Talbot School of Theology
their current organizations while completing their Ph.D. or Ed.D. in Educational Studies. This limited residential hybrid format is available for each degree. Ph.D. - “Current Faculty Track” The hybrid Ph.D. program is open only to full-time or regular adjunct faculty in Christian higher education who meet the regular qualifications for admission to our residential Ph.D. program. It serves the needs of faculty called to teach within the broad fields of Christian education and practical theology who cannot relocate to pursue a doctoral program. Partnership with Your School: This track is designed to bring together resources and support from your school and from Talbot to help you complete your course of study. The application materials provide a full description of the support needed from your school for your participation in this program (e.g., a doctoral mentor, and reduction of workload during the coursework phase). Ed.D. - Limited Residential Track The hybrid Ed.D. program is open to any person who meets the regular qualifications for admission to the residential Ed.D. program and is currently involved in ministry leadership or teaching in higher education. This allows them to pursue doctoral studies without having to relocate to do so. Limited Residential Hybrid Design Courses are offered in June (four weeks) and early November (one week) each year. Preliminary and follow-up assignments are a part of each course. Courses are taken on the La Mirada campus, allowing face-to face instruction and interaction with faculty and fellow- students. The coursework phase and candidacy exam are designed to be completed in four years. Course requirements, candidacy examination, and dissertation requirements are the same as for the respective residential program. Note that international students may have to follow an accelerated schedule to meet immigration requirements. Cohort Approach New groups of students begin the program every year in the Spring semester, with class time in June. Students work through the core courses together, with some choice of elective options to fit their study interests. Contact the Graduate Admissions office for more Contact the Graduate Admissions office at Biola University for a more detailed brochure and application materials. Be sure to ask for informational materials regarding the limited residential hybrid program. Graduation Requirements While the doctorate is not awarded simply for completion of stated coursework, the Ph.D. degree requires 48-semester credits including 21 credits of core courses and 24 credits of electives, plus the Candidacy Examination Capstone course (TTDE 877, 3 credits) and Dissertation, whereas the Ed.D. degree requires 45-semester credits including 18 credits of core classes and 24 credits of electives, plus the Candidacy Examination Capstone course (TTDE 877, 3 credits) and Dissertation. information on the schedule. Application for Admission The doctoral program director serves as the student’s initial advisor to assist in planning the schedule of courses. After this, an assigned advisor supervises the student’s progress in the program and the development of an elective program based on the projected schedule of courses being offered. Up to 3 credits of pre-approved graduate coursework directly related to the specialization may be taken in other departments at Biola University or transferred in from other accredited graduate institutions. All doctoral students must meet with their advisor and contact a Graduate Graduation Counselor in the Office of the Registrar one year prior to graduation to declare their intent to graduate. (See Graduate Graduation Check description in Admission, Enrollment and Graduation Requirements section). Doctoral Program Proposal During the first term of study and in consultation with the program director, students identify the respective 24-credit electives program they will complete, along with the remaining core courses, to meet
the 48-semester credit (Ph.D.) or 45-semester credit (Ed.D.) minimum requirement. Once approved, this schedule serves as the projected course of study. A copy of the Program Proposal is placed in the student’s file. Modifications must have prior approval of the program director. Candidacy Examination Upon completion of all course work, or during the final semester of coursework, the student completes TTDE 877 - Candidacy Examination Capstone course before requesting advancement to dissertation studies. The Ph.D. and Ed.D. programs use a portfolio process for the Candidacy Exam. The Candidacy Examination evaluates the student’s attainment of program learning objectives. Detailed information about the Candidacy Examination is available in Official candidacy for the doctorate signifies an advanced stage in the student’s progress and is characterized by self-directed research in the completion of a dissertation under the direction of a faculty dissertation advisor. The following criteria must be met by each doctoral student at the completion of the coursework phase of doctoral studies to be awarded Candidacy Status by the Program Committee so that the doctoral student is eligible to begin dissertation studies. For students not meeting these criteria, the program committee will review the matter and the student may be subject for dismissal from the doctoral program. 1. Successfully completed all Candidacy Exam Portfolio items in a timely manner. 2. Successfully completed the necessary courses and number of units for the particular degree program. 3. Has attained a GPA of 3.25 for all coursework completed for the doctoral degree. 4. Has established evidence of Christian life and character during his or her course of studies. Dissertation After passing the Candidacy Examination, the student will enroll in TTDE 891 Dissertation (3 credits) for up to three semesters (Ed.D.) or five semesters (Ph.D.). A student must be enrolled during the semester of graduation. Students who require more time must receive approval to enroll in TTDE 895 Dissertation Extension (3 credits). Dissertation students are considered full-time for a maximum of three semesters (Ed.D.) or five semesters (Ph.D.) of TTDE 891 only. Enrollment in TTDE 895 does not constitute full-time status. Doctoral students must submit a dissertation evidencing high attainment in scholarship. Detailed information may be found in the Dissertation Guidelines Handbook. Final Dissertation Defense and Graduation the Doctoral Program Handbook. Advancement to Candidacy The final examination is an oral defense of the dissertation before the student’s dissertation committee and other invited guests. Detailed information regarding the defense and final submission deadlines for graduation may be found in The Dissertation Guidelines Handbook. All students must present: (1) an acceptable dissertation, (2) satisfactorily pass their candidacy examinations, and (3) complete all coursework with a minimum 3.25 GPA to qualify for graduation. Beyond completion of academic requirements, (4) Doctoral Program faculty must also recommend that the student is eligible for conferral of the degree on the basis of evidence of Christian life and character established during his or her course of studies. Finally, (5) all financial obligations must be settled. Attendance at commencement ceremonies is required when the degree is granted unless approval has been received from the Dean to graduate in absentia (see the Doctoral Program Handbook for further details). Admission Requirements The doctoral program seeks to admit applicants whose background clearly demonstrate scholarly aptitude, a commitment to the historic Christian faith, personal character and integrity, a service- oriented motivation toward endeavors of educational ministry and a deepening relationship with God. Biola University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic group identification, gender, age or physical disability.
223
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker