Asbury Seminary’s 48-hour Master of Arts in Pastoral and Spiritual Care* provides desired training in pastoral and spiritual care and counseling for those who do not wish to pursue licensure or certification and/or for those who will be working in countries where US licensure or certification are not required to work as pastoral counselors. It may also serve as an alternate degree path for denominations that will accept shorter degrees for ordination.
The mission of the Department of Counseling and Pastoral Care is to equip students to serve diverse communities by facilitating healing and growth through reflectively integrating Christian values, principles and resources with pastoral or professional counseling competencies and practices.
*This program does not constitute a degree in spiritual direction or spiritual formation.
Study online. Stay on mission.
You can complete this 48-hour degree in as few as two years with online classes delivered both asynchronously and synchronously.
What to Expect from the Degree
As you complete your degree, you will be able to
- Articulate an understanding of theological foundations for pastoral and spiritual care.
- Demonstrate knowledge of major theories of pastoral & spiritual care as well as common issues encountered in this ministry.
- Demonstrate the ability to integrate theological tenets with psychological knowledge and skills in offering pastoral and spiritual care.
- Demonstrate an awareness & sensitivity to gender, sexuality, family & multicultural issues in pastoral and spiritual care.
*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
Matriculation Requirements
- Completion of 48 credit hours, as outlined in the Academic Catalog, including all required courses;
- Attainment of a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.00/4.00;
- Fulfillment of all degree requirements in not more than seven calendar years from the first term of enrollment.
Learn more about what other graduates of Asbury Seminary are doing.
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Beth KnightPastoral Counselor, Spiritual Director, Chaplain and Commissioned Minister serving through Beth Knight Ministry LLC
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Eddie KaufholzDirector of Strategic Communications and Campaigns at Bread for the World.
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Chief Habila Sa’iduChief of Godogodo Chiefdom, Nigeria.
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Jeff ReedStudent, Researcher and Counselor.
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Adena BowenPrimary Health Therapist at Remuda Ranch.
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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.
M.A. in Pastoral & Spiritual Care Curriculum (48 hrs.)
| YEAR 1 | YEAR 2 |
| PC510 Care of Persons (must be taken in initial 12 hrs) | CO526/TH501 Counseling and Christian Beliefs -or- Basic Christian Doctrine |
| PC515 Pastoral Crisis Intervention | CO520 Narrative Counseling |
| PC520 Pastoral Diagnosis in Care and Counseling [Mental Health in the Church] | CO730 Advanced Issues in Cross-cultural Counseling [Prerequisite: PC510 or PC515] |
| MS501 Missional Formation (must be taken in initial 12 hrs) | PC670 Pastoral Approaches to Marriage and Family Counseling |
| BT501 Biblical Narrative | PC671 Family, Gender, & Sexuality |
| CH501 Church History—One | PC655/MM520 Clinical Practical Education -or- Mentored Ministry [Prerequisite: PC510 or PC515] |
| NT(IBS)510/511 NT(IBS)510 Matthew -or- NT(IBS)511 Mark | PCxxx Ethics Seminar |
| Elective Course | TH601 Theology of John Wesley |
| Elective Course |