2026 Best Online Theology Degrees
Explore top-rated online theology bachelor's degrees informed by real student experiences.
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The best online theology degree explores scripture, doctrine, faith traditions, and the role of religion in contemporary life. Student reviews can help you see which programs offer the most engaging and supportive academic experience.
Key Takeaways:
- Annual costs range from $11,250 to $18,600.
- Student review scores stretch from 2.61 to 4.90.
- Fifth-ranked Concordia Wisconsin reports a $69,831 median salary, well above every other school with available earnings.
How We Rank "Best" Schools
The OnlineU research team verifies that only institutionally accredited schools offering at least one fully online bachelor's in theology degree make the cut. On top of that, schools must also have at least five verified student reviews and an aggregate rating of 2.5+ on a five-point scale. While some of our rankings include partner schools, every school is evaluated using the exact same criteria.
We prioritize the most relevant student feedback by starting with reviews tied to the exact program and degree level. If too few bachelor's in theology qualify, we gradually expand the review pool to include related programs or other degree levels, while preserving the most program-specific results at the top of the list. This process continues until all eligible review data has been considered.
2026 Best Online Theology Degrees
| Rank | School | Review Rating | Recommendation | 100% | $15,750 | N/A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calvary University | 4.4 / 5 | 100% | $14,100 | N/A | ||
| Baptist University of Florida | 4.4 / 5 | 83% | $11,250 | N/A | ||
| Franciscan University of Steubenville | 4.21 / 5 | 94% | $18,600 | $41,490 | ||
| Concordia University - Wisconsin | 4.15 / 5 | 92% | $15,000 | $69,831 | ||
| DeSales University | 3.97 / 5 | 92% | $17,850 | N/A | ||
| LeTourneau University | 3.87 / 5 | 81% | $11,850 | N/A | ||
| Houston Christian University | 3.63 / 5 | 78% | $13,350 | N/A | ||
| Saint Joseph's College of Maine | 3.52 / 5 | 64% | $12,060 | N/A | ||
| Nelson University | 3.42 / 5 | 100% | $13,350 | $47,625 | ||
| Moody Bible Institute | 3.32 / 5 | 71% | $12,750 | $43,863 | ||
| Liberty University | 3.23 / 5 | 67% | $11,700 | $34,305 | ||
| Ohio Christian University | 2.61 / 5 | 57% | $13,500 | N/A |
Online Degree:
What Sets This Program Apart:
- Students rated this online theology program as the very best, according to verified reviews. For King University, 100% of students we surveyed there would recommend their school to peers.
- The curriculum is rooted in renewal theology and emphasizes both the work of the Holy Spirit and the Jewish roots of Christianity, including Spirit-empowered and Messianic Jewish perspectives in its stated learning outcomes.
Student Review Summary: Reviews of The King's University are strongly favorable, highlighting an academically solid, faith-centered experience that feels both rigorous and practical. Reviewers praise the quality of instruction as excellent and unusually comprehensive, noting that the curriculum connects closely with real-world ministry settings through church partnerships, hands-on training, and practicum opportunities. Flexibility stands out as a major advantage, with multiple scheduling formats making the experience more accessible. Students also value the friendly, Spirit-empowered atmosphere, describing the community as supportive and vibrant. No meaningful criticisms appear in these reviews, though the praise is centered heavily on its faith-based environment and applied learning model.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 131 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $15,750
- Out-of-State Tuition: $15,750
- Program Length: 4 years
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 47%
- Retention Rate: 50%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Online Degree:
What Sets This Program Apart:
- Calvary’s Bible and Theology program uses a defined exegetical approach built around inductive Bible study and a literal, grammatical, and historical method of interpretation.
- Students can continue into a five-year pathway that combines the BA in Bible and Theology with an MDiv in Ministry, creating a structured undergraduate-to-seminary route within the same university.
Student Review Summary: Reviews of Calvary University are largely favorable, driven by strong ratings and clear recommendations. You consistently praise instructors for pairing real-world ministry experience with deep subject expertise, which makes coursework practical as well as intellectually stretching. Several reviews emphasize learning more than expected, even after prior background in the field, suggesting the curriculum expands understanding rather than simply repeating familiar material. You also value the school’s fit for working adults, affordable online access, and supportive staff responsiveness. The main drawback is minor technical inconsistency in newer online courses, though reviewers describe these issues as manageable because help is readily available.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 70 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $14,100
- Out-of-State Tuition: $14,100
- Program Length: 4 years
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 52%
- Retention Rate: 55%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Online Degree:
What Sets This Program Apart:
- Online theology bachelor's students choose one of five 18-credit concentrations 鈥� Pastoral Ministry, Biblical Studies, Evangelism and Missions, Church Staff Ministry, or Student Ministry.
