Doctor of Philosophy (Intercultural Studies)

The GBS Doctor of Philosophy in Intercultural Studies (Ph.D./ICS) is an academic and professional degree with the main purpose of equipping pastors, mission leaders/teachers, administrators, and other ministry professionals with advanced cross-cultural mission skills.

Campus : Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Ras al Khaimah
Level : Doctorate
Method: On-site, Online
Duration : 2 – 3 Years
Requirements : M.Th or Equivalent

The purpose of Ph.D./ICS is to form culturally sensitive leaders and enhance their level of ability in pursuing the mission of the church. This higher level of education strengthens the individual’s spiritual life, sharpens missiological skills, equips leaders with the ability to relate theology to different cultural and social contexts, and prepares missionaries with mentoring abilities and refocused vision.

The degree is designed to be both a scholarly and practical program and includes a significant research component. The degree is bestowed upon those who clearly demonstrate the ability to do independent research, and who have reached a high level of competency and expertise in their field of study. The program is cohort-based and delivered as a blended program with on-site modules and online courses

Goals of the Program

The Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies program aims:

➤To Provide an environment and essential tools that enable research and theological reflection
➤To prepare theologically educated mentors who will contribute significantly to the advancement of the church’s mission in currently diverse and challenging contexts
➤To prove and demonstrate ability to engage in original missiological intercultural research and writing that contribute to the discipline and to their research context for the sake of their tradition, the church and the academy
➤To practice and commit to the vocation of theological, missiological, and intercultural scholarship in its dimensions of teaching, learning and research

Time Line and Limitations

The Ph.D. program can be completed in approximately 2 – 3 years or more if no remedial or pre-requisite courses are needed. Regular course work should be completed on time every year since a given concentration may not be offered again immediately. The research dissertation, including the defense and subsequent revisions, must be completed in three years or less from the time the coursework is finished. All degree requirements have to be completed within six years from the date of beginning the program.

Admission Requirements

➤A Master of theology or an equivalent from an approved seminary or university.
➤A minimum of three years cross-cultural ministry experience.
➤Personal statement of approximately 500 words explaining the student’s purpose for seeking the Ph.D. in ICS and to including his/her philosophical perspective and professional goals.
➤A 20-page research paper with an original, publish-quality article (or thesis summary) on any missiological topic, which is to be reviewed and approved by the department and program director. This could be a paper previously written for a course or one written specifically for entrance in the program and related to the desired study program of the applicant.