126 Programs of Study
2012-2013 Academic Catalog
Advanced Research degrees Oversight/location of the program within the Seminary: Office of Advanced Research Programs The Advanced Research Programs at Asbury Seminary pertain to the Master of Theology (Th.M.) and the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees. After completing an appropriate master’s degree program, students may elect to begin further study in specialized disciplines and advancing their knowledge in theological, contextual, spiritual and strategic literatures related to the fields of biblical studies, mission and intercultural studies. Four degrees are designed to facilitate advanced specializations and contribute to the body of knowledge within these fields: Master of Theology
Biblical Studies
World Mission and Evangelism
Doctor of Philosophy
Biblical Studies
Intercultural Studies
As an institution within the Wesleyan tradition, Asbury Seminary aspires to integrate theory and practice and sound learning and piety in its degree programs, including the advanced research degrees. It aids the promotion and spreading of scriptural holiness by producing world-class scholars committed to the advancement of sound theological education, spirituality, life of sanctity, and the world mission of the church throughout the world.
Admission requirements and procedures Refer to program of study for admission requirements and procedures.
Policy on independent courses and independent study for Th.M. and Ph.D. An independent course is an independent arrangement of a course currently listed in the academic catalog and completed outside of the classroom, as contracted between professor and student. An independent study is an independently arranged research course in a subject area or topic not covered by a course currently listed in the academic catalog. (Doctoral level independent study courses are listed as 999 in their respective departments.) 1. Normally, the required courses and the research methods courses should not be taken as independent courses. 2. A grade point average of 3.30/4.00 is required to take independent courses and independent studies in the Th.M. and the Ph.D. 3. Normally, a limit of 6 independent study or independent course credit hours may be earned by a Th.M. or Ph.D.I.S. student. Ph.D.B.S. students may take up to 18 credit hours of independent studies and independent courses without petition. 4. Student-to-faculty interaction is generally three hours face-to-face per hour of credit. 5. Students in the Th.M. and Ph.D. programs will receive a grade for contracted independent courses, and credit/no credit for contracted independent studies. 6. Except for the required courses and the research methods course, Th.M. and Ph.D. students may take by independent course any course necessary to their major and/or research that is not offered as a scheduled course in the given academic term. With the mentor’s clearance, the student registers for the course as an independent course. The specific course will appear on the student’s transcript, with a grade. 7. In exceptional cases, Ph.D. students may petition for permission to increase the number of credit hours allowed for independent course and independent study up to 24 credit hours. Such petitions shall be submitted to the Dean of Advanced Research Programs and shall include a letter from the student’s mentor in support of the request, as well as a learning contract written by the student in consultation with his or her mentor.