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Graduate Admissions

Theology and Ministry Program Requirements

Applies to:

  • Master of Arts, concentration in:
    • Bible Exposition
    • New Testament
    • Old Testament
    • Philosophy
    • Theology (Greek and Non-Greek Track)
  • Master of Arts – Classical Theology
  • Master of Arts in Christian Ministry and Leadership (all concentrations)
  • Master of Divinity, concentration in:
    • Evangelism and Discipleship
    • Messianic Jewish Studies
    • Missions and Intercultural Studies
    • Pastoral and General Ministries
    • Pastoral Care and Counseling
  • Certificate in Biblical and Theological Studies
  • Certificate in Messianic Jewish Studies

Application Deadlines

Submit your application by:

General

  • Fall — July 1
  • Spring — November 1

International Students

  • On Campus
    • Fall — June 1
    • Spring — October 1
  • Online/Hybrid
    • Fall — July 1
    • Spring — October 1

Application Fee

A $65 non-refundable application fee is due when you submit your application. Paying this fee will populate the supplemental application items.

Education and GPA Requirements

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale), unless otherwise noted.

  • Master of Divinity: Minimum of 2.6 GPA from an accredited institution is required.

Note: If you do not meet the degree or GPA requirements above, you may still be considered for admission. Please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions office at graduate.admissions@biola.edu.

Official Transcripts and Other Test Scores

An official transcript which shows a conferred bachelor's degree and all other transcripts containing a conferred degree are required. Official transcripts should be sent directly from the school or physically delivered in an untampered envelope sealed by the institution to Biola's Office of Graduate Admissions to be considered official. In addition, transcripts with prerequisites, leveling courses, advanced standing, and any other courses relevant to your desired program should be submitted. For certain degrees, additional or all transcripts may be requested or required. Review the admissions requirements of your individual program or contact Graduate Admissions for details.

  • Send transcripts to:
    Biola University Office of Graduate Admissions
    13800 Biola Avenue, La Mirada, CA 90639

 

Additional Test Scores:

  • GRE: A GRE score is not required for admission
  • TOEFL or IELTS: If English is not your first language, you are required to display your English proficiency before admittance into a Biola University graduate program. Please see the “English Proficiency” admissions section below for more information.

References

Two references are required, including:

  • One pastoral reference
  • One character reference (someone in a leadership role in your life)

Essays

Applicants must submit two essays:

  • One Christian testimony
  • One vocational testimony
  • Master of Arts (Classical Theology) program must submit additional essays during the application process. Please refer to the application for more information, or contact our admissions team with questions.

Note: The essay prompts can be found in the online application.

English Proficiency

Evidence of English proficiency is required for all students to support student success. Proficiency must be shown in reading, writing, speaking, and listening through one of the methods described below:

  1. Minimum test score on a qualifying standardized test
  2. A degree (bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral) issued by an institution where English is the medium of instruction. On-campus residence during the degree program is required. Regional accreditation or its educational equivalent is required from U.S. institutions. To verify that English is the sole medium of instruction, one of the following forms of documentation is required for institutions outside of the United States:
    • Official written communication from the institution (Registrar, Controller of Examinations Office, or Undergraduate College)
    • Official degree statements or transcripts may be accepted given English is stated as the medium of instruction
    • Official catalog verification
    • For universities from non-Anglophone countries, further language assessment may be required.
  3. Completion of the Biola English Language Scholars (ELS) with passing status on the ELS's final exit exam, which must be approved by the English Language Scholars Director in collaboration with the academic program committee. An updated TOEFL or IELTS score may be used at the end of a term to test directly into the graduate program for the following term.
  4. Qualify for the English Language Scholars, which allows students who do not meet the minimum TOEFL or IELTS scores to still enroll in their graduate degree program. Students would be taking academic English courses concurrently with the graduate degree program courses.

