Best Online Theology Degrees
Updated October 25, 2023
Edited by
This article was drafted using natural language generation technology and has been reviewed and fact-checked by our editorial staff.
A bachelor's degree in theology can provide a fulfilling career path if you want to pursue a spiritual vocation. Theology graduates are equipped with a deep knowledge of religious teachings, allowing them to interpret scripture, teach, and write about spiritual topics. Many students go on to complete graduate work, such as a doctorate in theology.
With this degree, you can pursue a career in teaching, writing, or the nonprofit sector. Many theological institutions provide internships, networking opportunities, and financial aid that can make a theology degree more accessible.
Explore Featured Theology Programs
Overview: Best Online Theology Degrees
A bachelor's in theology will help you gain knowledge and understanding of sacred texts, religious history, ethics, and religion’s role in society.
Depending on the school and program, an online theology degree at the undergraduate level typically takes four years to complete.
According to Data USA
Over the course of a bachelor's in theology program, you may also have the opportunity to develop practical skills related to the clergy, like:
- leading prayer and promoting spirituality,
- preparing and delivering sermons,
- Organizing and leading religious services, and
- Planning or leading religious education programs.
Continue reading to find the best online theology degree for you.
Best Online Theology Programs
The school and/or program descriptions below were drafted using natural language generation technology and have been edited for clarity and accuracy. The data is primarily sourced from government databases such as IPEDS – see sources section for more details.
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 Best Online Theology Degrees
Saint Joseph's College of Maine
Standish, ME - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students at Saint Joseph's College of Maine earn a well-rounded education by completing the bachelor of arts in theological studies. The Standish-based school offers 29 online programs, and distance learners receive guidance throughout their studies, from career services to academic advising.
Students complete foundational and advanced coursework, with the option to choose electives and declare minors or degree concentrations. Degree-seekers can supplement their learning with experiential learning opportunities, like internships or research projects. Through these opportunities, students gain skills and knowledge needed for the field.
Students interested in applying can schedule an appointment with an admissions counselor to learn more.
#2 Best Online Theology Degrees
DeSales University
Center Valley, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
If you're interested in pursuing an online bachelor's degree at your own convenience, DeSales University offers many options through its 53 online programs, catering to distance learners across the globe. One such program is the online accelerate bachelor's in theology, which provides students with valuable skills and knowledge.
As part of their studies, students can tailor their degree with electives, minors, and degree concentrations. Additionally, they can engage in internships, research projects, and other experiential learning opportunities to gain a comprehensive education. Throughout the program, students have access to various institutional resources, including career services and academic advising.
Prospective students can learn more about the admissions process by contacting the Office of Admissions. Once admitted, eligible students can explore various funding opportunities, such as scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid.
#3 Best Online Theology Degrees
Moody Bible Institute
Chicago, IL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Moody Bible Institute is a private college located in Chicago, Illinois. It offers a total of 30 programs, 12 of which are available online for distance learning. Students enrolled in online programs make up a sizable portion of the school’s total enrollment.
Moody Bible Institute has a 62% graduation rate, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 19-to-1. Tuition prices are the same for in-state and out-of-state students. An impressive 98% of students receive some form of financial aid, and 41% take out loans to pay for their education.
#4 Best Online Theology Degrees
Southwestern Assemblies of God University
Waxahachie, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Southwestern Assemblies of God University is an accredited private university located in Waxahachie, Texas. This university offers 72 programs, including 37 bachelor's programs.
For those seeking distance learning opportunities, SAGU offers 59 online programs. The undergraduate tuition rate is the same for in-state and out-of-state students. However, enrollees rarely pay full tuition since 97% of students at the school receive some form of financial aid.
Our Methodology
Here at TheBestSchools.org, we take the trust and welfare of our readers very seriously. When making our school and program rankings, our top priority is ensuring that our readers get accurate, unbiased information that can help them make informed decisions about online education. That's why we've developed a rigorous ranking methodology that keeps the needs of our readers front and center.
Our proprietary, multi-criteria ranking algorithm analyzes key data indicators — as collected by the federal government — for each school or program. What data we use depends on the focus of each specific ranking, but in all cases, our ranking methodology is impartial: Schools cannot buy better rankings at TBS.
While specific criteria under consideration can vary by ranking, there are a few data points that we value most highly. They are affordability, academic quality, and online enrollment. Below, we break down our algorithm to help you understand what you're getting when you use one of our rankings.
-
Academics -
Affordability -
Online Enrollment
Data Sources
The data used in TBS rankings comes primarily from the federal government, and much of it is provided by the schools themselves. We aggregate and analyze this data to build our rankings.
The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) is our primary source. Its data comes from annual surveys conducted by the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Every college, university, or technical school with access to federal financial aid must participate in these surveys, which include questions about enrollment, graduation rates, finances, and faculty qualifications. This is publicly available data, which you can access yourself through the College Navigator.
