30 Best Online Master’s in Theology

At Liberty University, all students—regardless of major—are encouraged to follow and pursue God’s calling as they develop the skills they need for their careers. So is it any surprise that the master’s in theology here is the very best of it’s kind?

Requiring 30 total credit hours of study, the master of theology takes most students just one and a half years to complete. Offered 100% online, it allows students to take classes in eight-week chunks. It provides training beyond the level of a master of divinity degree, helping to prepare students for full-time service through research, coursework, and critical writing. 

Guided by faculty who have experience as Gold Medallion award-winning authors and seminar presenters, the university includes three foundational classes in theology. Beyond that, students can specialize their learning in unique areas of study like church history, homiletics, and Christian apologetics. 

Veritas Baptist College offers numerous Christ-centered programs at the graduate level. Offerings include a Master of Biblical Studies, a Master of Divinity, and of course, a Master of Ministry. This university, located in Greendale, IN, offers some of the best online learning opportunities for aspiring graduate students. 

This 30-credit hour program is perfect for learners who wish to receive advanced graduate training to improve their biblical knowledge. With courses divided into three categories, it includes multiple concentrations as well as electives and several core courses, like biblical leadership in the 21st century and research and writing.

Concentrations include bible/theology, mission and cross-cultural studies, biblical counseling, church ministries, and pastoral studies. All classes are offered in eight-week modules, with each student supported by a dedicated faculty advisor. 

Here’s a fun fact: Grand Canyon University isn’t located near the Grand Canyon at all. In fact, it’s about 45 minutes away! But that doesn’t mean that this university’s reputation is anything short of larger than life. The Master of Arts in Christian ministry is one of the best, and is designed for students who wish to provide compassionate pastoral guidance and community care. 

The program begins with a survey of Old and New Testament foundations, before diving into advanced topics like Christian doctrine, ministerial ethics, and pastoral care. It can be completed at any time and from any location, allowing students to learn without failing to meet their current personal and professional obligations. It requires 38 credits for completion, with most classes available entirely online. 

Core program courses include communicating in a 21st century ministry context and pastoral care in a ministry context. Tuition is highly affordable, starting at just $530 per credit hour.

Ranked as the second-best National University by U.S. News & World Report, Harvard University might be one of the most selective universities in the country, but that doesn’t mean it’s inaccessible. The university offers a variety of online graduate programs, with one of the most notable being the online master’s in theology. 

This program is just one of four separate degree programs that can help students meet their professional and spiritual goals. Other options include the Master of Theological Studies, the Master of Divinity, and the Doctor of Philosophy. The Master of Theology is a one-year program that is capped at three students. An immersive and personalized program, the degree includes eight courses, four of which can be customized to meet your unique learning goals. 

With eighteen separate areas of focus, the degree is appropriate for students who wish to minister or teach. Popular focus areas include, but are not limited to, Buddhist studies, comparative studies, East Asian religions, and African and African American religious studies. 

For more than 45 years, Amridge University has prepared students who aren’t able to participate in a traditional classroom-based learning setup. Offering a variety of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs, this school is not only one of the most affordable private universities in the United States, but also one of the most accessible. 

The Master of Arts in Christian education at Amridge is one of numerous faith-oriented degrees. The program provides the perfect pathway for learners who are interested in vocational positions in Christian organizations, whether those be as lay leaders or educators. Most students can complete the program in just four semesters, studying either full- or part-time. 

Requiring 36 semester hours of credits, the degree is incredibly transfer-friendly. It allows students to transfer in up to 15 semester hours of coursework from another accredited university. To apply, candidates must submit an official transcript showing a four-year Bachelor of Arts or Science degree from an accredited university along with a formal application and fee. 

If you’re looking for a community-oriented master’s of theology, look no further than the University of the Cumberlands. Here, the university has a commitment to community service that is echoed in its dedicated leadership and community service program. This requires each student to volunteer a minimum of 40 hours before graduation, helping them gain practical hands-on experience and to improve the lives of others. 