    Students eligible for English Language Scholars will be assessed by the English Language Scholars Director to determine the total number of academic English courses to take while enrolled in their graduate program courses. The following are the scores needed to qualify for English Language Scholars:
    • For programs that require TOEFL iBT 90/IELTS 7.0, the AEP qualification is TOEFL iBT 81/IELTS 6.5
    • For programs that require TOEFL iBT 100/IELTS 7.5, the AEP qualification is TOEFL iBT 90/IELTS 7.0
    • For programs that require a Duolingo of 125, the AEP qualification is Duolingo 110–124

NOTE: Students must be admitted to the graduate program first to be considered for English Language Scholars.

Additional Forms

Graduate Admissions Contact Info

You can reach the admissions department by calling 1 (888) 985-9858 or emailing graduate.admissions@biola.edu. We are here to help guide you through the application processes and look forward to hearing from you!

For international admissions information, please visit our International Admissions Webpage for specific details and contact information.

Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) Program Requirements

Applies to:

  • Marriage and family Therapy (MFT)

Application Deadlines

Submit your application by:

General

  • Fall Early Action Deadline – February 1
  • Fall Regular Deadline – March 15

Application Fee

A $65 non-refundable application fee is due when you submit your application. Paying this fee will populate the supplemental application items.

Education and GPA Requirements

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale), unless otherwise noted.

  • Applicants who have a GPA lower than 3.0 are required to submit a letter of explanation and viability for entrance into the MFT program. Probationary acceptance may be granted if other factors give evidence of the applicant's ability to successfully complete the program. The probationary status will be removed when the student has successfully completed nine semester units with a 3.0 GPA or higher.

Note: If you do not meet the degree or GPA requirements above, you may still be considered for admission. Please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions office at graduate.admissions@biola.edu.

Official Transcripts and Other Test Scores

An official transcript which shows a conferred bachelor's degree and all other transcripts containing a conferred degree are required. Official transcripts should be sent directly from the school or physically delivered in an untampered envelope sealed by the institution to Biola's Office of Graduate Admissions to be considered official. In addition, transcripts with prerequisites, leveling courses, advanced standing, and any other courses relevant to your desired program should be submitted. For certain degrees, additional or all transcripts may be requested or required. Review the admissions requirements of your individual program or contact Graduate Admissions for details.

  • Send transcripts to:
    Biola University Office of Graduate Admissions
    13800 Biola Avenue, La Mirada, CA 90639

 

Additional Test Scores:

  • GRE: A GRE score is not required for admission
  • TOEFL or IELTS: If English is not your first language, you are required to display your English proficiency before admittance into a Biola University graduate program. Please see the “English Proficiency” admissions section below for more information.

References

Three references are required, including:

  • One pastoral reference
  • One character reference (someone in a leadership role in your life)
  • One academic reference.

Essays

Applicants must submit two essays:

  • One Christian testimony (500-700 word count maximum)
  • One autobiographical statement (1,000 word count maximum), answering the following questions: 
    • Why do you want to become a Marriage and Family Therapist?
    • Why are you seeking to do your MFT training at Talbot?
    • How has your family of origin shaped you and informed your vocation? This includes reflections on strengths and challenges in your family of origin, the impact of family-of-origin experiences on your adult relationships, and strengths and growth areas in your current significant relationships (with spouse, children, siblings, parents, etc.). 
    • What are your professional goals? 
    • What personal characteristics will contribute to your success as a marriage and family therapist? 
    • What experience, education, and training do you have with diverse populations? 

Note: The essay prompts can be found in the online application.

