Best Online Master’s in Theology

Published: Jul 7, 2021
Updated: Nov 22, 2023

Find top-ranked online master’s in theology degree programs for students who want to further their career in areas such as teaching, pastoral roles or writers.

Key Takeaways

Online programs in master’s in theology can be handy for anyone who wants to study history and God’s Word deeper and apply it in everyday life, at work, or in a job related to ministry and religion.
Typically, a master’s in theology and Christian apologetics requires one to two years of intensive study.
After finishing an online master’s degree in theology, graduates can work as church retreat coordinators, student ministry directors, church or charity administrators, and church leaders.

Mercer University
Biola University
Liberty University
Fuller Theological Seminary
St. Mary's University, Texas
Regent University
Saint Leo University
Catholic Theological Union
Southwestern Assemblies of God University
Calvin Theological Seminary

Saint John Vianney Seminary 100%
Roberts Wesleyan University 100%
Wesley Biblical Seminary 100%
Liberty University 99%
The King's University 94%
St. Mary's University, Texas 86%
Southwestern Assemblies of God University 86%
Truett McConnell University 81%
Saint Leo University 80%
Mercer University 75%

Campbellsville University 23 to 1
Trevecca Nazarene University 22 to 1
Regent University 21 to 1
Liberty University 18 to 1
Saint Leo University 18 to 1
Southwestern Assemblies of God University 17 to 1
Truett McConnell University 16 to 1
Concordia University Irvine 14 to 1
Roberts Wesleyan University 13 to 1
Mercer University 13 to 1

Biola University $44,382
Concordia University Irvine $40,180
Mercer University $39,708
Roberts Wesleyan University $36,124
St. Mary's University, Texas $35,226
Newman University, Wichita $34,400
Trevecca Nazarene University $28,200
Saint Leo University $27,050
Campbellsville University $26,100
Truett McConnell University $24,440

Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg $24,000
Catholic Theological Union $23,232
Saint John Vianney Seminary $23,100
Fuller Theological Seminary $22,560
St. Mary's University, Texas $19,224
Saint Leo University $18,436
Asbury Theological Seminary $16,608
Calvin Theological Seminary $16,269
Regent University $16,028
Mercer University $15,531

Truett McConnell University
Saint Leo University
Newman University, Wichita
The King's University
Saint John Vianney Seminary
Northeastern Seminary
Southwestern Assemblies of God University
Wesley Biblical Seminary
Holy Apostles College and Seminary
Concordia University Irvine

Roberts Wesleyan University
Northeastern Seminary
Luther Rice College & Seminary
Newman University, Wichita
Wesley Biblical Seminary
Saint John Vianney Seminary
Truett McConnell University
The King's University
Catholic Distance University
Holy Apostles College and Seminary

Regent University 32%
Newman University, Wichita 51%
Biola University 57%
Luther Rice College & Seminary 68%
Concordia University Irvine 69%
Trevecca Nazarene University 71%
Mercer University 75%
Saint Leo University 80%
Truett McConnell University 81%
Southwestern Assemblies of God University 86%

Catholic Distance University 3 to 1
Saint John Vianney Seminary 4 to 1
Holy Apostles College and Seminary 8 to 1
Newman University, Wichita 10 to 1
Luther Rice College & Seminary 10 to 1
The King's University 10 to 1
St. Mary's University, Texas 11 to 1
Wesley Biblical Seminary 11 to 1
Roberts Wesleyan University 13 to 1
Mercer University 13 to 1

Catholic Distance University $8,880
Wesley Biblical Seminary $9,000
Holy Apostles College and Seminary $9,440
Luther Rice College & Seminary $9,808
The King's University $12,720
Southwestern Assemblies of God University $17,782
Regent University $19,680
Liberty University $22,511
Saint John Vianney Seminary $23,100
Truett McConnell University $24,440

Luther Rice College & Seminary $5,976
Holy Apostles College and Seminary $7,020
Liberty University $7,893
Newman University, Wichita $7,920
Southwestern Assemblies of God University $8,280
Truett McConnell University $8,460
Concordia University Irvine $8,528
Catholic Distance University $8,550
Campbellsville University $8,904
The King's University $9,450

Table of Contents

Featured Programs

Career Prospects for Online Master’s in Theology Graduates

An online master’s in theology leads to rewarding religious and faith careers, but it is the master’s in divinity that is most likely to carve out a career in congregation leadership. Some possible career pathways for prospective students to consider are to work as a church directory, a head in ministry, or become a charity coordinator.