The online Master in Biblical Studies enables students to mentor and disciple others, while also moving closer to God themselves. A one-year program, it encourages practical application while also offering academic preparation in all areas. Students will interact frequently with guest speakers via the virtual classroom, gaining experience and valuable feedback on their work. 

A flexible, convenient program, it requires no campus visits and offers invaluable mentoring from Christian leaders. Degree requirements include 30 hours of graduate work with six tracks of concentration available. Concentrations include missions, youth ministry, christian education, biblical studies, church planting, and pastoral ministry.

Ranked a Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report, Columbia International University is a multi-denominational coeducational Christian university that encourages students to explore their passions. With more than 40 graduate and seminary programs, the university is home to an alumni network of more than 18,000 graduates fulfilling their personal and spiritual missions all throughout the world. 

The Master of Arts in theological studies at Columbia International emphasizes church history, theology, and intercultural studies, allowing students to build solid theological foundations to inform their career and life decisions. A 48 credit-hour program, it takes most students just two years to complete. 

Classes in this program are highly engaging and hands-on, featuring instruction and support from professors and peers who are located all over the world. To apply, a completed application, application fee, and official transcripts are required, as is an application essay and church leader reference. 

Over 40 majors. 70 clubs. A dozen sororities and fraternities. More than a dozen different sports teams. What more could you possibly want in a university? Saint Leo University truly offers it all. It even has an award-winning master‘s in theology.

The online Master of Arts in theology at Saint Leo is perfect for students who wish to learn how to serve others. A flexible degree, it is designed for adult learners and is offered at Florida’s oldest Catholic institution of higher education. The degree has roots in the Benedicitne tradition and includes core classes like spiritual direction and history of Catholic-Jewish relations.

Graduates are qualified for a variety of careers, including those as clergy, chaplains, youth ministers, social workers, and more. Alumni are positioned at high-profile stations such as the Diocese of Orlando and even other universities, where they have gone on to teach others about the importance and modern role of theology.

There are numerous colleges and academic departments at Dallas Baptist University, with major categories including the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and the College of Christian Faith. At Dallas Baptist, faith is a daily part of life, and it’s integrated into every aspect of the curriculum. Nowhere is that truer than in the Master of Arts in Christian ministry.

Dallas Baptist University is home to many bible-focused degrees, but the Master of Arts in Christian ministry is one of the most service-oriented. It teaches students how to become qualified and effective ministers through courses that focus on the practical, historical, theological, and biblical nature of ministry. 

Designed to meet each student’s unique learning needs, it includes online, hybrid, and evening courses. It consists of 36 credit-hours of study, with 12 of those hours in a concentration area like worship ministry, professional life coaching, or Christian ministry and education. 

Each professor at Lincoln Christian University has an advanced degree, with many sought after as speakers, authors, and instructors. As leaders in the field, these instructors are active ministers of faith, serving as leaders in national and international groups. If this sounds like a quality education that you could only get at an expensive private liberal arts university, think again. Lincoln Christian is one of the most affordable private universities in the Midwest, with more than 85% of students receiving some form of financial aid. 

The Master of Arts in theology provides learners with a detailed understanding of the roots and impacts of Christian theology. Consisting of 10-12 courses, it is taught by faculty who are internationally recognized scholars. Core courses include Modern Theology, Christianity Through the Ages, and Understanding the Stone-Campbell Movement and My Own Heritage.

All baccalaureate students at Calvary University  major not only in theology and Bible studies, but also in their chosen profession major. Why? At Calvary, the goal of an education is to not only teach students the skills they need for career success, but to provide them with the deep faith-based understandings they need to be involved spiritual beings.

Available both on-campus and online, there are three graduate degrees available at Calvary University Seminary. These include the Master of Arts in bible and theology, the Master of Arts in biblical counseling, and the Master of Divinity. All offer a classroom experience unlike anything before, offering online learners access to the same educational experience they would get onsite.

With programs requiring anywhere from 36 to 90 credit hours, there are plenty of opportunities for students to customize their learning toward their unique career goals. Majors can be completed in as little as one year of study when courses are completed on a full-time basis.

