Any definition of the word “theology” will necessarily include the phrase “the study of the nature of God.” Sometimes the definition will go further and mention the study of God “in relation to the world.” However you define theology, the fact you’re reading this article is proof that your interest in earning an advanced degree is personal. The following list of schools offering online master’s degrees in theology will help you find a program suited to your needs. These various programs call themselves by different names–theology, theological studies, practical theology, Christian spirituality, pastoral studies, divinity, Christian ministry, and Christian studies–but their promise is the same: an educational platform that will enhance your skills and knowledge as a religious leader.
An advanced degree in theology will prepare you for employment in a multitude of areas, such as hospital chaplain, clergy person, director of religious education, minister, missionary, social worker, and many other occupations requiring a background in spirituality. Such a degree will equip you to guide and counsel others with regard to health, finances, marriage, or other areas of relationship. Salary will likely not be your primary motivation in earning a higher degree in theology, but wages do increase with more education. The following 2018 figures are from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for median annual pay.
Director of religious activities and education–$40,810
Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselor–$44,630
Clergy--$48,990
Marriage and family counselors–$50,090
In ranking the schools listed below, we used the categories shown in the charts. Where ties occurred, extra weight was given to lower tuition rates. All figures came from the schools themselves or from niche.com.
Rating and Ranking Methodology
Hourly Tuition
- Hourly Out of State Rate $300 and Below : 5 points
- Hourly Out of State Rate $500 and Below : 4 points
- Hourly Out of State Rate $800 and Below: 3 points
- Hourly Out of State Rate $1,000 and Below: 2 points
- Hourly Out of State Rate $1,100 and Below : 1 point
Student to Faculty Ratio
- 12:1 or fewer: 5 points
- 15:1 or fewer: 4 points
- 18:1 or fewer: 3 points
Graduation Rate
- 67% to 100%: 5 points
- 34% through 66%: 3 points
- 1 through 33%: 1 point
Regional Accreditation – 5 points
#1 – Saint Joseph’s College
New York, New york
MA in Theology Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Hourly Tuition Rate: $376
Graduation Rate: 72%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Points: 18
Website
Saint Joseph’s College’s online MA in Theology degree allows you to choose from three specializations: pastoral theology (36 credit hours); sacred theology (36); and advanced diaconal studies (30). The degree may be completed in 1.5 years if full-time (taking two courses per term) or in 3 years if part-time (taking one course per term). The curriculum includes such courses as Catholic moral theology, history of Latino Catholics in the Church, the Trinity, theology of the sacraments, and wisdom literature: bridging the Testaments. Application requirements to Saint Joseph’s College’s online MA in Theology program include any bachelor’s degree and 2.5 minimum GPA.
#2 – University of Dallas
Dallas, Texas
Online MTS
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Hourly Tuition Rate: $685
Graduation Rate: 68%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Points: 18
Website
University of Dallas is a Catholic institution and offers a 37 credit hour, online master of theological studies degree. The university’s Ann & Joe O. Neuhoff School of Ministry offers programs “for those who desire to enrich their faith, develop their effectiveness as pastoral leaders and engage in transformative service to the Catholic Church, their communities and the world.” All students will complete a 25-text annotated bibliography that will be due during one’s final semester before graduation. University of Dallas’s master of theological studies online program allows you to choose no area of concentration or a concentration in Biblical theology.
#3 – Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
MA of Pastoral Studies, Christian Spirituality, or Divinity Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Hourly Tuition Rate: $788
Graduation Rate: 77%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Points: 17
Website
Loyola University Chicago offers an online master of arts in pastoral studies, Christian spirituality, or divinity degree to which you may add an education minor by taking four courses in LUC’s school of education. Many courses are scheduled in late afternoon or early evening for convenience of working students. A comprehensive examination will be required but no thesis. Admission to Loyola University Chicago’s MA in pastoral studies, Christian spirituality, or divinity program calls for submission of a 5-25 page writing sample, three letters of recommendation, transcripts, a personal statement of purpose, and GRE scores.
#4 – Campbellsville University
Campbellsville, kentucky
Online M.Th.
