How To Get an Online Master’s Degree in Biblical Studies

Time needed: Approximately 2 Years

Prestige can be an important factor when it comes to graduate school. The best online master’s programs will carry significant weight with future employers and open doors to employment. Make sure that the online grad school you choose is well-regarded, especially in your chosen field.

Tools you will need:

• Computer
• Textbooks

Supplies you will need:

• Notebooks
• Pens or Pencils
• Transcripts
• Letters of Recommendation
• Test Scores
• Personal Essay
• College Application
• FAFSA
• Scholarship Applications

Check Schoolwide Accreditation

Checking the accreditation status of your online grad school program is an important part of the process. Accreditation is very important. Accreditation means your degree comes from a school that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. There are two kinds of school-wide accreditation—national accreditation and regional accreditation. For academic institutions, regional accreditation is better than national accreditation. But national accreditation is more common and is well respected when it comes to religious schools like seminary or rabbinical school. Jump to our complete list of regional accreditation agencies you should look for when considering a college or university to attend.

Check Program Accreditation

Programmatic accreditation is accreditation for individual degree programs, departments or schools within a university or grad school (as opposed to the university- or school-wide accreditation described above). Programmatic accreditation is important at the grad school level. In fact, you may be required to earn a grad degree with specific programmatic accreditation to qualify for professional licensing in certain fields. Make sure the grad school program you apply to has the proper accreditation for your career goals. The Department of Education and the Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) recognize dozens of programmatic accreditation organizations. Read the full list here.

Check Testing Requirements

Some online master’s programs will require you to complete a Graduate Record Examination (GRE) for entry and others will not. Scoring requirements on the GRE will vary from one online master’s program to the next. You have a choice between online master’s programs that require this standardized exam and those which do not. If you choose an online master’s degree in biblical studies program that does require the GRE, check out our tips for how to succeed on your grad school entrance exam.

Pick a Location

Location is a key factor whether you plan to earn your master’s degree in biblical studies online or in person. There are numerous benefits to attending school close to home, including in-state tuition rates and convenient travel for in-person requirements. This is true even for online grad students. One great way to prioritize location is to search for grad schools by state.

Get to Know the Faculty

Faculty will play an important role in shaping your online master’s program. Look for a grad school with noteworthy faculty in your concentration. As you consider a graduate school, find out if the professors in your discipline are influential in their field. Learn more about their areas of concentration, professional affiliations, important published works, and more.

Submit Your Application

Fill out and submit the following materials to your chosen school:

• Grad School Application
• College Transcript
• Test Scores
• Personal Essay
• Letters of Recommendation
• Study Plan
• Work Portfolio

For detailed information on accreditation, testing, grad school applications, and more find out What to Look For in a Graduate Program.

Apply For Financial Aid

Make sure you take advantage of all the financial aid and scholarship opportunities available to you. The first step is to complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA determines your eligibility for federal student loans or need-based grants. You should fill out the FAFSA every year you plan to attend grad school. As a grad student, you may be able to qualify for either need-based or merit-based grants at the federal, state, and institutional level. States and colleges will use the FAFSA to determine your eligibility for need-based grants and scholarships. To learn more, check out our Guide to Financial Aid in Higher Education.

Look for Scholarships

Scholarships can also help you pay for your online master’s degree in biblical studies. Many different organizations offer scholarships including religious institutions, private companies, non-profit foundations, advocacy groups, professional associations, and more. Do a complete search for scholarship opportunities and find ways to lower the cost of your online master’s degree in biblical studies. And if you are already working in the field, find out if your current employer offers any financial support as you pursue your advanced degree. To learn more, check out our Guide to Scholarships for College and Graduate Students.

Complete Your Coursework

As an online master’s in biblical studies student, you can expect the same curriculum and credit requirements—roughly 60 credits—as an in-person biblical studies degree. The online master’s in biblical studies program will also take the same amount of time to complete as an on-campus degree program. However, your online master’s degree may be highly individualized based on your study plan and career goals. You will be able to choose a specialized area of study such as:

• Biblical Counseling
• Historical Theology
• Teaching Ministry
• Biblical Literature
• Missions

As an online master of biblical studies, you may also be required to:

• Conduct an original research project of your own design
• Complete and defend a research thesis based on your findings
• Gain real-world experience with a mentor in a religious school, house of worship, or community group
• Engage in practical, hands-on community organization or institutional leadership
• Pursue a deeper understanding of scripture and your own faith.

You can succeed in your online master’s degree in biblical studies program by staying engaged, managing your time effectively, and using good learning resources. Start by bookmarking a few of the best biblical studies blogs for students:

• Open the Bible
• Crossway
• Truth for Life
• David Jeremiah Blog
• Daily Scripture Blog