Best Online Master’s in Biblical Studies

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Find top-ranked online master’s degree in biblical studies programs to prepare students to become professors, theologians, chaplains, and more.

Key Takeaways

  • An online master’s degree in biblical studies allows students to select a focus area that best suits their educational and career goals.

  • An online master’s degree program in biblical studies is a perfect solution for working professionals because you can complete school while continuing to work.
  • An online biblical studies degree can lead to a wide range of career options in ministry, service,counseling, or education.

Top 10 Online Master's in Biblical Studies Degree Programs

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  1. Dallas Theological Seminary
  2. Biola University
  3. Andrews University
  4. Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
  5. Bob Jones University
  6. Liberty University
  7. Calvin Theological Seminary
  8. Western Seminary
  9. Denver Seminary
  10. Abilene Christian University
  1. Bob Jones University
  2. Biola University
  3. Liberty University
  4. Andrews University
  5. Dallas Theological Seminary
  6. Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
  7. University of Dallas
  8. Abilene Christian University
  9. Regent University
  10. Faulkner University
  1. Alliance University 100%
  2. Liberty University 99%
  3. Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary 98%
  4. Houston Christian University 85%
  5. Andrews University 82%
  6. Cairn University 82%
  7. Southern Baptist Theological Seminary 80%
  8. Trevecca Nazarene University 78%
  9. Abilene Christian University 70%
  10. The Master's University 67%
  1. Southern Baptist Theological Seminary 19 to 1
  2. Regent University 19 to 1
  3. Liberty University 17 to 1
  4. Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary 16 to 1
  5. Alliance University 16 to 1
  6. Houston Christian University 16 to 1
  7. Columbia International University 15 to 1
  8. Biola University 14 to 1
  9. Abilene Christian University 13 to 1
  10. Trevecca Nazarene University 13 to 1
  1. University of Dallas $46,864
  2. Biola University $44,382
  3. Abilene Christian University $39,350
  4. Houston Christian University $35,500
  5. Andrews University $31,782
  6. Cairn University $31,020
  7. The Master's University $28,870
  8. Trevecca Nazarene University $26,898
  9. Alliance University $26,500
  10. Columbia International University $25,590
  1. University of Dallas $33,750
  2. Andrews University $28,656
  3. Abilene Christian University $24,174
  4. Catholic Theological Union $22,560
  5. Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg $22,500
  6. Dallas Theological Seminary $17,903
  7. Calvin Theological Seminary $17,457
  8. Cairn University $16,596
  9. Asbury Theological Seminary $16,440
  10. Regent University $15,590
  1. Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
  2. Columbia International University
  3. Luther Rice College & Seminary
  4. The Master's University
  5. Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg
  6. Trevecca Nazarene University
  7. Cairn University
  8. Faulkner University
  9. University of Dallas
  10. Alliance University
  1. Luther Rice College & Seminary
  2. Columbia International University
  3. Alliance University
  4. Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
  5. Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg
  6. The Master's University
  7. Cairn University
  8. Denver Seminary
  9. Trevecca Nazarene University
  10. Asbury Theological Seminary
  1. Regent University 41%
  2. Luther Rice College & Seminary 42%
  3. Columbia International University 46%
  4. University of Dallas 58%
  5. Biola University 61%
  6. Faulkner University 65%
  7. The Master's University 67%
  8. Abilene Christian University 70%
  9. Trevecca Nazarene University 78%
  10. Southern Baptist Theological Seminary 80%
  1. Andrews University 10 to 1
  2. The Master's University 11 to 1
  3. Cairn University 11 to 1
  4. Luther Rice College & Seminary 11 to 1
  5. Bob Jones University 12 to 1
  6. University of Dallas 12 to 1
  7. Abilene Christian University 13 to 1
  8. Trevecca Nazarene University 13 to 1
  9. Faulkner University 13 to 1
  10. Biola University 14 to 1
  1. Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary $8,410
  2. Luther Rice College & Seminary $9,088
  3. Southern Baptist Theological Seminary $11,896
  4. Regent University $18,820
  5. Bob Jones University $20,950
  6. Liberty University $22,713
  7. Faulkner University $23,490
  8. Columbia International University $25,590
  9. Alliance University $26,500
  10. Trevecca Nazarene University $26,898
  1. Luther Rice College & Seminary $5,688
  2. Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary $6,100
  3. Liberty University $7,847
  4. The Master's University $8,400
  5. Southern Baptist Theological Seminary $8,550
  6. Bob Jones University $9,532
  7. Faulkner University $10,374
  8. Columbia International University $10,710
  9. Houston Christian University $11,000
  10. Trevecca Nazarene University $11,235
Students having a bible study

Featured Programs

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Biblical Studies Degrees

If you want to improve your leadership skills, dive into the scriptures with greater depth, and find ways to channel your faith into a career, pursuing an online master’s degree in biblical studies may be a good option. This degree path comes in a variety forms and focuses, allowing students to select an option that best suits their educational and career goals.