Teaching in theology departments of accredited postsecondary higher education institutions usually requires a graduate degree. The same can be said of teaching in colleges and universities and overseeing intensive research work. Many institutions, however, expect master’s graduates who stay on to work towards a doctorate.

Reasons to Enroll in an Online Master’s in Theology

An online master’s in biblical theology may be a great choice for graduate students who want to grow in their leadership outside the church. Discover why an online master’s in theology is a great academic route for prospective students:

A Must for a Pastor’s Arsenal

Church leaders interested in growing in their knowledge of Scripture and systematic theology, and then sharing it with their congregation will benefit from an online master in biblical theology degree. By earning this degree, church leaders are prepared to share Christian Scripture with others effectively. Would-be pastors and church leaders need to keep studying the Bible and all the passages for them to preach better.

Enhance Leadership Skills

An online master’s in biblical theology, which also covers clinical pastoral education online courses, can help you develop strategic leadership skills. These skills are especially helpful for those considering entering the ministry. With this degree, students are taught how to become more organized personally and how to prepare their lessons more effectively.

Effective communication is essential for church leaders. Church leaders can also benefit from an online master’s in biblical theology when directing teams under their authority. They must use the right leadership techniques and methods to guide people in the ministry.

Further Biblical Study

This online master’s degree focuses on the application of Scripture, its interpretation, and its interpretation of Scripture. By interpreting Scripture in a way that people can understand, it prepares them to share Scripture with others effectively and informally. They will have expertise in God’s Word.

Great Quality of Higher Education

The majority of people aim to continue their education after graduating from college. They can do so by earning a master’s degree in biblical theology. A degree like this allows individuals to further their education and increases their understanding of Scripture, which is valuable in any professional setting.

People with a thorough and well-rounded knowledge of the Bible are better equipped to make godly decisions regardless of their career path. No matter their pathway, a theology study can keep their skills apart.

Frequently Asked Questions About Theology Degrees

A master’s degree in theology is an excellent degree for students who feel called to serve God in their life and career. Students with an interest in Christian Leadership can focus their graduate study through concentrations like the Biblical Witness, Practical Theology, and Religion and Society.

Credits vary greatly by program, but on average, about 50 are needed for graduation.

Students will explore the sacred scriptures from a scholarly perspective and, depending on the nature of their program, may also learn divinity leadership skills. Before graduation, students will likely need to compile a portfolio or write a thesis.

Once completed, graduates can continue on to earn a doctoral degree in theology, or they can hold pastoral roles in their churches, work as chaplains, or author influential writings.

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

How do we determine the best online theology master's degree programs?

Methodology

Pursuing your degree online doesn’t mean you need to settle for an inferior school. Today, most universities and colleges offer online degrees, and many respected schools are seeing significant growth in their numbers of online students.

The people affiliated with a school are ultimately what make it great. This is why influence — i.e., the academic impact of faculty and alumni associated with a school — gets at the heart of what is truly best in education. The combined influence score of a college or university’s top academic influencers is the best indicator of academic excellence. For our online degree rankings, we focus on the academic influence of faculty and alumni in the specific disciplines we’re ranking.

If you are serious about finding the best online colleges, you should be asking where the most influential professors are teaching, and whether their graduates themselves are advancing the school’s reputation for academic excellence. Most ranking sites rely on an opaque combination of reputation surveys and arbitrary performance metrics. Influence, as measured by our InfluenceRanking engine, provides a ranking that is free from bias, insulated from manipulation, and reflective of real-world educational outcomes.

Best Online Master’s in Theology Degree Programs

Career Outlook for Students with Theology Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Theology/Theological Studies

Degree Level: Master's

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

Career Salaries

Career	Job Growth	Avg. Salary
Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary	2.75%	$76,104
Clergy	0.56%	$52,663

