Online Bachelor’s in Theology Degree Guide

Do you have a passion for studying Scripture? Or maybe you have a heart for helping people in their faith journey but are not sure about on-campus seminary? An online theology degree might be the right fit.

This guide will walk through the ins and outs of earning an online bachelor’s in theology. We’ll break everything down—from time commitments to tuition to how to pick the right school. The guide finishes with a directory of online programs.

Ready to dive in?

Can You Earn a Theology Degree Online?

Yes! The days of needing to go to a physical campus for your bachelor’s are long gone, and theology degrees are no different. There are hundreds of online programs available with many different specialties according to your interests and goals.

While many smaller schools offer online theology degrees, some big-name players are available for online students as well. A number of programs come from some of the most respected and reputable names in Christian higher education: Bethel University, Moody Bible Institute, and Biola University, to name a few.

Whatever your needs, more than likely there is an online program that will fit the bill!

Are Online Theology Degrees Faster Than On-Campus Programs?

Sometimes…but not necessarily.

Like most on-campus bachelor’s programs, online theology degrees typically require around 120 credits. Within a traditional two-semester academic calendar year, this averages 15 credits per semester for 4 years—a typical full-time course load.

However, many online programs offer greater flexibility for students looking to make faster progress:

• Some schools, like Holy Apostles, offer accelerated degree programs that are specifically designed for ambitious students.
• Rolling admission, with more than two semesters per year, has become very popular in online programs, offering both flexibility and quicker completion. Check out Brescia University as an example.
• Other programs may not advertise an accelerated version but may be willing to work with students on a case-by-case basis.

If you’re looking to complete your degree faster than four years and don’t have any transfer credits, it’s important to talk with admissions counselors to see what possibilities exist. It’s also important to remember that this will likely require you to take above and beyond a full-time course load each semester. Sufficient study time will be extremely important.

Are Online Bachelor’s in Theology Programs Affordable?

The good news is that there are some very affordable online options. But it might surprise you to learn that some online options aren’t necessarily less expensive than their on-campus counterparts.

Let’s look at some well-known programs:

• Liberty University’s programs cost only $390 per online credit.
• Moody Bible Institute is similarly priced, with a cost of $399 per credit.
• Biola’s per credit cost sits at $425 for students in online bachelor’s programs.

For a 120-credit program, you’d be paying around $45,000 for a Moody degree and $51,000 for a Biola degree.

These calculations don’t factor in any transfer credits, scholarships, financial aid, or grants—so it is always possible to bring down the cost of a program. But the bottom line is, don’t assume it’s less expensive just because it’s online. As with anything else, figure out your budget and do your due diligence to compare pricing and potential discounts to find out which program will be the right fit.

How to Choose the Right Online Theology Degree Program

The right online program is the one that meets all of your nonnegotiable needs and many of your wants. To create your list of needs and wants, consider the following:

1. End Goal: Are you looking for a theology degree primarily aimed at the study of Scripture for its own sake, or are you interested in an applied theology degree with the goal of being equipped for ministry? While there can be significant overlap between these paths, considering your preferences and your career goal is wise. The following chart gives some examples of online degrees from these two paths:

Theology Degrees	Applied Theology Degrees
BA in Biblical Studies (e.g. Toccoa Falls College)	BA in Christian Ministries (e.g. Bethel University)
BA in Theology (e.g. Grand View University)	BA in Leadership and Ministry (e.g. Ohio Christian University)
BS in Biblical Studies (e.g. Indiana Wesleyan University)	BA in Missional Ministries (e.g. Bethel University)
BS in Theological Studies (e.g. Moody Bible Institute)	BA in Youth Ministry (e.g. Trinity College of Florida)

2. Doctrinal Considerations: Do you have strong doctrinal beliefs that you’d like to see reflected in a program? For example, do you want a specifically Catholic or Protestant program? Or are there any doctrinal beliefs that would completely disqualify a program? If so, be sure to check the beliefs and values of each program you’re interested in to make sure you are comfortable with their theological framework.
3. School Reputation: Like on-campus programs, each school has its own reputation and status. Is it important to you to earn a degree from a well-known institution? Or are you content with a lesser-known school as long as the program is high quality? There’s no right or wrong answer, but it is something to take into consideration.
4. Price and Time Commitment: As previously discussed, cost and time needed to graduate are always important considerations. If you have budget and time constraints, these two factors will help narrow the field.
5. Program Design: Online programs can vary widely in their structure and content. It’s important to choose a program that fits your current lifestyle and goals.
• Semester structure: Some programs, like Moody, have a traditional fall/spring semester structure. Others like Point University have shorter rolling semesters throughout the whole year.
• Asynchronous structure: Many online programs, like Liberty University, are completely asynchronous (meaning you can do the work at your pace as long as you meet deadlines). Occasionally you might run into programs that require you to listen to lectures or meet with a cohort during specific times.
• Master’s preparation: If you are looking to get your MDiv or PhD after completing your bachelor’s, it’s important to make sure your chosen bachelor’s degree will fulfill admissions requirements for the advanced degree.
6. Internship Requirements: Even if there aren’t on-campus requirements, some programs, like Grace Christian University, may still require in-person experience at a local church or other ministry—especially within applied theology degree programs. Make sure you are comfortable with all such degree requirements.

Choosing the right online program for your bachelor’s in theology can seem like a daunting task, but using these considerations can help narrow down hundreds of options to a small handful, making the process much less overwhelming.

Keep these in mind while browsing the degree directory below!