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–$40,810Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselor–$44,630Clergy--$48,990Marriage and family counselors–$50,090In 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
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
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
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.
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
#6 – Fordham University
New york, New york
MA in Christian Spirituality Online
wo letters of recommendation.#7 – University of the Cumberlands
williamsburg, kentucky
MA of Christian Studies Online
Regional Accreditation: YesHourly Tuition Rate: $315Graduation Rate: 41%Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1Points: 15WebsiteUniversity 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.
#9 – Saint Leo University
saint leo, florida
MA in Theology Online
#10 – Dallas Baptist University
dallas, texas
Online MA in Christian Ministry
Dallas Baptist University's mascot is the Patriot.
Regional Accreditation: YesHourly Tuition Rate: $1,004Graduation Rate: 58%Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1Points: 13WebsiteDallas 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.