Average Career Salaries

Bottom 10%	Median	Top 10%
$40,605	$63,748	$100,982

Promising Job Markets

State	Cost of Living	Avg. Salary
#2 Utah	4% higher than average	$84,750
#3 Georgia	13% higher than average	$68,025
#4 Missouri	16% higher than average	$64,765
#5 Ohio	14% higher than average	$65,185
#6 New Mexico	7% higher than average	$68,215
#7 Texas	10% higher than average	$65,635
#8 New York	5% higher than average	$75,740
#9 Kentucky	14% higher than average	$61,640
#10 Indiana	11% higher than average	$63,240
#11 Vermont	13% higher than average	$80,110
#12 Arizona	5% higher than average	$67,365
#13 Illinois	7% higher than average	$65,785
#14 Virginia	5% higher than average	$67,265
#15 Michigan	15% higher than average	$59,490
#16 Minnesota	4% higher than average	$65,225
#17 Pennsylvania	5% higher than average	$64,240
#18 North Carolina	11% higher than average	$59,740
#19 Massachusetts	24% higher than average	$82,745
#20 Mississippi	18% higher than average	$55,005
#21 Maryland	18% higher than average	$78,785
#22 Nebraska	6% higher than average	$62,375
#23 Arkansas	16% higher than average	$55,740
#24 Wisconsin	7% higher than average	$61,305
#25 West Virginia	11% higher than average	$57,885
#26 Alabama	13% higher than average	$56,230
#27 Tennessee	14% higher than average	$55,745
#28 Iowa	9% higher than average	$58,870
#29 New Jersey	13% higher than average	$72,095
#30 Louisiana	9% higher than average	$57,540
#31 Oklahoma	13% higher than average	$55,040
#32 Maine	9% higher than average	$68,865
#33 Rhode Island	20% higher than average	$75,620
#34 California	26% higher than average	$79,370
#35 Colorado	3% higher than average	$64,935
#36 New Hampshire	13% higher than average	$70,050
#37 Washington	7% higher than average	$66,205
#38 South Carolina	8% higher than average	$56,045
#39 Montana	3% higher than average	$58,570
#40 Florida	6% higher than average	$56,390
#41 Oregon	11% higher than average	$64,635
#42 Nevada	5% higher than average	$60,840
#43 Connecticut	18% higher than average	$68,560
#44 Kansas	9% higher than average	$52,895
#45 Idaho	7% higher than average	$50,795
#46 Delaware	2% higher than average	$54,210
#47 South Dakota	7% higher than average	$47,370
#48 Wyoming	2% higher than average	$49,410
#49 North Dakota	average	$48,570
#50 District of Columbia	49% higher than average	$71,515
#51 Alaska	23% higher than average	$53,740
#52 Hawaii	40% higher than average	$55,540

Top Industries

Industry	Avg. Salary
Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary	$76,104
Clergy	$52,663

Data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Department of Education College Scorecard, The Department of Education NCES, and The Council for Community and Economic Research.

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.

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

Best Online Master’s in Theology

Key Takeaways

Top 10 Online Theology Master's Degrees

Featured Programs

Career Prospects for Online Master’s in Theology Graduates

Reasons to Enroll in an Online Master’s in Theology

A Must for a Pastor’s Arsenal

Enhance Leadership Skills

Further Biblical Study

Great Quality of Higher Education

Frequently Asked Questions About Theology Degrees

Why get a master’s in theology?

How many credits are needed to get a master’s in theology?

What will you learn while getting a master’s in theology?

What can you do with a master’s in theology?

Best Online Master’s in Theology Degree Programs

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for Theology degree at Biola University

Online Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for Theology degree at Liberty University

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Career Outlook for Theology degree at Asbury Theological Seminary

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Online Degrees

Career Outlook for Theology degree at Regent University

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Career Outlook for Theology degree at Mercer University

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Career Outlook for Theology degree at Roberts Wesleyan University

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for Theology degree at Trevecca Nazarene University

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Online Degrees

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Career Outlook for Theology degree at Luther Rice College & Seminary

Online Degrees

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Online Degrees

Career Outlook for Theology degree at St. Mary's University, Texas

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for Theology degree at Campbellsville University

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for Theology degree at Concordia University Irvine

Online Degrees

Concentrations

Online Degrees

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Online Degrees

Career Outlook for Theology degree at Southwestern Assemblies of God University

Online Degrees

Concentrations

Online Degrees

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for Theology degree at The King's University

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for Theology degree at Newman University, Wichita

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for Theology degree at Saint Leo University

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for Theology degree at Truett McConnell University

Online Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for Students with Theology Degree

Theology/Theological Studies

Degree Level: Master's

Career Salaries

Average Career Salaries

Promising Job Markets

Top Industries

Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect from an online college course?+

Is online college easier?+

Why does accreditation matter in online college?+

Will I be able to transfer my online college degree?+