"If you are among the gifted men and women considering ministry training in the U.S. and your first language is not English, I invite you to consider Biblical Seminary’s Advanced Cultural Studies, designed for qualified international students who wish to study in a theological community at the graduate level."

- Dr. Dave Dunbar, President of Biblical Seminary

Who Should Consider Our ACS Program?

The Advanced Cultural Studies program is for any student desiring a theological education and whose primary language is not English, no matter where they are from. Typical English language training can fall short of equipping students for graduate level ministry study. Students face many issues in moving to a strange land with confusing customs and little access to the help they need.

Advanced Cultural Studies is designed to provide training for graduate level students in need of focused academic training in the English language, cultural awareness, and theological terminology in addition to regular program courses at Biblical Seminary.

Why is Biblical's ACS Program Unique?

The Advanced Cultural Studies curriculum includes cultural and spiritual formation, English language practice, and theological studies.

Goals and Learning Outcomes of the ACS Program

After completing Advanced Cultural Studies (ACS), students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate competency in using comprehensive English skills for academic success in their graduate-level study.
2. Demonstrate competency in theological terminology, missional theology, biblical literacy, and research skills.
3. Demonstrate the ability to show cultural competence, multicultural awareness, interpersonal communication, and conflict management in diverse communities.
4. Demonstrate capacity to maintain spiritual, intellectual, and emotional health by managing their daily life, studies, and social activities in a Christian environment.

How Many Terms or Classes Will I Need to Take?

The number of classes is determined by your TOEFL iBT score, which is a highly respected English-language test. It measures your ability to use and understand English at the university level, and evaluates how well you combine your listening, reading, speaking and writing skills to perform academic tasks. If you need to take the test, or additional information, you may visit the TOEFL site to learn more.

Our Required TOEFL iBT Scores:

• TOEFL iBT score minimum requirement = 60
• If your score is 60-69: 3 terms are required
• If your score is 70-79: 2 terms are required
• If your score is 80 and above: Selected courses may be recommended

Full-time students: 5 courses are required in each term

Advanced Cultural Studies Curriculum:
Advanced Courses ACS301 - Theological Communication ACS302 - Theological Reading ACS303 - Theological Writing ACS304 - The Story of the Old Testament and New Testament ACS307 - Topics in Christian Counseling
Intermediate Courses ACS201 - Academic Communication ACS202 - Critical Reading Skills ACS203 - Critical Writing Skills ACS204 - Intro to Philosophy and the Christian Worldview ACS205 - Topics in Christian Education
Introductory Courses ACS101 - Introduction to American Culture ACS102 - Reading About American Church Culture ACS103 - English Writing Skills ACS104 - Introduction to American History ACS105 - Theological Terminology

Other Requirements for Entry to Biblical's ACS Program:

If you are an international student transferring your visa status to Biblical (Category A), you must be accepted into one of our degree programs. If you are an international student that does not require transfer of your visa status (Category B), you do not need to apply for a degree program. Here are the requirements for application:

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Read what our students have to say about the ACS programs: Pastor Rankyung Yoo and Mrs. Jungsil Park