Best Online Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies

Badge for BEST ONLINE BACHELOR'S IN BIBLICAL STUDIES

Find top-ranked online bachelor’s in biblical studies degree programs to prepare students for becoming a counselor, Christian education director, writer, pastor, or missionary.

Top 10 Online Bachelor's in Biblical Studies Degrees

Sort by:
  1. Biola University
  2. Moody Bible Institute
  3. Oral Roberts University
  4. Houston Christian University
  5. Liberty University
  6. Regent University
  7. Faulkner University
  8. Cairn University
  9. The Master's University
  10. Luther Rice College & Seminary
  1. Biola University
  2. Liberty University
  3. Moody Bible Institute
  4. Oral Roberts University
  5. Regent University
  6. Faulkner University
  7. Dallas Baptist University
  8. Southwestern Assemblies of God University
  9. Houston Christian University
  10. LeTourneau University
  1. Baptist College of Florida 100%
  2. Shasta Bible College and Graduate School 100%
  3. The King's University 100%
  4. Liberty University 99%
  5. Moody Bible Institute 98%
  6. Ozark Christian College 98%
  7. Dallas Baptist University 94%
  8. Houston Christian University 85%
  9. Oral Roberts University 85%
  10. Southwestern Assemblies of God University 85%
  1. Regent University 19 to 1
  2. Moody Bible Institute 19 to 1
  3. Southwestern Assemblies of God University 18 to 1
  4. Liberty University 17 to 1
  5. Truett McConnell University 17 to 1
  6. Toccoa Falls College 16 to 1
  7. Oral Roberts University 16 to 1
  8. Houston Christian University 16 to 1
  9. Trinity Baptist College 15 to 1
  10. LeTourneau University 15 to 1
  1. Biola University $44,382
  2. Houston Christian University $35,500
  3. Dallas Baptist University $33,620
  4. LeTourneau University $33,490
  5. Oral Roberts University $31,558
  6. Cairn University $31,020
  7. Arizona Christian University $30,624
  8. The Master's University $28,870
  9. Belhaven University $27,825
  10. Faulkner University $23,490
  1. Dallas Baptist University $19,872
  2. LeTourneau University $16,875
  3. Cairn University $16,596
  4. Regent University $15,590
  5. Colorado Christian University $13,474
  6. Toccoa Falls College $12,240
  7. Biola University $12,006
  8. Oral Roberts University $11,670
  9. Houston Christian University $11,000
  10. Belhaven University $10,530
  1. Shasta Bible College and Graduate School
  2. Trinity Baptist College
  3. Manhattan Christian College
  4. Truett McConnell University
  5. Central Christian College of the Bible
  6. College of Biblical Studies
  7. Bethesda University
  8. Arizona Christian University
  9. Ohio Christian University
  10. The King's University
  1. Shasta Bible College and Graduate School
  2. Central Christian College of the Bible
  3. Luther Rice College & Seminary
  4. Bethesda University
  5. Baptist College of Florida
  6. Manhattan Christian College
  7. Heritage Christian University
  8. Ozark Christian College
  9. College of Biblical Studies
  10. Ohio Christian University
  1. Regent University 41%
  2. Luther Rice College & Seminary 42%
  3. Trinity Baptist College 43%
  4. Manhattan Christian College 48%
  5. LeTourneau University 54%
  6. Biola University 61%
  7. Toccoa Falls College 62%
  8. Belhaven University 64%
  9. Faulkner University 65%
  10. Heritage Christian University 67%
  1. Shasta Bible College and Graduate School 2 to 1
  2. Heritage Christian University 7 to 1
  3. Central Christian College of the Bible 8 to 1
  4. Johnson University 8 to 1
  5. Belhaven University 8 to 1
  6. Baptist College of Florida 8 to 1
  7. Ohio Christian University 8 to 1
  8. Bethesda University 10 to 1
  9. The King's University 10 to 1
  10. The Master's University 11 to 1
  1. Bethesda University $6,560
  2. College of Biblical Studies $6,576
  3. Luther Rice College & Seminary $9,088
  4. Central Christian College of the Bible $9,250
  5. Heritage Christian University $11,632
  6. Baptist College of Florida $12,150
  7. Shasta Bible College and Graduate School $12,860
  8. Trinity Baptist College $13,180
  9. Ozark Christian College $14,260
  10. Moody Bible Institute $14,335
  1. Heritage Christian University $4,482
  2. Baptist College of Florida $4,500
  3. Central Christian College of the Bible $4,950
  4. Luther Rice College & Seminary $5,688
  5. Bethesda University $6,200
  6. Shasta Bible College and Graduate School $6,750
  7. Truett McConnell University $6,912
  8. Southwestern Assemblies of God University $7,650
  9. Liberty University $7,847
  10. The Master's University $8,400

Key Takeaways

  • If you choose to earn a bachelor’s in biblical studies, you are in for an immense blessing that will help you in your personal and ministry life. After all, not everyone has the passion and the opportunity to study the Scriptures.
  • Offering relevant online courses, a biblical studies degree is your gateway to Christian-affiliated careers like church administrators, educators, ministers, and pastors.
  • The availability of schools to offer an online bachelor’s in biblical studies provides people the best academic education for pursuing their religious calling.

Featured Programs

Back to Top

An Online Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies Is A Valuable Investment

Earning a bachelor’s in biblical studies is challenging, especially if you balance job, family, and school. Thankfully, many alternatives are available for the convenience of busy working adults. Many online schools offer this degree program, which has paved the way to accommodate more people bent on pursuing their religious calling.

In a biblical studies online degree program, your range of study includes the wisdom and poetry literature of the Jewish bible, biblical interpretation, discussions of the history of Israel and its ancient Eastern context, and a survey of the prophets (major and minor) of the Old Testament. This Biblical Studies program will also push you to investigate the teachings and life of Jesus Christ based on gospel accounts.

Within this online bachelor’s in biblical studies degree program, you will discover how the early Church and its theology were developed, including the epistles of Paul and other New Testament writers. You will learn more about apologetics—providing a rational argument for the Christine doctrine and Christian faith—from the philosophical and historical perspective and textual examination to uncover why you believe what you believe.

Throughout the program, your teaching and Bible study skills will grow since you will also be introduced to effective tools and methods for knowing the bible.

Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies Degree Online Career Paths

Pastors: Most people who earn their bachelor’s in biblical studies opt to earn their graduate degrees (MDiv, ThM, MAR), and become pastors. With a biblical studies degree, you will gain more knowledge of the field’s theological and biblical framework to help you prepare for serving as a leader or visionary in the church, society, and the world in the Christian worldview. Some options include:

  • Associate Pastor
  • Children’s Pastor
  • Youth Pastor
  • Teaching Pastor
  • Community Life Pastor
  • Spiritual Development Pastor

Missionary: A missionary is someone who is commissioned by the Lord to make disciples. Many Christians believe that Christian missionaries are people who leave their homes and head to developing nations to evangelize. Although many missionaries also go to “first world” countries, and are there to witness and build a community in Christ. Even missionaries prefer to work in community development or plant churches based on the Christian doctrine.

Directors: Most churches have full-time staff members, and earning a degree in biblical studies will help you land a job as a director of a ministry branch in the church. As the church director, you will be the one to make decisions, and work closely with other members of the church, which is why you need to have a strong biblical foundation to draw upon.

There are different types of church directors:

  • Christian Education Director
  • Children’s Program Director
  • Vacation Bible School Director
  • Youth Director
  • Worship Director
  • Women’s Ministry Director

Teacher: Many biblical studies degree holders work as teachers. If you plan to become one and prefer teaching in the public school system, you need to earn certification from the state where you live. But for many private schools, including Christian schools, teacher certification is no longer required. However, you need a degree in biblical studies so you will have a model for how Christian education works and a leg up on your competitors.

Chaplain: Chaplains are ministers that provide religious counseling and services. As a chaplain, you can consider working in various contexts depending on your passions and gifts. You can be a chaplain in places like:

  • Prisons
  • US Military (Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Navy, Army)
  • Professional Sports Teams
  • Hospitals
  • Colleges and Universities
  • Police and Fire Departments

Human Service Workers: Students who have the heart and passion for serving people in need can pursue further education so they can work in the social services and counseling fields. Popular careers in this field include:

  • Caseworker
  • Family and Child Social Worker
  • Substance Abuse Counselor
  • Probation Officer
  • School Guidance Counselor
  • Public Health Social Workers
  • Mental Health Counselor
  • Clinical Psychologist

Frequently Asked Questions About Biblical Studies Degrees

Earning a bachelor’s degree in biblical studies opens the door for many different career paths.

Back to Top

Students will gain a deeper understanding of the Bible, and learn how to apply this understanding in organizational and community settings. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to practice their oral and written communication skills while exploring the historical elements of the scriptures.

You can pursue either your Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in Biblical Studies, either online or in person.

Back to Top

The roughly 120 credits needed can be completed in about four to five years, and can qualify you to work as a counselor, Christian education director, writer, pastor, or missionary. Graduates, however, may want to check with their specific organization for additional ordination and educational requirements.

Back to Top

Learn more about how to major in religious studies.

Back to Top

Best Online Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies Degree Programs

  1. #1

    Biola University

    La Mirada , CA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $44K

    Acceptance

    61%

    Graduation

    70%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1180/25

    Career Outlook for Biblical Studies degree at Biola University

    Cost of Degree: $44,382
    Expenses: $15,514
    Starting Salary: $32,772
    Salary after 4 years: $40,521
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Biblical Ministries
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online
  2. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1100/23

    Career Outlook for Biblical Studies degree at Oral Roberts University

    Cost of Degree: $32,640
    Expenses: $14,676
    Starting Salary: $27,860
    Salary after 4 years: $34,447
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Biblical Literature

    Concentrations

    • English Bible
    • New Testament
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
  3. #5

    Liberty University

    Lynchburg , VA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $23K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    129K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1145/25

    Career Outlook for Biblical Studies degree at Liberty University

    Cost of Degree: $16,203
    Expenses: $19,987
    Starting Salary: $26,761
    Salary after 4 years: $33,089
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Biblical And Educational Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 3.5 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Religion

    Concentrations

    • Biblical And Theological Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 3.5 years
    • Format: Online
  4. #6

    Regent University

    Virginia Beach , VA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $19K

    Acceptance

    41%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1080/25

    Career Outlook for Biblical Studies degree at Regent University

    Cost of Degree: $19,680
    Expenses: $11,182
    Starting Salary: $29,476
    Salary after 4 years: $36,445
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Biblical and Theological Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in English-Biblical Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Professional Studies – Biblical and Theological Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
  5. #8

    Cairn University

    Langhorne , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $31K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for Biblical Studies degree at Cairn University

    Cost of Degree: $31,640
    Expenses: $14,979
    Starting Salary: $25,016
    Salary after 4 years: $30,931
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Bible

    Concentrations

    • Biblical Studies
    • Christian Ministry
    • Intro to Counseling
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Accounting + Bible
    • Required Credits: 151
    • Completion time: 4-4.5 years
    • Format: Online
  6. #9

    The Master's University

    Santa Clarita , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $29K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for Biblical Studies degree at The Master's University

    Cost of Degree: $32,870
    Expenses: $16,452
    Starting Salary: $33,677
    Salary after 4 years: $41,640
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Biblical Counseling
    • Required Credits: 52
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in Biblical Studies
    • Required Credits: 48
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online
  7. Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    42%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for Biblical Studies degree at Luther Rice College & Seminary

    Cost of Degree: $9,808
    Starting Salary: $29,346
    Salary after 4 years: $36,285

    Online Degrees

    BA in Theology

    Concentrations

    • Biblical Studies
    • Minor In Biblical Counseling
    • Minor In Christian Worldview
    • Minor In Ministry
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 48 months
    • Format: Online
  8. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1090/23

    Career Outlook for Biblical Studies degree at Dallas Baptist University

    Cost of Degree: $35,310
    Expenses: $13,947
    Starting Salary: $31,803
    Salary after 4 years: $39,323
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Biblical Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online
  9. #12

    Johnson University

    Knoxville , TN
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $19K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    974/21

    Career Outlook for Biblical Studies degree at Johnson University

    Cost of Degree: $19,274
    Expenses: $11,689
    Starting Salary: $20,491
    Salary after 4 years: $25,336
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    Double Major: BA/BS in Bible & Theology and Applied Linguistics
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Double Major: BS Bible & Theology and Organizational Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Double Major: BA/BS Bible & Theology and Pastoral Care and Counseling
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Double Major: BA in Bible & Theology and Intercultural Studies
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Double Major: BA/BS in Bible & Theology and Ministry Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Double Major: BS in Bible & Theology and Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Entrepreneurship
    • Required Credits: 130
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  10. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    14K

    Career Outlook for Biblical Studies degree at Colorado Christian University

    Cost of Degree: $26,846
    Expenses: $12,774
    Starting Salary: $28,829
    Salary after 4 years: $35,646
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Biblical Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Applied Psychology

    Concentrations

    • Biblical Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
  11. #14

    LeTourneau University

    Longview , TX
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    54%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1220/25

    Career Outlook for Biblical Studies degree at LeTourneau University

    Cost of Degree: $34,470
    Expenses: $14,868
    Starting Salary: $36,715
    Salary after 4 years: $45,397
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Biblical Studies and Ministry
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online
  12. #15

    Toccoa Falls College

    Toccoa Falls , GA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $21K

    Acceptance

    62%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for Biblical Studies degree at Toccoa Falls College

