Starting fall 2021, TEDS is offering the PhD in Intercultural Studies program in a new flexible format. Coursework may now be completed by taking up to half of the program remotely. It is also possible to complete the the PhD/ICS on a part-time basis as well. Course content may be delivered in person on campus and online in blended formats. This is the only PhD/ICS offered anywhere with this flexible learning model making it more accessible to students who wish to complete their studies while remaining in their location of ministry.
The Doctor of Philosophy (Intercultural Studies) seeks to develop the ministry and research skills of leaders involved in a wide variety of missional, cross-cultural, and educational ministries. Focus is upon deepening our understanding of human diversity, contextual realities, and cultural change in ways that inform redemptive, gospel-centered ministry in the contemporary world. Theological, historical and social scientific disciplines are integrated at the highest academic level and brought to bear on the global and local mission of the church.
With a combination of intensive coursework, mentoring, and research, students can craft a stimulating, flexible, and individualized course of study suited to their professional goals and life situation. Up to half of the regular coursework may be completed remotely with synchronous courses and guided research. It is also possible to complete the program on a part-time basis. The combination of online and intensive courses on campus makes the PhD/ICS program accessible to students who wish to remain resident in their location of ministry. Participation in the program links students with a diverse, broad-based international community of scholars while providing tools that promote lifelong learning.
As an academic PhD program, students will strengthen their foundations in theory as the basis for original research and writing to advance missiological understanding and effective leadership. Our mission is to cultivate academic excellence, cultural insight, and spiritual depth enhancing the personal and professional development of program participants. Persons benefiting most from the program are typically engaged at home or abroad in ministries such as cross-cultural missions, multiethnic ministry, missional movement and organizational leadership, higher education, and evangelism. Additionally, our optional focus of Mission in Western Contexts equips today’s leaders through a multi-disciplinary approach to understanding contemporary cultures.
Applicants for the PhD/ICS program must fulfill the following requirements:
- Have earned a Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree or appropriate master’s degree (totaling at least 48 semester hours) providing significant theological and missiological foundations from an institution maintaining academic standards similar to those of TEDS. Specifically applicants must have, at the graduate level, a minimum of 15 semester hours of Missions or Intercultural studies and 30 semester hours of Biblical/Theological studies, including a minimum of 6 semester hours of Old Testament, 6 semester hours of New Testament, 6 semester hours of Systematic Theology, and 3 semester hours of Church History.
- Present evidence of potential for original academic research at the doctoral level by submitting a sample of published writing or a recent academic research paper if nothing has been published.
- Have completed at least three years of vocational ministry experience, preferably in intercultural ministry, with evidence of relevant gifts and abilities.
- Present evidence of competence in two languages: (1) a contemporary field language or research language for bibliographic control; and (2) one biblical language. (In exceptional circumstances, the biblical language requirement may be waived.)
- Give evidence of a superior intellectual ability in all previous accredited graduate studies.
- Have earned a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) in previous graduate studies.
- Provide recommendations from the following four people (to be submitted electronically through the online application): (1) Ministry Supervisor, (2) Professor from recent graduate studies, (3) Professional Colleague, (4) Lay person from church.
- Submit a test score from either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT), preferably the latter, which will be taken into consideration among other factors in the application. Applicants whose first language is not English should submit scores less than two years old from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) in addition to the MAT or GRE.
The PhD (Intercultural Studies) Program is designed as a program of three to four academic years, requiring two years (four semesters) of classroom and seminar studies followed by one to two years of comprehensive examinations and dissertation research. The length of the program can be reduced by enrolling in full-time study during all three semesters (fall, spring, and summer). Part-time students need considerably longer to complete the program. The minimum number of courses and seminars, comprehensive exam and dissertation credit, is 60 semester hours. A full-time student takes 9 to 12 semester hours. The program operates on a year-round basis, with full-load enrollment available in fall, spring and summer semesters. Program courses are available in a variety of term-length and modular formats, making study accessible to students who do not relocate to Deerfield. To insure that students not residing locally participate in the broader learning community, attendance at ICS fellowship meetings, academic hearings, and other community events while present on campus for coursework is expected.
Seminars you’ll take include the following:
