Best Online Associate in Christian Ministry

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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. Andrews University
  2. Regent University
  3. Houghton University
  4. Union University
  5. Northwest Nazarene University
  6. Dallas Baptist University
  7. Point University
  8. Southwestern Assemblies of God University
  9. Campbellsville University
  10. University of the Cumberlands
  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. Houghton University
  9. Campbellsville University
  10. University of the Cumberlands
  1. Grace Christian University 100%
  2. Liberty University 99%
  3. Shorter University 97%
  4. The King's University 94%
  5. Dallas Baptist University 91%
  6. Andrews University 91%
  7. Campbell University 89%
  8. Northwest Nazarene University 88%
  9. Southwestern Assemblies of God University 86%
  10. University of the Cumberlands 83%
  1. Campbellsville University 23 to 1
  2. Regent University 21 to 1
  3. Liberty University 18 to 1
  4. University of the Cumberlands 18 to 1
  5. Dallas Baptist University 17 to 1
  6. Southwestern Assemblies of God University 17 to 1
  7. Oklahoma Wesleyan University 15 to 1
  8. Tabor College 15 to 1
  9. Grace Christian University 15 to 1
  10. Shorter University 15 to 1
  1. Campbell University $39,230
  2. Union University $36,880
  3. Northwest Nazarene University $36,298
  4. Dallas Baptist University $35,310
  5. Tabor College $35,050
  6. Andrews University $32,734
  7. Oklahoma Wesleyan University $30,262
  8. Campbellsville University $26,100
  9. North Greenville University $23,590
  10. Ohio Christian University $23,050
  1. Andrews University $26,580
  2. Dallas Baptist University $21,186
  3. Houghton University $20,905
  4. Shorter University $16,800
  5. Regent University $16,028
  6. Campbell University $14,417
  7. Point University $13,014
  8. Union University $12,360
  9. North Greenville University $12,220
  10. Tabor College $12,000
  1. Liberty University
  2. Shorter University
  3. Charlotte Christian College and Theological Seminary
  4. Grace Christian University
  5. Calvary University
  6. Tabor College
  7. North Greenville University
  8. Ohio Christian University
  9. The King's University
  10. Oklahoma Wesleyan University
  1. Charlotte Christian College and Theological Seminary
  2. Northpoint Bible College
  3. Davis College
  4. Grace Christian University
  5. Calvary University
  6. Ohio Christian University
  7. Welch College
  8. Point University
  9. The King's University
  10. Tabor College
  1. Point University 24%
  2. Regent University 32%
  3. Davis College 50%
  4. Oklahoma Wesleyan University 52%
  5. Tabor College 53%
  6. Union University 53%
  7. Calvary University 61%
  8. Johnson University 63%
  9. North Greenville University 76%
  10. Houghton University 77%
  1. Charlotte Christian College and Theological Seminary 4 to 1
  2. Welch College 8 to 1
  3. Union University 8 to 1
  4. Calvary University 8 to 1
  5. Ohio Christian University 8 to 1
  6. Davis College 9 to 1
  7. Northpoint Bible College 9 to 1
  8. Houghton University 10 to 1
  9. Andrews University 10 to 1
  10. Johnson University 10 to 1
  1. University of the Cumberlands $9,875
  2. Calvary University $12,500
  3. The King's University $12,720
  4. Charlotte Christian College and Theological Seminary $13,923
  5. Northpoint Bible College $14,160
  6. Grace Christian University $14,520
  7. Houghton University $16,446
  8. Davis College $17,200
  9. Southwestern Assemblies of God University $17,782
  10. Johnson University $19,274
  1. University of the Cumberlands $4,282
  2. Calvary University $7,598
  3. Liberty University $7,893
  4. Welch College $8,100
  5. Southwestern Assemblies of God University $8,280
  6. Charlotte Christian College and Theological Seminary $8,622
  7. Campbellsville University $8,904
  8. Johnson University $9,285
  9. The King's University $9,450
  10. Oklahoma Wesleyan University $9,900

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.

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.

