Asbury Seminary’s 48-hour Master of Arts [Intercultural Studies] is a multidisciplinary program that imparts you with leadership skills to navigate relationships without borders. In accordance with our global faith, you will gain a new appreciation for the diversity of the church and learn to effectively participate in the spread of the gospel worldwide. Throughout the program, you will integrate theology with biblical studies, anthropology, history, development, and world religions.
What to Expect from the Degree
As you complete your degree, you’ll be able to
- Understand contributors to contemporary socio-cultural diversity and complexity using theological and social science resources.
- Demonstrate intercultural competencies by integrating theories learned in class with experiential learning.
- Appreciate the diversity and authenticity of Christian witness around the world through new-found self-awareness.
*Refer to the Academic Catalog for the exact wording of Program Learning Outcomes.
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
Learn more about what other graduates of Asbury Seminary are doing.
Church Multiplication—Be equipped to plant churches, preach effectively and make disciples wherever God calls you through theoretical, theological and practical study. Learn More about the Center for Church Multiplication.
Development and Innovation—For those interested in focusing their learning on a holistic approach to international missions – recognizing that the good news of the Gospel can be spread and realized through economic, environmental, and social development within communities.
In-Ministry Track—For those who are already working in a mission or ministry context. The In-Ministry track is tailored to build upon your rich practical ministry and mission experience.
Multi-ethnic and Urban Ministry—Focuses on contextual ministry in a diverse world shaped by global migration and urbanization with all of its unique complexities.
The following degree plans have been approved for the 2024-25 academic year. Download the PDF below to see a full listing of all your degree requirements.
Asbury Seminary is committed to providing you with a quality theological education and practical skills for a lifetime. We offer more than 400 scholarships annually and our Ministry Partners Program helps you graduate with minimal debt.
Cost of Attendance
| Degree | Total Credits | Cost |
| Master of Arts | 48 credits | $712/credit hour |
| Total | $34,176 |
| Academic Year 2022-2023 | All Campuses Fall/Spring | All Campuses Summer |
| Technology Fee | $225 per semester | $110 per semester |
| Graduation Fee | $200 one-time fee | $200 one-time fee |
| Student Services Fee | $160 per semester | $80 per semester |
Scholarships
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), the Asbury Financial Aid Application, and who have been admitted by the Admissions Office by March 1.
Recipients of scholarships must represent strong promise for Christian ministry and demonstrate a financial need.
Some of the scholarships include:
- Mary Whetstone and Walter J. Knabe Scholarship – average award $10,700
- Windgate Scholarship – average award $10,000
- J.C. McPheeters Scholarship – average award $7,000
- Timothy C. Tennent Church Planting and Cross-Cultural Missionary Service Scholarship – average award $4,500
- Leo H. Naughton Scholarship – average award $3,200
- Asbury Deans Scholarship – average award $1,500
Save Time! Save Money!
Combine your Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Biblical Studies, Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies, or Master of Theological Studies with a doctoral-level Master of Theology (Th.M) degree and 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.