Cook School of Intercultural Studies
4. Evaluate the research of other students and scholars in the field of intercultural studies (ULO 1). 5. Synthesize theoretical understandings in intercultural studies and apply them to a new cross-cultural and/or multicultural context (ULO 1). 6. Generate new understandings and explanations (e.g., theoretical constructs) and apply them to the improvement of vocational involvement in cross-cultural and/or multicultural contexts (ULO 1). 7. Employ cross-cultural communication skills through presentations to facilitate learning in diverse contexts (ULO 3). 8. Engage in and publish independent research in intercultural studies (ULO 3). 9. Exemplify in scholarly writing “servant scholarship” (i.e., rigorous scholarship accompanied by Christ-like humility) (ULO 2). Program Description The purpose of the Doctor of Philosophy degree in the Cook School of Intercultural Studies (CSICS) is to equip scholars to be competent in research, writing, and reflective action from a holistically integrated Christian worldview in order to contribute to new understandings of cross-cultural and multicultural issues. The program prepares graduates for roles in higher education, cross-cultural leadership, and intercultural praxis. Program Requirements The Cook School of Intercultural Studies offers two Ph.D. degrees. The Ph.D. in Intercultural Education, and the Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies. Each program requires a minimum of 60 credits past the appropriate master’s degree, including a minimum of 48 semester hours of coursework and a maximum of 12 semester hours of dissertation research. The Ph.D. programs include four foundational courses (12 credits), four specialized courses (12 credits), three electives or tutorials (9 credits), three Bible/theology courses (9 credits), and two research methods courses (6 credits). The dissertation portion of the program includes two taught courses (6 credits) and allows students to devote up to 6 additional dissertation credits to independent research and writing. There is wide latitude for students to pursue their individual interests in elective courses (or tutorials) and ultimately in research for their doctoral dissertations. If a student has completed a master’s degree, which does not contain the background necessary for the Ph.D. program, the total program will be longer than 60 credits, as determined by the program director. If a student enters the Ph.D. program having completed a master’s degree with courses equal in rigor and content to any of the four common foundational courses, their program may be reduced up to 9 credits. Students with advanced work in Bible and theology may be eligible for up to 9 credits of Bible/theology reductions for work completed as part of a D.Min. or D.Miss. degree, and up to 6 credits of reduction for students with a Th.M. degree. Requests for course reductions from other students with extensive coursework in Bible and theology will be considered on a case by case basis and will not normally exceed 6 credits of course reductions. At the recommendation of the Ph.D. academic advisor and with the approval of the doctoral studies committee, students with a previous doctoral degree may be granted course reductions of up to 24 credits but must complete at least 36 additional credits at Biola University, of which 24 credits must be new coursework and up to 12 credits may be devoted to dissertation research and writing. A faculty advisor will guide students in planning a program of study that serves their vocational aspirations. The degree offers a concentration in either intercultural or multicultural education. Students are expected to choose the concentration most appropriate to their research interest. Time Limit for Degree Completion All course and academic requirements for the Ph.D. degree should be completed within seven years, beginning on the date of the student’s first registration. Petitions for extension beyond seven years will be considered on a case-by-case basis for students. At times students may need to interrupt their programs for a semester or more for a variety of personal or work-related reasons. This may
be done with the consent of their respective Ph.D. Program Director. Students must be continuously enrolled unless on an official Leave of Absence. Students who fail to register in any given semester without a Leave of Absence will be dropped from their respective doctoral program. Also, students on Leave of Absence beyond two consecutive semesters must reapply to their respective doctoral program. Withdrawal and Re-Admission Procedures A student who must drop out of school must go through the formal withdrawal process. To return to active status the student should contact the program director and file a readmission form with the Office of Admissions. Leave of Absence Inactive students are those who have requested and been granted Leave of Absence from the program. A Leave of Absence may be granted upon petition for change of status if there is deemed sufficient reason for interrupting the program and intention to return to the program. A Leave of Absence must be renewed by petition each semester and may not exceed two consecutive semesters. A Leave of Absence longer than two semesters will require withdrawal from the program and a petition for readmission if the student later wishes to regain active status. Each leave of absence must receive the approval of the student’s program advisor and the Dean of the school. Students on leave are required to register for ISCL 893 Leave of Absence each term. A Leave of Absence may be granted upon petition for change of status if there is deemed sufficient reason for interrupting the program and intention to return to the program. Inactive students are those who have requested and been granted Leave of Absence from the program. A Leave of Absence must be renewed by petition each semester and may not exceed two consecutive semesters. A Leave of Absence longer than two semesters will require withdrawal from the program and a petition for readmission if the student later wishes to regain active status. Each Leave of Absence must receive the approval of the Program Advisor and the Dean of CSICS. Students on leave are required to register for ISCL 893 Leave of Absence each term. Portfolios CSICS has chosen to utilize a Portfolio Assessment System for its Ph.D. programs. This system is designed as a means to help monitor student progress toward one’s development as a scholar. A variety of course materials will be collected periodically throughout the duration of the doctoral program. For further information, please consult the current Doctoral Programs Handbook. Qualifying Examinations Doctoral students are required to demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of their field of study by examination. The content of the written qualifying exam includes material from the core areas of the curriculum and the student’s particular specialization. These exams are normally taken at the conclusion of all the coursework. Admission to Candidacy Official Ph.D. candidacy indicates that students have completed all of the preliminary requirements and are now qualified to undertake original research contributing to scholarship in their respective fields through their doctoral dissertations. To achieve candidacy, students must successfully complete the following: 1. Required coursework and the Graduation Procedures Check (or grad check); 2. Portfolio, approved by the doctoral committee; 3. Qualifying examinations; and 4. Defense of the dissertation proposal. It is the responsibility of students to contact their advisors in order to ensure all candidacy requirements have been met. Upon completion of the requirements, students will be notified of their acceptance to candidacy. Candidates will select a chairperson from the graduate faculty to guide their dissertation research. Upon achieving candidacy,
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