- The ministry core combines Bible Backgrounds and Hermeneutics with separate Old and New Testament book studies, so students move from learning interpretive methods into sustained study of biblical texts.
Student Review Summary: Reviews portray a largely positive experience shaped by a small, close-knit Christian environment, caring professors, and strong academic support, including for online learners. Many reviewers value being known personally rather than feeling like just another seat in class, and they highlight meaningful relationships, spiritual growth, and service opportunities. Several describe the setting as less distracting and conducive to focus, though the rural location can limit entertainment and convenience. Cost is a recurring challenge, even if financial aid support is praised. The sharpest criticism centers on alleged harmful religious teaching and feeling controlled after graduation, while another review notes limited preparation for highly specialized careers.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 258 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $11,250
- Out-of-State Tuition: $11,250
- Program Length: 4 years
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 52%
- Retention Rate: 45%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Online Degree:
What Sets This Program Apart:
- The 43-credit theology major is built around Catholic doctrine, Sacred Scripture, moral theology, and Church history.
- Students must complete an intermediate foreign language requirement specifically intended to deepen their engagement with theological texts, an uncommon requirement.
- This online theology major sits within a liberal arts curriculum rooted in the Western intellectual tradition, pairing theological study with literature, scientific inquiry, and other disciplines designed to broaden students’ reasoning and interpretive framework.
Student Review Summary: Reviews portray Franciscan University of Steubenville as a place with a distinctly Catholic culture, close-knit community, and small classes that make faculty accessible and coursework challenging, rewarding, and often deeply formative. Many reviewers praise compassionate professors, strong mentoring, reputable scholars, and learning that connects theory to real life, especially in online formats that offer meaningful flexibility. Students also value study abroad options and a safe, beautiful campus. Criticisms focus on weak academic advising, the need for strong self-discipline in distance learning, harsh winter travel on steep hills, concerns about the surrounding area, and one strongly negative review describing poor overall value.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 557 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $18,600
- Out-of-State Tuition: $18,600
- Program Length: 4 years
- Median Earnings: $41,490
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 75%
- Retention Rate: 87%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Online Degree:
What Sets This Program Apart:
- CUW connects the major to seminary preparation. Practical ministry formation includes opportunities for students to apply their theological learning through service to others.
- The program incorporates one-on-one theological conversations with faculty in which students discuss real-life circumstances and apply Lutheran teachings about the Gospel and forgiveness to those situations.
Student Review Summary: Reviews of Concordia University - Wisconsin are largely positive, driven by strong ratings and frequent recommendations. Students consistently praise accessible, caring professors, small classes, detailed feedback, and flexible formats that fit full-time work and family schedules. Many say the coursework is rigorous, fast-paced, and career-relevant, leaving them well prepared and more confident professionally. Supportive community, faith-centered culture, hands-on learning, and useful resources also stand out. Criticism centers on uneven online administration, slow responses from some offices, technology problems, high tuition, limited course availability, and concerns that a few programs feel unnecessarily long, repetitive, or poorly managed.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 524 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $15,000
- Out-of-State Tuition: $15,000
- Program Length: 4 years
- Median Earnings: $69,831
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 68%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Student Review Summary: Reviews of DeSales University are largely positive, driven by strong ratings and frequent recommendations. Students consistently praise supportive, accessible professors, small classes, and flexible online, hybrid, night, and satellite options that fit work and family schedules. Many describe the campus as beautiful, welcoming, and intimate, with state-of-the-art facilities and practical, hands-on learning that connects well to real-world work. The main complaints center on administrative friction, especially the treasury and financial aid offices, confusing systems, excessive online security, and unexpected billing or financial holds. A smaller group also reports weak administration, poor campus life, and costly fees, books, and debt.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 255 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $17,850
- Out-of-State Tuition: $17,850
- Program Length: 4 years
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 72%
- Retention Rate: 83%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Student Review Summary: Reviews of LeTourneau University are largely positive, with many students praising flexible online formats, small classes, and professors who are accessible, encouraging, and often bring real-world experience. Students frequently say the school supports career preparation, faith development, and personal discipline, while advisors, faculty, and IT support are described as responsive and caring. Recurring drawbacks include high tuition, limited scholarships, and a weaker sense of connection in online learning. Negative reviews focus on strict religious and lifestyle rules, limited social life, uneven department leadership, poor communication, and allegations of exclusionary culture that left some students feeling unsupported or unwelcome.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 1,168 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $11,850
- Out-of-State Tuition: $11,850
- Program Length: 4 years
