Theology is a vitally important field for those who work in religious contexts. Ministers, church educators, and mission workers must all know about theology to complete their work and spread the ideas of their faiths. You can attend a high-quality online theology degree program to achieve your faith, education, and career goals. Many of these are available at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Not sure where to start? Let’s break down the 14 best online theology degree programs in detail.
What to Look for in an Online Theology Degree
When searching for the ideal online theology degree, you should consider several key factors:
- Degree level: Generally, bachelor’s-level degrees will prepare you for entry-level ministry positions. However, you may need to acquire a graduate degree in theology to become a church leader/minister.
- Faith denomination: Not every religious school teaches the same principles. Make sure you earn an online theology degree from a school that adheres to your religious beliefs.
- Course layout/online scheduling: Some online degrees are more online than others. Aim for 100% online, asynchronous degree programs for the most flexibility. These allow you to complete your education while maintaining a busy work schedule.
- Cost: Naturally, the more affordable an online degree program is, the better. Online programs are often more inexpensive than in-person counterparts, though not always. Don’t forget to look into each program’s available financial aid opportunities!
- Other benefits and perks: Some top-tier online theology programs offer student resources, extra support, and more. Others may offer additional discounts or financial aid opportunities for military veterans.
Overall, it’s a good idea to research each program individually before deciding which online theology degree program to attend.
The 3 Best Online Theology Degree Programs-Bachelors
Now that you know what to research when looking for an online theology degree program, let’s break down some great options. These online theology programs are affordable and excellent due to their content and other benefits.
1. Lee University
Program: Bible & Theology
Degree: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science
Lee University provides an opportunity to earn an online undergraduate degree in theology. Students can attend a BS in Bible and Theology or BA in Bible and Theology. No matter which one chooses, each program is 120 credit hours in total. The programs emphasize studies of the Old and New Testaments, systematic theology, Christian ethics, and Bible study.
The BA program, notably, requires students to have some experience studying foreign languages. Regardless, Lee University only accepts students who are evangelical or Pentecostal. Students who take this program can usually complete their degrees in just 3 ½ years.
All classes are 100% online through the Canvas learning system. Students receive, complete, and transmit their work over the Internet. Furthermore, students can take advantage of financial aid opportunities like scholarships from churches, employers, and community organizations.
2. Nazarene Bible College
Program: Ministry of Bible & Theology
Degree: Bachelor of Arts
The Nazarene Bible College offers a Bachelor of Arts in Ministry of Bible and Theology. This BA online degree is ideal for students pursuing future graduate work to support their ministry-focused careers.
It is 120 credit hours total, and any students who want to pursue ordination must take another 24 credit hours. As the college’s name suggests, this program is affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene. Thus, all program attendees must follow specific standards of conduct that align with the church and its beliefs.
All classes are asynchronous, allowing students to benefit from maximum flexibility. However, students should be aware that most courses require discussion posts and other interactivity with professors and classmates. There is a relatively low student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1, which many students may appreciate.
All program attendees can transfer up to 60 general education credits into the program. There are also a variety of financial aid and tuition discount opportunities, especially for veterans.
3. Regent University
Program: Biblical & Theological Studies
Degree: Bachelor of Arts
Last on our list of online theology degree programs is Regent University. They offer an online Bachelor of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies. This 120-credit degree program provides students with the foundational knowledge they need to succeed in a church ministry. All the courses are offered through eight-week sessions.
Graduates from this program can pursue careers in ministry roles like church administration, youth ministry, teaching, mission work, and more. Furthermore, graduates are well prepared to enter seminary school should they choose to do so.
All classes are delivered through the Blackboard online learning system. This system gives students unfiltered access to course materials, peer discussion forums, and professor contact information.
Custom financial aid packages exist, particularly for military veterans. Students can transfer up to a whopping 90 credit hours into the program. However, 50% of the core courses have to be taken at Regent for students to receive their degrees.
The 11 Best Online Theology Degree Programs-Masters
Are you looking for a masters online theology degree program? Here are some great options. Read on to find one that is right for you.
1. Grace School of Theology
Program: Theology
Degree: Master of Theology
The Grace School of Theology offers a phenomenal online theology degree program. This online master’s program is only 29 credits in length. Even more importantly, the school honors biblical traditions and emphasizes quality higher education.
Note that the online program application does require applicants to have previously completed a Master of Divinity program with at least 60 credits. Applicants must also have a GPA of at least 3.0 in addition to one year of studies in biblical Greek and Hebrew. Should one take this program, they’ll find that it focuses on biblical language, theological research techniques, and more.
At the end of the program, students complete a thesis. Luckily, students can get extra time to finish that thesis if needed. Applicants can also transfer up to 14 credits to Grace’s online theology program from other schools.
