Best Online Associate in Christian Ministry

BEST ONLINE ASSOCIATE'S IN CHRISTIAN MINISTRY

Find top-ranked online associate in Christian ministry degree programs that help to prepare students for entry-level careers in Christian ministry.

Top 10 Online Associate in Christian Ministries Degrees

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  1. Liberty University
  2. Andrews University
  3. Campbell University
  4. Regent University
  5. Dallas Baptist University
  6. Southwestern Assemblies of God University
  7. Union University
  8. University of the Cumberlands
  9. Campbellsville University
  10. North Greenville University
  1. Davis College 100%
  2. Grace Christian University 100%
  3. The King's University 100%
  4. Liberty University 99%
  5. Dallas Baptist University 94%
  6. Northwest Nazarene University 88%
  7. Campbell University 87%
  8. University of the Cumberlands 85%
  9. Southwestern Assemblies of God University 85%
  10. Andrews University 82%
  1. University of the Cumberlands 20 to 1
  2. Regent University 19 to 1
  3. Southwestern Assemblies of God University 18 to 1
  4. Northwest Nazarene University 18 to 1
  5. Liberty University 17 to 1
  6. Tabor College 15 to 1
  7. Campbell University 15 to 1
  8. Shorter University 15 to 1
  9. Campbellsville University 14 to 1
  10. Dallas Baptist University 14 to 1
  1. Campbell University $38,160
  2. Union University $35,510
  3. Northwest Nazarene University $34,390
  4. Dallas Baptist University $33,620
  5. Tabor College $33,400
  6. Andrews University $31,782
  7. Oklahoma Wesleyan University $29,498
  8. Campbellsville University $25,000
  9. Shorter University $22,810
  10. Liberty University $22,713
  1. Andrews University $28,656
  2. Dallas Baptist University $19,872
  3. Point University $16,200
  4. Regent University $15,590
  5. Houghton University $14,125
  6. Campbell University $14,041
  7. Shorter University $12,600
  8. North Greenville University $11,880
  9. Tabor College $11,670
  10. Union University $11,618
  1. Charlotte Christian College and Theological Seminary
  2. Northpoint Bible College
  3. Davis College
  4. The King's University
  5. Grace Christian University
  6. Ohio Christian University
  7. Welch College
  8. Calvary University
  9. Point University
  10. Tabor College
  1. Regent University 41%
  2. Point University 47%
  3. Union University 53%
  4. Oklahoma Wesleyan University 54%
  5. Tabor College 54%
  6. Calvary University 58%
  7. North Greenville University 70%
  8. Campbellsville University 78%
  9. Houghton University 79%
  10. Johnson University 81%
  1. Davis College 6 to 1
  2. Johnson University 8 to 1
  3. Charlotte Christian College and Theological Seminary 8 to 1
  4. Ohio Christian University 8 to 1
  5. Oklahoma Wesleyan University 9 to 1
  6. Welch College 9 to 1
  7. Calvary University 9 to 1
  8. Northpoint Bible College 9 to 1
  9. Andrews University 10 to 1
  10. Union University 10 to 1
  1. University of the Cumberlands $9,875
  2. Charlotte Christian College and Theological Seminary $11,125
  3. Calvary University $11,576
  4. Northpoint Bible College $13,670
  5. Grace Christian University $14,400
  6. The King's University $15,900
  7. Houghton University $16,446
  8. Davis College $17,150
  9. Southwestern Assemblies of God University $17,404
  10. Regent University $18,820
  1. University of the Cumberlands $4,282
  2. Calvary University $7,326
  3. Southwestern Assemblies of God University $7,650
  4. Liberty University $7,847
  5. Welch College $8,100
  6. Charlotte Christian College and Theological Seminary $8,370
  7. Campbellsville University $8,473
  8. The King's University $9,270
  9. Johnson University $9,285
  10. Oklahoma Wesleyan University $9,540

Key Takeaways

  • The associate degree in Christian ministry is an affordable way to get started on your college education. The typical associate degree will take about two years to complete.

  • Many community colleges and two-year schools offer both traditional and online degree programs for students pursuing their associate degree in Christian ministry.

  • Earning an online associate degree in Christian ministry can prepare you for a variety of entry level jobs in your field. Many students also continue into a bachelor’s degree program in Christian ministry or a related area.

Featured Programs

Frequently Asked Questions About Christian Ministry Degrees

Why get an associate in Christian ministry?

The online associate in ministry is a popular degree for students who are interest in Church leadership, Pastoral ministry, community organization and other careers in the Christian faith. This online associate degree prepares students for a wide range of faith-based leadership roles.

Christian ministry students are often hands-on people ready to begin serving others and spreading Christianity locally, nationally, or internationally.

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Will I get the same education through online classes?

In most cases, online programs will be identical in curriculum and content to the on-campus ministry programs. Online associate degree students will experience the same high quality education as their on-campus counterparts. One primary difference is that on-campus students have more direct access to campus clubs, Bible study groups, or organizations dedicated to those pursuing a career in the Christian ministry.

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What courses will I take?

Your online associate degree will typically include general education courses and liberal arts courses, along side a ministry program centered around Christian faith and the Christian perspective. Your online associate in ministry will typically also include study on topics such as youth and family studies, Church history, Christian ethics, and Biblical interpretation. A associate in ministry degree will usually also incorporate classes in theology, spiritual formation, youth ministry, and more. Students can complete the required 60 credits in two years or less.

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What can I do with an associate in Christian ministry?