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 59%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Student Review Summary: Reviews portray Houston Christian University as a small, relationship-driven campus where many students value close access to professors, personalized instruction, and a supportive community that feels welcoming and tight-knit. Students frequently praise knowledgeable faculty, practical coursework, flexible evening scheduling for working adults, and strong preparation for careers or further study. The most consistent drawbacks are high tuition, limited scholarships, and uneven administrative support. Several reviews describe disorganized advising, weak financial aid guidance, outdated systems, limited class scheduling flexibility, and frustrating interdepartment communication. A smaller set of sharply negative reviews also alleges unprofessional staff behavior, poor career support, and stressful program management.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 437 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $13,350
- Out-of-State Tuition: $13,350
- Program Length: 4 years
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 49%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Student Review Summary: Reviews portray Saint Joseph’s College of Maine as uneven, with stronger impressions around flexibility than consistency. Supportive instructors, helpful advising, welcoming staff, organized course structures, and challenging, professionally relevant online classes stand out, especially for working adults balancing jobs, family, or pregnancy. Several reviewers also appreciated open scheduling, solid academics, and occasional campus activities. Criticism is sharp in lower-rated reviews: some describe weak advising, poor teaching quality, repetitive course design, minimal faculty help, limited academic options, and quizzes disconnected from evidence-based practice. Cost is a major concern, with multiple reviewers arguing tuition feels unjustified given uneven instruction, sparse weekend campus life, or weak social energy.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 267 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $12,060
- Out-of-State Tuition: $12,060
- Program Length: 4 years
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 66%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Student Review Summary: Reviews of Nelson University are broadly favorable, with students most often praising the close-knit atmosphere, highly supportive professors, and a values-driven environment that feels personal rather than transactional. Several reviewers say faculty actively invest in individual success, show flexibility during difficult life circumstances, and make distance learners feel included. Students also highlight practical preparation for careers, licensure, and service-oriented work, along with a user-friendly online platform and strong real-world skill development. Criticism is limited but notable: one reviewer regretted choosing a field that was enjoyable yet not career-useful, and another wanted stronger preparation for doctoral-level study beyond professional licensing.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 368 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $13,350
- Out-of-State Tuition: $13,350
- Program Length: 4 years
- Median Earnings: $47,625
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 42%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Student Review Summary: Reviews of Moody Bible Institute are largely favorable, driven by strong ratings and consistent praise for knowledgeable, caring professors, spiritually grounded instruction, and a close-knit, multicultural community. Many reviewers say the school delivers rigorous preparation, practical ministry insight, and meaningful support from faculty and staff. Flexible formats such as online, modular, and independent study are also appreciated. Concerns center on finances, especially limited aid and no federal loan participation, along with commuter-related isolation, heavy workloads, and weaker online experiences. A few reviewers also question communication, administrative effectiveness, career flexibility outside ministry, and whether the school’s name affects employer perception.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 431 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $12,750
- Out-of-State Tuition: $12,750
- Program Length: 4 years
- Median Earnings: $43,863
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 62%
- Retention Rate: 84%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Student Review Summary: Reviews of Liberty University are broadly positive but sharply divided. Many describe a flexible online format that fits work, family, and military life, with eight-week terms, transfer credit options, and strong veteran discounts. Supportive professors, rigorous writing, and faith-based integration are often cited as strengths, especially by those specifically seeking a Christian framework. The main complaints are substantial: repeated frustrations with financial aid, advising, slow or inconsistent communication, and hidden or confusing fees. Critics also say some courses rely too heavily on self-teaching, feel uneven in rigor, or force biblical integration into assignments where it feels distracting, limiting, or professionally impractical.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.1 Student Review for Bachelor's in Theology Degrees
Liberty University was an awesome college for my field of study (theology)! I recommend any non - veterans attend and get your education while receiving spiritual growth as a byproduct. The only issue I had (as well as other Vets I've spoken to) with... Read More
- Online Enrollment: 39,156 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $11,700
- Out-of-State Tuition: $11,700
- Program Length: 4 years
- Median Earnings: $34,305
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 65%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Student Review Summary: Reviews of Ohio Christian University are sharply divided, though more lean positive than negative. Supporters praise flexible online scheduling, fast-paced courses, responsive instructors, faith-integrated coursework, and tuition discounts for military families, saying the format works well for working adults and can build confidence, discipline, and career momentum. Critics describe serious administrative breakdowns: confusing billing, financial aid mishandling, poor advising, weak communication, late or absent feedback, repetitive coursework, and a do-it-yourself online model with limited teaching. Several reviewers also report unclear expectations, technology issues, and collection activity, suggesting student support can vary dramatically depending on department and staff.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 741 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $13,500
- Out-of-State Tuition: $13,500
- Program Length: 4 years
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 34%
- Retention Rate: 62%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Compare the Best Online Theology Degree Programs
When trying to choose the best theology program online, you should consider potential earnings alongside the estimated four-year cost. Think about which theology program fits your personal academic, financial, and professional priorities.