English Proficiency

Evidence of English proficiency is required for all students to support student success. Proficiency must be shown in reading, writing, speaking, and listening through one of the methods described below:

  1. Minimum test score on a qualifying standardized test
  2. A degree (bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral) issued by an institution where English is the medium of instruction. On-campus residence during the degree program is required. Regional accreditation or its educational equivalent is required from U.S. institutions. To verify that English is the sole medium of instruction, one of the following forms of documentation is required for institutions outside of the United States:
    • Official written communication from the institution (Registrar, Controller of Examinations Office, or Undergraduate College)
    • Official degree statements or transcripts may be accepted given English is stated as the medium of instruction
    • Official catalog verification
    • For universities from non-Anglophone countries, further language assessment may be required.
  3. Completion of the Biola English Language Scholars (ELS) with passing status on the ELS's final exit exam, which must be approved by the English Language Scholars Director in collaboration with the academic program committee. An updated TOEFL or IELTS score may be used at the end of a term to test directly into the graduate program for the following term.
  4. Qualify for the English Language Scholars, which allows students who do not meet the minimum TOEFL or IELTS scores to still enroll in their graduate degree program. Students would be taking academic English courses concurrently with the graduate degree program courses.

    Students eligible for English Language Scholars will be assessed by the English Language Scholars Director to determine the total number of academic English courses to take while enrolled in their graduate program courses. The following are the scores needed to qualify for English Language Scholars:
    • For programs that require TOEFL iBT 90/IELTS 7.0, the AEP qualification is TOEFL iBT 81/IELTS 6.5
    • For programs that require TOEFL iBT 100/IELTS 7.5, the AEP qualification is TOEFL iBT 90/IELTS 7.0
    • For programs that require a Duolingo of 125, the AEP qualification is Duolingo 110–124

NOTE: Students must be admitted to the graduate program first to be considered for English Language Scholars.

Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Please submit an official summary documenting your professional background and academic accomplishments.

Additional Forms

Graduate Admissions Contact Info

You can reach the admissions department by calling 1 (888) 985-9858 or emailing graduate.admissions@biola.edu. We are here to help guide you through the application processes and look forward to hearing from you!

For international admissions information, please visit our International Admissions Webpage for specific details and contact information.

Spiritual Formation Program Requirements

Applies to:

  • Master of Arts, concentration in:
    • Spiritual Formation
  • Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation and Soul Care
  • Master of Divinity, concentration in:
    • Spiritual Formation
  • Certificate in Spiritual Formation

Application Deadlines

Submit your application by:

General

  • Fall — April 1 
  • Spring — October 15

International Students

  • On Campus
    • Fall — April 1
    • Spring — October 1
  • Online/Hybrid
    • Fall — April 1
    • Spring — October 1

Application Fee

A $65 non-refundable application fee is due when you submit your application. Paying this fee will populate the supplemental application items.

Education and GPA Requirements

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale), unless otherwise noted. Students who do not meet this requirement are still considered for admission.

Master of Divinity: Minimum of 2.6 GPA from an accredited institution is required.

Official Transcripts and Other Test Scores

An official transcript which shows a conferred bachelor's degree and all other transcripts containing a conferred degree are required. Official transcripts should be sent directly from the school or physically delivered in an untampered envelope sealed by the institution to Biola's Office of Graduate Admissions to be considered official. In addition, transcripts with prerequisites, leveling courses, advanced standing, and any other courses relevant to your desired program should be submitted. For certain degrees, additional or all transcripts may be requested or required. Review the admissions requirements of your individual program or contact Graduate Admissions for details.

  • Send transcripts to:
    Biola University Office of Graduate Admissions
    13800 Biola Avenue, La Mirada, CA 90639

 

Additional Test Scores:

  • GRE: A GRE score is not required for admission
  • TOEFL or IELTS: If English is not your first language, you are required to display your English proficiency before admittance into a Biola University graduate program. Please see the “English Proficiency” admissions section below for more information.

References

Three references are required, including:

  • One pastoral reference
  • One character reference (someone in a leadership role in your life)
  • One reference form relating to your personal spiritual formation from the same pastor or character reference above

Essays

Applicants must submit four essays:

  • One Christian testimony
  • One essay demonstrating understanding of spiritual formation and goal of graduate study
  • One personal essay addressing how studying spiritual formation will impact your life
  • One biography of your personal spiritual development

Note: The essay prompts can be found in the online application.

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites to apply to these programs.