Key Point: With classes available online and in person, an online advanced degree in biblical studies is perfect for working professionals who may need more flexibility.

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A master’s degree in biblical studies program online typically range from about 36-60 required credits and can take between two and four years to complete.

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Online master students will take advanced courses covering topics like Christian theology, teaching the Bible, and biblical interpretation.

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An online biblical studies degree helps prepare students for a wide range of careers, including:

  • Pastor
  • Theologian
  • Professor
  • Counselor
  • Missionary
  • Youth Minister
  • Director of a Christian Non-Profit

Key Point: An online master’s degree earned in a biblical studies program opens up a wide range of career options for graduates.

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Learn more about what you can do with a master’s in religious studies.

Group bible study

Best Online Master’s in Biblical Studies Degree Programs

  1. Student body

    3K

    Online Degrees

    MA in Biblical and Theological Studies
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  2. #2

    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: $12,006
    Expenses: $15,514
    Starting Salary: $45,165
    Salary after 4 years: $52,348
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MA in Bible Exposition
    • Required Credits: 49
    • Completion time: 2.5-3.5 years
    • Format: Online
  3. Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1081/22

    Online Degrees

    MDiv in Divinity

    Concentrations

    • Christian Ministry
    • Great Commission Studies
    • Biblical Counseling
    • Required Credits: 88
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  4. #6

    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: $8,405
    Expenses: $19,987
    Starting Salary: $36,880
    Salary after 4 years: $42,746
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    ThM in Theology

    Concentrations

    • Biblical Studies
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 1 year
    • Format: Online
    MA in Biblical Exposition
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 1.5 years
    • Format: Online
    MA in Biblical Languages
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 1 year
    • Format: Online
    MABS in Biblical Studies
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
  5. #7

    Calvin Theological Seminary

    Grand Rapids , MI

    Student body

    <1K

    Online Degrees

    MA in Bible and Theology
    • Required Credits: 39
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  6. #8

    Western Seminary

    Portland , OR

    Student body

    1K

    Online Degrees

    MABL in Applied Biblical Leadership
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 3 years
    • Format: Online
    MA in Biblical And Theological Studies
    • Required Credits: 56
    • Completion time: 24 months
    • Format: Online
  7. #9

    Denver Seminary

    Littleton , CO

    Student body

    1K

    Online Degrees

    MA in Biblical and Theological Studies
    • Required Credits: 39
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  8. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1115/24

    Career Outlook for Biblical Studies degree at Abilene Christian University

    Cost of Degree: $24,174
    Expenses: $16,022
    Starting Salary: $43,561
    Salary after 4 years: $50,490
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MA in Christian Ministry

    Concentrations

    • Ministry and Bible
    • Required Credits: 48
    • Completion time: 2.5-3.5 years
    • Format: Online
  9. Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for Biblical Studies degree at Asbury Theological Seminary

    Cost of Degree: $17,328
    Starting Salary: $44,719
    Salary after 4 years: $51,832

    Online Degrees

    ThM in Theology

    Concentrations

    • Biblical Studies
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    MBT in Biblical And Theological Foundations
    • Required Credits: 39
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    MA in Biblical Studies
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 3 years
    • Format: Online
  10. Student body

    <1K

    Online Degrees

    MA in Biblical Ministry
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  11. #14

    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: $17,628
    Expenses: $11,182
    Starting Salary: $40,622
    Salary after 4 years: $47,083
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    ThM in Biblical Studies
    • Required Credits: 24
    • Completion time: 1.5 years
    • Format: Online
    MTS in Biblical Languages
    • Required Credits: 48
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    MTS in Biblical Studies
    • Required Credits: 48
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    MDiv in Biblical Languages
    • Required Credits: 72
    • Completion time: 3 years
    • Format: Online
    MA in Human Services

    Concentrations

    • Biblical Counseling
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
  12. #15

    Alliance University

    New York , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $27K

    Acceptance

    100%

    Graduation

    40%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    960/19

    Career Outlook for Biblical Studies degree at Alliance University

    Cost of Degree: $14,900
    Expenses: $21,615
    Starting Salary: $41,602
    Salary after 4 years: $48,218
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MA in Biblical Literature

    Concentrations

    • New Testament
    • Old Testament
    • Required Credits: 54
    • Completion time: 3-4 years
    • Format: Online
    MA in Biblical Studies
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MDiv in Theology

    Concentrations

    • Mission Bible and Greek Theology
    • Required Credits: 93
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online
    MDiv in Theology