2. Belhaven University
Program: Biblical & Theological Studies
Degree: Master of Arts
Belhaven University offers another excellent Master of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies. This highly affordable online degree program is ideal for current ministers or individuals who want to study biblical theology.
In total, it is 36 credits long. Over the program’s duration, students will take courses on subjects like the Old and New Testaments, theology, and hermeneutics. Belhaven offers this program through a partnership with Third Millennium Ministries. This theological organization specializes in online teachings. Overall, this is a top-tier online master’s program in theology with a very affordable price.
All applicants must have at least a GPA of 2.5 in their bachelor’s studies. Alternatively, applicants can qualify with nine credits of graduate work. Each credit must be earned with a grade of B or higher to qualify for consideration.
3. Campbellsville University
Program: Theology
Degree: Master of Theology
Students can pursue an online Master’s in Theology from Campbellsville University. This program allows students to tailor their educational experiences to their interests. For example, the Biblical Studies emphasis lets students learn more about the history and interpretation of both the Old and New Testaments. It’s also a quality choice for students who may wish to proceed into doctoral education later down the road.
Meanwhile, students can also pursue the Pastoral Leadership track. This concentration includes courses focusing on pastoral ministries and pastoral counseling. It also contains classes to help future pastors form healthy churches.
The third track emphasizes Theology. The courses here combine contemporary issues with church history. It includes other courses in subjects like moral ideals, Christian studies, and ethics.
Regardless of the path chosen, students will complete 30 credits of study. Participants can finish the program in about two years; each class is approximately eight weeks long. All applicants must have 18 previous credits in Christian studies or similar coursework. While the program does admit students with sub-3.0 GPAs, those applicants must submit GRE or MAT scores to compensate. Students can transfer a maximum of 12 credits into the program and apply for various financial aid opportunities.
4. Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
Program: Theology/Pastoral Theology
Degree: Master of Arts
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine offers a program specializing in Pastoral Theology. This online Master of Arts in Theology is available as a full-time or part-time program. Full-time students can complete the curriculum in 18 months, while part-time participants typically finish in about three years.
No matter which path one takes, students will experience a diverse and robust curriculum. It includes courses on Catholic doctrine, youth ministry, family faith formation, and church management and leadership. Other topics studied include theology of the body, Catholic moral theology, and more.
The curriculum is 36 credits long, 15 of which are electives. Notably, this program is not exclusive to Christians or Catholics. Students of all faiths can study here to learn more about Catholic theology. Even better, several employers have partnered with this online program. This collaboration enables students to take advantage of specific tuition discounts.
Applicants must have an undergraduate degree with a GPA of 2.5 or more. Should students want to proceed to doctoral education, Pontifex University exempts MAT graduates from up to 24 credits of coursework. All in all, this online degree in theology is a perfect pick for cost-conscious students.
5. Martin Luther College
Program: Theological Studies
Degree: Master of Arts
Martin Luther College offers an online Master of Arts in Theological Studies. At 36 credits long, it’s a relatively standard online degree for an affordable price.
More interestingly, students have three different options in the final stages of their education. These options are a comprehensive exam, thesis, or field project. Thus, students can complete the program at a pace that best suits their preferences.
Over the program’s duration, students will study subjects such as bioethics, Genesis, ministering to families in crisis, and much more. Core classes require 18 credits, and another 12 to 18 credits of electives are required as well. With focus, students can complete the program in about one year. Alternatively, students can complete it at a part-time pace.
Martin Luther College’s online theology program is best for staff ministers, teachers, and lay leaders. But it’s also suitable for anyone who wants to learn more about Christian faith subjects. All applicants must have an undergraduate degree with a GPA of at least 3.0. Some applicants with lower GPAs may be accepted on a probationary basis.
6. Holy Apostles College & Seminary
Program: Theology
Degree: Master of Arts
Students can attend the Holy Apostles College and Seminary and complete an online MA in Theology. This program is notable for its low student-to-faculty ratio. That means most students will enjoy extra attention from their teachers and be able to ask questions more flexibly.
Speaking of flexibility, the program also benefits from a highly flexible learning system plus relatively low tuition rates. In this program, students can concentrate on topics like moral theology, bioethics, dogmatic theology, and much more.
To finish the degree, students can take a comprehensive exam or complete a thesis. In either case, students can complete this online theology program in about two years. But students also can take up to six years to finish the curriculum to accommodate a busy professional life.
Overall, this program is a top-tier choice for individuals who want to study Catholic ideology and doctrine. It’s also very affordable and flexible in more ways than one.