The mission of the Southwestern Assemblies of God University has seven core values, cited as, “Bible-based Education, Pentecostal Distinction, Spiritual Formation, Academic Excellence, Missions-mindedness, Servant Leadership, and Community and Personal Wellness.” This mission is carried forth throughout every aspect of education at SAGU, whether it be in the classroom or in one of the university’s many types of hands-on extracurricular activities.

The Master of Divinity at Southwestern Assemblies of God University prepares students for ministry as well as postgraduate work. It comes with the option of eight different specializations: intercultural studies, pastoral theology, biblical languages, counseling, biblical studies, chaplaincy, family ministry, and theological studies. 

Students benefit from an accredited program that is affordable and hands-on. Not only are class sizes small, but each student engages on a 1:1 basis with faculty invested in each students’ well-being and academic performance. In addition, SAGU students graduate with 20% less debt when compared to other private universities. 

When you think of Virginia Beach, VA, what comes to mind? If it’s sunny beaches and fun-filled spring vacations, you wouldn’t be totally off the mark. However, it’s also home to Regent University, a Christian university that is one of the fastest-growing schools in the country. It has a master’s in theology that is just as worth knowing about, too. 

With more than 2,200 alumni spread across most of the United States as well as 42 other countries, the university is recognized as one of the fastest-growing seminaries in the country. It’s affordable, too. 82% of divinity students received some form of financial aid. 

The Master of Theology with a concentration in biblical studies can be completed online in just under two years, with no on-campus residency required. It is taught from a unique and immersive Christian Renewal perspective, providing learners with the training they need to succeed in research, education, or ministry. 

As one of the largest Jesuit institutions in the country, Loyola Chicago has a number of other programs besides its master’s in theology. Home to accelerated law programs, a renowned medical school, and a business school, Loyola has a reputation for providing some of the very best programs to domestic and international students alike. 

The master of divinity at Loyola is a comprehensive degree designed for students who wish to pursue professional ministerial leadership. It is entirely online with the exception of one on-campus intensive: a course in Liturgical Leadership. Courses can be completed on a full- or part-time basis, with most students graduating in three to six years. 

Applications are accepted in the spring, summer, and fall, with early applications encouraged. Official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose are required. 

Each year, more than 400 different international and national businesses actively recruit Harding University graduates, seeking employees who have the skills that only Harding students can possess. Harding, located in Searcy, AR, is a Christian liberal arts university that is nationally recognized for its academic reputation. 

The Harding School of Theology offers three separate master’s degrees: a Master of Arts in Christian ministry, a Master of Arts in theology, and a Master of Divinity. A doctoral degree is also available. Degrees generally consist of about 48 credit hours and prepare students with foundational understandings of the Old Testament, New Testament, systematic theology, and historical theology. 

Students at Missouri Baptist University have access to a wide array of student support services, including nonremedial tutoring, library resources, and career development support. However, you don’t have to study on-campus to benefit from this many unique benefits. Online students have access to the same resources as students studying on-campus. 

The Master of Arts in Christian ministry has an emphasis on pastoral ministries that expands each students’ relationship and knowledge of God. It includes 39 credit hours, including a 24-hour core with a 12-hour emphasis area. Core courses include History of Christian Thought, Knowing God, and Spiritual Formation. 

To apply, you will need to submit an online application and request transcripts from all other institutions that you have attended. Financial aid is available for students who might qualify, too. 

Campbellsville University is a comprehensive Christian university that is perhaps best known for its non-credit bearing technical programs. However, it’s also home to a handful of high-quality graduate programs, each of which prepares students to serve as Christian leaders for the rest of their lives. 

The affordable online Master of Theology at Campbellsville consists of 18 total credit hours. Students learn how to expand their body of knowledge in ministry, teaching, and counseling, while also taking classes in one of three different emphasis areas. These include biblical studies, theology, and pastoral leadership. 

Tuition is highly affordable, with rates starting at just $299 per credit hour. To apply for admission, you must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university and submit a philosophy of ministry essay. Two letters of recommendation, an official application, and an interview with the dean are also required. 

Northwest Nazarene University is ranked a Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report. This ranking isn’t due simply to the high quality of academics at this Idaho institution, but also a testament to the many support services and affordable tuition rates offered here.

