Top Online Theology Degrees

Overview of the Theology Field

The two most common career paths for theology graduates are educators and religious leaders. Educators of religion usually teach in a postsecondary capacity. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), postsecondary teaching positions will increase 19 percent between 2012 and 2022, faster than the average 11 percent of all other occupations. Religious leaders, from Judaism and Christianity to Buddhism and Islam, have the opportunity to serve as church workers in an established religion, as well as start a new organization. The BLS shows that religious organizational leaders earn an average annual salary of $40,650.

Who Chooses an Online Theology Degree?

How does one know if a theology degree is the right move for advancing his or her career? Theology majors can come from every industry and faith and generally have a strong interest in religion, religious history, service, and leadership. Below are three examples of individuals who may benefit from earning a theology degree.

Types of Online Theology Degrees

Because of the large variety of online programs in theology, it is important that students understand what is available before enrolling. Additionally, knowing the career path one wants to take will help him or her determine what type of degree is needed. Degrees can be specialized to focus on a specific religion, ministry, and more. Read on for more information about the different types of online theology degrees.

Some common theology and religion degrees include:

• Associate’s Degree in Religion
• Associate’s Degree in Ministry
• Bachelor’s Degree in Religion
• Bachelor’s Degree in Christian and Bible Studies
• Bachelor’s Degree in Ministry and Leadership
• Master’s Degree in Religion and Divinity
• Master’s Degree in Christian and Bible Studies
• Master’s Degree in Ministry and Leadership
• Master’s Degree in Theology
• Doctoral Degree in Theology

Two-Year Online Degrees

A two-year online associate degree in theology will give the student a broad overview of theology topics and give the student a strong, basic foundation for continuing on to a bachelor’s program. Students who choose not to pursue education beyond an associate degree may be qualified for job opportunities such as church planter (a person who establishes new congregations), missionary, or associate pastor in some denominations. While an this degree will teach students some specialized skills, it is recommended that students also attain a bachelor’s degree for a deeper knowledge and skill set and, thus, more potential job opportunities.

Online curriculum includes approximately 60 credits of general education classes and major classes. General education courses include mathematics, science, English, and history. Major courses will differ between schools and programs, but will often include classes such as Study of The Old Testament/New Testament, General Theology, and Religious Fundamentals. Some programs will also require students to take foreign language courses such as Greek, Hebrew, Arabic and/or Aramaic in order to better understand the roots and original contexts of the holy books.

To be accepted into an online associate degree program, students must have a high school diploma or GED.

Four-Year Online Degrees

Bachelor’s degrees in theology will allow students to gain a broader knowledge of religion and specialize in one aspect of theology; for example, ministry, education, history, or a specific denomination. With a bachelor’s degree, graduates can pursue careers as ordained rabbi, priests, ministers, chaplains and other religious leaders, or continue their education and attain a master’s or doctorate degree.

This degree typically takes four years, or two years after achieving an associate degree. Students will have completed a minimum of 120 credit hours upon graduation. Common courses students will be required to take in online bachelor’s of theology programs might include World Religions, History of Christianity, Contemporary Theology, Christian Leadership and Communication in Ministry.

Acceptance requirements differ between online bachelor’s theology programs, but often require that the student have a high school diploma or GED and submit an application, resume, letters of recommendation, and transcripts.

Online Master’s Degree in Theology

A master’s degree in theology gives the student advanced knowledge. Specialties include Youth Ministry, Pastoral Counseling, Divinity and more, depending on the program. In some Christian denominations and other religions, having a master’s degree in theology is the minimum standard for ordination. Graduates may choose to pursue careers in ministry, or in non-religious organizations as social workers, teachers, or scholars, or use their master’s degree as a stepping stone toward achieving a doctoral degree.

Masters programs generally consist of 72-100 credit hours and can be completed in as little as two years of fulltime study, but in some cases three to four years. Online curriculum typically includes course subjects like ecclesiology, philosophy, church history, Hebrew, and Greek Bible study. Many programs will require a thesis.

