Certificate in Christian Studies

Asbury Theological Seminary’s 30-credit hour Certificate in Christian Studies allows you to explore your options, expand your knowledge, and experience the way God can work in your life at seminary.

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

  • Learn to practice personal and social holiness as you couple theory with experiential learning, intercultural understanding and contextualization.
  • Gain a fresh, deep and contemporary understanding of Scripture rooted in the Wesleyan tradition.  
  • Conceptualize and implement leadership strategies for diverse socio-cultural situations and settings.
  • Develop and apply leadership skills within your ministry context.

Admissions Requirements

Application Deadlines

Spring

Summer

Fall

January 15

May 15

September 7
  • Application Form
  • Personal History Essay
  • Official Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions where more than one semester of coursework was taken
  • 4 references; 1 pastoral
  • $50 Nonrefundable Application Fee
  • Background Check (run by the Admissions Office)
  • A personal interview may be required upon request by the Admissions Committee

Personal History Essay:

  1. Share your life story, including at what point you began your relationship with 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.
  2. 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?
  3. Discuss a local, national, and/or international issue and why you are passionate about it.
CERT COURSE REQUIREMENTS Hrs Req
Christian Studies Required Courses (21)
BT501 Biblical Narrative 3
CD501 Vocation of Ministry 3
CH501 Church History—One 3
MS501 Missional Formation:  The Church in a Global Era 3
NT(IBS)510 or NT(IBS)511 Inductive Bible Studies-Matthew OR Mark 3
TH501 Basic Christian Doctrine 3
TH601 Theology of John Wesley 3
Elective Courses (9)