English Proficiency

Evidence of English proficiency is required for all students to support student success. Proficiency must be shown in reading, writing, speaking, and listening through one of the methods described below:

  1. Minimum test score on a qualifying standardized test
    • Please note the following score standards to qualify for the spiritual formation programs:
      • TOEFL: minimum score of 100 iBT
      • IELTS: minimum score of 7.5
      • Duolingo: minimum score of 125
  2. A degree (bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral) issued by an institution where English is the medium of instruction. On-campus residence during the degree program is required. Regional accreditation or its educational equivalent is required from U.S. institutions. To verify that English is the sole medium of instruction, one of the following forms of documentation is required for institutions outside of the United States:
    • Official written communication from the institution (Registrar, Controller of Examinations Office, or Undergraduate College)
    • Official degree statements or transcripts may be accepted given English is stated as the medium of instruction
    • Official catalog verification
    • For universities from non-Anglophone countries, further language assessment may be required.
  3. Completion of the Biola English Language Scholars (ELS) with passing status on the ELS's final exit exam, which must be approved by the English Language Scholars Director in collaboration with the academic program committee. An updated TOEFL or IELTS score may be used at the end of a term to test directly into the graduate program for the following term.
  4. Qualify for the English Language Scholars, which allows students who do not meet the minimum TOEFL or IELTS scores to still enroll in their graduate degree program. Students would be taking academic English courses concurrently with the graduate degree program courses.

    Students eligible for English Language Scholars will be assessed by the English Language Scholars Director to determine the total number of academic English courses to take while enrolled in their graduate program courses. The following are the scores needed to qualify for English Language Scholars.
    • The AEP qualification is TOEFL iBT 90/IELTS 7.0/Duolingo 110–124

NOTE: Students must be admitted to the graduate program first to be considered for English Language Scholars.

Additional Notes

Participation in the graduate programs in spiritual formation presumes a certain degree of ministry or life experience and personal maturity. This is particularly true of the M.A. in Spiritual Formation and Soul Care, which is not only an academic degree, but involves applied ministry where life experience and relational skills involved in spiritual direction are crucial. It is also our aim to keep the faculty-student ratio lower than in typical seminary programs. Thus, application consideration will be based on weighing the following factors:

  • Ministry and life experience
  • Personal preparedness for a growth journey
  • Perception of calling and giftedness for ministry in spiritual formation and soul care

Successful candidates are required to participate in a personal interview following the submission of their initial application.

Graduate Admissions Contact Info

You can reach the admissions department by calling 1 (888) 985-9858 or emailing graduate.admissions@biola.edu. We are here to help guide you through the application processes and look forward to hearing from you!

For international admissions information, please visit our International Admissions Webpage for specific details and contact information.

Christian Apologetics Program Requirements

Applies to:

  • Master of Arts – Christian Apologetics

Application Deadlines

Submit your application by:

General

  • Fall — July 1
  • Spring — November 1

International Students

  • On Campus
    • Fall — June 1
    • Spring — October 1
  • Online/Hybrid
    • Fall — July 1
    • Spring — October 1

Application Fee

A $65 non-refundable application fee is due when you submit your application. Paying this fee will populate the supplemental application items.

Education and GPA Requirements

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale), unless otherwise noted. Students who do not meet the GPA requirement are still considered for admission.

Official Transcripts and Other Test Scores

An official transcript which shows a conferred bachelor's degree and all other transcripts containing a conferred degree are required. Official transcripts should be sent directly from the school or physically delivered in an untampered envelope sealed by the institution to Biola's Office of Graduate Admissions to be considered official. In addition, transcripts with prerequisites, leveling courses, advanced standing, and any other courses relevant to your desired program should be submitted. For certain degrees, additional or all transcripts may be requested or required. Review the admissions requirements of your individual program or contact Graduate Admissions for details.

