A master’s in theology equips graduates with the necessary competencies for work in nonprofit administration, church leadership, education, religious counseling, doctoral programs, and mission work. Program attendees engage in coursework covering various religious topics; common subjects include biblical interpretation, the history of Christianity, and how faith and science intersect. While most interested candidates already possess a solid spiritual foundation, students of all faith-related backgrounds are welcome to apply.
Students can expect to pay between $6,000 to $25,000 in total tuition to earn this degree, and coursework takes about two years to complete if attending full-time. Your length of study largely depends on the program’s credit requirements, ranging from 30 to 50 credit hours. Students who complete the program qualify for clergy positions, where you can earn an average salary of $63,720.
Why You Should Trust
The Intelligent.com Higher Education Team is dedicated to providing students with independent, equitable school and program rankings and well-researched resources. Our expert-driven articles cover topics related to online colleges and programs, paying for school, and career outlooks. We use data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, the National Center for Education Statistics, and other reputable educational and professional organizations. Our academic advisory team reviews content and verifies accuracy throughout the year for the most current information. Partnerships do not influence rankings or editorial decisions.
- Analyzed over 2,000 national, accredited, and nonprofit colleges and universities
- 800+ rankings pages are reviewed and updated yearly
- Content is informed by reputable sources, surveys, and interviews with academic advisors and other experts
- Over 100 data points are reviewed for accuracy and quality throughout the year, including sources
How we rank schools
Our list features the best online Theology degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:
Academic Quality:
- Admission rate versus enrollment rate
- Retention rate of students who return after year one
- Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
- Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions
Graduation Rate
- Overall graduation rate
- Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
- Student-to-faculty ratio
Cost and ROI
- In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
- Required credits to graduate
- Earning potential after graduation
- Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options
Student Resources
- Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
- On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries
Read more about our ranking methodology.
Best 51 Accredited Online Master's in Theology Programs
FiltersInstitution Type
Status
- Intelligent Score
- Alphabetically By University Name
- Acceptance Rate
- Enrollment
- In-state Graduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
- In-state Undergraduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition
Columbia International University
Intelligent Score: 99.92In-state: $40,270
Out-of-state: $40,270
In-state: $44,032
Out-of-state: $44,032
SAT: 990-1160
ACT: 16-25
$550
Online, On-Campus
Association of Theological Schools
42
Liberty University
Intelligent Score: 98.97In-state: $14,791
Out-of-state: $14,791
In-state: $7,935
Out-of-state: $7,935
SAT: 1040-1250
ACT: 21-29
$395
Online
Association of Theological Schools
30
Biola University
Intelligent Score: 98.78In-state: $43,512
Out-of-state: $43,512
In-state: $11,772
Out-of-state: $11,772
SAT: 1070-1290
ACT: 22-29
$704
Online, On-Campus, Hybrid
Association of Theological Schools
49
Saint Leo University
Intelligent Score: 98.67In-state: $23,990
Out-of-state: $23,990
In-state: $14,568
Out-of-state: $14,568
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$580
Online, On-Campus
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
36
Clarks Summit University
Intelligent Score: 97.95In-state: $26,082
Out-of-state: $26,082
In-state: $8,280
Out-of-state: $8,280
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$620
Online, On-Campus
Association For Biblical Higher Education
32
University of Dallas
Intelligent Score: 97.65In-state: $41,660
Out-of-state: $41,660
In-state: $33,750
Out-of-state: $33,750
SAT: 1130-1350
ACT: 23-30
$800
Online, On-Campus
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
36
World Mission University
Intelligent Score: 95.07In-state: $22,265
Out-of-state: $22,265
In-state: $18,973
Out-of-state: $18,973
SAT: Not Applicable
ACT: Not Applicable
$300
Online
Association of Theological Schools
42
Regent University
Intelligent Score: 93.72In-state: $17,220
Out-of-state: $17,220
In-state: $15,552
Out-of-state: $15,552
SAT: 940-1220
ACT: 21-29
$670
Online
Association of Theological Schools
24
Dallas Baptist University
Intelligent Score: 93.12In-state: $30,690
Out-of-state: $30,690
In-state: $18,954
Out-of-state: $18,954
SAT: 980-1200
ACT: 20-27
$1,334
Online, Hybrid
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
36
Trevecca Nazarene University
Intelligent Score: 92.87In-state: $25,998
Out-of-state: $25,998
In-state: $8,982
Out-of-state: $8,982
SAT: 1040-1253
ACT: 20-25
$463
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
32
Saint Joseph's College of Maine
Intelligent Score: 92.52In-state: $38,820
Out-of-state: $38,820
In-state: $9,482