Best Online Associate in Christian Ministry Degree Programs

  1. #2

    Regent University

    Virginia Beach , VA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $20K

    Acceptance

    32%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1140/22

    Career Outlook for Ministry degree at Regent University

    Cost of Degree: $19,680
    Expenses: $11,182
    Starting Salary: $24,492
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    AA in Christian Studies
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
  2. #3

    Houghton University

    Houghton , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for Ministry degree at Houghton University

    Cost of Degree: $16,446
    Expenses: $14,186
    Starting Salary: $22,773
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    AAS in Christian Ministries
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  3. #4

    Union University

    Jackson , TN
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    53%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1235/26

    Career Outlook for Ministry degree at Union University

    Cost of Degree: $19,363
    Expenses: $19,460
    Starting Salary: $26,641
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    AS in Professional Studies

    Concentrations

    • Christian Leadership
    • Organizational Leadership
    • Human Services: Accelerated BSN
    • Human Services- Social Work
    • Required Credits: 28-32
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
  4. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    57%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1085/22

    Career Outlook for Ministry degree at Dallas Baptist University

    Cost of Degree: $35,310
    Expenses: $13,947
    Starting Salary: $26,426
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    AA in Christian Studies
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  5. #10

    University of the Cumberlands

    Williamsburg , KY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    25K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1060/19

    Career Outlook for Ministry degree at University of the Cumberlands

    Cost of Degree: $9,875
    Starting Salary: $20,518

    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
  6. #11

    Johnson University

    Knoxville , TN
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $19K

    Acceptance

    63%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1087/21

    Career Outlook for Ministry degree at Johnson University

    Cost of Degree: $19,274
    Expenses: $11,689
    Starting Salary: $17,026
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    AS in Ministry Leadership
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  7. #12

    Northpoint Bible College

    Haverhill , MA

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Graduation

    31%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for Ministry degree at Northpoint Bible College

    Cost of Degree: $14,160
    Expenses: $18,102
    Starting Salary: $17,993
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    AA in Specialized Ministry
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
  8. #13

    Welch College

    Gallatin , TN

    Tuition + fees

    $20K

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for Ministry degree at Welch College

    Cost of Degree: $20,170
    Expenses: $16,870
    Starting Salary: $16,650
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    AS in Ministry
    • Required Credits: 63
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  9. #14

    Campbell University

    Buies Creek , NC
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for Ministry degree at Campbell University

    Cost of Degree: $39,230
    Expenses: $21,310
    Starting Salary: $31,152
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    AA in Christian Studies
    • Required Credits: 62
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  10. #15

    Davis College

    Pottersville , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Acceptance

    50%

    Graduation

    43%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for Ministry degree at Davis College

    Cost of Degree: $17,200
    Expenses: $10,000
    Starting Salary: $17,939
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    AAS in Christian Ministries
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  11. #16

    Oklahoma Wesleyan University

    Bartlesville , OK
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $30K

    Acceptance

    52%

    Graduation

    34%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1015/19

    Career Outlook for Ministry degree at Oklahoma Wesleyan University

    Cost of Degree: $30,262
    Expenses: $13,868
    Starting Salary: $28,735
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  12. #17

    The King's University

    Southlake , TX

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for Ministry degree at The King's University

    Cost of Degree: $12,720
    Starting Salary: $25,298

    Online Degrees

    AA in Christian Ministries
    • Required Credits: 65
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  13. #19

    North Greenville University

    Tigerville , SC
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $24K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for Ministry degree at North Greenville University

    Cost of Degree: $23,590
    Expenses: $18,210
    Starting Salary: $19,443
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    AAS in Christian Ministries
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  14. #20

    Tabor College

    Hillsboro , KS
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    53%

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    965/20

    Career Outlook for Ministry degree at Tabor College

    Cost of Degree: $35,050
    Expenses: $13,310
    Starting Salary: $24,438
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  15. #21

    Calvary University

    Kansas City , MO

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    61%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1020/19

    Career Outlook for Ministry degree at Calvary University

    Cost of Degree: $12,500
    Expenses: $8,455
    Starting Salary: $21,055
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  16. Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    100%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for Ministry degree at Grace Christian University

    Cost of Degree: $15,240
    Expenses: $11,602
    Starting Salary: $16,382
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

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

    $14K

    Graduation

    25%

    Student body

    <1K

    Online Degrees

    AA in Urban Christian Ministries
    • Required Credits: 66
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
  18. #24

    Shorter University

    Rome , GA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $23K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    32%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1125/21

    Career Outlook for Ministry degree at Shorter University

    Cost of Degree: $23,258
    Expenses: $12,760
    Starting Salary: $26,909
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    AS in Theology

    Concentrations

    • Christian Studies
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 24 months
    • Format: Online
  19. #25

    Liberty University

    Lynchburg , VA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $23K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    131K

    Career Outlook for Ministry degree at Liberty University

    Cost of Degree: $16,203
    Expenses: $19,987
    Starting Salary: $22,236
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

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

Career Outlook for Students with Ministry Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Theology/Theological Studies

Degree Level: Associate'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
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Online Schools Looking for You

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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.

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