7. Luther Rice College & Seminary
Program: Apologetics
Degree: Master of Arts
At Luther Rice College and Seminary, students can take an online MA in Apologetics. This online theology program teaches students how to defend Christian faith doctrines successfully. It is 36 credits in length, and the completion time is typically 18 to 24 months. More importantly, it is 100% online, so it’s perfect for students needing an asynchronous educational program.
The program includes various courses on subjects like apologetics, biblical apologetics, systematic theology, and the problem of evil. It also includes lessons on practical skills to answer challenges posed to Christianity by skeptics and critics.
Each online course in this program is eight weeks or 15 weeks, depending on one’s choice. It is affordable, flexible, and perfect for students seeking rational explanations for Christianity’s belief system.
8. Ohio Christian University
Program: Ministry
Degree: Master of Arts
Ohio Christian University offers an online Master of the Arts in Ministry. This online theology program is available with concentrations in Practical Theology, Recreation and Fitness, Pastoral Care, and more. In this way, it combines theological principles with other focuses. Students can use the degree for career advancement in the religious sector and elsewhere.
However, the degree is designed for current church pastors who want to enhance their ministry skills. Courses in the program include biblical preaching, pastoral leadership, spiritual disciplines, and more. There are also ancillary and elective courses on topics like the theology of John Wesley, history and interpretation, etc.
Regardless, every course is delivered in a short five-week timeframe. Students must complete weekly assignments, forum discussions, and interact with their online peers in other ways. All applicants must have an undergraduate degree and at least a 2.5 GPA. The school recommends two years of lay leadership or pastoral experience as well. This master’s degree in ministry is an adaptable and affordable program for adults who want to broaden their understanding of the church.
9. Liberty University
Program: Christian Apologetics & Biblical Exposition
Degree: Master of Arts
Liberty University is one of the best online schools in the industry, bar none. It also offers top-tier online MAs in Christian Apologetics and Biblical Exposition. Thesis and non-thesis graduation options are available within this online theology degree program, emphasizing biblical exposition.
Students who take the Apologetics program will complete courses in miracles, faith and reason, hermeneutics, and similar subjects. Students in the Biblical Exposition program will take classes such as New Testament development, Greek syntax, etc.
Both of the online degree programs teach students how to perform quality scholarship and how to lead churchgoers. It’s an excellent degree for those who want to progress their careers in ministry, church research and education, and similar subjects.
Liberty University’s Experience Plus program allows students to bring previous educational work or credits to the degree. This quality may enable students to complete the program faster than usual. Regardless, all applicants should have a bachelor’s degree with a 2.5 GPA minimum. Remember that every class in these programs is eight weeks in length. There are also very generous tuition discounts and other financial aid opportunities for military members, first responders, and their families.
10. Newman University
Program: Theological Studies
Degree: Master of Theological Studies
Newman University offers an online Master of Theological Studies degree. This program is ideal for students who want to improve their knowledge of Catholic theological traditions and subjects. Alternatively, Newman University offers an online MA in Theology. It’s perfect for students seeking a more rigorous challenge and who want to progress into a Theology Ph.D. program.
In both programs, students must complete classes delivered across eight weeks. Students usually take two courses per session, and both programs end with a comprehensive exam and thesis. Even better, students can participate in on-campus weekends at the beginning of every educational session. Though this isn’t required, it’s an excellent option for students who prefer a hybrid learning model instead of a 100% online program.
Additionally, both of the above programs operate using the cohort model. That means students progress through the class materials with the same peers. This camaraderie improves engagement, even if one chooses a 100% online track. Students will take classes on subjects such as controversies in church history, current issues in moral theology, and more.
11. Columbia International University
Program: Theological Studies
Degree: Master of Arts
The last master’s online theology degree on our list comes from Columbia International University. They offer an online MA in Theological Studies. This rigorous and interdisciplinary program provides robust training in analysis, writing in the theological field, and theological research.
Students who take this program will complete courses on topics such as missions and evangelism in the 21st century, understanding cultures and worldviews, and more. It is 48 credits long and can take up to two years to finish. However, students with credits in topics like church history or theology might be able to complete it more quickly.
All applicants need a minimum 2.5 GPA in undergraduate work to qualify. Notably, this program welcomes everyone worldwide, not just current Christian ministers. Its online classes require some hands-on interaction. Thus, it may not be the best choice for students looking for 100% asynchronous education. But it might be better for students wanting a more engaging online experience.
Take the Next Steps in Earning an Online Theology Degree Today!
As you can see, plenty of excellent online theology degree programs are out there from which to choose. Whether you want to complete your undergraduate education or earn a master’s degree in the field, online learning can help you get it done.
Even better, you can learn more about each of these programs and other online learning opportunities at GetEducated.com. Our online school catalog has everything you need for your search; check it out today!