Out-of-state: $9,482
SAT: 908-983
ACT: 20-24
$410
Online
New England Commission on Higher Education
36
Fuller Theological Seminary
Intelligent Score: 91.85In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
In-state: $59,288
Out-of-state: $59,288
SAT: 1235
ACT: 27
$505
Online
Association of Theological Schools
53
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Intelligent Score: 91.80In-state: $13,240
Out-of-state: NA
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: NA
ACT: NA
$447
Online, On-Campus
Association of Theological Schools
25
Campbellsville University
Intelligent Score: 90.47In-state: $24,900
Out-of-state: $24,900
In-state: $8,473
Out-of-state: $8,473
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$319
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
30
Bethel University
Intelligent Score: 89.85In-state: $38,870
Out-of-state: $38,870
In-state: $11,700
Out-of-state: $11,700
SAT: 1040-1338
ACT: 21-28
$540
Online, On-Campus
Association of Theological Schools
52
Concordia University Irvine
Intelligent Score: 89.08In-state: $32,660
Out-of-state: $32,660
In-state: $9,090
Out-of-state: $9,090
SAT: 990-1180
ACT: 19-25
$650
Hybrid
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission
32
Calvin Theological Seminary
Intelligent Score: 88.45In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
In-state: $33,937
Out-of-state: $33,937
SAT: Not Required
ACT: Not Required
$607 - $889
Online, On-Campus
Association of Theological Schools
24-55
Ashland University
Intelligent Score: 88.18In-state: $22,000
Out-of-state: $22,000
In-state: $6,444
Out-of-state: $6,444
SAT: 1000-1208
ACT: 19-24
$630
Online, On-Campus
Association of Theological Schools
37
How to Choose an Online Master’s in Theology Program
Choose your area of study
Interested attendees may select a Master of Arts (MA) or a Master of Theology (ThM). Institutions may have slightly different naming conventions, but the content and career preparation are consistent. A Master of Arts in theology is best for those interested in theological practice and application. A Master of Theology aligns more with those pursuing a doctoral track.
Online master’s in theology degrees feature a combination of core coursework and an area of concentration. Common concentration options include biblical studies, moral theology, and world religions. If you already know what you would like to do after you graduate, look for programs that closely match your career goals.
Research schools and programs
You should only consider schools that are approved by a DOE-recognized accrediting agency. Ideally, your school will be accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). ATS accreditation ensures the program is committed to accepted standards for high-quality theological education.
There are other specific program factors to consider as well:
- Will online students have access to student support services? Your selected master’s in theology degree program should feature additional benefits for online students. Seek programs with options for free online tutoring, career coaching, 24/7 tech support, and disability accommodations.
- How close is the campus? Some online graduate programs offer in-person opportunities like open houses or hands-on practice. Moreover, smaller programs may only provide specific specialty courses in person. The ability to commute to campus will provide you with more academic options.
To learn more about any schools that you’re interested in, you can visit the school’s website, contact an admissions counselor, follow the school on social media, or attend an in-person or virtual open house.
Prepare for tests and applications
Application requirements vary by school and program.
Successful applicants for graduate degrees in theology are excellent academic writers and communicators. Some programs require candidates to submit GRE scores to ascertain their verbal and written skills. However, most online master’s in theology programs do not mandate standardized test scores as part of the application process.
Prepare your subsequent application materials well in advance of the submission deadline. Programs often require recommendation letters, undergraduate transcripts, and a personal statement, which can take weeks to compile. Don’t wait until the last minute, or you may have to wait until the following semester.
Before submitting an application, always contact an admissions counselor to ensure you have the most accurate information regarding requirements and deadlines.
Select your program
Before making your final decision, review your needs and goals again. Do you plan to attend school full-time or part-time? Do you want your program to be as online as possible, or are you fine with a hybrid program that has a fair amount of in-person requirements? Some programs offer asynchronous courses, which can be completed at your own pace, while others only offer synchronous courses, which involve remotely attending lectures and completing assignments at the same time as other students — which of these two online learning formats do you prefer? Your school should accommodate your scheduling needs and learning preferences.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Graduate-level scholarships and funding opportunities are limited, but some schools offer needs-based assistance. All interested attendees should complete the FAFSA, which will outline what federal grants and loans they qualify for.
