Asbury Seminary’s 60-hour Master of Arts [Biblical Studies] prepares you to pursue knowledge in the practical Christian disciplines needed for teaching in congregations, para-church organizations, Christian institutions or for pursuing a postgraduate degree. Upon completing your degree, you’ll have a fresh understanding of biblical studies, coupled with a renewed love for God and neighbor developed through knowledge, practice and service.
What to Expect from the Degree
As you complete your degree, you’ll be able to
- Cultivate holy love of God and neighbor through both knowledge and practice in the Christian disciplines of service and grace.
- Master and integrate the biblical canon with literary, historical and hermeneutical tools for a holistic study of passages, methodology, genres and themes.
- Analyze and present biblical and theological insights into contemporary and canonical contexts.
- Describe the means whereby one may arrive at a biblical view of the inspiration and authority of the Scriptures.
*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 12 credits toward a Master of Arts degree.
*Transcripts evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Admissions Requirements
- 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
*Applicants without accredited Bachelor’s degree – refer to page 28 of the Academic Catalog
