. Students who are in good standing and not on probation are eligible to enroll in an Independent Study. A maximum of 6 credits may be taken by a student in independent study and/or arranged coursework during the student’s degree program. Theological Studies Digital Courses These digital courses offer lectures on MP3-CD’s by outstanding biblical scholars. They are available as electives or prerequisites for degree-seeking Talbot students. Students desiring to purchase these courses for non-credit, personal use may contact the office of the Dean of Faculty. Students who experience irresolvable scheduling problems previous to graduation may use them to meet their requirements. They may not normally be used in lieu of required courses. The use of Theological Studies Digital Courses is limited as follows: Elective Credits or Irresolvable Scheduling Problem Master of Divinity: 6 credits Master of Arts: 4 credits Master of Arts reduced (Any Master of Arts reduced program) : 2 credits Certificate Programs: 2 credits Courses include a syllabus on CD which provides a broad outline of the lectures, review questions and a bibliography. Requirements for credit include textbook assignments, collateral reading, research papers and examinations, all of which are outlined in a programmed syllabus. Regular tuition fees are charged for each course regardless of the number of credits for which a student is already enrolled and include costs of CD’s and programmed syllabus. CD’s must be ordered through the Dean of Faculty Office. Students who desire graduate credit for Theological Studies Digital courses must meet the normal requirements for admission to Talbot and register for the courses through the Admissions and Registrar’s Offices. Further details may be obtained from the Dean of Faculty Office. Note: A maximum of 10 credits may be taken by a student in a combination of independent study, arranged courses, and Theological Studies Digital Courses to be counted toward a student’s program. Thesis A student, who is writing a thesis, must register in a thesis class each semester until the thesis is completed and accepted for binding by the library. Transfer of Credits For a student who earned a master’s degree at a previous accredited school, up to 50% of the credits of coursework with similar content may be shared and transferred toward another Master of Arts or Master of Divinity Talbot degree. All transferred coursework must be appropriate for the degree. At least 50% of the master’s degree requirements must be taken at Talbot. For a student who did not complete a master’s level degree at the previous school, all appropriate comparable course credits may be transferred; however a minimum of 24 credits of the Master of Arts or Master of Divinity degree requirement must be completed at Talbot. Transfer credit for acceptable work done in other graduate schools will be allowed for courses which are parallel to those required in the curriculum. Applications received by May 1st will be provided with transfer credit decisions at the point of acceptance. Transfer credit for late applications will be accomplished during the Fall semester. Graduate courses with grades of “C” or above (a “C-” is not transferable) at accredited institutions or those validated with grades of “B” or above (a “B-” is not transferable) from approved
First Year: 1–28 credits Second Year: 29+ credits M.Div. First Year: 1–28 credits Second Year: 29–57 credits Third Year: 58–86 credits Fourth Year: 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 Cultural history 6 credits History 3 credits Fine Arts Science and technology 8 credits Math/Science Modes of communication 9 credits English Composition and Literature 3 credits Speech Theological Understandings 6 credits Bible Content and Interpretation 6 credits Theological Methodology and Interpretation Linguistic Skills A minimum of 12 credits in one of the following: French German Greek Hebrew Latin Spanish Arranged Courses/Independent Studies/ Theological Studies Digital Courses Arranged Courses/Independent Studies Arranged Courses are required courses or electives listed in the Catalog, but in which a student is unable to enroll due to a scheduling conflict. Arrangements may be made with a faculty member who agrees to guide the student in studying course content and fulfilling
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