SICS FAQ's

Admissions

  1. What are the deadlines for applying?

    Program Fall Spring Summer Interterm
    Certificate and MA programs August 1 January 1 May 1 December 1
    Ph.D. and D.Miss. April 15 October 15 – –

  2. What is the difference between official and unofficial transcripts, and which does Biola require?

    Official transcripts are those that are sent directly from the university to Biola. Unofficial transcripts are those given, by mail or by hand, to the student. For admission to Biola, submission of official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended is required.

  3. What are the second language proficiency requirements for the programs?

    TESOL
    None
    Applied Linguistics
    Must test 2 or better (on 5 point Foreign language Service Levels) in either reading/writing or speaking/listening
    PhD and DMiss
    Present evidence of second language acquisition

  4. Do I have to take the GRE?

    No.

  5. Can I transfer units into the TESOL or Linguistics certificate program?

    The TESOL and Linguistics certificate programs are non-reducible programs, meaning that the core program requirements cannot be reduced by prior undergraduate learning credits. However, there are 6-9 foundational units required for each certificate or MA, which can be reduced by prior undergraduate learning credits. Also, approved graduate credits can be transferred in, but a minimum of 24 program units must be completed at Biola.

  6. What is WebReg?

    WebReg allows students to register online, avoiding the hassle of registering in person before classes begin. For incoming students, WebReg allows you to register for classes, get a parking pass, sign up for Biola health insurance, pay your bill, and much more. WebReg is usually scheduled to start at the beginning of August. Once a student is accepted and has paid their enrollment deposit, registration materials including WebReg dates and times will be sent to your mailing address.

Degree Programs

  1. What programs do you offer? What will each program prepare me to do?

    Please see our comprehensive degree listings.

  2. What is “Essentials of TESOL?” Can I take this as part of my TESOL certificate or MA program?

    The Essentials of TESOL is an intensive five-unit class that runs five days a week for three weeks. You will attend class five hours a day and gain valuable teaching experience, skills and knowledge that will train you to teach the English language. This course is designed as a basic, introductory TESOL class. Someone who is in the MA TESOL or certificate program is not encouraged to take this course because they will cover above and beyond the “essentials” course content within their program.

  3. I want to teach English somewhere. Which is better, applied linguistics or TESOL?

    How are those different? Applied Linguistics is the overarching discipline of dealing with language problems and TESOL is one specialty in that discipline. If you do the MA Applied Linguistics program, with a concentration in TESOL, you will receive a broad education in dealing with language problems, with dabbling in teaching methods, second language acquisition, and other TESOL topics. If you do the MA TESOL program, you will receive less of the “dealing with language problems” education, and will delve deeper into the TESOL topics, beyond surface methods and theories. You will receive more extensive teaching training in TESOL, including curriculum development and program management.

  4. What's the difference between getting a Certificate in TESOL or the MA TESOL?

    The Certificate will give you the practical skills you need to do well in a classroom teaching English. The MA takes you deeper into the theory of teaching language, curriculum development and program management. If you just want to be equipped for teaching, the certificate is sufficient. If you want to make it more of a career, be able to run an ESL program, or develop your own curriculum, the MA will be good preparation.

Distance Learning

  1. What distance education options are available?

    • Modular Formatting

      In order to meet the needs of our students who are unable to attend a traditional semester format, SICS offers a number of courses in Modular formatting. Typical modular courses meet on select weeknights and Saturdays, and typically last for three weeks at a time. These courses are staggered so that students can take advantage of more than one modular course in a semester.

    • Extension Centers

      Designed for students who cannot study full time in the states. Classes in the MA in Intercultural Studies and the Doctor of Missiology (D.Miss.) are offered through two extension centers located in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and Klaipeda, Lithuania. These centers offer twice-yearly two-week intensive courses. In Chiang Mai, the classes are 2 weeks in January and two weeks in August. In Lithuania, the classes are two weeks in January and two weeks in June. In addition to these twice-yearly classes, students will also complete field courses or distance education courses.

    • Field Education

      Six courses are offered within the Department of Anthropology, Intercultural Education and Missiology that are designed specifically to contribute to your ability to conduct relevant field research, enhance interpersonal and intercultural relationships and increase your effectiveness in cross-cultural work. These courses may be applied towards the M.A. in Intercultural Studies, M.A. in Missions, D.Miss., or Ph.D. in Intercultural Education degrees. Tuition for field courses is at a reduced rate.

    A note about the Lithuania extension center: While Biola has approved the School of Intercultural Studies to offer classes in Lithuania for the MA ICS and D.Miss. degree programs, and all classes are offered in accredited degree programs, the opportunity for students to complete the program totally in the field cannot be realized until our application with the accreditation agency is submitted, reviewed and subsequently approved. This process is still pending.

  2. Can I take courses in the states at Biola's campus and at one of the extension centers?

    Yes. You can take the intensive courses at the extension centers and take regular classes at Biola's campus during the normal semesters, summer or interterm.

  3. About how long does it take to complete an MA ICS or D.Miss at the extension centers?

    It takes approximately five years to complete the MA ICS and seven years to complete the D.Miss. If you also take courses at Biola's La Mirada campus, you can speed up the process.

  4. Does the Ph.D. in Intercultural Education require residency?

    Yes. At this time, there are no online or distance courses offered for the Ph.D. Though there is a chance that distance courses could be available in the future, there are no guarantees if or when this would happen.

Miscellaneous

  1. Who can I contact to set up a visit to Biola's campus?

    Carla Tipton is the University visit coordinator. She will assist you in setting up appointments on campus. Schedule a visit online.

  2. What financial assistance is available?

    • Church Matching Scholarship

      Biola can match up to $500 that your church donates toward your education.

    • Graduate Grant

      Need-based grant available to all U.S. students; up to $1,800 per year

    • Spouse Tuition Reduction

      A two-thirds tuition reduction to the spouse of a full-time (9 units) student.

    • Missionary Grant Program (available to doctoral only)

      Biola can match your missionary support base's donation of one third of your tuition, leaving the student to pay the final one third. Applications are available from the ICS office.

    • Stafford and Perkins Loans

      Up to $18,500 per year in federal Stafford loans and up to $1,000 per year in federal Perkins loans (U.S. students only).

    • Student Employment

      Biola has excellent on- and off-campus employment offices to assist students in finding part-time work.