About Us
Mission Statement
The mission of the doctoral programs in educational studies (Ph.D. & Ed.D.) of Talbot School of Theology, Biola University, is to mentor men and women with evident gifts of leadership and teaching in mind and character, within a Christian community of scholars and practitioners, to make contributions, from a distinctly Christian perspective, in scholarship for and in the practice of Christian educational studies and ministry within God's Kingdom—as faculty in educational institutions, as leaders in ministry organizations, and as pastoral staff in local churches, throughout the world—in order to nurture the faith and maturity of children, youth and adults.
Program Goals
Demonstrate, from an evangelical Christian framework, an understanding of biblical and theological principles and research procedures derived from scholarly research and personal Bible study, that will inform both the student's scholarship for and the practice of Christian educational ministry, as well as the student's personal spiritual formation and growing relationship with God.
Demonstrate competency in critical thinking about and knowledge of the field of Christian educational studies and ministry that will guide the development of philosophies of ministry and knowledgeable utilization of social science research to inform the student's scholarship for and the practice of Christian educational ministry from an integrative perspective (theology, philosophy and social sciences) as displayed in both written and oral communication.
Demonstrate enhanced competence as a faculty member, in teaching suitable for higher education and other formal and informal settings in effective course design, in providing educational leadership in curriculum development, and a commitment to the vocation of academic scholarship in its dimensions of teaching, learning, research and service. (applies to both, but especially Ph.D. program)
Demonstrate, from an evangelical Christian framework, an understanding of biblical and theological principles and research procedures derived from scholarly research and personal Bible study, that will inform both the student's scholarship for and the practice of Christian educational ministry, as well as the student's personal spiritual formation and growing relationship with God.
Christian Educators of the 20th Century
A web-based database providing biographical and bibliographical information on influential Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox Christian/religious education leaders of the 20th century.