  • Send transcripts to:
    Biola University Office of Graduate Admissions
    13800 Biola Avenue, La Mirada, CA 90639

 

Additional Test Scores:

  • GRE: A GRE score is not required for admission
  • TOEFL or IELTS: If English is not your first language, you are required to display your English proficiency before admittance into a Biola University graduate program. Please see the “English Proficiency” admissions section below for more information.

References

Two references are required, including:

  • One pastoral reference
  • One character reference

Essays

Applicants must submit one essay:

  • One Christian testimony

Note: The essay prompts can be found in the online application.

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites to apply to this program.

English Proficiency

Evidence of English proficiency is required for all students to support student success. Proficiency must be shown in reading, writing, speaking, and listening through one of the methods described below:

  1. Minimum test score on a qualifying standardized test
    • Please note the following score standards to qualify for the Christian apologetics program:
      • TOEFL: minimum score of 100 iBT
      • IELTS: minimum score of 7.5
      • Duolingo: minimum score of 125
  2. A degree (bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral) issued by an institution where English is the medium of instruction. On-campus residence during the degree program is required. Regional accreditation or its educational equivalent is required from U.S. institutions. To verify that English is the sole medium of instruction, one of the following forms of documentation is required for institutions outside of the United States:
    • Official written communication from the institution (Registrar, Controller of Examinations Office, or Undergraduate College)
    • Official degree statements or transcripts may be accepted given English is stated as the medium of instruction
    • Official catalog verification
    • For universities from non-Anglophone countries, further language assessment may be required.
  3. Completion of the Biola English Language Scholars (ELS) with passing status on the ELS's final exit exam, which must be approved by the English Language Scholars Director in collaboration with the academic program committee. An updated TOEFL or IELTS score may be used at the end of a term to test directly into the graduate program for the following term.
  4. Qualify for the English Language Scholars, which allows students who do not meet the minimum TOEFL or IELTS scores to still enroll in their graduate degree program. Students would be taking academic English courses concurrently with the graduate degree program courses.

    Students eligible for English Language Scholars will be assessed by the English Language Scholars Director to determine the total number of academic English courses to take while enrolled in their graduate program courses. The following are the scores needed to qualify for English Language Scholars.
    • The AEP qualification is TOEFL iBT 90/IELTS 7.0/Duolingo 110–124

NOTE: Students must be admitted to the graduate program first to be considered for English Language Scholars.

Additional Forms

Admissions Department Contact Info

You can reach the admissions department by calling 1 (888) 985-9858 or emailing graduate.admissions@biola.edu. We are here to help guide you through the application processes and look forward to hearing from you!

For international admissions information, please visit our International Admissions Webpage for specific details and contact information.

Science and Religion Program Requirements

Applies to:

  • Master of Arts – Science and Religion

Application Deadlines

Submit your application by:

General

  • Fall — July 1
  • Spring — November 1

International Students

  • On Campus
    • Fall — June 1
    • Spring — October 1
  • Online/Hybrid
    • Fall — July 1
    • Spring — October 1

Application Fee

A $65 non-refundable application fee is due when you submit your application. Paying this fee will populate the supplemental application items.

Education and GPA Requirements

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale), unless otherwise noted. Students who do not meet the GPA requirement are still considered for admission.

Official Transcripts and Other Test Scores

An official transcript which shows a conferred bachelor's degree and all other transcripts containing a conferred degree are required. Official transcripts should be sent directly from the school or physically delivered in an untampered envelope sealed by the institution to Biola's Office of Graduate Admissions to be considered official. In addition, transcripts with prerequisites, leveling courses, advanced standing, and any other courses relevant to your desired program should be submitted. For certain degrees, additional or all transcripts may be requested or required. Review the admissions requirements of your individual program or contact Graduate Admissions for details.

  • Send transcripts to:
    Biola University Office of Graduate Admissions
    13800 Biola Avenue, La Mirada, CA 90639

 

Additional Test Scores:

  • TOEFL or IELTS: If English is not your first language, you are required to display your English proficiency before admittance into a Biola University graduate program. Please see the “English Proficiency” admissions section below for more information.

