Asbury Theological Seminary’s 15-credit hour certificate in pastoral care provides practical counseling skills to minister to the emotional and spiritual needs of others. All of the Certificate in Pastoral Care courses can be applied to the Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling degree for those wanting further study in the field.
The certificate options are non-degree programs, but they enable you to test a call to ministry by experiencing one year of seminary education. Certificates also fulfill continuing education requirements or form a solid foundation of academic credits for those who desire to continue their education and pursue a degree.
What to Expect from the Certificate
As you complete your certificate, you will
- Demonstrate knowledge of theories, techniques, ethical practices and legal issues in order to provide appropriate care for the whole person.
- Enhance your ministry by becoming better equipped to counsel the Body of Christ.
Admissions Requirements
- Application Form
- Accredited baccalaureate degree*
- Official transcripts from all postsecondary schools where at least 12 hours of coursework was completed
- Personal History Essay – 1050-1500 words (350-500 words per question)
- Share your testimony starting with how you met Jesus Christ. Talk about your growth since that time and what brings you to apply to seminary at this season in your life. Include your thoughts on how you would like to see your faith grow during your time in seminary.
- What draws you to your desired major/area of study? What is your intended outcome upon degree completion? Why is that career or ministry choice meaningful to you?
- Discuss a local, national, and/or international issue and why you are passionate about it.
- Optional: If your GPA is not a good indication of your academic ability, please explain.
- Four references (references cannot be related to applicant)
- Four references, including a pastoral reference (required) and a professor or academic administrator reference (recommended). Laity or personal acquaintances are accepted.
- $50 Nonrefundable Application Fee
- For applicants whose primary language is not English, a TOEFL score of 550 (79 internet-based) or an IELTS score of 6.5
- Background check (completed by the Admissions Office)
- A personal interview may be required upon request by the Admissions Committee
*Applicants without accredited Bachelor’s degree – refer to page 28 of the Academic Catalog
Learn more about what other graduates of Asbury Seminary are doing.
The following degree plans have been approved for the 2025-26 academic year. Download the PDF below to see a full listing of all your degree requirements.
Our Master of Divinity+ comes with generous scholarships throughout the program as well as the last year tuition free! For more information, email financial.aid@asburyseminary.edu.
To apply for financial aid:
- Complete your online application.
- Fill out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Once you’re admitted to the Seminary, you will receive an Asbury Seminary Financial Aid form.
- After completing this, the Financial Aid office will contact you with any scholarship offers.
Cost of Attendance: 2023-2024
| Degree | Total Credits | Cost |
| Master of Divinity+ | 96 credits | $712/credit hour |
| Total | $68,352 |
| Academic Year 2022-2023 | All Campuses Fall/Spring | All Campuses Summer |
| Technology Fee | $225 per semester | $110 per semester |
| Graduation Fee | $200 one-time fee | $200 one-time fee |
| Student Services Fee | $160 per semester | $80 per semester |
When selecting a seminary, it’s important to consider the total cost of attending. For information about campus housing, visit our Housing section.
Scholarships
Institutional scholarships are available through Asbury Theological Seminary. Scholarships are highly competitive and priority consideration is given to those who have completed their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the Asbury Financial Aid Application, and who have been admitted by the Admissions Office by March 1.
Recipients of scholarships must represent strong promise for Christian ministry and demonstrate a financial need.
Some of the scholarships include:
- Mary Whetstone and Walter J. Knabe Scholarship – average award $10,700
- Windgate Scholarship – average award $10,000
- J.C. McPheeters Scholarship – average award $7,000
- Timothy C. Tennent Church Planting and Cross-Cultural Missionary Service Scholarship – average award $4,500
- Leo H. Naughton Scholarship – average award $3,200
- Asbury Deans Scholarship – average award $1,500