20 Best Online Theology Degree Programs

Houston Christian University, formerly known as Houston Baptist University, is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. The majority of students are not enrolled in any distance education courses, but HCU does have several strong online programs. 

There is no Greek life, but HCU offers 17 intercollegiate varsity sports. HCU has a low student to teacher ratio of 15:1. It has a high acceptance rate of 84 percent. Its freshman retention rate is 69 percent with a 48 percent graduation rate for 6 years and a 35 percent 4-year graduation rate.

HCU features one of the best online theology degree programs in the country. The online degree is appropriate for students who want a career in a teaching or preaching role. Students will benefit from an education focused on both depth and breadth of Christian theology. Major requirements include:

• Systematic Theology
• Hermeneutics
• History of Christianity

All students complete a senior seminar course focused on the student’s special interests. Opportunities for independent study are also available through this bachelor’s in theology.

Liberty University is a well-known private Christian university in Lynchburg, Virginia. Liberty was one of the earliest adopters of online education and has over 96,000 online students. 

The majority of Liberty University students are online (88 percent of its students are distance learners). Though it has no Greek life, there is a good-sized art program, and it is one of the few schools on this list to offer football. 

Online classes are capped at 25 students to prevent overcrowding. Still, the student to teacher ratio still sits at a reasonable 18:1. Almost all students who apply are admitted, but only 20% of those accepted actually enroll. Liberty retains 79 percent of its freshmen with 62 percent graduating within 6 years and 45 percent graduating within 4 years. Oddly enough, only 8 percent of the students major in religious studies.

Liberty offers a bachelors in theology degree online that can help students deepen their understanding of biblical teachings. Online coursework allows students from all over the world to engage in meaningful discussions while exchanging ideas. Students will:

• Gain a foundational understanding of apologetics
• Develop critical thinking skills
• Explore Bible study methods
• Examine the origin and nature of the Church

Online theology majors can gain practical training through internships and ministry opportunities like mission trips. Is cost a concern? All students are provided with electronic textbooks at no cost, saving up to $2,000! Financial aid is available.

This ranking should be no surprise to anyone who has done their research. Dallas Baptist University is among the well known Christian colleges in the U.S. Additionally, the university offers some of the best online theology programs in the nation.  

About 20 percent of the students are involved in Greek life and the university has a decent arts program. Its sports are definitely geared toward women as men only have baseball and basketball. The school has a classroom of 20 students or fewer for 67 percent of the courses offered and only 2 percent of the courses have 50 students or more. However, the student to faculty ratio is 17:1.

It is easy to get into DBU with an acceptance rate of 91%. It retains 62 percent of its freshmen, 57 percent of whom graduate within 6 years—though only 44 percent graduate in 4 years.

Dallas Baptist University offers a professional studies degree in Christian ministries. This 120-credit program includes three concentration areas:

• Business/Management
• Christian Leadership
• Educational Ministry

Students benefit from a rich online environment that fosters collaboration and communication. Both synchronous and asynchronous learning opportunities are available to meet the needs of students. Students interested in earning an advanced online degree will be interested in the Accelerated Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs. These joint programs can save students both time and money.

Saint Leo University is a Catholic university and is known for educating U.S. military personnel. It is also the oldest Catholic higher educational institution in Florida. The majority of its learners attend online and it is among the best theological schools in the nation.

Saint Leo features a robust sports community, and it even offers some fraternities and sororities. The university has a decent student to teacher ratio of 18:1, but less than half of the courses, at 49 percent, have 20 students or fewer. It has a liberal acceptance rate of 80 percent. Its freshman retention rate is an acceptable 54 percent while 48 percent graduate within 6 years but only 37 percent within 4 years.

The online bachelor’s degree in religion from Saint Leo University prepares students for a variety of careers and jobs in the ministry. Online courses are taught by accomplished faculty who have real-world experience. Students can build their professional portfolio through peer ministry experiences, internships, and even service trips to places like Costa Rica and Alaska. Course offerings include:

• Christian Morality
• Christology
• Christian Social Justice: A Roman Catholic Perspective

Most students can complete this theology degree program in four years of study.