Among the online theology bachelor鈥檚 programs with available earnings data, as shown in the graph above, Concordia - Wisconsin has the highest median earnings at $69,831 alongside an estimated four-year tuition of about $60,000. It's also helpful to keep in mind that this the salary of alumni around five years after graduation. So it's best understood as an early-career salary.
Schoolwide recommendation rates can add a helpful perspective when choosing the best online theology degree because it's about the overall student experience. Online theology students, in particular, may rely heavily on faculty mentorship, academic advising, online learning support, faith-based community, and opportunities for spiritual or ministry development, so broader satisfaction with the institution can matter alongside program-specific features.
A high recommendation rate suggests that students across the university generally felt positive enough about their experience to recommend the school to others, while the review rating (the main ranking list above) adds more nuance about the strength of that experience. Considering both measures alongside curriculum, theological tradition, and program structure can help you identify a school that fits your goals.
Standout Features of the Best Online Theology Bachelor's Degrees: An Editorial Analysis
Bachelor鈥檚 and Graduate Credits in One Path
Saint Joseph's College of Maine
Saint Joseph鈥檚 offers one of the clearest undergraduate-to-graduate bridges in this ranking. Theology majors may substitute as many as four graduate theology courses for undergraduate requirements and have those courses count toward both the bachelor鈥檚 degree and either the college鈥檚 MA in Theology or MDiv. That structure can let students get a head-start by beginning graduate-level theological work before completing the BA.
Pair Ministry Studies With Applied Skills
Nelson University
At Nelson, in addition to the BA鈥檚 core work in biblical literature, hermeneutics, and theology, students can pursue a Biblical Languages minor or pair the major with options such as business, education, or digital media. Those combinations create clearer ways to shape the degree around church administration, teaching, communications, or other ministry-adjacent work.
Nelson also incorporates internships and other applied learning opportunities into its broader ministry-focused model, reinforcing a curriculum that allows students to combine theological formation with skills they may use in specific professional or ministry settings.
Choose Between Christian Thought and Spiritual Formation
Moody Bible Institute
Moody鈥檚 concentration structure gives students two ways to shape the same theological studies degree.
- The Christian Thought concentration emphasizes philosophy alongside historical and contemporary theology, with a focus on evaluating competing ideas, addressing difficult questions, and articulating biblical beliefs.
- The Spiritual Formation concentration takes the degree in a different direction, centering lifelong Christlikeness, discipleship, spiritual disciplines, and formation within Christian community.
These represent two very different approaches to theological education, one more intellectually oriented and the other more focused on personal and communal formation.
FAQs About Choosing the Best Online Theology Degree
What Should You Know Before Choosing an Online Theology Degree?
An online theology degree, like the schools listed above, gives students a deep understanding of religious doctrines, biblical texts, and ethical issues in a flexible virtual format. The curriculum covers theology, church history, and ministry practices. This degree enables students to balance their studies with other commitments, preparing them for career paths in ministry, counseling, and education.
Bachelor's degrees in theology focus on exegesis 鈥� a critical reading and interpretation of the Bible. Students learn the history of the Bible's composition, the social and historical context behind biblical stories, and how to apply church teachings to their spiritual development. Theology tends to be more focused than religious studies degrees, which compare world religions and examine Christianity within its cultural and historical context.
