Online PhD in Theology Degree Guide

For many theology students considering a career in academia, earning a doctorate degree in theology is the last major hurdle to beginning their career. However, the time, cost, and logistics for earning a PhD in theology often limit the viability of that career.

Numerous schools have begun making their doctorate theology programs available mostly or completely online. A list of such programs is featured at the end of this article. But is an online degree a good option for aspiring theology PhD students? How does it compare to a brick-and-mortar degree?

What Is a PhD in Theology?

A PhD in theology is a terminal degree—the highest level of degree in its field. A PhD in theology qualifies someone to research theology professionally or teach in the upper levels of theology education. Its purposes are academic, with less application for pastors and others in “hands-on” ministry.

A PhD in theology typically takes four or more years to complete, but some online programs (such as Columbia International University or Liberty University) can take as short as three years.

Still, “short” does not mean “easy.” PhD admissions, online or otherwise, are highly competitive. Applicants will need a graduate degree, a high GPA, professional references, writing samples, research language proficiencies, and potentially high GRE exam scores. Again, a doctorate is the highest level of theology degree. Applicants must prove they are prepared to earn it.

ThD (Doctor of Theology) vs. PhD in Theology

When comparing theology doctorate programs, aspiring students may notice some are labeled ThDs and others PhDs. Does the difference matter?

A Doctor of Theology (ThD) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Theology are very similar. Both are equal in rank, the highest level of degree one can earn in theology. However, a ThD and a PhD in theology have different emphases.

A ThD is typically offered by Christian institutions and focuses on a Christian understanding of theology. Some priority subjects of a ThD degree may include

• Biblical Languages (Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic)
• Hermeneutics
• Church History

Many PhDs are similar, but some theology PhDs are offered by secular institutions. In such a context, programs often take a more general approach.

While a PhD in theology student may specialize in Christianity, they may also specialize in Islam, Hinduism, or another religion. PhD programs are often built on a broader study and cross-comparison of religions with less focus on a single belief system.

Despite these different emphases, though, ThD and PhD programs do overlap, and both equip students for careers as researchers or educators of theology. The particular school one attends has a far larger impact on one’s studies than whether the degree is a ThD and a PhD.

How Online PhD in Theology Programs Work

The content, delivery, timeline, and costs of an online PhD in theology can each make or break a student’s experience. Here are several factors to consider when comparing different PhD in theology programs.

European vs. American Style Programs

Some online PhD in theology programs have minimal coursework and instead focus on individualized research and one-on-one mentoring with an advisor. European-style online PhD in theology programs, such as Trinity Bible College’s Practical Theology PhD, often fit this format.

European-style PhD programs are typically shorter, and PhD applicants choose their research project before starting their PhD.

American PhD programs, in contrast, often include more coursework with 1–2 years spent in thesis development and research approach. Faulkner University’s PhD in Biblical Studies program fits this format.

Students who already have a thorough knowledge base and thesis in mind may find a European-style program more focused and efficient. Students hungry for further training (such as advanced hermeneutics) and in need of additional time for refining their thesis with their adviser may find an American-style program offers a more gradual and thorough approach.

Normally, students are somewhat limited by location when choosing between American- vs. European-style PhD programs. Through the accessibility of online learning, however, students can choose the approach that fits their needs.

Program Structure and Online Delivery

Lecture-based courses are less numerous at the PhD level, but are still a typical feature of online PhD in theology programs. Classes may include subjects such as Advanced Hermeneutics, Ecclesiology, and Teaching Methods.

Online PhD programs often rely on recorded lectures or videos instead of scheduled class times. While interaction with classmates is more limited online, discussion boards and forums enable students to bounce ideas off one another.

One-on-one interaction with faculty is a priority at the PhD level, even with online limitations. Each PhD student consults one-on-one with an advisor, and other faculty may also be available for conversation.

At the end of the program, students are required to orally defend their PhD thesis in front of an academic board. For some online programs, this requires traveling to the physical campus; for others, this may take place virtually.

Online PhD in theology programs tend to be more streamlined than brick-and-mortar programs, so it’s common for students to finish within only three or four years. However, online programs sacrifice some of the opportunities offered by brick-and-mortar programs. For example, PhD students pursuing a teaching career will have a much harder time finding student teaching opportunities in an online PhD program.

Types of Doctorate Theology Programs Offered Online

No PhD in theology student will study exactly the same content as another. PhD programs move beyond general subject knowledge into deeper (and more niche) research, and each student pursues original research for their thesis. Picking a program where the classes and faculty match well with one’s thesis makes all the difference.

A program in Biblical Studies is an excellent fit for someone pursuing a biblical interpretation-related thesis. Many programs specialize in denomination-related studies, including Catholic and Greek Orthodox theology. For PhD theology students interested in researching the interplay between theology and different cultural contexts, a World Christian Studies degree is another option. Students more focused on ministry application might consider a Practical Theology degree.

The name of a program alone is not a thorough indicator of the subjects it may cover. For instance, Columbia International University’s Theological Studies PhD is not limited to systematic and historical theology. Their program is equally at home in the fields of apologetics and theological ethics.

These examples are by no means exhaustive. Aspiring PhD students should take time to consider their options and how each program connects with their research and career goals.

Online Theology PhD Costs

Online PhD programs can be significantly more affordable than most brick-and-mortar programs.

For instance, Liberty University’s online PhD in Practical Theology offers ablock rate of $2,750 per semesterto students who take 7–15 credit hours, with a three-year pace for graduation. Some online programs (such as at Liberty and Columbia International) even include textbooks free of charge. In contrast, the average cost of a PhD degree is $96,800.

With that said, it would be a mistake to measure a PhD program by its sticker price. Grants, fellowships, and stipends are some of the most notable ways PhD students cover the cost of their education.

Such opportunities are more diverse in brick-and-mortar institutions. For instance, online programs typically can’t provide teaching stipends. Brick-and-mortar institutions often have more funding, too. Some brick-and-mortar PhD in theology programs, such as Wheaton College’s, are fully funded (tuition is free to successful applicants).

Still, brick-and-mortar programs come with additional costs. Such programs may require relocation, travel, or sacrificing schedule flexibility. And while an online PhD student may not have a teaching stipend, they can often take on part-time work without worrying about class time hours.

Overall, online programs are a more reliable way to earn an affordable PhD. Aspiring PhD students, though, should take time to cross-compare individual programs, rather than rely on generalities.

Is an Online Doctorate in Theology Worth It?

A PhD in theology can be a game changer for anyone pursuing a career in research or higher education. And online degrees are one of the most affordable and convenient ways of earning that degree. However, determining whether an online theology degree is “worth it” depends very much on the specific student and program. Different students have different needs, ambitions, and life situations. There is no one size fits all.

An online format most often lends itself to students pursuing research, rather than those pursuing a career in teaching (though program content is a large factor as well). Furthermore, a student with a family or other responsibilities may find an online program is the best way to juggle their priorities. For many students, the shorter timeline and lower costs of an online program might be the tipping point that makes a PhD attainable. A quality online program may provide better content than a given brick-and-mortar program—format isn’t the only factor.

On the other hand, in-person interactions are far better for building relationships and networking. A high-achieving student may receive acceptance into a fully-funded brick-and-mortar program, eliminating online schooling’s chief advantage. Brick-and-mortar PhD in theology programs are far more common than online, so students have a wider range of programs to choose from.

As online learning becomes more and more popular, credible schools are building quality online programs. An online PhD in theology from an accredited school is a legitimate option for anyone pursuing a career in theology academia.