Asbury Seminary’s fully online 39-hour Master of Biblical and Theological Foundations is designed to serve ministry, bi-vocational, and non-profit leaders, as well as laity and underserved communities who want to deepen their understanding of theology and scripture while continuing to serve. This degree will start a life-long transformation process to ground you in your faith and radically reorient yourself and others to the Gospel. As you study scripture, using social and contextual analysis, you’ll develop a rooted understanding of your Christian faith that is both personal and public.
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What to Expect from the Degree
As You Complete the Degree You Will:
- Receive a fresh understanding of scripture and theology, coupled with a renewed love for God and neighbor developed through knowledge, practice and service that is both public and personal.
- Conduct social and cultural analysis for the interpretation of the gospel in contemporary settings.
- Integrate the biblical cannon into everyday life to help you serve in a contemporary setting.
- Analyze and communicate classical Christian tradition, contemporary theology and Wesleyan theology to help you understand and integrate grounded theology in your life and ministry.
- Employ formation exercises to help you embrace and develop skills for leading God’s people in God’s mission in today’s world.
- Apply practical skills in a ministry specialization of Christian service.
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
Learn more about what other graduates of Asbury Seminary are doing.
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Stephanie M. RaglinDirector of Programs at the Hope Center.
Pastor, Embry Chapel AME Church in Elizabethtown, Ky. -
Christopher GossDirector of Worship Arts, Youth & Young Adults Ministries, Mosaic UMC, Georgia.
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Deb AdamsFounder, Gracie's Place.
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Aaron ReynoldsLeadership Development Program, Chick-fil-A.
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Michael HammondPresident and Chief Servant, Faith Covenant Ministries, Missouri.
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Rob MehnerDirector of Pastoral Care and Training Education, New Life Children's Home, Guatemala.
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Dr. Randy JessenExecutive Director, Global Hope.
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Connor ReavyStudent and Marathon Runner.
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George WassonLead Pastor, Faith Point Church, Floyds Knobs, Ind.
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Kaylea Hutson MillerAward-winning journalist and Managing Editor at The Grove Sun and the Delaware County Journal, Okla.
Masters Required Courses
| Hrs | Course ID | Course Name |
| 3 | CD605 | Gospel Catechesis |
| 3 | CH501 | Church History—One |
| 3 | CS601 | Christian Ethics |
| 3 | MS501 | Missional Formation |
| 3 | NT510/11 | Inductive Bible Study |
| 3 | NT520 | New Testament Introduction |
| 3 | OT520 | Old Testament Introduction |
| 3 | TH501 | Basic Christian Doctrine |
| 3 | TH601 | Theology of John Wesley |
Electives
| Hrs | Course ID | Course Name |
| 3 | NT(IBS)610-649 or OT(IBS)610-649 | Inductive Bible Study |
| 9 | Various | Choose 9 hours from the following designations:
OT, NT, BT, NT(IBS), or OT(IBS) and/or CH, CS, PH, SF, or TH |
Asbury Seminary awards more than 400 scholarships annually because we want you to graduate with minimal debt. We offer too many scholarships to list conclusively. For more information, email financial.aid@asburyseminary.edu.
To apply for financial aid:
- Complete your online application.
- Fill out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Once you’re admitted to the Seminary, you will receive an Asbury Seminary Financial Aid form.
- After completing this, the Financial Aid office will contact you with any scholarship offers.
Cost of Attendance: 2022-2023
| Degree | Total Credits | Cost |
| Master of Biblical and Theological Foundations | 39 credits | $712/credit hour |
| Total | $27,768 |
| Academic Year 2021-2022 | 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.