References

Two references are required, including:

  • One pastoral reference
  • One character reference

Essays

Applicants must submit two essays:

  • One Christian testimony
  • One information profile and writing sample. Please answer the following questions:
    1. Why do you desire to enroll in the M.A. with a concentration in Science & Religion program and what do you hope to gain from your studies? How does this relate to your personal and/or vocational objectives? (one page max)
    2. List two or three books you have recently read in the area of science and religion, and give a one paragraph assessment of each. (one page max)
    3. Please list any background that is relevant to the M.A. with a concentration in Science & Religion program: Past/current employment, ministry experience, education or other experience. (one page max)

Note: The essay prompts can be found in the online application.

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites to apply to this program.

English Proficiency

Evidence of English proficiency is required for all students to support student success. Proficiency must be shown in reading, writing, speaking, and listening through one of the methods described below:

  1. Minimum test score on a qualifying standardized test
    • Please note the following score standards to qualify for the science and religion program:
      • TOEFL: minimum score of 100 iBT
      • IELTS: minimum score of 7.5
      • Duolingo: minimum score of 125
  2. A degree (bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral) issued by an institution where English is the medium of instruction. On-campus residence during the degree program is required. Regional accreditation or its educational equivalent is required from U.S. institutions. To verify that English is the sole medium of instruction, one of the following forms of documentation is required for institutions outside of the United States:
    • Official written communication from the institution (Registrar, Controller of Examinations Office, or Undergraduate College)
    • Official degree statements or transcripts may be accepted given English is stated as the medium of instruction
    • Official catalog verification
    • For universities from non-Anglophone countries, further language assessment may be required.
  3. Completion of the Biola English Language Scholars (ELS) with passing status on the ELS's final exit exam, which must be approved by the English Language Scholars Director in collaboration with the academic program committee. An updated TOEFL or IELTS score may be used at the end of a term to test directly into the graduate program for the following term.
  4. Qualify for the English Language Scholars, which allows students who do not meet the minimum TOEFL or IELTS scores to still enroll in their graduate degree program. Students would be taking academic English courses concurrently with the graduate degree program courses.

    Students eligible for English Language Scholars will be assessed by the English Language Scholars Director to determine the total number of academic English courses to take while enrolled in their graduate program courses. The following are the scores needed to qualify for English Language Scholars.
    • The English Language Scholars qualification is TOEFL iBT 90/IELTS 7.0/Duolingo 110–124

NOTE: Students must be admitted to the graduate program first to be considered for English Language Scholars.

Additional Forms

Admissions Department Contact Info

You can reach the admissions department by calling 1 (888) 985-9858 or emailing graduate.admissions@biola.edu. We are here to help guide you through the application processes and look forward to hearing from you!

For international admissions information, please visit our International Admissions Webpage for specific details and contact information.

Ed.D. and Ph.D. Program Requirements

Applies to:

  • Ed.D. in Educational Studies
  • Ph.D. – Educational Studies

Application Deadlines

Submit your application by:

General Deadline

  • March 1

Application Fee

A $65 non-refundable application fee is due when you submit your application. Paying this fee will populate the supplemental application items.

Education and GPA Requirements

Applicants must have a master’s degree or educational equivalent. Applicants must also have a minimum grade point average of 3.25 (on a 4.0 scale), unless otherwise noted. See Prerequisites link below.

Official Transcripts and Other Test Scores

An official transcript which shows a conferred master's degree and all other transcripts containing a conferred degree are required. Official transcripts should be sent directly from the school or physically delivered in an untampered envelope sealed by the institution to Biola's Office of Graduate Admissions to be considered official. In addition, transcripts with prerequisites, leveling courses, advanced standing, and any other courses relevant to your desired program should be submitted. For certain degrees, additional or all transcripts may be requested or required. Review the admissions requirements of your individual program or contact Graduate Admissions for details.