The School of Theology & Christian Ministries at Northwest Nazarene offers several unique master’s in divinity. These programs are designed to help students serve the Church and advance their professional reach. Degree options include Master of Arts and Master of Divinity with major choices including missional leadership, spiritual formation, youth, children, and family ministry, and pastoral ministry. 

Financial aid is available along with a zero-interest monthly payment plan. Significant tuition discounts are also available to students who are members of the Church of the Nazarene. 

Lee University may be located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, but it’s anything but secluded. Although it’s campus might be tucked away in the mountains, it’s online programs are accessible to all students, no matter where they might be studying from. 

The Master of Arts in biblical and theological studies at Lee provides students with the flexibility necessary to achieve a bround foundational knowledge in theological and biblical studies along with a specialization in a concentrated area. Courses are taught by faculty who are accomplished scholars in their field and dedicated to making each student successful. 

As one of the most affordable degrees in the nation, this program also provides automatic scholarships to 100% of graduate students in the School of Religion. The degree can be completed in just two years, with students who have backgrounds in related areas eligible for an accelerated 336-hour track.

Classes are small and offered in a seminar-style, allowing students to choose from three different specialties: biblical studies, theological studies, and theological studies with ethics.

A private faith-based institution, Moody Bible Institute is centrally located in Chicago, IL. The Master of Arts in ministry studies prepares students with the skills they need for a specialized field of ministry. All students learn from instructors who have significant practical and academic experience. 

With 36 credits required, the degree can be completed entirely online, entirely on-campus, or in a hybrid form of both. Students can choose from six concentrations: biblical preaching, missions, leadership, pastoral ministry, ministry entrepreneurship, and an interdisciplinary track. The interdisciplinary specialization is a unique track that allows all learners to truly customize their degree plans.

Financial aid is available. Tuition starts at just $450 per credit hour, with additional scholarships and payment plans available. These can significantly defray the cost of tuition. 

Ranked one of the top Regional Universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report, Cornerstone University is a private school that is anything but ordinary. Although this school in Grand Rapids, MI is small, home to only 1550 undergraduates, it offers a number of highly-ranked graduate and undergraduate programs. 

The Master of Theology is a small program at Cornerstone that is available on a limited basis. Offered in both a residential and online format, it takes most students about three years to complete. 30 credit hours are required, with a professional practicum and thesis required before graduation. 

The degree is unique in that it not only allows students to engage in independent research with a faculty member’s approval and supervision but also allows for customization in one of two areas. Students can choose to focus their learning on the Old Testament or the New Testament to help them tailor their studies specifically toward their unique career goals. 

At Clarks Summit University, all undergraduate students are required to earn a double major in Bible as well as in the degree program of their choice. As a result, this school is one of the most Christ-centered universities yet manages to prepare graduates who are ready for their careers—and ready for the world!

The Master of Arts is customizable, consisting of 30 credit hours that can be completed in just two years. You can choose from seven different concentrations: theological studies, biblical apologetics, biblical studies, church planting and renewal, New Testament studies, Old Testament studies, and biblical languages.

Regardless of the pathway you select, you will benefit from instructors who are experienced and dedicated to your success. Core courses include God’s Plan for the Ages and Principles of Spiritual Formation.

A private faith-based university, the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary is located in Louisville, KY.  This university offers a dynamic Master of Theology that comes with two distinct specifications: one in ministry and one in research. 

Each specialization comes with its own opportunities to choose an additional concentration, too. You can choose a concentration in a topic like biblical theology and exegesis or practical theology if you are studying in the ministry track, or you can focus your research specialization in New Testament, Old Testament, or Church history. The options are virtually endless. 

Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis, with answers received just six weeks after applying. You will need to maintain a cumulative grade point average between 3.0 and 3.3 on a 4.0 scale while you are enrolled in this program.

With more than 200 student organizations on campus, Creighton University is a Jesuit institution that strives to take learning outside of the classroom. Although the university is home to dozens of high-quality academic majors, it also offers numerous extracurriculars, study abroad programs, and online learning options for students to enjoy.

