Doctor of Intercultural Studies (DIS) Program
« Theological Seminary

Admission

How to Get Started?

Please consult the bulletin for more detailed information of the overall DIS program and its requirements.

Application and Deadlines: 

The application deadline is Wednesday, December 03, 2025.

Academic Requirements

The minimum admission requirements completed:

1. An MDiv degree or its educational equivalent, or other advanced master’s-level degrees in the related cognate discipline.

2. A GPA of at least 3.3 on a 4-point scale.

3. MSSN 546-Mission in Cultural and Religious Context. Must be completed before start of DIS Program. 

  •  (MSSN 546 is offered on online Fall, and on campus in the Spring & Summer semesters). If you do not meet this requirement, summit your application by July 15, 2026 so you can register for MSSN 546 in the Fall 2026 semester.

4. International student:  required student visa and competed TOEFL exam.   

5. A significant work experience (typically 3 years or more) in a cross-cultural ministry context.

6. A significant research paper (term paper or thesis), normally written during MA or MDiv studies. This paper should show the applicant’s ability to carry out research and to present the results and conclusions of such work with correct English and acceptable style. The topic of this paper should be in an area related to mission if possible.

 

Application Requirements:

All documentation must be submitted through the graduate department website:  

  • https://www.andrews.edu/apply/
    • If new to andrews create a account
    • If you are a continuing student log in
  • Please upload all documentation.
    • We can only review you applicaton when all documents are completed and processed by graduate department
    • Important DIS will be able to review your application if you complete all requirments before due date.  

 

  1.   Completed MSSN 546 Mission in Cultural and Religious Context.   Application can be submitted by January 20, 2026. 

  • If you have not completed this cource please register as soon as possible.      

  • You can still apply without course completion but application will be extended until MSSN 546 Mission in Cultural and Religious Context is completed. 

  • If you do not meet this requirement,  next submission date to apply will be by July 15, 2026 so you can register for MSSN 546 in the Fall 2026 semester.

2.   All official undergraduate and graduate transcripts from all schools attended. 

3. Resume, including employment and ministry experience. 

4. Three (3) recommendations—one of them must be from a church leader from a cross-cultural setting.

5. Write a 1200-1500 word personal statement with the following headings:

  •     My Philosophy of Mission and Cross-cultural Engagement
  •     Religious, Cultural, and Ethical Considerations in Mission
  •     My Personal Aspirations in Cross-cultural Mission
  •     How the DIS Will Contribute to My Ministry
  •     My Experience in Cross-cultural Ministry

6. A significant research paper (term paper or thesis), normally written during MA or MDiv studies. This paper should show the applicant’s ability to carry out research and to present the results and conclusions of such work with correct English and acceptable style. The topic of this paper should be in an area related to mission if possible.

 

Additional Requirements for International Students:
 

1. Visa for international students—they should come to the US on a student visa (either F-1 or J-1)

2. TOEFL Exam: A minimum of TOEFL score of 85 (iBT) or 565 (paper based) if secondary and undergraduate schooling was not in English or if requested by the DIS Program Committee

(please read the section on International Students below)

 

Costs and Finance

The cost per each Andrews University doctoral credit is USD 1,591.00 per credit (tuition subject to change for the 2025-2026); however, a 50% scholarship discount per credit (on tuition) will be provided to each student accepted into the DIS program.  Students with sponsors (or employing organization) need to provide the balance of tuition costs, fees, plus transportation to Andrews University once per year, and the cost of room and board while at Andrews.

A conservative estimate of the DIS Cohort is as follows:

  • Tuition: the tuition fee for the 2025-2026 school year: $1,591.00 USD per credit. (Please note that there may be a 5-10% increase per year according to AU policy.) With the 50% discount on tuition, you and/or your sponsoring organization will pay 50% of the tuition rate only.
  • Room & Board : The estimated cost for your room may range from $300.00 to $1,000.00 depending on where you would like to stay. (If you are interested in staying in university apartments, visit https://www.andrews.edu/life/living/housing/apartments/facilities/prices.html for possible options and let us know. We will see if they are available for you.)
  • For food costs, it is $10.00 to $12.00 per meal if you want to have it in the school cafeteria. But again, it varies if you want to fix your own meal or to have it somewhere else.
  • Books: It costs around $300.00 to $500.00 per cohort depending on the number of classes and teachers’ book requirements.

Room and Board

Food: Visit Andrews University Dining Services at https://andrews-university.cafebonappetit.com/.

               

International Students

To be an international student: you most obtain a student visa (F-1 or J-1)

All international needs and documents are to be directed through the proper international channels promply. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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