  • Send transcripts to:
    Biola University Office of Graduate Admissions
    13800 Biola Avenue, La Mirada, CA 90639

Additional Test Scores:

  • TOEFL or IELTS: If English is not your first language, you are required to display your English proficiency before admittance into a Biola University graduate program. Please see the “English Proficiency” admissions section below for more information.

References

Four references are required, including:

  • Three academics references — must be completed by faculty who had the applicant in at least two courses
  • One pastoral reference — must be completed by a mentor, teacher or pastor

Essays

Applicants must submit three essays:

  • One formal academic paper: submit a sample of scholarly writing (with citations and bibliography), preferably related to education, of at least 10 pages.
  • One vocational objectives statement
  • One personal biography

Note: The essay prompts can be found in the online application.

Prerequisites

In order to be eligible for our Ph.D. and Ed.D. programs, students must have:

  • Have earned a master’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited educational institution.
    • Equivalence is defined as an earned master's degree of 36 semester credits of graduate study, including 18 credits of graduate Bible and theology.
  • A minimum GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale in all previous graduate work is required. Students whose formal educational preparation does not include all of the required prerequisite coursework must complete them prior to enrollment.

See a Graduate Admissions Counselor for recommendations on options for completing the needed prerequisite courses (graduate.admissions@biola.edu).

English Proficiency

Evidence of English proficiency is required for all students to support student success. Proficiency must be shown in reading, writing, speaking, and listening through one of the methods described below:

  1. Minimum test score on a qualifying standardized test
    • Please note the following score standards to qualify for the Ph.D. and Ed.D. programs:
      • TOEFL: minimum score of 100 iBT
      • IELTS: minimum score of 7.5
      • Duolingo: minimum score of 125
  2. A degree (bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral) issued by an institution where English is the medium of instruction. On-campus residence during the degree program is required. Regional accreditation or its educational equivalent is required from U.S. institutions. To verify that English is the sole medium of instruction, one of the following forms of documentation is required for institutions outside of the United States:
    • Official written communication from the institution (Registrar, Controller of Examinations Office, or Undergraduate College)
    • Official degree statements or transcripts may be accepted given English is stated as the medium of instruction
    • Official catalog verification
    • For universities from non-Anglophone countries, further language assessment may be required.
  3. Completion of the Biola English Language Scholars (ELS) with passing status on the ELS's final exit exam, which must be approved by the English Language Scholars Director in collaboration with the academic program committee. An updated TOEFL or IELTS score may be used at the end of a term to test directly into the graduate program for the following term.
  4. Qualify for the English Language Scholars, which allows students who do not meet the minimum TOEFL or IELTS scores to still enroll in their graduate degree program. Students would be taking academic English courses concurrently with the graduate degree program courses.

    Students eligible for English Language Scholars will be assessed by the English Language Scholars Director to determine the total number of academic English courses to take while enrolled in their graduate program courses. The following are the scores needed to qualify for English Language Scholars.
    • The English Language Scholars qualification is TOEFL iBT 90/IELTS 7.0/Duolingo 110–124

NOTE: Students must be admitted to the graduate program first to be considered for English Language Scholars.

Additional Forms

Graduate Admissions Contact Info

You can reach the admissions department by calling 1 (888) 985-9858 or emailing graduate.admissions@biola.edu. We are here to help guide you through the application processes and look forward to hearing from you!

For international admissions information, please visit our International Admissions Webpage for specific details and contact information.

Doctor of Ministry Program Requirements

Applies to:

  • Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.)

Application Deadlines

Submit your application by:

General

  • November 1

Application Fee

A $65 non-refundable application fee is due when you submit your application. Paying this fee will populate the supplemental application items.

Education and GPA Requirements

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale), unless otherwise noted. Students who do not meet this requirement are still considered for admission.

Applicants must also have a Master’s Degree in a Ministry-Related Area with a minimum 3.0 GPA from an accredited school (or its educational equivalent).