Undergraduates typically take 30-45 credit hours of general education and liberal arts courses alongside 75-90 credit hours of major classes and electives. Program faculty design 120-credit bachelor's degrees to take four years to finish with a full-time schedule. Many programs end with a capstone or senior seminar that ties together everything the student has learned.
Internships are uncommon for theology majors, but some schools require a period of community service for credit. For example, Manhattan Christian College students enroll in periodic Christian Service courses and must complete 16 hours each semester at an approved location.
Several private Christian colleges offer fully online degree programs in keeping with the increasing popularity of online education. Most of these programs feature asynchronous classes with no set meeting times so that students can complete coursework at any time during the week. Colleges deliver these courses over virtual learning management platforms where students can interact in discussion forums, watch prerecorded lectures, and submit assignments digitally.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Theology Degree Online?
Most colleges claim that their bachelor's degree programs take four years for full-time students to finish. But of college students finish in four years and another 20% graduate within a further two years.
How Can You Tell if a Theology Degree Is a Good Academic Fit for You?
All college education is hard to some degree. A theology degree could require you to write critical analyses of difficult texts, learn dormant languages, or perform volunteer service in uncomfortable conditions. Some of these things may come easily but some might not.
How Do You Choose the Best Online Theology Program?
There's a lot to learn and think about when you're applying to college. Use the questions below to figure out what you're looking for so you can compare variables across degree programs.
- Is this college accredited? It's important to answer this question first because employers really only respect accredited institutions. Accreditation involves a thorough review of a school's faculty, curricula, and services. This makes it the best indication you have of a college's quality. You can find college accreditation statuses using the Department of Education's . Individual degree programs can also earn accreditation from special organizations in a particular discipline. The main accrediting body for theology is the . But the ATS only accredits graduate programs. There is no programmatic accreditation available for bachelor's degree programs in theology, so you should just make sure your school is institutionally accredited.
- Do I want to study online? The answer depends on both your circumstances and your personality. You may prefer the flexibility of online learning to help balance school with work and other responsibilities. But not everyone learns well in isolation without the structure of campus visits and interaction of live classes.
- What would my dream college offer? Make a list of every variable you haven't already covered. You can then assign weights to each one and compare schools by how well they meet your needs. For example, you might want to pick an online college that offers a certain amount of financial aid, features a disability services office that works with online learners, and has a Biblical Greek concentration in its theology program.
What Do You Learn in an Online Theology Degree Bachelor's Program?
Theology degrees often have several courses in common despite differences among colleges and denominations. This is because faculty want to produce students who can critically read biblical texts and defend their positions on church doctrines. Depending on the school, theology majors may be able to choose a minor or concentration, such as Biblical languages, Christian leadership, or evangelism.
Below, we've listed some courses that you might find in a theology bachelor's program:
- Apologetics: Apologetics are defenses of theological arguments. Enrollees in this course read classic examples of Christian apologetics and learn to identify logical problems. Most classes require a final essay giving students an opportunity to defend a point of biblical interpretation.
- Evangelism: This class describes Christian outreach around the world. Professors discuss biblical justifications for evangelism, global evangelical history, and the current evangelical missions of the school's denomination. Students also learn about cultural sensitivity and how to have respectful debates when evangelizing.
- Pauline Epistles: Many programs dedicate a whole course to the writings of St. Paul because they offer insight into early church history. Faculty may discuss the contested authorship of certain letters, Paul's recurring themes, and the social makeup of his audiences.
- Scriptural Interpretation: This course helps theology students develop one of the discipline鈥檚 chief skills. They read portions of the Old and New Testaments while learning the history of how each part has been interpreted. Topics may include the social and cultural context of the stories, recurring themes across books, and current scriptural debates.
- Writing and Research in Theology: Academic writing is a vital skill for theology students. Students practice shaping arguments and gathering credible sources as support. They usually write at least three research papers per term.
You can review our list of the most affordable online Christian colleges to find low-cost degrees in theology or related majors.
Do You Need a Theology Degree to Be a Pastor?
Churches commonly require their clergy to hold either a bachelor's or master's degree in theology, divinity, or a related major. But church organizations are all different and some are larger and more bureaucratic than others. It's possible that some religions accept pastors without degrees in religious subjects.
What Can You Do With an Online Theology Degree?
You can work a number of jobs in schools, businesses, churches, and nonprofit groups if you have a bachelor's degree in theology. Faith-based organizations might appreciate your devotion to religious education even if the degree doesn't contain much coursework on business administration.
