Melvin University’s 48-hour (plus dissertation work) Doctor of Philosophy in Intercultural Studies advances your knowledge in the theological, contextual, spiritual and strategic literatures in the field of missiology. Students acquire a comprehensive knowledge of missiology as an interdisciplinary study combining approaches of historical, theological, sociological, anthropological and evangelistic studies and practices. Then, they focus on one of the four concentrations: Contextual (anthropological) Studies, Development (including socio-economic and leadership) Studies, Evangelization Studies, and Historical-Theological Studies. For further information on these concentrations, please see “Tracks.”
What to Expect from the Degree
The following is an overview of the degree requirements:
Successful completion of 48 credit hours as outlined in the Academic Catalog with a cumulative grade point average of 3.30/4.00 or higher
Approval of the Research Readiness Review at the end of the first academic year
Active attendance of the weekly school seminars and the annual interdisciplinary colloquium of Advanced Research Programs.
Passing of the comprehensive examinations
Approval of a dissertation proposal
Completion and successful defense of the dissertation
*Refer to the Academic Catalog for a detailed and full list of graduation requirements.
Admissions Requirements
Application deadline: January 5
Application Form.
Accredited baccalaureate degree; accredited Master of Divinity degree, or an academic or professional (two-year or 60 credit hours) Master of Arts in an appropriate theological discipline. Accreditation is required by an agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or holding membership in the Association of Universities and Colleges in Canada.
Official transcripts of all postsecondary schools attended, sent directly by each institution to the Asbury Seminary Admissions Office.
A nonrefundable $50 (US) application fee that includes processing of the application and a personal background check.
Four professor or other scholar references completed on the Admissions Office form at asburyseminary.edu.
A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.50/4.00 for baccalaureate and graduate work is required for admission. The grade point average as calculated by the Admissions Office at Asbury Seminary shall be considered the official grade point average for admission.
Submission of a scholarly essay, representing an example of the applicant’s ability to do independent research and reflecting a research interest appropriate to the degree program, approximately 25 pages in length, completed within the last three years. (Please note: writing samples must be submitted in .pdf format, with the applicant’s 6-digit prospective student ID number in place of their name throughout the paper. The prospective ID number should also be the filename of the document. If papers are not submitted within these guidelines, they will be returned to the applicant for proper formatting.)
Personal history essay, including a purpose statement noting reason for Ph.D. pursuit, vocational understanding and research specialization. Specific guidelines at asburyseminary.edu.
A resume or CV detailing education, language skills, and work/ministry experience.
Demonstrated capability for languages (biblical research or field languages) other than English. This capability can be demonstrated by transcripts showing 12 credit hours (college or graduate) of language study (normally in a single language) with a grade of “B” or better, or by documented proficiency in any language(s) or other research tools necessary for the dissertation research.
For native speakers of English, an official score report from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required. International applicants may submit the GRE in lieu of the TOEFL or IELTS but are not normally required to submit both scores.
Although not required, experience in cross-cultural ministry at home or internationally is desirable, and may be taken into account in the admission process.
For applicants whose native language is other than English, an official score report from the TOEFL or IETLS must be submitted. TOEFL scores of 600 paper or 90 internet-based or an IETLS score of 7.5 are expected. Normally, TOEFL or IELTS will not be waived.
The Admissions Committee may request the applicant to submit additional materials and/or schedule an interview with a seminary representative.
Personal History Essay:
Share your life story and at what point you began your relationship with Jesus Christ. Talk about your growth since that time and what brings you to apply to Asbury Seminary’s Advanced Research Program. Include your thoughts on how you would like to see your faith grow during your time in this program. (350 minimum to 500 words maximum)
Please describe your ministry and vocational experience, including positions held and dates of service. (350 minimum to 500 words maximum)
Statement of Purpose – Describe briefly the reasons you are prompted to pursue study in the particular program area you have chosen and what you hope to gain through the program. Give specific goals, and personal or professional needs. (350 to 500 words maximum)
Research Interests
State your preferred concentration in the program you have chosen (Contextualization Studies, Development Studies, Evangelization Studies, or Historical-Theological Studies).
Give a short summary (15-20 words) of your research interest.
Provide a brief reflection indicating possible research interests. This reflection should start with a summary of your interests in less than 20 words. (350 minimum to 500 words maximum)
List the language(s) (including English) used in your research and/or ministry and indicate your relative proficiency.
(Optional) If you feel your cumulative grade point average or academic test scores do not adequately reflect your abilities to flourish at Asbury Seminary, please explain.
(Optional) If you are married, describe your spouse’s attitudes toward your plans for seminary education and future ministry. Please attach a resume or CV.