While this is evaluated by the Doctor of Ministry Office on a case-by-case basis, we typically look for at least 36 semester credits of graduate theological education in the areas of Biblical Studies, Christian Thought, and Ministry Praxis. Applicants will also be required to demonstrate the following:

  • The ability to thoughtfully interpret scripture and the theological tradition of one’s ministry context
  • The capacity to understand and adapt one’s ministry to the cultural context
  • A basic self-understanding of one’s ministerial identity and vocational calling
  • A readiness to engage in ongoing personal and spiritual formation
  • An accredited master’s degree (or its educational equivalent) in an area related to one’s ministry setting or vocational calling
  • Significant ministerial experience

Sometimes partial credit for applicable undergraduate units (two undergraduate credits = one graduate credit) may be counted, up to a maximum of ten graduate semester credits.

Official Transcripts and Other Test Scores

An official transcript which shows a conferred master's degree and all other transcripts containing a conferred degree are required. Official transcripts should be sent directly from the school or physically delivered in an untampered envelope sealed by the institution to Biola's Office of Graduate Admissions to be considered official. In addition, transcripts with prerequisites, leveling courses, advanced standing, and any other courses relevant to your desired program should be submitted. For certain degrees, additional or all transcripts may be requested or required. Review the admissions requirements of your individual program or contact Graduate Admissions for details.

  • Send transcripts to:
    Biola University Office of Graduate Admissions
    13800 Biola Avenue, La Mirada, CA 90639

Additional Test Scores:

  • GRE: A GRE score is not required for admission
  • TOEFL or IELTS: If English is not your first language, you are required to display your English proficiency before admittance into a Biola University graduate program. Please see the “English Proficiency” admissions section below for more information.

References

Four references are required, including:

  • One clergy member reference
  • One lay person reference
  • One spouse reference (if applicable)
  • One church ministry statement of support

Essays

As a part of the application process, you will need to complete the following essays:

  • Three Ministry Essays (100-300 words each)
    1. Tell us about your ministerial experience.
    2. Tell us about your personal strengths and weaknesses.
    3. Tell us about your objectives in pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree.
  • Three Salvation Essays (100-300 words each)
    1. Explain in your own words the Scriptural basis for your salvation.
    2. Describe your conversion experience.
    3. State briefly the cardinal points of your faith.

Note: The essay prompts can be found in the online application.

Prerequisites

In order to be eligible for our Doctor of Ministry program, applicants must demonstrate significant ministerial experience. While this is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, we typically look for at least three years of vocational ministry experience in church or parachurch organizations. We are willing to consider appropriate part-time or full-time, paid or unpaid, ordained, licensed, or appointed ministry leadership positions.

English Proficiency

Evidence of English proficiency is required for all students to support student success. Proficiency must be shown in reading, writing, speaking, and listening through one of the methods described below:

  1. Minimum test score on a qualifying standardized test
    • Please note the following score standards to qualify for the D.Min. program:
      • TOEFL: minimum score of 100 iBT
      • IELTS: minimum score of 7.5
      • Duolingo: minimum score of 125.
  2. Educational Achievement: Students may be able to demonstrate English proficiency by completing a master’s degree in an English-speaking program from an accredited school with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  3. Completion of the Biola English Language Scholars (ELS) with passing status on the ELS's final exit exam, which must be approved by the English Language Scholars Director in collaboration with the academic program committee. An updated TOEFL or IELTS score may be used at the end of a term to test directly into the graduate program for the following term.

The D.Min. program reserves the right to accept a student on a probationary basis if English language proficiency is in doubt, even if the applicant can demonstrate adequate satisfaction of either criteria mentioned above.

Some tracks may be available in other languages besides English. In these tracks, the English proficiency requirement may be waived.

Additional Forms

Graduate Admissions Contact Info

You can reach the admissions department by calling 1 (888) 985-9858 or emailing graduate.admissions@biola.edu. We are here to help guide you through the application processes and look forward to hearing from you!

For international admissions information, please visit our International Admissions Webpage for specific details and contact information.