Many religious organizations hire graduates with a Christian education in theology. For example, these employers include local churches and centralized church administrations, nonprofit associations, lobbying firms, and parochial schools. An alumni's chosen denomination may influence an applicant鈥檚 ability to obtain certain jobs, like how Baptist schools might prefer to hire administrators who share their faith.
Below, we've listed a few jobs that theology majors have secured. All salary and employment data come from the (BLS):
- The lead religious communities in prayer and worship. Most Protestant denominations require clergy to earn a Master of Divinity degree before they're ordained, and Catholic priests must attend several years of seminary training. But some churches might ordain ministers who only hold bachelor's degrees. Research the requirements for your denomination before committing to a theology degree program.
- Churches and Christian charities need resourceful to stay in business. These employees spend their days finding and talking to donors, running social media campaigns, planning fundraising events, and updating budgets. You may want to spend some electives on courses in finance or accounting to make yourself more competitive for these roles.
- help create and oversee initiatives and programs for their employers. They can work for churches, nonprofits, or companies with outreach and community service departments. Christian organizations may appreciate training in theology because it shows dedication to the employer's values.
- Like public-school educators, teachers at parochial schools help students learn a variety of subject matter. But they also include religious discussion in their lessons at the level and may even become dedicated religion teachers at the and levels.
Christian-school teachers don't have the same certification requirements as their public-school counterparts. But employers may require certifications from specialty organizations in their denomination.
Instead of immediately entering the workforce, you may be interested in one of the best online master's degrees in theology or the most affordable online master's degrees in theology as a next step.
Student Reviews of Online Theology Programs
Liberty University was an awesome college for my field of study (theology)! I recommend any non - veterans attend and get your education while receiving spiritual growth as a byproduct. The only issue I had (as well as other Vets I've spoken to) with Liberty over a 3 yr period of time was always financial aid issues. I would just caution veterans transitioning from active duty to become full time students utilizing Post 911/housing benefits. Even though the education was paid for with VA benefits,... Read More
Review Date: 7/7/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
My time at NPBC was memorable. The classes were in depth, biblically grounded and immersive. I learned a lot and was challenged to practice my faith by being an active member and participant on campus. I met many other ministers that I connect with in my everyday ministerial duties. My only true grievance is that Covid happened our senior year. It broke the school, and debt has caused our school to go under. It used to be a bustling campus with 4x the students but unfortunately is now a remnant.
Review Date: 5/6/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Attending ORU has been one of the best decisions I have made. The professors truly care for the students, the classes are applicable, and the campus life is engaging. Being from New York, I feared to be home sick, but the community and extracurricular groups made me feel at home and I would highly recommend this university to any looking for a place of higher education.
Review Date: 6/28/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
My time at Stillman College has been wonderful. What attracted me to Stillman is the close knit atmosphere I experienced during my tour prior to enrolling. The professors are more than teachers, they are like family. They are willing to assist a student in his/her class work and conversate on other personal matters that may be affecting the student's performance in his/her studies.
Review Date: 3/24/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Oakwood University, is an HBCU in Huntsville, Alabama. Where I went from freshman year until graduation. I started off with different studies but eventually came to theology, My experience there was excellent. Really feel like I excelled learning there in courses and as an individual. I joined many extra curriculars, as well while in school. Through my years there I really believe I learned to love my culture. Before Oakwood, I always went to a mainly European school. So it was beautiful to see so... Read More
Review Date: 6/14/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
St. Mary's University of Minnesota is an excellent university in a mid size town (Population around 30,000 during the school year). The campus is small, yet it has plenty of space for the diverse educational, athletic, and social activities one could want. The professors are always interested in each and every student and the student to teacher ratio was always aroun 8-10:1 in all my classes. It's location amid the bluffs of the Mississippi River valley make it an absolutely beautiful place to study.... Read More
Review Date: 3/1/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Located in the beautiful and affordable Redding, California, Simpson University provided a wonderful place to discover both the great outdoors, and the path to my future vocation. Small class sizes meant that we had great access to caring professors who were able to invest a great deal of their time and energy into helping us learn and succeed both inside the classroom, and in our lives as individuals. I was shaped not only as an intellectual, but also as a person, and I know that without the investment... Read More
Review Date: 12/27/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
As a graduate of the Master's University theology program, I'm grateful for its strong biblical foundation and Christ-centered training. The professors faithfully equip students to study God's Word deeply and prepare us to serve the church with conviction, humility, and faithfulness.
Review Date: 3/12/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes