Online Theology Degrees 2023
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Accredited Theology Degrees Online
Online theology programs engage enrollees in academic explorations of religious texts, religious practice, and ministry. United States online theology programs often align with specific Christian traditions and serve students seeking ministry and church administration careers within particular denominations. However, some theology schools online offer a more general, nondenominational approach. A few online theological schools focus on Islamic or Judaic traditions.
Theology online degree graduates often work as clergy, church administrators, religious educators, or social and community service managers. Graduates with additional training in psychology or counseling often choose careers as mental health counselors or marriage and family therapists. Degree-holders usually work for churches, community organizations, or church-affiliated schools. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that clergy earn a mean annual salary of $55,190 and enjoy a projected 4% job growth rate between 2019-2029.
Getting into a theology online program usually requires a high school diploma or associates in theology and a minimum 2.0-3.0 GPA. Many good colleges and universities seek applicants with above-average SAT or ACT scores. Some theology schools online require satisfactory prerequisite coursework and recommendation letters for acceptance into the major.
Featured Online Programs
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.
Common Questions to Ask About a Bachelor’s in Theology Online
What is the difference between theology and religious studies?
Theology programs typically examine religion through the lens of faith. Meanwhile, religious studies programs analyze religion through sociological and cultural lenses.
Can you study theology online?
Many theology schools offer online learning options. Online programs accommodate working students’ schedules by permitting asynchronous attendance and participation.
What jobs does theology lead to?
Theology online degrees often support careers in teaching, counseling, ministry, and church administration.
How long does it take to get a theology degree?
Bachelor’s degrees typically require four years of full-time attendance to complete. However, many online theology programs offer accelerated timelines. Students with transferable credits usually finish their degrees sooner.
What Are the Goals of a Theology Degree?
Aspiring theology students choose from bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, or bachelor of theology (B.Th., BTheol, or Th.B.) degrees focused on theology or biblical studies. Often more vocation-focused, B.Th. programs usually emphasize field experiences within specific faith traditions. Less likely to require professions of faith, BA in theology programs often prioritize academic study and entail more general coursework.
Theology online degrees often include courses in principles of ministry, sacred texts, and theological history. Many programs encourage specialization in fields such as youth ministry, pastoral counseling, and army or hospital chaplaincy.
What Are the Requirements for a Theology Degree?
Most colleges and universities require freshmen applicants to submit standardized test scores, official transcripts, and essays. To enter theology programs, candidates often complete prerequisite courses and submit recommendation letters. Some programs require declarations of faith that align with the school’s theology. The best online theology degrees look for candidates with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Bachelor’s programs require about 120 credits, but students with transferable associate degrees sometimes need to complete as few as 60 credits to earn their bachelor’s degree in theology. Many programs offer field experiences or internships tailored to the enrollee’s interests, career aspirations, or current career. The best online theology degrees usually require a capstone thesis or project.
Featured Online Programs
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.
Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Theology
Moody Bible Institute
Chicago, IL- 4 year
- Campus + Online
With programs available on campus and online, Moody Bible Institute is a private institution educating students through academic programs in various fields. The school offers nine distance programs, including a bachelor's in theological studies.
Degree candidates complete core courses, general education requirements, and upper-division classes. Specialized electives and hands-on experiential learning opportunities prepare degree-seekers for positions in theology. During their undergraduate studies, learners can receive support from faculty advisors and career counselors.
At the accredited institution, enrollees who demonstrate financial need can qualify for federal aid, such as the Pell Grant. Prospective applicants can contact an admissions advisor for details about application deadlines and requirements.
Moody Bible Institute Numbers:
Total Bachelor's Programs: 13
Online Bachelor's Programs: 3
Number of Online Students: 1,265
Percent of Applicants Admitted: 94%
Graduation Rate: 67%
Average Per-Credit Cost: Not Known
Transfer Credits Allowed: No
- In-State$11,200
- Out-of-state$11,200
- In-State$8,010
- Out-of-state$8,010
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate94%
- Students Enrolled3,009
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment42%
- AccreditationYes
University of Northwestern-St. Paul
- Saint Paul, MN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
University of Northwestern-St. Paul's academic offerings include high-quality online undergraduate and graduate programs. Along with distance learning options, the private institution offers in-person classes on its Saint Paul, Minnesota, campus. Online enrollees in the bachelor of arts in biblical and theological studies program benefit from scheduling flexibility.
The virtual classroom environment allows distance learners to complete coursework from anywhere. Online classes feature virtual discussions and opportunities to consult with faculty members. The curriculum comprises core coursework and advanced classes to prepare degree-seekers for the workforce. After graduation, bachelor's degree-holders can apply for entry-level careers in the field.
Admissions advisors help individuals understand the application requirements for their prospective program.
University of Northwestern-St. Paul Numbers:
Total Bachelor's Programs: 55
Online Bachelor's Programs: 4
Average Fee Per Credit: N/A
Percentage of Learners Receiving Aid: 100%
Students Awarded Loans: 37%
Transfer Credits Counted: No
- In-State$31,580
- Out-of-state$31,580
- In-State$8,982
- Out-of-state$8,982
- Retention Rate82%
- Acceptance Rate92%
- Students Enrolled3,525
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment50%
- AccreditationYes
Anderson University
- Anderson, SC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Anderson University offers accessible, affordable online programs. The private institution also delivers academic programs from its campus in Anderson, South Carolina. The online bachelor's in Christian studies program is ideal for learners who need flexible scheduling options.
The institution delivers program coursework in a virtual classroom environment, using the latest technology. Degree-seekers complete assignments and participate in class discussions virtually. The curriculum comprises core coursework and advanced classes to prepare enrollees for the workforce. The program emphasizes the hard and soft skills required for entry-level careers.
Admissions advisors help students understand the application requirements for their prospective program.
Anderson University Facts:
Total Bachelor's Programs: 76
Online Bachelor's Programs: 8
Average Fee Per Credit: N/A
Students Awarded Financial Aid: 100%
Students Awarded Loans: 57%
Transfer Credits Toward Degree: No
- In-State$26,130
- Out-of-state$26,130
- In-State$9,651
- Out-of-state$9,651
- Retention Rate80%
- Acceptance Rate69%
- Students Enrolled3,543
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment44%
- AccreditationYes
Franciscan University of Steubenville
- Steubenville, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Learners interested in theology can enroll in the online bachelor's in theology at Franciscan University of Steubenville. The online program features flexible scheduling options that benefit working professionals. A bachelor's degree from the institution qualifies graduates for entry-level positions in theology.
Degree-seekers gain foundational knowledge during core classes and complete advanced coursework to develop specialized skills. General education coursework explores a variety of foundational topics, and elective options allow learners to customize the curriculum. While completing general education coursework, students develop transferable critical thinking and analytical skills. Degree candidates can consult with faculty mentors to select courses based on their professional goals.
The private institution delivers 50 programs for online students and those at its Ohio campus. The school's academic offerings include four online bachelor's programs. Students with financial need can apply for federal loans and grants, such as the Pell Grant.
- In-State$28,420
- Out-of-state$28,420
- In-State$12,600
- Out-of-state$12,600
- Retention Rate88%
- Acceptance Rate77%
- Students Enrolled3,039
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment43%
- AccreditationYes
Featured Online Programs
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.
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