Doctor of Philosophy [Intercultural Studies]

What to Expect from the Degree

• The following is an overview of the degree requirements:
  • Successful completion of 48 credit hours as outlined in the Academic Catalog with a cumulative grade point average of 3.30/4.00 or higher
  • Approval of the Research Readiness Review at the end of the first academic year
  • Active attendance of the weekly school seminars and the annual interdisciplinary colloquium of Advanced Research Programs.
  • Passing of the comprehensive examinations
  • Approval of a dissertation proposal
  • Completion and successful defense of the dissertation

*Refer to the Academic Catalog for a detailed and full list of graduation requirements.

Admissions Requirements

• Application Form.

• Accredited baccalaureate degree; accredited Master of Divinity degree, or an academic or professional (two-year or 60 credit hours) Master of Arts in an appropriate theological discipline. Accreditation is required by an agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or holding membership in the Association of Universities and Colleges in Canada.

• Official transcripts of all postsecondary schools attended, sent directly by each institution to the Asbury Seminary Admissions Office.

• A nonrefundable $50 (US) application fee that includes processing of the application and a personal background check.

• Four professor or other scholar references completed on the Admissions Office form at asburyseminary.edu.

• A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.50/4.00 for baccalaureate and graduate work is required for admission. The grade point average as calculated by the Admissions Office at Asbury Seminary shall be considered the official grade point average for admission.

• Submission of a scholarly essay, representing an example of the applicant’s ability to do independent research and reflecting a research interest appropriate to the degree program, approximately 25 pages in length, completed within the last three years. (Please note: writing samples must be submitted in .pdf format, with the applicant’s 6-digit prospective student ID number in place of their name throughout the paper. The prospective ID number should also be the filename of the document. If papers are not submitted within these guidelines, they will be returned to the applicant for proper formatting.)

• Personal history essay, including a purpose statement noting reason for Ph.D. pursuit, vocational understanding and research specialization. Specific guidelines at asburyseminary.edu.

• A resume or CV detailing education, language skills, and work/ministry experience.

• Demonstrated capability for languages (biblical research or field languages) other than English. This capability can be demonstrated by transcripts showing 12 credit hours (college or graduate) of language study (normally in a single language) with a grade of “B” or better, or by documented proficiency in any language(s) or other research tools necessary for the dissertation research.

• For native speakers of English, an official score report from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required. International applicants may submit the GRE in lieu of the TOEFL or IELTS but are not normally required to submit both scores.

• Although not required, experience in cross-cultural ministry at home or internationally is desirable, and may be taken into account in the admission process.

• The Admissions Committee may request the applicant to submit additional materials and/or schedule an interview with a seminary representative.

Personal History Essay:

1. Share your life story and at what point you began your relationship with Jesus Christ.  Talk about your growth since that time and what brings you to apply to Asbury Seminary’s Advanced Research Program.  Include your thoughts on how you would like to see your faith grow during your time in this program. (350 minimum to 500 words maximum)
2. Please describe your ministry and vocational experience, including positions held and dates of service.  (350 minimum to 500 words maximum)
3. Statement of Purpose – Describe briefly the reasons you are prompted to pursue study in the particular program area you have chosen and what you hope to gain through the program.  Give specific goals, and personal or professional needs.  (350 to 500 words maximum)
4. Research Interests
   • State your preferred concentration in the program you have chosen (Contextualization Studies, Development Studies, Evangelization Studies, or Historical-Theological Studies).
   • Give a short summary (15-20 words) of your research interest.
   • Provide a brief reflection indicating possible research interests. This reflection should start with a summary of your interests in less than 20 words. (350 minimum to 500 words maximum)
5. List the language(s) (including English) used in your research and/or ministry and indicate your relative proficiency.
6. (Optional)  If you feel your cumulative grade point average or academic test scores do not adequately reflect your abilities to flourish at Asbury Seminary, please explain.
7. (Optional) If you are married, describe your spouse’s attitudes toward your plans for seminary education and future ministry. Please attach a resume or CV.

Learn more about what other graduates of Asbury Seminary are doing.

• 

  Stephanie M. RaglinDirector of Programs at the Hope Center.
  Pastor, Embry Chapel AME Church in Elizabethtown, Ky.

• 

  Christopher GossDirector of Worship Arts, Youth & Young Adults Ministries, Mosaic UMC, Georgia.

• 

  Deb AdamsFounder, Gracie's Place.

• 

  Aaron ReynoldsLeadership Development Program, Chick-fil-A.

• 

  Michael HammondPresident and Chief Servant, Faith Covenant Ministries, Missouri.

• 

  Rob MehnerDirector of Pastoral Care and Training Education, New Life Children's Home, Guatemala.

