What to expect from the degree

As you complete your degree, you’ll be able to

1. Understand contributors to contemporary socio-cultural diversity and complexity using theological and social science resources.
2. Demonstrate intercultural competencies by integrating theories learned in class with experiential learning.
3. Appreciate the diversity and authenticity of Christian witness around the world through new-found self-awareness.

*Refer to the Academic Catalog for the exact wording of Program Learning Outcomes.

Admissions Requirements

• Application (online at asbury.to/apply)
• $50 non-refundable Application Fee
• Accredited baccalaureate degree
• The M.A. [IS] program requires a cumulative GPA of 2.75/4.0
  
• Official transcripts from all schools where classes were taken for more than one semester
• 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 required references (references cannot be related to applicant)
  • Four references completed on the Admissions Office form at asburyseminary.edu, including a pastoral reference (required) and a professor or academic administrator reference (recommended). Laity or personal acquaintances are accepted.
• For applicants whose primary language is not English, a TOEFL score of 550 (79 internet-based) or an IELTS score of 7.
• Background Check
• A personal interview may be required upon request by the Admissions Committee

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

• 

  Bryan CollierChurch Planter & Lead Pastor, The Orchard

• 

  Laura BaberMinister to the Modern Day Spiritual Widow.

• 

  Dave GossMinister outside the church walls.

• 

  Linda AdamsDirector of International Child Care Ministries.

• 

  Carolyn MooreChurch Planter, Mosaic UMC.

Church Planting Specialization

Be equipped to plant churches in whatever culture God calls you through your study of theological, theoretical and practical literatures.

The Church Planting Specialization prioritizes

• Contextual learning–An integrated, holistic treatment of church planting draws upon fields of theology, history, sociology, ethics, anthropology, leadership and missiology. Assignments are specially crafted for the student’s present ministry context.
• Quality instruction–Classes are taught by world-class scholars who have years of experience in missions and global church planting.
• Lasting relationships–All classes are taken on-campus or online within a cohort of church planters, introducing you to a variety of peers.
• Predictable sequencing. The entire sequence of online and on-campus courses is mapped out, allowing you to plan for three short (1-2 week) trips to campus over three years.
• Scholarships. All in-ministry participants receive a $4,500 scholarship annually as funds are available. To qualify for as many financial assistance opportunities as possible, we highly recommend submitting a financial aid application during the admissions process.

Complete your degree on campus or online.

Study online. Complete your Master of Arts [Intercultural Studies] Church Planting Specialization degree in as few as three years without leaving home. Take three-fourths of your classes online and complete the remaining fourth through 1-2 week on-campus intensives.

Study on campus. Complete your degree in Kentucky or online. 

Stay on mission. However you choose to pursue your degree, you’ll develop the biblical and theological understanding essential for a vibrant, contemporary ministry rooted in the Wesleyan tradition.

Degree Map

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

Scholarships

We offer several scholarships for master of divinity students. To be eligible, applicants must complete the FAFSA, as well as the scholarship application.

Dr. J. Ellsworth Kalas Pastoral Scholarships

The Dr. J. Ellsworth Kalas Pastoral Scholarship is a $12,000 annual award given to those pursuing a theological degree. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need.

Criteria includes:

• Commitment to begin active ministry through local church ministry, church planting or mission work following graduation
• Demonstration of financial need
• Maintain full-time student status (21 hours annually)

Here’s how to apply:

• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Complete the Presidential Scholarship Application, which includes a 500-word essay on the way your intended vocational goal and this scholarship will better enable you to accomplish God’s call on your life.

Presidential Scholarship

Recipients of this scholarship exhibit both outstanding academic and leadership skills. This scholarship covers up to 100% of tuition.

Criteria includes:

• Undergraduate cumulative 3.75 GPA
• Maintain full-time student status (21 hours annually) & a 3.75 GPA
• Demonstrate leadership skills through involvement in a local worship community
• Participate in a minimum of four Christian service activities annually
• Commit to begin active ministry following graduation

Here’s how to apply:

• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Complete the Presidential Scholarship Application, which includes a 500-word essay on how you anticipate a Seminary education will equip you for future leadership.

Johnson International Scholarship

The Johnson International Scholarship is a need-based scholarship, covering up to 100% of tuition. The scholarship is available to non-U.S. residents who plan to assume leadership roles within their home country after graduation.

Criteria includes:

• Undergraduate cumulative GPA of 2.75 and regular service in a local congregation, campus ministry, mission outreach or social service OR a 2.5 undergraduate cumulative GPA and notable leadership in a local congregation, campus ministry, mission outreach or social service
• Maintain a 2.75 GPA
• Demonstrate faithful involvement in a local worship community, as well as the Seminary community
• Complete an Asbury Seminary-approved financial planning seminar or workshop during the first term of study to re-qualify for subsequent terms
• Commit to enter into active ministry in his/her homeland following completion of academic work

To be eligible for additional scholarship, complete the International Student Questionnaire Form. This form will be made available to you once the admissions process has started.

Special Scholarships

These scholarships do not require an invitation and are generated from either Endowed or Restricted funds. Recipients of Special Scholarships must represent strong promise for Christian ministry and demonstrate a financial need. You must complete The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be eligible to receive these scholarships.

Save Time! Save Money!

 Combine your Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Biblical Studies or Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies with a Master of Theology degree, you’ll save up to 15 credit hours! This option is designed for those planning to pursue a Ph.D. or for those seeking a deeper educational background to serve in the church or marketplace.

This dual track option allows you to:

• Share up to 15 hours between degrees, reducing your overall time and cost to complete the degrees.
• Prepare for the rigor of the Ph.D. program and strengthen your CV. Classes are taught at a Ph.D. level.
• Gain a more extensive knowledge-base for marketplace or church ministry.
• Work one-on-one with a faculty mentor.
• Shorten the admissions process if you’re already a current student.