Additionally, because we value a personal touch and the professional experience of our staff and Academic Advisory Board, we vet all results and adjust rankings as necessary based on our collected knowledge of schools and degree programs. Depending on the ranking, we may obtain additional input from AcademicInfluence.com, subject matter experts, prior TBS ranking lists, or other sources we deem relevant to a particular ranking.
Breakdown of Our Rankings Methodology
About Our Ranking Factors
Here at TBS, we value what you value: quality education, affordability, and the accessibility of online education. These factors guide all of our program rankings.
Each of these factors are further broken down into weighted subfactors. For example, retention rates are weighted more heavily than availability of program options because they are a better indicator of student success.
We chose the following factors for our rankings because of their influence on learning experiences and graduate outcomes. However, students should always balance our rankings against their personal priorities. For instance, a learner who needs a fully online program may prioritize online flexibility more than our rankings do. Our rankings are designed to help you make a decision — not to make a decision for you.
Academics - 75%
Affordability - 15%
Online Enrollment - 10%
In all our school rankings and recommendations, we work for objectivity and balance. We carefully research and compile each ranking list, and as stated in our advertising disclosure, we do NOT permit financial incentives to influence rankings. Our articles never promote or disregard a school for financial gain.
If you have questions about our ranking methodology, please feel free to connect with our staff through contact page.
We thank you for your readership and trust.
Salary and Demand for Theology Occupations
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for religious workers
Another common theology-related career is healthcare social worker
Paying for a Program
Financing a college education can be a difficult and overwhelming process. According to a report from the National Center for Education Statistics DataLab, 66.6% of bachelor's degree students borrow money to pay for their education.
When it comes to financing a theology degree, cost and financial aid are two of the most common concerns. The cost of a theology degree can vary depending on whether you are attending school online or on campus, and whether you are an in-state or out-of-state student.
Fortunately, there are many ways to help finance a theology degree. Scholarships, fellowships, and need-based financial aid are all great alternatives or compliments to loans. Federal, state, and private financial aid can help reduce the out-of-pocket cost of a degree. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid
Online vs. On Campus
When deciding between online and on-campus options for your degree, consider your lifestyle, preferences, and needs. Each modality has its own pros and cons:
Online Programs
- Flexibility to accommodate a busy schedule
- Convenience of studying from home
- Cost-effective
- Allows for greater self-direction and personalized learning
- Requires self-motivation and time management skills
On-Campus Programs
- Can be more expensive
- Access to campus amenities
- Face-to-face contact with peers and professors
- Can provide a supportive and interactive learning environment
- Helpful for those who need an established routine
Public vs. Private
Public and private colleges also have distinct advantages and disadvantages:
Public
- Higher admission rate
- May be more affordable
- More programs to choose from
- Larger class sizes
- More extracurricular activities
- Tend to have more diversity
Private
- Lower admission rate
- Tend to be more expensive
- Fewer program options
- Smaller class sizes
- Close-knit community
Applying to an Online Theology Program
When you're looking to apply to a theology program, comparing costs, faculty, and program quality can help you make an informed decision.
Tuition and fees can vary widely. Compare affordability and cost to ensure you're getting the best value. Faculty play a large role in the quality of a program. Get to know their credentials and teaching style by reading student feedback and talking to alumni. The quality of your program matters. Be sure to look into student services, class size, accreditation, and the school's graduation rate.
Schools often require applicants to submit materials like references or letters of recommendation. Ensure that you check your prospective program's admission requirements and request letters of recommendation well in advance of the application deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions About Theology Programs
What kind of degree is needed to pursue a career in theology?
Many theology-related occupations require a master's or doctoral degree. A bachelor's degree is a great way to prepare for more advanced programs.
How much can I earn in the field of theology?
Salaries for theology-related occupations vary depending on the occupation, qualification level, and location. According to BLS, clergy
Are there accelerated or part-time options available for online theology degrees?
Yes, many online theology degree programs offer accelerated or part-time options. Program length and admission requirements may vary depending on the specific institution.
Sources
- Clergy
. (Accessed June 14, 2023). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2021. - Directors, Religious Activities and Education
. (Accessed June 14, 2023). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2021. - Healthcare Social Workers
. (Accessed June 14, 2023). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2021. - Religious Workers, All Other
. (Accessed June 14, 2023). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2021. - Theology
. (Accessed March 9, 2023). Data USA. - College Scorecard Data. (Data retrieved May 12, 2021). U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard
- IPEDS Access Databases
. (Data retrieved November 17, 2022). U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System - Official Cohort Default Rates for Schools
. (Data retrieved March 8, 2023). U.S. Department of Education, Office of Federal Student Aid - Data Lab. (Accessed March 9, 2023). U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics.
Popular with our students.
Highly informative resources to keep your education journey on track.
Take the next step toward your future with online learning.
Discover schools with the programs and courses you’re interested in, and start learning today.