From there, speak with the school’s academic and financial aid offices to determine your best options. You may be eligible for aid programs (such as those for veterans) or qualify for credit through previous educational or career experiences. Those who already work in the field should see if their employer offers tuition assistance benefits as well.
What Can You Expect from an Online Master’s in Theology Program?
Individuals enrolled in an online master’s in theology excel in research and religious studies — coursework centers around Christian scholarship and real-world application of biblical teachings. Assignments emphasize academic writing, research, and philosophical discussion. Students may also prepare to serve their communities in religious institutions, schools, medical facilities, and nonprofit organizations.
Typical programs mandate between 30 and 50 credit hours, corresponding to about two years of study (if attending full-time). Online master’s in theology programs are often entirely remote but feature a final evaluation, often as a comprehensive exam, independent research paper, or capstone project.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online master’s in theology program
- History of Christianity I. Participants study the foundations of Christianity, including the early development of doctrine and the church as an institution.
- Biblical Exegesis. Using faith-based critical analysis, students interpret the Old and New Testaments. Coursework emphasizes the practical application of Christian teaching.
- Faith and Science. Students investigate the relationship between Christianity and modern science. From the perspective of their faith, participants discuss cosmology and evolutionary biology.
- Christian Prayer. This course focuses on the philosophy and application of prayer as a concept. Students review the history and evolution of prayer, noting its development from the Middle Ages to modern-day practice.
What Can You Do With an Online Master’s in Theology?
Career outlook
From pastoral roles and academic pursuits to advocacy and community engagement, there are a range of opportunities available to those who earn an online master’s in theology. As cultural and interfaith dialogues increase in importance, the need for theologians who can engage in meaningful discussions across belief systems is on the rise. An online master’s in theology provides a platform for individuals to contribute meaningfully to these dialogues and address complex societal issues.
An online master’s degree in theology offers a versatile foundation for a variety of impactful careers. Here are some potential career paths to consider:
- Social or community service manager — Oversee operations and secure funding for programs that support public well-being.
- Median annual salary: $77,030
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 9%
- New job openings projected: 16,000 annually
- Marriage or family therapist — Help clients work through issues in their family or relationship dynamics.
- Median annual salary: $58,510
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 15%
- New job openings projected: 5,900 annually
- Social worker — Help individuals and families deal with problems in their everyday lives, such as health, behavioral, and financial issues.
- Median annual salary: $58,380
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 7%
- New job openings projected: 63,800 annually
Online Master’s in Theology Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online master's in theology degree program?
You can find the specific application instructions on each program’s website. Graduate applications require a processing fee, and most schools mandate a minimum undergraduate GPA to qualify. For questions or concerns, contact an admissions counselor. They may be able to waive the application fee. A typical application for an online master’s in theology degree requests the following materials:
- A completed application form
- Official transcripts indicating an earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal essay (often related to your relationship with Christianity)
- An academic writing assessment
International students will have additional steps, including proof of English language competency and visa requirements.
How much does an online master's in theology degree cost?
The average annual tuition for graduate school is $20,513. Private schools tend to charge more than public schools, though public schools usually charge out-of-state students a much higher tuition rate than in-state students. Moreover, the length of the program dictates price; 30-credit-hour curricula cost less than a 48-credit degree.
Students will also need to factor in the cost of books and technology. To successfully participate in an online master’s program, students need reliable computer hardware and internet access.
How long does it take to earn an online master's in theology degree?
Most online master’s in theology programs can be completed in two years if students attend full-time. However, some graduate degree programs are just 30 credit hours, which can be completed in one year. Part-time attendees may need up to three years or more to earn their degree.
Is an online master's in theology worth it?
An online master’s in theology equips individuals with a deep understanding of religious and ethical principles, promoting critical thinking, empathy, and interfaith dialogue. Positions are available in a variety of nonprofit organizations, from senior living facilities to megachurches.
The key benefits of earning a master’s in theology include the potential for personal and spiritual growth as well as the opportunity to contribute to the spiritual well-being and moral development of individuals and communities. Graduates of theology programs often find their work to be deeply fulfilling and aligned with their values.
An online master’s in theology also prepares individuals to engage in meaningful conversations on matters of faith, ethics, and social justice and apply theological principles to real-world challenges. Through coursework and discussions, graduates develop skills in critical analysis, compassionate communication, and community engagement.