Students who earn the online associate degree in ministry will qualify to work as associate pastors, youth leaders, or missionaries. Many Christian ministry students will continue their education by enrolling in a bachelor’s program.

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Learn more about how to major in religious studies.

Best Online Associate in Christian Ministry Degree Programs

An associate degree is a great way for many to start their educational journey, but you may want to also consider an online bachelor’s in Christian ministries.

Median Salaries of Similar Careers in the U.S.

The following graph depicts the average salaries of similar occupations to Directors, Religious Activities and Education in the U.S.

Source: U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS

Annual Salary
43290Religious Workers, All Other
47780Community Health Workers
50510Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other
52880Directors, Religious Activities and Education
57230Clergy

Best Online Associate in Christian Ministry Degree Programs

  1. #2

    Regent University

    Virginia Beach , VA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $19K

    Acceptance

    41%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1080/25

    Online Degrees

    AA in Christian Studies
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
  2. #10

    University of the Cumberlands

    Williamsburg , KY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    16K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1035/21

    Online Degrees

    AAS in General Studies

    Concentrations

    • Business
    • Health and Fitness
    • Behavioral Sciences
    • Information Science and Technology
    • Education
    • Media Studies
    • Humanities and Social Sciences
    • Christian Studies
    • STEM
    • Healthcare
    • Required Credits: 24
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AAS in Missions and Ministry
    • Required Credits: 61
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  3. #12

    Northpoint Bible College

    Haverhill , MA

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    <1K

    Online Degrees

    AA in Specialized Ministry
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
  4. #13

    Welch College

    Gallatin , TN

    Tuition + fees

    $20K

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    <1K

    Online Degrees

    AS in Ministry
    • Required Credits: 63
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  5. #16

    Oklahoma Wesleyan University

    Bartlesville , OK
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $29K

    Acceptance

    54%

    Graduation

    33%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1035/20

    Online Degrees

    AAS in Christian Ministry
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AA in Wesleyan Ministry
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  6. #17

    The King's University

    Southlake , TX

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    100%

    Graduation

    41%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1050/23

    Online Degrees

    AA in Christian Ministries
    • Required Credits: 65
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  7. #20

    Tabor College

    Hillsboro , KS
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    54%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1000/20

    Online Degrees

    AS in Christian Studies
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    AA in Urban Ministry
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
  8. #21

    Calvary University

    Kansas City , MO

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    58%

    Graduation

    43%

    Student body

    <1K

    Online Degrees

    AA in Children’s Ministry
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AA in Ministry Studies
    • Required Credits: 66
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  9. Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    100%

    Graduation

    45%

    Student body

    <1K

    Online Degrees

    AA in Leadership and Ministry
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
  10. Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Student body

    <1K

    Online Degrees

    AA in Urban Christian Ministries
    • Required Credits: 66
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
  11. #25

    Liberty University

    Lynchburg , VA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $23K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    79K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1145/25

    Online Degrees

    AA in Psychology-Christian Counseling
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 1.5 years
    • Format: Online
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Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require a time of adjustment. Although you’ll typically learn the same material and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, going online will require greater independence and responsibility than going in person. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, for harnessing the online educational technology that you’ll need to use, and for completing the course requirements, such as listening to lectures, learning lessons, reading texts, and handing in assignments. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take the initiative in building relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.

No. The only part of online education that’s easier than campus-based education is ease of access: all you need is a computer and an internet connection for online education. But even this seeming advantage of online education can be misleading: what’s easier, studying online with your computer and internet connection from your home where you need to cook, clean, pay rent, and maintain a job? Or studying on campus in a dorm where all your living needs are handled by the school, and college staff are there to help you every step of the way?

If you take the commute to campus out of the equation, campus-based education is easier. All the support structures available on campus for students, especially with real people to help you in person, are not there online. The demands on you as an online student will largely be the same as for your campus-based counterpart, but without the same helps.

In general, your online courses will present the same material and test you in the same way as traditional in-person courses. In many cases, you’ll even have the same instructors as your on-campus counterparts. In fact, if you are adjusting to the experience of independent learning with remote educational technology for the first time, online college may be considerably more challenging than campus-based college. For a few insights on how to manage this new online experience, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.

Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable non-profit institutions on the one end and less-than-reputable for-profit institutions on the other end. Accreditation gives you the power to identify the more reputable actors in online education. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency indicating that a college or university is meeting standards of quality and credibility. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.

Attending a college or university that is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. For students seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that they opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree. For more on this important topic, check out our What is Accreditation and Why Does It Matter? College & University Accreditation Guide.

As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited (see the previous point), you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer of credits. In many cases, you will encounter some bureaucratic haggling in which some of your credits will be transferred and others may be refused. However, provided that you have attended an online school with recognized regional accreditation, you should be in good shape in transferring your credits earned online.

In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript, or resumé differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.

Some employers may express the concern that because you did your degree online, you may need to transition from an online education experience to in-person workplace experience. But in an age of Covid, that concern seems much diminished. The fact is that much employment these days is remote. And collaboration increasingly happens online over Zoom. Many employers will therefore view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.

If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online education will be less than ideal for you (though depending on your circumstances, it may also be the only viable option).

While there is much in traditional campus-based education that can be substituted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing that can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual in-person classroom setting. As you transition to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face in getting the most out of your online classes is overcoming this difference between “real reality” and “virtual reality.” Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.

The advantages of online classes are many. Above all, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities-educational experiences that you can complete at your own pace and on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.

Resources for Online College-Bound Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.