Asbury Seminary’s 96-hour Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree offers more than a biblical and theological foundation of Scripture. It equips you to be a transformative leader who effectively spreads the Gospel wherever God has called you. Whether you feel God calling you to be a pastor, missionary, chaplain, church planter, worship leader, campus pastor, leader in the marketplace or something else, our M.Div. degree provides the right tools for fruitful ministry.
Courses may be taken residentially or in a hybrid format (with some classes available fully online). Tailor your degree to meet your personal goals and ministry needs by choosing from our many specializations.
What to Expect from the Degree
As you complete your degree, you will
- Receive a solid, biblically-based, spiritually formative theological education and demonstrate an ability to interpret Scripture within your contemporary ministry setting.
- Preach, teach and disciple in an effective, transformative way, with particular attention to the Wesleyan-holiness tradition.
- Conduct anthropological studies to help you interpret the gospel for your context and to develop fresh methods for preaching and leading.
- Develop habits to practice a Wesleyan understanding of personal and social holiness.
- Learn and apply practical skills through internships and immersion experiences in a Christian ministry setting.
- In addition, you will benefit from many co-curricular opportunities.
*Refer to the Academic Catalog for the exact wording of Program Learning Outcomes.
Opportunities included in the M.Div.
Generous Scholarships
Generous, competitive scholarships are available for MDiv students at Asbury Seminary. We prioritize applicants who demonstrate strong academic performance in their prior education and encourage early application. Over 80% of our students receive scholarship support.
Asbury Seminary for Life
Resources and networking that are with you for life.
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 18 credits toward a Master of Divinity degree.
*Transcripts evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Complete your Degree with Flexibility
Example Enrollment Plans
Full-Time Enrollment (5 Year Plan)
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | ||||||||||
| Term | FA | SP | SU | FA | SP | SU | FA | SP | SU | FA | SP | SU | FA | SP |
| Credit Hours | 9 | 9 | 0 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 9 | 9 |
Part-Time Enrollment (7 Year Plan)
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | Year 6 | Year 7 | ||||||||||||||
| Term | FA | SP | SU | FA | SP | SU | FA | SP | SU | FA | SP | SU | FA | SP | SU | FA | SP | SU | FA | SP |
| Credit Hours | 6 | 6 | 0 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Fast Track Enrollment (4 Year Plan)
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | ||||||||
| Term | FA | SP | SU | FA | SP | SU | FA | SP | SU | FA | SP |
| Credit Hours | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 9 | 9 |
Above are just a few options for you as you pursue your M.Div. degree. Work with your Academic Advisor throughout your time to make a plan that suits you best.
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.
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John Wayne McMannLead Pastor and Church Planter at First Methodist Conroe, TX.
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Jim RamsayPresident & CEO of TMS Global
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Nik FraustroChaplain, United States Navy
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Stephanie M. RaglinOwner of Serenitee At Its Best Counseling Center, Pastor at Historic St. Paul AME Church in Lexington, KY.
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Bishop Carolyn MooreChurch Planter and Senior Pastor of Mosaic Church, Evans, GA.
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Ajith FernandoTeaching Director for Youth for Christ, Sri Lanka
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James Hudson Taylor IVOMF International (formerly China Inland Mission), President of China Evangelical Seminary (CES)
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Stacey McDonaldSchool Psychologist, Evangelist, and Founder of McDonald Ministries International
You can complete a specialization within your Master of Divinity degree by taking 5 specified courses from one of the following specializations. Those opting for a specialization must declare so within the first 32 hours.
M.Div. specializations include:
Aesthetics and Applied Arts—For those interested in focusing their learning on the transcendental of beauty – equipping students with the knowledge and skills to bring their artistic gifts into worship.
Anglican Studies—For those interested in focusing their learning on Anglicanism – its roots, growth, and sacramental approach to Christian life.
Biblical Studies—Pursue knowledge and practical Christian disciplines to prepare you to teach and preach in congregations, para-church organizations and Christian institutions.
Chaplaincy—Develop a sense of identity as a chaplain as you gain a balanced understanding of and the key practices for chaplaincy ministry.
Christian Discipleship—Build upon biblical, historical, theological and contextual foundations as you prepare to teach and equip lifelong disciples.
Christian Leadership—Develop effective leadership skills and qualities as you prepare to be a leader in the church, marketplace or non-profit.
Church Planting—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.
Ethics and Social Responsibility—For those interested in focusing their learning on the moral principles that bind us together as Christians – looking to explore the areas of social holiness and justice.
Intercultural Studies—Develop global leadership skills to navigate relationships without borders, as you gain a new appreciation for authentic diversity.
Pastoral Counseling—Develop counseling skills that will enhance your ministry as a pastor, lay-counselor or chaplain.
Spiritual Formation—Educate and equip yourself to answer your call to ministry through a focused study of scripture, theology, tradition and practices within the Wesleyan tradition.
Theological Studies—Apply Christian theology to contemporary issues, life and ministry through your study of church history, doctrine, ethics, philosophy and systematic theology.
Theology and Wesleyan Studies—For those interested in focusing their learning on Wesleyanism – its roots, growth, and holy love approach to Christian life.
Youth Ministry—Pursue your call to disciple and counsel youth within the church, empowering them to a life of Christian obedience and authentic faith.
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.
- Master of Divinity (MDiv) – No Concentrations
- Master of Divinity (MDiv) – Concentration in Aesthetics and Applied Arts
- Master of Divinity (MDiv) – Concentration in Anglican Studies
- Master of Divinity (MDiv) – Concentration in Biblical Studies
- Master of Divinity (MDiv) – Concentration in Chaplaincy
- Master of Divinity (MDiv) – Concentration in Christian Discipleship
- Master of Divinity (MDiv) – Concentration in Christian Leadership
- Master of Divinity (MDiv) – Concentration in Church Planting
- Master of Divinity (MDiv) – Concentration in Ethics and Social Responsibility
- Master of Divinity (MDiv) – Concentration in Intercultural Studies
- Master of Divinity (MDiv) – Concentration in Pastoral Counseling
- Master of Divinity (MDiv) – Concentration in Spiritual Formation
- Master of Divinity (MDiv) – Concentration in Theological Studies
- Master of Divinity (MDiv) – Concentration in Theology and Wesleyan Studies
- Master of Divinity (MDiv) – Concentration in Youth Ministry
Our Master of Divinity+ comes with generous scholarships throughout the program as well as the last year tuition free! 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: 2023-2024
| Degree | Total Credits | Cost |
| Master of Divinity+ | 96 credits | $712/credit hour |
| Total | $68,352 |
| 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 |
When selecting a seminary, it’s important to consider the total cost of attending. For information about campus housing, visit our Housing section.
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 or Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies with a Master of Theology degree, you’ll 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 specialization 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.