Admissions Requirements

Graduate Students (Master of Arts, Master of Divinity, Certificate)

  • 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

Visiting Students, Limited Enrollment & Auditors

Visiting Students (TV)

Visiting Students are students who attend Asbury Seminary for one semester while attending another institution. Visiting Students must reapply each semester.

  • Application Form
  • Letter of Good Standing
  • $50 Nonrefundable Application Fee
  • A Statement of Purpose, one page or less
  • Two References (references cannot be related to applicant)
    *Of the two references one must be pastoral
  • Background Check (completed by the Admissions Office)

Limited Enrollment Students (LTD)

Limited Enrollment Students can take up to 15 credit hours without declaring a degree program. This status is useful for completing coursework for ordination requirements. If Limited Enrollment Students wish to begin a degree program at a later date, they may need to submit additional application requirements.

  • Application Form
  • Official Transcript from where your Bachelor’s degree was conferred
  • A Statement of Purpose, one page or less
  • Two References (references cannot be related to applicant)
    *Of the two references one must be pastoral
  • $50 Nonrefundable Application Fee
  • Background Check (completed by the Admissions Office)
  • A personal interview may be required upon request by the Admissions Committee

Auditors (AUD)

Auditors are those who study without credit. Neither online nor intensive courses are offered for audit. Registration is dependent upon space available in the class and instructor permission.

Please note: Auditors who are current or prior students, student spouses, staff members, Wilmore, KY clergy, or missionaries in residence must apply to audit a class through the Office of the Registrar.

  • Application Form
  • Official Transcript from where your Bachelor’s degree was conferred
  • A Statement of Purpose, one page or less
  • Two References (references cannot be related to applicant)
    *Of the two references one must be pastoral
  • $50 Nonrefundable Application Fee
  • Background Check (completed by the Admissions Office)
  • A personal interview may be required upon request by the Admissions Committee

Dual Degree / Second Degree

Current Asbury Seminary students who are looking to add a second degree.

Please note: if your second degree is at the postgraduate level, you will need to complete the full application process for that program.


Prior Student

Asbury Seminary students who have been inactive for over a year or have graduated.

  • Application Form
  • Personal History Essay, one page or less
  • Two new references
    *Of the two references one must be pastoral
  • A Statement of Purpose, one page or less
  • Official Transcript from any institutions where you have done academic work concurrently with Asbury Seminary or after leaving Asbury Seminary
  • Background Check (completed by the Admissions Office)
  • A personal interview may be required upon request by the Admissions Committee

Doctor of Ministry


Doctor of Philosophy