Online Certificate in Theology Degree Guide

Have you ever wondered if you can get college-level theological training without the time and expenses of a full-length degree program? Maybe you want to expand your knowledge and skills for ministry, but you need an option that’s short, sweet, and flexible. Or maybe you already work in ministry but are looking for a specialized online program that will better equip you for a small niche within your ministry.

If so, online theology certificate programs might be the exact stepping stone you need. These programs are fast and affordable, and can help you reach your goals with maximum flexibility.

This guide shares more about what certificate programs actually are and what you can expect to learn, and offers tips to help you decide if this is the right next step. We end with a directory of over 100 certificate programs to browse.

What Are Online Theology Certificate Programs?

Online certificate programs are college-level programs that do not end in a degree. That being said, if you decide to continue your education at a later time, credits earned in a certificate program can almost always be used toward the completion of a degree. Because of this, certificates can also serve as a great trial run if you’re debating about enrolling in a degree program.

When browsing options, you’ll see some programs labeled as “undergraduate certificates” and others as “graduate certificates” or “professional certificates.” Let’s clarify how those programs differ so you know which kind is right for you:

• Online Undergraduate Certificates in Theology: In general, an undergraduate certificate is for students who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree. The credits earned in these certificate programs can usually be used toward earning an undergraduate degree sometime in the future. For example, students at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary can earn undergraduate certificates in Christian Ministry, Biblical Studies, or Christian Education. Students in these programs can stop after their certificate or go on to earn their bachelor’s in Christian Ministry.
• Online Graduate/Professional Certificates in Theology: A graduate certificate is for students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree. Credits earned can usually be used toward obtaining a future master’s degree. Bethel Seminary offers graduate certificates in Biblical Studies, Theological Studies, and Children’s, Youth, and Family Ministry.

What You’ll Learn in an Online Theology Certificate Program

To understand the contents of these programs, it may be helpful to think about theology certificates as either brief introductions or focused specialties.

• Introductory-Style Programs: To use an example, Harding University offers a more general online theology certificate in Biblical Studies. It’s just 18 credits, as opposed to the 128 required credits for their bachelor’s degree in theology. In an introductory program like this, you’ll take more general classes like “Biblical Interpretation” and “Biblical Theology.” This kind of program can be a wonderful tool for personal growth and development or even to serve as a stepping stone to a new ministry career.
• Specialty-Style Programs: Even more common than introductory-style certificates are those with highly focused specialties. For example, you can get a certificate in Disability Ministry, Christian Apologetics, or Biblical Disaster Response—to name a few. In a specific program like Biola’s Disability Ministry, you’ll take niche classes like “Engaging Disability in the Church” and “Special Needs Children and Family Ministry.” Because these programs are more geared toward people already working in ministry, they are often considered graduate-level.

Who Are Online Theology Certificate Programs For?

If you’re looking for a degree and/or a comprehensive study of theology, this probably isn’t the right course of action for you. But an online theology certificate may be a perfect fit for

• busy professionals interested in lay ministry. Many of these programs can be completed in one year or less and provide a large amount of flexibility. Without having to reorganize your whole life, you can get college-level Bible training in a convenient and fast way. For example, Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary offers a great one-year program in Biblical Worldview.
• current ministry workers looking to develop a specialized skill set. If you’re not looking to advance your role but rather become better equipped for a specific aspect of your current role, a certificate program is likely the best fit. For example, if you’re already a pastor but want to become better equipped for helping people through hard situations, you might consider getting an online certificate in Biblical Counseling.
• theology students on a tight budget. If you know you want to go into ministry or theological studies but cost is a significant obstacle, an online certificate program might be the perfect place to start. These programs are the most cost-effective higher-education courses out there and can be just what you need to begin a ministry career without breaking the bank. For example, you could earn a Ministry Preparation Certificate from Nazarene Bible College for less than $5,000.
• aspiring ministry workers looking for a stepping stone. Maybe you would eventually like to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree, but for whatever reason, now is not the best time. Earning an online theology certificate can help give you the education you need right now while storing up college credits applicable to a full degree later. (Or maybe you’ll come to discover that the certificate program was really all you needed, and you get to save yourself a good deal of time and money!)

Are Online Theology Certificate Programs Reputable?

While an online theology certificate is not a degree program, it’s still a rigorous college-level certificate that will build your résumé and require diligent study.

In fact, many of these programs come from very reputable schools that also house well-known bachelor’s and master’s programs. As a certificate student, you are not taking lesser quality-classes; you are simply taking fewer classes.

If you’re looking for a high-ranked school with good-name recognition, consider checking out Biola, Harding, and Bethel universities—all which are ranked a top-ten school with a Biblical Studies major in US News. All three offer reputable online certificate programs that could be just what you need to reach your goals.

For a more comprehensive list of schools that offer online theology certificates, take a look at the directory below to find the program that’s right for you!