The Master of Arts in ministry is available entirely online, where you will learn about your role as  a Christian servant from renowned and published leaders in the field. You can work toward your degree on your own schedule, studying online to complete eight-week classes. There is one on-campus residency required each summer, with most students taking about three years to complete their studies on a part-time basis. 

Founded in 1946 by the Franciscan Friars of the Third Order Regular, Franciscan University is a far cry from the typical Catholic university. Although Christian-based learning is at the core of every program, the institution offers more than 47 different career-focused majors for students to choose from, too. 

The Master of Arts in theology and Christian ministry was developed in 1980, and it remains one of the most widely sought-after degrees in the country. Courses are taught by internationally respected faculty, who were among the first in the country to take the Oath of Fidelity. Fransiscan is one of only 30 Catholic universities in the country whose entire faculty have met canon law requirements for the mandatum, too. 

A convenient degree, it requires no residency and can be completed in just two years. Classes are asynchronous, allowing you to take classes when you have time instead of on-campus. 

Fordham University proudly proclaims to all incoming students, “New York is your campus.” What does this mean? For starters, Fordham has campuses all throughout New York City, providing students with unparalleled access to diverse learning opportunities. However, you don’t have to live on campus to benefit from these immersive opportunities. Studying online affords distance learners the same caliber of education and student life as studying on-campus. 

The Master of Arts in Christian spirituality at Fordham has a profound Catholic intellectual tradition. It prepares learners with the skills and knowledge they need to serve as lay ministers, social workers, teachers, counselors, or spiritual directors. Three different program concentrations are available: research, generalist, or spiritual direction.

Regardless of the concentration you choose, you will benefit from an education delivered by world-renowned faculty. You can study along international students from more than twenty countries and take courses at any member school of the New York Theological Consortium, preparing you for doctoral work with the research skills you need.  

Did you know that the University of Dallas is one of only 15 Catholic universities with a Phi Beta Kappa chapter? This society is one of the world’s oldest honors organizations, and is a testament to the high quality of education offered at this Texas university.

The master’s of theological studies exists as both a graduate degree as well as a graduate certificate. It has a unique concentration in biblical theology that includes various electives allowing students to further explore an area of interest. 37 total credit hours are required for degree completion. Core classes include Liturgy and Sacraments, Church History, and Old and New Testament. 

To apply, you will be required to submit a transcript to demonstrate your completion of a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university or college. You also must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.

Originally founded as Pacific Bible Seminary, Hope International University has a decades-old tradition of providing students with ethics and leadership-focused education in a myriad of service based professions. Although some of the most popular majors include business, music, education, and music, the university is also home to a prominent master’s in theology. 

The Master of Divinity at Hope International prepares learners for effective servant-leadership. The foundational degree for people aspiring to become professional clergy, it includes several concentrations. Some of the most popular are Christian ministry and leadership, intercultural studies, spiritual formation, children, youth and family, church planting, and pastoral care. 

A three-year degree, it is designed for full-time students but can also be created on a part-time basis. Seventy-two units of coursework are required, with 12 of these consisting of single skills concentration courses. 

Whether you’re starting over or just starting your college career, The King’s University can help you achieve career success. The ministry degree can be completed 100% online and is perfect for nontraditional adult learners. You can transfer in up to 90 credit hours of prior college coursework and even get credit for past life experiences, too!

A popular option for students who can’t come to campus for practical or financial purposes, the ministry program comes with an optional Messianic Jewish Studies concentration. Courses are broken down into seven-week classes, allowing them to take up to four classes each semester.

Apex School of Theology offers a superior degree in theology. This program helps learners gain the same competencies and knowledge as they would receive on-campus, yet also addresses the needs of learners who can’t afford (either financially or logistically) to travel to campus.

Online courses lead to several potential degrees. Offerings include the Master of Christian Education, the Master of Arts in Christian counseling, or the Master of Divinity. Tuition starts at just $700 per class (or $233 per credit hour). To apply, you should submit an application with the required application fee, two letters of reference, a spiritual autobiography, and transcripts from any universities you have attended.