Doctor of Philosophy (Biblical Studies)

PhD (Biblical Studies): Key Requirements

• Academic
  • Accredited baccalaureate degree; accredited Master of Divinity degree or accredited Master of Arts degree with concentration in Biblical Studies.
  • Official transcripts of all postsecondary schools attended, sent directly by each institution to the Asbury Seminary Admissions Office.
  • A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.50/4.00 for baccalaureate and graduate work is required for admission.
• References
  • Four references from professors or other scholars
• Essays
  • Scholarly Essay
    • Representing an example of the applicant’s ability to do independent research and reflecting a research interest appropriate to the degree program, approximately 25 pages in length, completed within the last three years.
  • Personal History Essay
    • Share your life story and at what point you began your relationship with Jesus Christ. Talk about your growth since that time and what brings you to apply to Asbury Seminary’s Advanced Research Program.  Include your thoughts on how you would like to see your faith grow during your time in this program. (350 minimum to 500 words maximum)
    • Please describe your ministry and vocational experience, including positions held and dates of service. (350 minimum to 500 words maximum)
    • Statement of Purpose – Describe briefly the reasons you are prompted to pursue study in the particular program area you have chosen and what you hope to gain through the program. Give specific goals, and personal or professional needs. (350 to 500 words maximum)
    • Research Interests
      • State your preferred concentration in the program you have chosen (Old or New Testament).
      • Give a short summary (15-20 words) of your research interest.
      • Provide a brief reflection indicating possible research interests. This reflection should start with a summary of your interests in less than 20 words. (350 minimum to 500 words maximum)
    • List the language(s) (including English) used in your research and/or ministry and indicate your relative proficiency.
    • (Optional) If you feel your cumulative grade point average or academic test scores do not adequately reflect your abilities to flourish at Asbury Seminary, please explain.
    • (Optional) If you are married, describe your spouse’s attitudes toward your plans for seminary education and future ministry.
  • A resume or CV detailing education, language skills, and work/ministry experience.
• Language
  • Intermediate-level competency in Biblical Hebrew or Koine Greek, and at least an introductory-level competency in another Biblical language.
  • Facility at an introductory level with German and French (or a second research language cognate to the student’s area of study.)
  • For native speakers of English, an official score report from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required. International applicants may submit the GRE in lieu of the TOEFL or IELTS but are not typically required to submit both scores.
  • An official score report from the TOEFL or IELTS must be submitted. TOEFL scores of 600 paper or 90 internet-based or an IELTS score of 7.5 are expected. International applicants may submit the GRE in lieu of the TOEFL or IELTS but are not typically required to submit both scores.