    Concentrations

    • Mission Bible and Hebrew Theology
    • Required Credits: 93
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online
  13. #16

    University of Dallas

    Irving , TX
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $47K

    Acceptance

    58%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/26

    Career Outlook for Biblical Studies degree at University of Dallas

    Cost of Degree: $33,750
    Expenses: $18,430
    Starting Salary: $45,788
    Salary after 4 years: $53,071
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MA in Theological Studies

    Concentrations

    • Biblical Studies
    • Required Credits: 37
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  14. #18

    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: $10,278
    Expenses: $14,979
    Starting Salary: $34,475
    Salary after 4 years: $39,958
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS/MA in Bible and Religion
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  15. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $27K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1146/22

    Career Outlook for Biblical Studies degree at Trevecca Nazarene University

    Cost of Degree: $11,774
    Expenses: $12,410
    Starting Salary: $43,650
    Salary after 4 years: $50,593
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MA in Theology and Biblical Studies
    • Required Credits: 32
    • Completion time: 18- 24 months
    • Format: Online
  16. Student body

    <1K

    Online Degrees

    MA in Arts

    Concentrations

    • Bible
    • History
    • Theology
    • Pastoral Care
    • Interfaith Studies
    • Christian Education
    • Lutheran Studies
    • Liturgy and Music
    • Integrative Theology
    • Metropolitan/ Urban Ministry
    • Rural Ministry
    • Black Church
    • Required Credits: 51
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
  17. #21

    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: $8,550
    Expenses: $16,452
    Starting Salary: $46,412
    Salary after 4 years: $53,794
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MABS in Biblical Studies
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  18. Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    42%

    Student body

    <1K

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

    Cost of Degree: $6,996
    Starting Salary: $40,443
    Salary after 4 years: $46,876

    Online Degrees

    MA in Theology

    Concentrations

    • Biblical Counseling
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 18-24 months
    • Format: Online
  19. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $26K

    Acceptance

    46%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1045/20

    Career Outlook for Biblical Studies degree at Columbia International University

    Cost of Degree: $11,930
    Expenses: $13,430
    Starting Salary: $27,972
    Salary after 4 years: $32,421
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MA in Bible Exposition
    • Required Credits: 48
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    MDiv in Divinity

    Concentrations

    • Bible Exposition
    • Care And Counseling
    • Chaplaincy
    • Ministry Studies
    • Missiological Studies
    • Muslim Studies
    • Teaching English As A Foreign Language
    • Youth Ministry Leadership
    • Required Credits: 78
    • Completion time: 3 years
    • Format: Online
  20. Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    98%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    5K

    Online Degrees

    MTS in Theological Studies

    Concentrations

    • Biblical Studies
    • Church Planting
    • Church Revitalization
    • Leadership
    • Discipleship Ministries
    • Missions
    • Preaching And Pastoral Ministry
    • Worship Ministries
    • Required Credits: 45
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    MA in Biblical Counseling
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    MDiv in Divinity

    Concentrations

    • Biblical Counseling
    • Biblical Languages
    • Preaching And Pastoral Ministry
    • Christian Education
    • Church Planting
    • Leadership
    • Christian Ministry
    • Required Credits: 90
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online

Career Outlook for Students with Biblical Studies Degree

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Theology/Theological Studies

Degree Level: Master'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
Religious professional in a church
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Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require some adjustment. While you’ll generally learn the same content and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, the medium will likely require you to manage much of this experience independently. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, your ability to harness the technology at your fingertips, and your ability to focus on the lectures, lessons, and assignments at hand. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take it upon yourself to build 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 is actually getting there. Taking the commute out of the equation means getting to class should be a lot more manageable. But that’s where it ends. In general, your online courses will incorporate the very same materials, concepts, and testing methods as would a traditional classroom.

And 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 or working with remote learning technology for the first time, online college may even be a little more challenging for you. For a few insights on how to manage this new 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 institutions and less-than-reputable for-profit schools. Accreditation gives you the power to differentiate between the two. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency which indicates that a college or university is meeting standards of quality, credibility, and currency. 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 which is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. When seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that students 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.

As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited, 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. In many cases, you will be required to navigate a bureaucracy in which some of your credits will be transferred and others will be jettisoned. However, provided that you have attended an online school with the proper regional accreditation, you should have plenty of options for transfer.

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 resume 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.

While some employers may express concern about making the adjustment from online education to in-person workplace collaboration, many other employers will 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 require some adjustment.

While there is much that can be supplanted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing which can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual classroom setting. As you make the adjustment to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face is overcoming this difference in order to the get the most out of your classes. Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.

The advantages of online classes are many. First and foremost, 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 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 Prospective Grad 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.

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