Doctor of Philosophy
Program Goals
The PhD in Intercultural Studies at Oikos University represents the highest academic credential
in the study of mission. As such, PhD in Intercultural studies is designed to educate graduates for
careers paths in a diverse cross-cultural setting and provide students with excellent opportunity
to make a contribution to the field of missiology. It is designed to educate graduates to be
educated ministers, scholars, or independent researchers with advanced knowledge in the field of
intercultural studies. It is also designed to equip graduates to be community leader, faith-based
organization administrator, international missionaries, or administrator in higher education who
has competent knowledge and world view in intercultural engagement, change, and
transformation by integrating a biblical perspective. PhD in Intercultural Studies seeks to educate
students to become a teacher, professor, administrator, and leader to serve in a wide variety of
culturally diverse communities, ministries, and organization. The participants in the Oikos
University PhD in Intercultural Studies program must complete 18 units of advanced core
courses in intercultural studies, 18 units of advanced concentration in intercultural studies,
9 units of Biblical Studies, 6 units of Research and 9 units of dissertation
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completing the requirements for the PhD in Intercultural Studies, students will be able to:
1. demonstrate a mastery of the major issues, theories, and literatures in the field of sociology,
anthropology, and intercultural studies.
2. demonstrate advanced and engaging knowledge in the field of intercultural studies to publish
independent research and presentation.
3. demonstrate superb knowledge of the Bible both critically and faithfully to communicate with
culturally diverse communities.
4. demonstrate an effective methodology or a study or research and contribute to the field of
intercultural studies through scholarly activities and/or professional works
Admission Requirements
All applicants for the PhD degree must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered
for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy of Intercultural Studies degree program:
1. Have achieved at least a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale in all graduate level work.
2. Have earned a Master of Divinity or its equivalent from an accredited graduate program.
3. Have 3 years of ministry experience or cross-cultural mission.
4. Applicants whose first language is not English should submit a TOEFL score with a 500-
minimum average (paper-based) or 55 minimum averages on the internet-based TOEFL.
Alternately, students may submit evidence of ESL certificate, or may opt to take the ESL
program at Oikos
Doctor of Philosophy of Intercultural Studies Graduation Requirements
1. Student must complete 18 units of advanced core courses in intercultural studies, 18 units of
advanced concentration in intercultural studies, 9 units of Biblical Studies, 6 units of Research
and 9 units of dissertation.
2. Students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or above.
3. Students must complete the capstone course which is the dissertation project with a grade “B” or better.
4. Students must settle all financial obligations to Oikos University.
5. Students must file all necessary graduation forms.
Qualifying Examinations
Upon successful completion of all 6 core courses (18 units of coursework) and all 6 elective
courses listed in the elective area of advanced study (18 units of coursework) required in the PhD
program, as well as fulfilling the Bible and Theology requirement, Research courses, Dissertation
courses, PhD participants can petition the University to schedule their doctoral-level qualifying
examinations.