Doctor of Intercultural Studies

Tuition fees are 12,420 USD per year.

Biola’s Doctor of Intercultural Studies program equips individuals engaged in cross-cultural or multicultural settings by deepening their understanding of history, theology, and social sciences. This practitioner's degree focuses on advancing mission through scholarship, spirituality, service, and sacrifice by integrating church history, theology, and social sciences. Students develop applied understandings, master theoretical constructs in missiology, and integrate faith with educational convictions.

The program requires 36 credits, comprising foundational courses, concentration core courses, theology courses, and research courses, culminating in a dissertation and its defense.

Graduates are equipped for intercultural services, potentially entering roles such as Mission Organization Leader, Missionary, Professor in non-Western settings, or Missions Pastor.

Applicants need a master's degree with a minimum 3.25 GPA and three years of cross-cultural or multicultural ministry experience. Required documents include official transcripts, three reference letters (two academic, one pastoral), and three essays. Non-native English speakers must meet specific proficiency scores (e.g., TOEFL 100 iBT, IELTS 7.5) or provide proof of English as the medium of instruction for a prior degree.

The programme totals about 36 credit hours. May be completed wholly on campus, up to 50% in Thailand, or online. For international students, tuition is well below the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 60% of applicants.

Biola University in La Mirada, California, founded in 1908, is a private Christian university that integrates faith and learning across a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. With about 5,300 students and a welcoming campus community, Biola emphasizes academic rigor alongside spiritual formation. Programs cover theology, arts, sciences, business, and health sciences, and the university is known for cultivating graduates who combine professional competence with ethical leadership.

Biola’s supportive learning environment features dedicated faculty, small classes and services aimed at international students, including orientation and advising. With 114 degree programs, students can pursue specialized study while engaging in chapel life, community service and mentorship. The university’s emphasis on character, communication and critical thinking prepares graduates to navigate complex professional contexts with confidence and integrity.

International students benefit from a campus that values cultural diversity and provides practical resources for transition, housing and career development. Biola’s location near Los Angeles offers access to internships, industry contacts and cultural opportunities. Prospective international applicants who want a values-centered education with strong academic programs and personal support will find Biola a nurturing environment for both intellectual and spiritual growth.