Academics

Asbury University’s academic programs, bridging 14 forward-thinking academic departments, extend far beyond the classrooms of our beautiful campus in Wilmore, Kentucky.

From interdisciplinary collaborations and online programs to study abroad, internships and cross-cultural immersion, Asbury’s diverse student community reaches academic excellence in undergraduate, online, graduate and certificate academic programs and through collaborative opportunities for student involvement, on and off-campus. Even high school students can start immersing themselves in the Asbury experience through high school dual enrollment.

Whether you’re interested in a traditional, on-campus degree experience or an online program to progress your career goals, learn more about the different undergraduate and graduate degrees available to Asbury students. With an educational mission enmeshing vibrant faith with rigorous study, each degree from Asbury University is wholly unique.

Academic Degree Programs

Asbury University’s academic offerings span over 125 areas of study and a few different degree levels, along with alternative certification programs:

• Associate (AA, AS)
• Bachelor’s (BA, BS)
• Master’s (MA, MFA, MAT, MAC, MBA, MSAC)

In addition to traditional undergraduates, Asbury University’s diverse student body also includes academic programs for graduate students, online degree program students and students seeking alternative certifications. Asbury University offers master’s degrees in business (two MBA pathways: management and nonprofit management),  media communication (the M.F.A. in Screenwriting, the M.F.A. in Film/TV Production, or the M.A. in Digital Storytelling), education (which ranges from specialized M.A. degrees to Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) degrees in 13 subject areas), and communication (M.A. in Communication).

Want to get started on a graduate business degree or communication master’s degree while you’re still in undergrad? Learn more about the Asbury +1 degree acceleration program.

Whether you’re a current Eagle or just exploring, check out the academic catalog for more academic resources.

Undergraduate Minors and Degree Emphases

Asbury majors and minors are designed to nurture each student’s tailored interests, whether those are grounded in faith, intellectual curiosity, adventure, or service. With almost 50 minor concentrations available, you can pursue an educational journey all your own, customizing your degree with courses that satisfy your inquisitive mind.

Start building an academic career that connects with what you care about by exploring the possibilities of our undergraduate majors, minors and emphases programs.

Academic Departments

All 14 trailblazing departments are stewards of Asbury’s academic core, blending spiritual vitality with inquisitiveness to uplift future servant leaders and worldly citizens. Asbury students have opportunities for missions and community service in nearly every discipline, even international internships in their field.

• Ancient & Modern Languages
• Art & Design
• Business
• Christian Studies & Philosophy
• Communication & Theatre
• Education
• English
• Mathematics
• Media, Journalism & Digital Storytelling
• Music
• Psychology
• Science & Health
• Social Science & History
• Social Work

Explore our academic departments.

Interdisciplinary Academics at Asbury

Asbury’s academic mission is to integrate faith and learning to equip tomorrow’s leaders with a holistic educational experience. Our dedication to fostering servant leaders and productive citizens through liberal and applied arts scholarship starts with a forward-thinking, interdisciplinary approach to higher education.

From core interdisciplinary courses in critical thinking to exploratory academic experiences outside of the classroom like student-led SEARCH events, Asbury University degrees offer a rich, multifaceted experience to every student.

Learn how Asbury’s academic programs translate into academic success.

Foundations: Liberal Arts Learning

Foundations is an interdisciplinary liberal arts curriculum for undergraduates at Asbury. To fulfill Foundations requirements, undergraduate students take core philosophy, literacy and societal engagement courses that are developed from a perspective that investigates life’s most enduring questions.

These courses connect students from all disciplines to tackle essential human knowledge, guiding students to discover how their specific major, study area, or profession can attempt to answer those essential questions.

Foundations empowers students to investigate their vocation, promoting a lifetime of inquisitive learning through classes that are organized into five categories: 

• Integrating Christian Faith and Culture
• Discovering Human Thought and Creative Expression
• Engaging Society and Global Responsibility
• Achieving Quantitative and Critical Literacy and
• Searching the Natural World and the Environment.

Explore the Foundations courses and course requirements.

What is a Liberal Arts Education?

Liberal arts education is a philosophy grounded in the traditional intellectual methods of the ancient Greeks. Liberal arts education can be defined as exploring intellectual truth and understanding through the study of the human arts, also known as the humanities, which traditionally includes subjects such as history, art, natural sciences, philosophy, written arts and mathematics. A liberal arts-based academic program like Asbury’s emphasizes community, vocation and global citizenship.

Asbury University academics offer holistic and self-affirming educational journeys for all students, following the footsteps of our founders who valued the freedom through knowledge that is central to liberal arts education.

Study Abroad & Off-Campus Programs

We know our students are daring thinkers who push boundaries. From international internships and study abroad programs to community service and mission opportunities, Asbury students can learn in a diverse array of settings, even in the great outdoors.

Explore the study abroad page to learn how you’ll enrich your academic career through international research partnerships, study abroad semesters and unique off-campus programs located all over the world—from Paris and China to the Middle East, Africa and Washington, D.C.

Cross-Cultural Engagement

Each Asbury University student enriches their academic goals with immersion experiences, from local communities to those across the world. Through the Cross-Cultural Engagement program, students have traveled to 121 countries, embracing the ever-changing global community through the appreciation of cultural differences.

Asbury University Academic Resources

Whether you’re just starting to explore Asbury University’s degree programs, or you’re a current Asbury Eagle, please do not hesitate to reach out to these helpful resources.

Academic Support Resources

Review our academic resources for new and current students, from admissions and aid to accessibility resources, catalogs and helpful links.

Asbury Academic Calendar

Find important dates and deadlines for undergraduates, online programs and graduate degree programs on our academic calendar.

Kinlaw Library

Search the library database, find research help, or reserve library study rooms at Kinlaw Library.

Registrar

The Asbury University Registrar’s Office can help you with course registration, academic records and graduation information.

Accreditation

Asbury University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097; Telephone 404-679-4501). The Asbury University School of Education is accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board. The Asbury University Social Work Program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Asbury University is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music.

View a list of our accreditations and memberships.

Admissions

Asbury’s admission process varies depending on your degree level. Whether you’re a first-time or transfer student, or you’re continuing your education with a graduate degree, learn more about Asbury University admissions.

Financial Aid

Merit-based academic scholarships and access to federal, state and private financial assistance ensure Asbury University degrees continue to be a smart investment for our students.

Learn more about financial aid opportunities available to Asbury students.

Learn More about Asbury University’s Academic Programs

Asbury University degree programs are fueled by spiritual vitality and unflappable curiosity, giving students the chance to create a unique educational journey they are passionate about. Whether you’re looking for a career-enhancing graduate degree, a convenient online degree or a traditional bachelor’s degree program, there’s a path for you at Asbury.

Learn more about Asbury student life, schedule a visit, or contact Admissions today.