Online Theology Degrees for 2017

Apex School of Theology's online bachelor's in theology is a 128-credit program that allows graduates to take their formal theological training to work in the faith community. Applicants must show evidence of Christian character and provide a spiritual autobiography with their application materials. Students should also be able to demonstrate a Godly life and have a teachable spirit. Special admission consideration is available for applicants who do not have a high school diploma or its equivalent; these students must demonstrate the ability to benefit from the program and have an acceptable score from an independent assessment.

Distance learners may pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Theology, a Bachelor of Arts in Religion or a certificate in church ministry. The college has been educating students with a curriculum grounded in the Christian faith, with a special emphasis on Seventh-Day Adventism, for more than 120 years. Graduates will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their calling to the ministry. Coursework will focus not only on biblical understanding, but on personal application, evangelism and church service. Graduates can move on to become pastors dedicated to the service of individuals and communities.

Dallas Baptist University's College of Professional Studies offers an online bachelor of arts and sciences in Christian ministries for the aspiring Christian leader. It incorporates 12 hours each of business and management, Christian leadership and educational ministry courses. Students who have at least 24 hours of technical or occupational coursework in a specific area are eligible for the inverted degree program, where the 42 credits of upper division work is waived. Students may also earn credit through examinations and military or corporate training. Online classes are small, allowing students and faculty members to get to know one another for a more personalized experience.

An online bachelor of arts in biblical studies includes 128 hours of coursework with a concentration in practical theology, life ministry or general electives. Requirements include 45 hours of biblical and theological studies and 24 hours of professional studies. Students access lectures and supplemental materials online and submit assignments, take tests and communicate with instructors and peers through the course management system. Classes are searchable, so students can find specific information quickly. Students have access to notes, presentations and slideshows as well. Online courses follow the traditional academic calendar with classes starting two times during the year.

Ecclesia College's online bachelor's in biblical studies allows students to study the Bible in depth with classes like Life of Christ, Old and New Testament survey and Christian foundations and apologetics. The online program is designed to provide a flexible format for busy adults who want to earn a degree. Courses are steeped in core foundational values, including comprehensive learning, inclusion of the whole body of Christ and to increase quality of learning and service. Multiple start dates throughout the year allow students to begin study as soon as they've made the commitment, rather than wait for a new semester.

Acquire the skills, knowledge and personal characteristics necessary for a life in the ministry with a Bachelor of Science in Ministry Leadership. The 126-credit program is grounded in a strong biblical base, but includes coursework designed to prepare students for the demands of the ministry in the digital age, including educational technology and social sciences. Students must complete 18 hours of lower-level Bible and theology; 15 hours of humanities; 12 hours of social sciences; nine hours of computers, math and science; 12 hours ministry and leadership core; 12 hours of upper-level Bible and theology; 30 hours of ministry leadership specialization and 18 hours of electives.

Students have three options in their pursuit of a Transformational Christian Ministry degree. They may pursue a B.S. in Transformational Christian Ministry, a Church Science associate degree or a certificate in church ministry. Part-time enrollment is possible, but in order to be considered a full-time student, participants must take at least 12 credits at any given time. Students who assume larger workloads can finish the program in as little as 16 months. There are two, eight-week sessions in every semester, which means that students will enroll in two courses every two months.

Students in the Bachelor Arts in ministry degree are preparing for careers as pastors, social workers, directors of children's ministries, student ministers, community service leaders, or other life callings. The curriculum and coursework in the online program is identical to that found at the physical campus. Students receive a comprehensive education grounded in conservative biblical principles and practical ministry principles. The 120-credit program requires students to complete at least 27 major credit hours, 43 general education credits, 12 core ministry credits and 15 ministry elective credits.

Students can grow their ministry or prepare themselves for entry to graduate school with a Bachelor of Arts in ministry leadership degree. Not only do students complete comprehensive core courses, but the program's holistic approach also includes two years of practical ministry, theology and Bible courses. Graduates should emerge with strong interpretative skills and a more complete Christian worldview. The program is built for the modern era, with students learning media skills they can apply in a range of different leadership, educational, organizational and administrative roles and settings.

Students can pursue one of two different undergraduate degrees: the Bachelor of Arts in Bible and theology, which is a four-year program, or the Bachelor of Arts in Christian professional studies, which is a degree-completion program. Both programs prepare students for a wide range of careers, including as Christian educators and biblical counselors. Students in the Bible and theology program first complete general education requirements and then choose from between eight potential areas of concentration. The Christian professional studies program requires students to have completed an associate degree or to have accumulated 60 transferable credits. It features three concentration areas: biblical counseling, biblical studies and Christian teacher education.

