1.2 Prerequisites to Program Application
1.2.1 General Degree Prerequisites:
Applicants to the PhD program must hold an earned and accredited master's degree in an appropriately related field. Applicant’s transcripts should reflect a background in biblical, theological, and ministry studies at the master's level. Applicants who have not completed course work in biblical, theological, and ministry studies, including biblical Hebrew and biblical Greek, may be required to successfully complete “leveling” work to prepare them for the biblical and theological component of the program.
1.2.2 Degree Leveling:
Students who are deficient in meeting the above requirements must take additional coursework to attain equivalency. This process is called “leveling.” Several options for leveling academic deficiencies are available to students. You should discuss deficiencies with the Program Director of the PhD in Biblical Studies . Equivalency options through the completion of additional approved academic courses include: campus-based courses; web-based courses; taking courses at an CSGS extension site; completing academic courses at another accredited institution; etc. Documentation of experiential learning is not an option for the demonstration of equivalency.
NOTE: Completion of equivalency course work does not guarantee admission to the targeted doctoral program.
All deficiencies identified in the application process must be satisfied prior to the first term of enrollment. Please notify the Adult Learner Services Office of work completed to satisfy deficiencies by submitting official transcripts to be retained in your application file.
1.2.3 Grade Point Averages:
The minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) for admission to this doctoral program is equivalent to the letter grade "B" (3.25 on a 4.0 scale). Cumulative GPAs below a “B” automatically disqualify an applicant for admission to doctoral research studies at LBC/CSGS. However, students with a lower GPA who have significant qualifications in other areas may appeal to the Program Director regarding this requirement.
1.2.4 Graduate Record Exam (GRE), Miller Analogies Test (MAT)
Applicants must take the MAT (Miller Analogies Test, www.milleranalogies.com) or GRE(Graduate Record Exam, www.ets.org/gre/general/register) and submit their score as per the application process. The test scores may not be more than five years old at the time of application.
1.2.5 English Language Abilities
Applicants whose first language is not English must attain a minimum test score of 600 on thepaper-based TOEFL General Test (250 on the computer-based exam or 1000 for the Internet-based test) or an equivalent demonstration of the ability to read, write, and conduct academic research in standard English.