• 

  Dr. Randy JessenExecutive Director, Global Hope.

• 

  Connor ReavyStudent and Marathon Runner.

• 

  George WassonLead Pastor, Faith Point Church, Floyds Knobs, Ind.

• 

  Kaylea Hutson MillerAward-winning journalist and Managing Editor at The Grove Sun and the Delaware County Journal, Okla.

We offer four Intercultural Studies concentrations that include:

Contextual Studies

The contextual studies concentration prepares students for the challenging task of utilizing anthropological and sociological theories and methods in the service of the global church. Courses in this concentration deal with issues of sociocultural change, ethnicity and gender, immigration and missions/ministry, urban anthropology and ministry, linguistics, and ethnographic methods. The goal of the concentration is to assist the student to integrate theology, the social sciences, and mission. Graduates with this concentration are prepared to work in a number of ministries, including church planting, cross-cultural and intercultural missions, Bible translation, inner city and urban ministries, and university/seminary teaching.

Historical-Theological Studies

This concentration offers the following foci for research: (1) historical research of any relevant period, persons of interest, and events in the history of missions and world Christianity, (2) theology and mission including biblical theology of mission, contextual theology, and contemporary theologies of mission, (3) missional engagements with world religions and theology of religions. The concentration focus is marked either by a historical, inter-religious, or theological approach, or by a substantive approach that explores the history, religion, and theology in relation to mission and world Christianity.

Affirming that any missiological research should have strong historical and theological foundations, the concentration sub-field of Historical-Theological Studies also provides two foundational (core) courses for all the Ph.D. students in Intercultural Studies.

Development Studies

The development studies concentration helps students become scholar-practitioners of Transformational Development. Courses explore social justice, reconciliation, leadership, and poverty alleviation for the purposes of helping the Church care for the holistic needs of people around the world through the love of Jesus Christ. We think, discuss and practice development from a thoroughly biblical and missional perspective, and we encourage students to synthesize classroom learning with practicum and research opportunities for domestic and global development contexts. Graduates with this concentration will be well-positioned to teach in institutions of higher education, work for Christian non-governmental organizations, and help lead the Church toward engaging its diverse contexts filled with conflict and suffering.

Evangelization Studies

The Church’s very existence is bound up with its call to share the good news and make disciples (Mt. 28:19), and  Asbury Seminary’s Evangelization Studies concentration equips leaders for that mission. The Seminary’s commitment to participate in the mission of God, paired with state-of-the-art field research, scholarly deliberation, and experiential learning, distinguish our program academically and spiritually. Our instructors’ broad domestic and international experience in the church and academy complement stellar academic credentials. Scores of our graduates serve the global church as scholars, educators, researchers and organizational leaders in many intercultural contexts around the world. Our courses span a wide range of pivotal topics, including twenty-first century church planting, single cell and small church case studies, global urbanization and church planting, dynamics of interpersonal evangelism and holistic witness.

Download printable copy.

Courses in Ph.D. Concentration (18 credit hours)

Students choose one concentration:

MD927 Public Theology and Global Development

Intercultural Studies Elective Courses (15 credit hours)

Students choose five additional three-credit hour courses in World Mission and Evangelism (900 level) and CD920 is strongly recommended. At least two electives should be in doctoral seminars outside the student’s area of concentration. Courses below the 900 level and in Biblical Studies by permission of Dean of Advanced Research Programs through academic petition; may include a field based practicum.

Additional Requirements

• Approved Review for Research Readiness by the end of May of the student’s first year.
• Attend required, non-credit Advanced Research Programs Interdisciplinary Colloquium as scheduled until coursework is completed.
• Cumulative GRP of at least 3.30/4.00.
• Pass the comprehensive examination base on faculty approved literature in (1) the general field of missiology, (2) the student’s concentration (Contextual, Development, Evangelization or Historical Theological Studies), and (3) the theoretical and methodological aspects of the student’s chosen research.
• Successful completion of a dissertation proposal.
• Completion and successful defense of the dissertation.
• Fulfillment of all degree requirements in not more than eight calendar years from the first term of enrollment.
• Submission of all revised dissertation copies and finalization materials.

Asbury Seminary is committed to providing you with a quality theological education and practical skills for a lifetime. We offer more than 400 scholarships annually and our Ministry Partners Program helps you graduate with minimal debt.

Cost of Attendance: 2023-2024

 PHD900 (Continuation Fee Registration) $900/credit hour each Fall and Spring after post-coursework through degree completion 

Scholarships

Postgraduate Support Scholarships are available to Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Theology students based on criteria of merit and need. 

To apply

• Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Complete the Asbury Financial Aid Application
• Complete a Postgraduate Support Scholarship Application, including a 1000-word essay describing your passion for research and how it will equip you for the future.