Acceptance into an online master’s of theology program requires that students have a bachelor’s degree and meet any GPA and test score standards set by the school. Many schools, particularly Christian schools, will prefer students who show strong Christian faith and demonstrate a desire to work in a religious setting.

Online Doctoral Degrees

Doctoral degrees are the highest level of education attainable for theology students. It is an ideal route for those who wish to teach at a seminary, college, or university or to work on scholarly research. Given the selection of concentrations students may choose from within the realm of theology, there are several doctoral degrees available, including but not limited to:

• Doctor of Education
• Doctor of Philosophy
• Doctor of Ministry

Online doctoral degrees can be completed in around 60 credits, and some may offer concentrations such as Christian Ethics, New Testament, and Practical Theology. Degree programs and courses will differ widely depending on the school.

Students applying to an online doctor of theology program must hold a graduate degree in theology or related study and may be required to submit a substantial written essay.

How to Assess Online Theology Schools

Like any degree, finding the right theology program can be challenging, especially when prospective students have several different options and colleges to choose from. Below are some of the key things theology distance learners should keep an eye out for when researching and evaluating programs and institutions:

Accreditation

ATS, or The Association of Theological Schools, is the nation’s main commission for accreditation for theology degrees. If a program is accredited by ATS, it has passed a series of criteria that meet the standards set by the commission and students can trust that their degree is high quality, with applicable and relevant coursework. Although many theology schools are accredited by ATS, only some of them offer fully online theology, religion and ministry degrees. Below is a sample of ATS-accredited online programs. The list, plus other exceptions, can be found here.

• Anderson University School of Theology
• Chicago Theological Seminary
• Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary
• Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
• Moody Theological Seminary
• New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
• Northeastern Seminary at Roberts Wesleyan College
• Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
• Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
• Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
• United Theological Seminary
• Wesley Seminary at Indiana Wesleyan University
• Western Seminary

Flexibility

Students should have options when it comes to course availability and scheduling. Flexibility, after all, is one of the main reasons people pursue online degrees. Students should call schools and research course schedules to find the program that best fits their lifestyle.

Student Services

Because online programs lack the in-class interaction and discussion normally found on-campus, it’s important to make sure your program offers an accessible and positive online discussion forum that facilitates student and teacher interactions. Schools should also provide distance education support such as student advisors or mentors, and tech support for the online learning platform. Online professors should also be easily accessible.

Other student services include internship and career placement or other field experience, workshops or programs for current students and alumni.

Curriculum

As you learn more about schools’ individual degree programs and course offerings, you should keep in mind your areas of focus and make sure schools offer classes that serve your interests and goals.

If you’re curious to know more about the curriculum or teacher, don’t be afraid to reach out to the school for more information.

Concentrations and Sub-disciplines

There are a variety of concentrations and sub-disciplines within theology because there are many different views of God and religion and ways to study them. And just as there are different types of theology, there are different focus areas within theology and the study thereof.

Not all theology degrees are created equal. It’s important to know the difference between concentration areas so you can get the education you need for your specific career and personal goals. Below is an explanation of the five main sub-disciplines of theology and a breakdown of some of the concentrations available. Exact names of degrees and availability may differ between schools, but subject matter will be similar.

Surprising Careers for Theology Graduates

Most theology graduates go on to pursue careers as pastors or ministers at local churches, or teachers at universities or religious schools, but there are other options for students wanting to take their careers in a different direction. Some less conventional careers theology grads can pursue include missionary, scholar, and organization directors.

Online Theology Degree Search Tool

Whether entering college for the first time or changing careers, online programs in theology offer students an exciting curriculum designed to provide multiple career paths upon graduation. Online learning programs are known for providing flexible learning environments, but what about other important factors? The search tool below will not only sift through different degree types, but also take into account important qualities such as accreditation, flexibility, student services, and curriculum to find online theology programs matched to student goals.