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 equip them for the biblical and theological components 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 a Capital Seminary and Graduate School extension site; and completing academic courses at another accredited institution.
The method and timeline for the completion of leveling requirements will be determined by the Program Director. If leveling coursework is completed at an institution other than LBC | Capital, the student will submit official transcripts to be retained on file by the Registrar’s office.
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," 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Cumulative GPAs below a “B” usually disqualify an applicant for admission to doctoral research studies at LBC|Capital. However, students with a lower GPA who have significant qualifications in other areas may appeal to the Program Director regarding this requirement. Students with a GPA under 3.0 may choose to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT) and submit their score with the application. A high score on the GRE or MAT will be taken into consideration in the application process for students who do not meet the minimum GPA requirement.
1.2.4 English Language Abilities
Applicants whose first language is not English must attain a minimum test score of 100 on the internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test. Alternatively, with the approval of the Director of the PhD in Biblical Studies program, students may provide an equivalent demonstration of the ability to read, write, and conduct academic research in Standard English.