    Cost of Degree: $22,350
    Expenses: $13,600
    Starting Salary: $20,814
    Salary after 4 years: $25,736
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Theology

    Concentrations

    • Biblical Studies
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion time: 48 months
    • Format: Online
  13. #16

    Baptist College of Florida

    Graceville , FL

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    100%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1030/21

    Career Outlook for Biblical Studies degree at Baptist College of Florida

    Cost of Degree: $12,450
    Expenses: $8,782
    Starting Salary: $23,400
    Salary after 4 years: $28,932
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Biblical Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  14. Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    98%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for Biblical Studies degree at Ozark Christian College

    Cost of Degree: $14,680
    Expenses: $10,850
    Starting Salary: $21,913
    Salary after 4 years: $27,094
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Biblical Studies

    Concentrations

    • Biblical Education
    • Professional Education
    • General Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  15. #21

    The King's University

    Southlake , TX

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    100%

    Graduation

    41%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1050/23

    Career Outlook for Biblical Studies degree at The King's University

    Cost of Degree: $12,720
    Starting Salary: $30,445
    Salary after 4 years: $37,644

    Online Degrees

    BA in Biblical and Theological Studies
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in Biblical Counseling
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online
  16. #22

    Ohio Christian University

    Circleville , OH
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $23K

    Graduation

    29%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for Biblical Studies degree at Ohio Christian University

    Cost of Degree: $17,597
    Expenses: $12,580
    Starting Salary: $21,331
    Salary after 4 years: $26,375
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Biblical Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Leadership And Ministry

    Concentrations

    • Biblical Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  17. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $31K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    36%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1028/19

    Career Outlook for Biblical Studies degree at Arizona Christian University

    Cost of Degree: $31,846
    Expenses: $19,300
    Starting Salary: $22,559
    Salary after 4 years: $27,893
    Cost Recoup Time: 22 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Biblical and Theological Studies
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  18. #24

    Bethesda University

    Anaheim , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Graduation

    15%

    Student body

    <1K

    Online Degrees

    BA in Religion

    Concentrations

    • Biblical Studies
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online
  19. Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Graduation

    40%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for Biblical Studies degree at College of Biblical Studies

    Cost of Degree: $7,475
    Starting Salary: $27,666
    Salary after 4 years: $34,207

    Online Degrees

    BS in Biblical Studies & Biblical Counseling
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online
  20. Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Graduation

    43%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for Biblical Studies degree at Central Christian College of the Bible

    Cost of Degree: $9,850
    Expenses: $12,510
    Starting Salary: $19,780
    Salary after 4 years: $24,457
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Biblical Ministry
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  21. Tuition + fees

    $23K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    35%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1030/21

    Career Outlook for Biblical Studies degree at Truett McConnell University

    Cost of Degree: $24,440
    Expenses: $13,956
    Starting Salary: $23,981
    Salary after 4 years: $29,652
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Theology

    Concentrations

    • Christian Studies - Biblical & Theological Studies
    • Required Credits: 125
    • Completion time: 48 months
    • Format: Online
  22. Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Acceptance

    48%

    Graduation

    32%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for Biblical Studies degree at Manhattan Christian College

    Cost of Degree: $17,914
    Expenses: $17,140
    Starting Salary: $25,080
    Salary after 4 years: $31,011
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Biblical Leadership
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  23. #29

    Trinity Baptist College

    Jacksonville , FL

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    43%

    Graduation

    18%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    999/19

    Career Outlook for Biblical Studies degree at Trinity Baptist College

    Cost of Degree: $14,300
    Expenses: $9,818
    Starting Salary: $21,525
    Salary after 4 years: $26,615
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Degree in Biblical Studies
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  24. Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    100%

    Student body

    <1K

    Online Degrees

    BA in Bible and Theology
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion time: 4.5-5.5 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in Christian Professional Studies

    Concentrations

    • Biblical Studies
    • Required Credits: 88
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online

Career Outlook for Students with Biblical Studies Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Theology/Theological Studies

Degree Level: Bachelor's

  • Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
  • Job Growth: 0.78%
  • Number of Jobs: 295,800

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary2.75%$76,104
Clergy0.56%$52,663

Average Career Salaries

Bottom 10%MedianTop 10%
$40,605$63,748$100,982

Promising Job Markets

StateCost of LivingAvg. Salary
#2 Utah4% higher than average$84,750
#3 Georgia13% higher than average$68,025
#4 Missouri16% higher than average$64,765
#5 Ohio14% higher than average$65,185
#6 New Mexico7% higher than average$68,215

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary$76,104
Clergy$52,663
Back to Top

Online Biblical Studies Programs Looking for You

Back to Top

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.

Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here