Vanguard University of Southern California

OXFORD

Application Process
Criteria for Applicants:

  1. Applicants should be of high intellectual caliber, capable of producing a research degree to doctoral standards.
  2. Applicants must have a Master’s degree from a recognized institution of higher learning or suitable equivalent qualifications with a minimum GPA of 3.7 and/or demonstrated capacity to conduct quality research. Examples of research may include the following:
    • Thesis for the masters degree
    • Published academic material
    • Three comprehensive research projects
  3. A research topic that falls within the research interests of OCMS and Vanguard.
  4. Evidence of support for the student’s studies by a church, denomination, organization or training institution which demonstrates, where appropriate, that it will support the candidate through their studies, including granting sufficient time for research (including their own time a student needs to be able to spend 15-20 hours a week on average round the year on research) and the prospect of future employment.
  5. Evidence of access to sufficient funding sources for the student’s research at Vanguard (for the first stage) and subsequently at OCMS (for the second stage) including the resources to cover fees, travel, residence in Oxford and personal expenses.
  6. Applicants who believe they meet these criteria are invited to begin the application process. After reviewing the document, Ph.D. Partnership Description OCMS, please include the following in your application packet submitted to Vanguard University of Southern California:
    • Curriculum vitae.
    • Academic, Pastoral and Professional References. See Ph.D. Academic-Ministerial Reference form.
    • Academic transcripts and certificates.
    • Application and sponsorship forms. See Ph.D. Application OCMS form.
    • Indication of potential source(s) of funding for the University Stage.
    • Published academic material, master’s thesis, or three comprehensive research projects.
    • A draft research prospectus (3-5 pages) and bibliography (4-5 pages) that display scholarly capacity and suitability of ideas for research.
    • $100 non-refundable application fee.

Steps After Application Pack Has Been Received by Vanguard University:

  1. Vanguard University’s School of Religion Admissions Committee assesses the applicant’s materials.
  2. Selected faculty review the applicant’s scholarly work and draft research prospectus.
  3. The Admissions Committee reviews feedback from faculty and determines if the applicant is ready for the research proposal stage.
  4. Upon approval, the Admissions Committee recommends the application to OCMS for acceptance.