Doctor of Intercultural Studies

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Doctor of Intercultural Studies
AcronymDIS
TypeDoctoral Degree
PurposeAdvanced research and applied scholarship related to Intercultural studies, Missiology, Anthropology, Theology, Sociology, Cross-cultural studies.
Duration3–6 years (varies by institution and format)
PrerequisitesMaster’s degree in a related field, professional experience related to research topic (varies by institution)

Doctor of Intercultural Studies (abbreviated as DIS, D.I.S., DICS, or Dr.IS) is a terminal degree in the academic discipline of intercultural studies. This discipline integrates insights from anthropology, missiology, sociology, cultural studies, and theology to prepare students for leadership, teaching, and research roles in cross-cultural and multicultural contexts. [1]

Contents

Overview

The Doctor of Intercultural Studies is typically offered by seminaries, theological institutions, and universities with programs in missiology, intercultural communication, or global leadership. [2] The degree is closely related to the Doctor of Missiology degree, with some programs organizing both degrees into a single program. [3] [4]

The Association of Theological Schools classifies the Doctor of Intercultural Studies degree as a professional doctoral degree, which they outline as requiring a minimum of 36 semester credits or equivalent units and incorporating a doctoral dissertation or other summative exercise. [5] The degree is designed for individuals with substantial experience in intercultural settings—such as missionaries, educators, or NGO leaders—who seek to deepen their theoretical understanding and contribute to academic or applied research in the field. Unlike some Ph.D. programs, which may be more narrowly focused on theory or theology, the DIS often emphasizes both scholarly rigor and practical application. Programs may allow for specialization in areas such as globalization, migration, contextual theology, reconciliation and peace studies, cross-cultural leadership, or education in intercultural contexts. Many institutions offer flexible formats including modular intensives, online or hybrid models, and field-based research, allowing students to remain active in their ministries or professions during the program. [6]

Doctor of Intercultural Studies degree programs are accredited by bodies such as the Association of Theological Schools [5] and the Asia Theological Association. [7]

Institutions Offering the Degree

Institutions that offer the Doctor of Intercultural Studies (or comparable degrees) include:

Some universities may offer comparable degrees under different titles, such as Doctor of Missiology [3] or Doctor of Global Leadership. [14]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "Doctor of Intercultural Studies". Biola University. Retrieved 2025-08-05.
  2. "Approved Degrees". The Association of Theological Schools. Retrieved 2025-08-05.
  3. 1 2 3 "Doctor of Missiology / Doctor of Intercultural Studies (DMiss/DIS)". Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies. Retrieved 2025-08-05.
  4. "DICS – Waiting for TRACS Approval". Evangelia University. Retrieved 2025-08-05.
  5. 1 2 "ATS Commission Standards of Accreditation (Approved June 2020)" (PDF). Association of Theological Schools. Retrieved 2025-08-05.
  6. 1 2 "Doctor of Intercultural Studies". Western Seminary. Retrieved 2025-08-05.
  7. "Manual for Accreditation" (PDF). Asia Theological Association. 2021. Retrieved 2025-08-05.
  8. "DIS Cohort – Spring 2021". Fuller Theological Seminary. Retrieved 2025-08-05.
  9. "Doctor of Intercultural Studies". Grace Theological Seminary. Retrieved 2025-08-05.
  10. "Doctor of Intercultural Studies". International Theological Seminary. Retrieved 2025-08-05.
  11. "Doctoral and Postdoctoral Programs ". Andrews University Seminary . Retrieved 2025-08-05.
  12. "Doctor of Intercultural Studies (D.I.S)". Bethany International University. Retrieved 2025-08-05.
  13. "Our Programs". China Evangelical Seminary. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
  14. "Fuller announces launch of the Doctor of Global Leadership Degree". Fuller Theological Seminary. May 2021. Retrieved 2025-08-05.