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Hourly Tuition Rate: $299
Graduation Rate: 34%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Points: 16
Website
The online master of theology degree offered by Campbellsville University has three emphases: Biblical studies; pastoral leadership; and theology. The degree is 30 hours of credit, and each emphasis is 18 hours. A prerequisite for admittance to the program is either a minimum of 18 undergraduate hours in Christian studies, or a masters degree, or applicable graduate courses. Also required are two reference letters, one from an academician and one from a ministry mentor. The curriculum for Campbellsville University’s online M.Th. degree includes journey into Christ-likeness, intergenerational ministries, ethics of Christian faith, and the Gospel and postmodernism.
#5 – Indiana Wesleyan University
Marion, Indiana
Online Master of Practical Theology
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Hourly Tuition Rate: $500
Graduation Rate: 63%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Points: 16
Website
The online master of practical theology degree from Indiana Wesleyan University is a 72 credit hour program intended for those students who have at least 30 credit hours of relevant graduate studies and who wish to obtain master of divinity equivalency. The curriculum includes the following core courses: pastor, church, and world; introduction to Christian theology; and the Bible as Christian scripture. Admission requirements to Indiana Wesleyan University’s master of practical theology program call for a minimum 2.5 GPA, three references (one from a pastor or denomination supervisor), church endorsement form, and a 3-4 page autobiography and statement of ministry purpose.
#6 – Fordham University
New york, New york
MA in Christian Spirituality Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Hourly Tuition Rate: $876
Graduation Rate: 79%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Points: 16
Website
Fordham University, the Jesuit University of New York, has an online MA in Christian Spirituality degree that is 36 credit hours with three concentrations from which to choose: spiritual direction; research; and generalist. You may pursue the program full-time or part-time. The spiritual direction and generalist concentrations require a comprehensive examination. The research concentration prepares for doctoral work and requires competency in a second language and completion of a 60-page master’s thesis. Admission to Fordham University’s online MA in Christian Spirituality calls for transcripts, a 2-3 page personal statement, resume, and t
wo letters of recommendation.
#7 – University of the Cumberlands
williamsburg, kentucky
MA of Christian Studies Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Hourly Tuition Rate: $315
Graduation Rate: 41%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Points: 15
Website
University of the Cumberlands has an online master of arts of Christian studies program that is 30 credit hours and can be completed in one year. The online delivery is asynchronous, and each bi-term is 8 weeks long. The curriculum includes the following courses: OT and NT, I and II of each; church and contemporary culture; christian leadership development; church administration; and planting high-impact churches. Students will complete a ministry project based on the particular area of study. The online MA of Christian Studies degree University of the Cumberlands promises “practical application while offering strong academic content in all areas.”
#8 – Liberty University
Lynchburg, virginia
Online Th.M.
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Hourly Tuition Rate: $395
Graduation Rate: 47%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Points: 15
Website
Liberty University’s 100% online master’s of theology degree gives you six specializations to choose from: Biblical studies; Christian apologetics; church history; homiletics; theology; and global studies. Course titles include the following, one taken from each specialization area: expository teaching; Psalms; miracles; American Christianity; cultural anthropology; and ethics and Christian ministry. Application requires letters of recommendation, transcripts, and a pastoral letter of recommendation. The online Th.M. degree from Liberty University is 30 credit hours and emphasizes logical and critical thinking, scholarly research, and the program’s varied curriculum.
#9 – Saint Leo University
saint leo, florida
MA in Theology Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Hourly Tuition Rate: $495
Graduation Rate: 48%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Points: 15
Website
Saint Leo University is Florida’s oldest Catholic institution of higher learning. Their online master of arts in theology degree calls for on-ground classes one Saturday per month; the city of Saint Leo is located less than an hour from Tampa. Admission to the 36 credit hour program calls for transcripts, a professional recommendation, and a professional statement of goals. Curriculum for Saint Leo University’s online MA in Theology program includes the following courses: philosophical foundations for theology; worship, sacraments, and liturgy; Christology; Hebrew scriptures: and history and theology.
#10 – Dallas Baptist University
dallas, texas
Online MA in Christian Ministry
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Hourly Tuition Rate: $1,004
Graduation Rate: 58%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Points: 13
Website
Dallas Baptist University’s online master of arts in Christian ministry is offered fully online, with hybrid courses and the option of evening courses for those local to the Dallas area. This 36 hour affair offers ten concentrations, each twelve hours in length. There is also a Chaplaincy option. Admission to the MA in Christian ministry online at Dallas Baptist University entails: two letters of recommendation (not from a family member); a current resume; official transcripts from your entire college career; and a statement of purpose detailing your reasons for pursuing this degree at this point in your life.