Lee University's online degree in Bible and theology is available in both a bachelor of arts and bachelor of science format. It includes 18 hours of biblical and theological foundation that includes methods of Bible study, introduction to Christian ethics and doctrine of the Holy Spirit. Students also take 36 hours of specialty area requirements, which includes additional Bible and theology coursework. Online courses are in an intensive format, allowing students to work at their own pace to fulfill the requirements. Graduates grow spiritually and intellectually and are prepared for professional success.

Aspiring church leaders and ministers can hear an online bachelor of science in leadership and ministry from Grace Bible College. Students can explore concentrations in business, human services or criminal justice and typically finish in about 24 months, depending on the number of transfer credits they bring with them. The program is offered in a cohort model, with a maximum of 16 diverse students in each group. Coursework is 100 percent online in a dynamic and interactive environment. Students participate in group work and discussions through online resources.

Students will learn the holistic, servant-leadership mindset required for success in the ministry, and develop the skills and knowledge required to develop a mission vision that can be applied to a calling in the church. In order to enter the program, applicants must have completed at least 40 transferable credits from an accredited institution. The 30-credit program can be finished completely online in 20 months. Since the classes are asynchronous, students may work at their own pace and pursue coursework on their own schedule. All online courses and degree programs are accredited by the Southern Association for Colleges and Schools.

The Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Cultural Studies degree is offered through the College of Arts and Humanities. The program, which can be finished completely online, is unique because it is designed to give students a broad and wide-ranging conceptual knowledge of religion, from ancient times to the present. Students will also learn to analyze and develop critical methodologies and theories regarding religion as a global and human force, without emphasizing or favoring one religion over another. The program culminates in a three-credit capstone course and requires students to complete both basic and advanced core coursework.

Students in the United States and overseas can earn a bachelor of arts in religion with a biblical studies concentration from Bethesda University. The university is dedicated to providing a biblically centered learning experience for those who want to make an impact on the community for Jesus Christ. The degree includes 45 hours of general education credits, 51 hours of Bible/theology classes and 30 hours of professional studies. Students learn about biblical history and ethics and are able to interpret and communicate the Scriptures for others.

An online bachelor of science in ministry leadership from Cornerstone University is a 48-credit program that busy adults can complete in less than two years. Each cohort has about 15 students, so each benefits from personalized attention from professors and students develop personal and professional relationships with one another. They participate in both individual and group assignments that helps develop team-working and leadership skills. Students gain a deep knowledge of Biblical texts, ministry and non-profit organizations. Graduates demonstrate a Christian worldview with exceptional values and ethics they take with them to the workforce.

An online bachelor of science in biblical studies provides a foundation for those who want to learn more about the Christian faith and pursue a career teaching others about God's word. Students develop biblical skills for personal development and become involved in a meaningful way. This degree allows students to transition easily into a master of divinity program. It prepares them academically and practically for requirements for licensing and/or ordination in a number of denominations. The online program starts multiple times during the year, allowing prospective students to begin working toward their degree as soon as they are ready.

Aspiring ministers, counselors and theology educators can earn an online bachelor of arts in ministry from Nazarene Bible College. Students study advanced topics in Bible, theology and ministry principles to prepare them for a future in a Christ-centered profession. The program can take on a traditional four-year degree format or an advanced, degree completion format designed for busy adults. A variety of other options are also available. Classes are delivered in an asynchronous format, so students can access course materials and lectures at their convenience. The electronic library and study resources are also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The Bachelor of Religious Studies in Biblical Studies can be finished in anywhere between four and six years. The 127-hour course can be completed totally online, and consists of 37 general education credits, 39 Bible and theology credits, three credits in church history and six credits in biblical language. Students must also complete 28 credits of professional core, which includes ministry development, leadership and internship. Graduates will leave the program prepared for a life of service in the community and in the church after receiving a well-rounded education based in the Apostolic-Pentecostal tradition.

For students pursuing careers as Christian educators, missionaries, ministers or nonprofit administrators, their journey can start with a BA degree in biblical and theological studies. For those seeking to continue their education, the degree can prepare students for entry into a related graduate program. The program, which requires 120 credits to complete, offers two concentrations: biblical studies and theological studies. Students must complete 49 general education credits, 21 theological and biblical core credits, 32 elective credits and 18 credits in their chosen concentration.