What to Expect from the Degree

As you complete your degree, you will

• Receive a solid, biblically-based, spiritually formative theological education and demonstrate an ability to interpret Scripture within your contemporary ministry setting.
• Preach, teach and disciple in an effective, transformative way, with particular attention to the Wesleyan-holiness tradition.
• Conduct anthropological studies to help you interpret the gospel for your context and to develop fresh methods for preaching and leading.
• Develop habits to practice a Wesleyan understanding of personal and social holiness.
• Learn and apply practical skills through internships and immersion experiences in a Christian ministry setting.

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

Advanced Standing

Save time and money with our advanced standing program. Here’s how it works.

If you received a religion major or minor from an accredited college or university, you can receive a maximum of 18 credits toward a Master of Divinity degree.

*Transcripts evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Complete your Degree on Campus or Online

Study online. Complete your Master of Divinity degree without leaving home by taking two-thirds of your classes online and completing the remaining third through on-campus intensives.

Study on campus. Complete your degree in one of our four locations—Kentucky, Florida, Memphis or Tulsa. We have residential and commuter-based options, including online and hybrid courses.

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.

Admissions Requirements

Application Deadlines	Spring	Summer	Fall
	January 15	May 15	August 15

• Application Form
• $50 non-refundable Application Fee
• Accredited baccalaureate degree
• The M.Div. 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

Complete your degree on campus or online.

Study online. Complete your degree without leaving home by taking a portion of your classes online and completing the remaining through on-campus intensives.

Study on campus. Complete your degree in one of our three locations—Kentucky, Florida or Memphis. Choose to work through your degree in either a residential or urban ministry format or cohort model.

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.

The M.Div. program is offered at the following locations:

Kentucky (Wilmore)
Orlando
Memphis
Online

• 

  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.

You can complete a specialization within your Master of Divinity degree by taking 5 specified courses from one of the following specializations. Those opting for a specialization must declare so within the first 32 hours.

M.Div. concentrations include:

Church Planting–Be equipped to plant churches, preach effectively and make disciples wherever God calls you through theoretical, theological and practical study.

Anglican Studies–Become a leader within the Anglican Tradition by deepening your understanding of Anglican ministry, worship and spirituality.  

Aging and Spirituality–Prepare for a vocation of educational leadership, discipleship and formation across each lifespan as you nurture those within the local and global church, para-church and other organizations.

Biblical Studies–Pursue knowledge and practical Christian disciplines to prepare you to teach and preach in congregations, para-church organizations and Christian institutions.

Christian Discipleship–Build upon biblical, historical, theological and contextual foundations as you prepare to teach and equip lifelong disciples.

Christian Leadership–Develop effective leadership skills and qualities as you prepare to be a leader in the church, marketplace or non-profit.

Intercultural Studies–Develop global leadership skills to navigate relationships without borders, as you gain a new appreciation for authentic diversity.

Pastoral Counseling–Develop counseling skills that will enhance your ministry as a pastor, lay-counselor or chaplain.

Spiritual Formation–Educate and equip yourself to answer your call to ministry through a focused study of scripture, theology, tradition and practices within the Wesleyan tradition.

Theological Studies–Apply Christian theology to contemporary issues, life and ministry through your study of church history, doctrine, ethics, philosophy and systematic theology.

Youth Ministry–Pursue your call to disciple and counsel youth within the church, empowering them to a life of Christian obedience and authentic faith.

Download Printable Copy

Hrs	Course ID	Course Name
Early
3	CD501	Vocation of Ministry (must be taken in initial 21 hrs at ATS)
3	MS501	Missional Formation (must be taken in initial 21 hrs at ATS)
3	OT520	Old Testament Introduction
3	NT520	New Testament Introduction
3	NT(IBS)510/511	NT(IBS)510 Matthew -or- NT(IBS)511 Mark
3	TH501	Basic Christian Doctrine
3	PC510/515	Care of Persons -or- Pastoral Crisis Intervention
3	CH501	Church History—One
Mid
3	NT501	Elementary Greek—One [PRQ: NT(IBS)510 or NT(IBS)511]
3	NT Exegesis*	NT610-649; 710-749 [PRQ: NT501; NT520; NT(IBS)510 or NT(IBS)511]
3	CH502	Church History—Two [PRQ: CH501]
3	TH601	Theology of John Wesley
3	CS601	Christian Ethics
3	PR610-649	Preaching [PRQ: TH501; NT(IBS)510 or NT(IBS)511]
3	CD605	Gospel Catechesis [PRQ: TH501]
1	MM520	Mentored Ministry—One [PRQ: CD501, MS501]
1	MM620	Mentored Ministry—Two [PRQ: MM520]
Final
3	OT501	Elementary Hebrew—One [PRQ: IBS-One]
3	OT Exegesis†	OT610-649; 651; 710-749 [PRQ: OT501, OT520, NT(IBS)510 or NT(IBS)511]
3	NT/OT(IBS)6xx	NT(IBS)610-649 or OT(IBS)610-649 [PRQ: IBS-One, NT501 or OT501)]
3	TH701	Contemporary Theology [PRQ: TH501]
3	CL605	Christian Leadership Identity
3	MS708	World Religions and Mission
3	PH501	Philosophy of the Christian Religion
3	WO510/515	Worship Leadership in the Church -or- Sacramental Theology
1	MM720	Mentored Ministry—Three [PRQ: MM520, MM620]
Throughout Program
3		Specialization (or Elective Course)
3		Specialization (or Elective Course)
3		Specialization (or Elective Course)
3		Specialization (or Elective Course)
3		Specialization (or Elective Course)
3		Elective Course
3		Elective Course
3		Elective Course

* Students must take their Greek exegesis requirement within six months of completing NT501 (or NT501 and NT502).

† Students must take their Hebrew exegesis requirement within six months of completing OT501 (or OT501 and OT502).

Asbury Seminary awards more than 400 scholarships annually because we want you to graduate with minimal debt. We offer too many scholarships to list conclusively. For more information, email financial.aid@asburyseminary.edu.

To apply for financial aid:

1. Complete your online application.
2. Fill out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
3. Once you’re admitted to the Seminary, you will receive an Asbury Seminary Financial Aid form.
4. After completing this, the Financial Aid office will contact you with any scholarship offers.

Cost of Attendance: 2018-2019

Degree	Total Credits	Cost
Master of Divinity	96 credits	$650/credit hour
Total		$62,400

Academic Year 2018-2019	All Campuses Fall/Spring	All Campuses Summer
Technology Fee	$140 per semester	$70 per semester
Graduation Fee	$200 one-time fee	$200 one-time fee
Student Services Fee	$115 per semester	$55 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 & Ministry Partners

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) and who have been admitted by the Admissions Office by March 1.

Specific scholarships will be offered in the form of an invitation to those who meet the eligibility requirements. 

Ministry Partners Program

Complete your Master of Divinity or Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies (Church Planting Emphasis) debt free by participating in our Ministry Partners Program.

In addition to a 100% tuition scholarship, you’ll gain training and confidence in financial stewardship and practical experience in donor development. Your church and sponsoring individuals participate in your seminary education by praying and giving. Read more on our Ministry Partners website.

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.

Some of the special scholarships include:

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.