Regent University is a four-year, private not-for-profit institution accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Most students (52%) attend full time, and the majority of students are female. 

Over 75% of students are exclusively enrolled in distance education courses. Regent does not offer Greek life, but it has a moderate art scene. Also, there are no real sports to mention—beyond intramural basketball for women. 

Roughly 60 percent of the classes have 20 students or fewer and none have more than 50. However, the administration seems to manage the student to teacher ratio well without being spectacular as it sits at 21:1. Regent can be challenging to get into as its acceptance rate is just 32%. The freshman retention rate sits at 70 percent, though the 4-year graduation rate is 48 percent.

The online bachelor’s in biblical and theological studies program at Regent University provides students with a solid foundation in areas like:

• Theology
• Biblical studies
• Pastoral ministry
• Church leadership

Courses are taught from a Christian Renewal perspective, allowing students to apply their education to contemporary issues and other religions. There are a variety of scholarship opportunities to save students money including academic merit scholarships and honors college scholarships.

Indiana Wesleyan University National and Global is the online division of IWU. They use an asynchronous online schedule so students can work at their own pace. IWU also puts a cap on their online courses, so students receive the attention they need. 

Indiana Wesleyan is also the fastest growing university in Indiana in the last 2 years. There is no Greek Life, but IWU has a rich artistic program with music, writing, and drama as well as a large sports culture as well. 

They have an adequate student to teacher ratio of 17:1 with 64 percent of their courses enrolled with 20 students or less. IWU National and Global has an open admission policy. Six-year graduation rates are 40 percent.

Indiana Wesleyan University features a 17-course degree completion program that students can complete in just two years. Students will focus on Scripture while also learning about:

• Theology
• Spirituality
• Christian leadership
• Teaching 
• Youth ministry 

All students complete a Bible Studies Colloquium that serves as a capstone experience. Applicants must have at least 60 transferable credit hours before being able to begin the core program.

Loyola University New Orleans is a four-year, private not-for-profit and houses one of the best online theology schools. Loyola has a student population of over 4,300 students but only 6% are enrolled exclusively in distance education courses. Loyola has a 78 percent admission rate. 

Moreover, 54 percent of students graduate within 4 years, and 65 percent graduate within 6 years.

The online Bachelor of Arts in ministry and theology from Loyola University New Orleans is a 120-credit hour program that prepares students for a variety of leadership positions. Core courses include:

• Leadership in Ministry
• Religious Education in Theory and Practice
• Christ and the Christian Tradition

Courses are taught 100% online by expert instructors. The theology program is geared toward adult learners and emphasizes real-world implications.

Crown College offers one of the best online theology programs in the northern United States. It is noted for an extensive student library that can be accessed online and in person. The theological school also offers an accelerated master’s program that only takes a single year. 

Biblical Studies is its highest rated program with 34 percent of the students majoring in it. Crown College has a well-rounded arts program but few sports and no Greek life. It has a fairly stringent 67 percent acceptance rate. The freshman retention rate is decent at 68 percent, but it has an acceptable 6-year graduation rate of 55 percent and a 4-year graduation rate of 48 percent.

The Biblical Studies bachelor’s degree from Crown College is an online program that supports students as they grow in their faith. Students can boost their resume by adding a second major in an area like:

• Christian Ministry
• Business
• Psychology/Counseling

Biblical studies graduates meet the requirements necessary for licensing for ministry in the Christian and Missionary Alliance. They are also prepared for future graduate studies.

Lee University is known for its superb online theological degrees. The school offers a wide variety of theology programs such as: 

• Bible and theology 
• Christian studies 
• Ministry leadership
• Religious studies 
• Youth ministry 

Pastoral counseling and specialized ministries is its highest ranked major. The school also boasts a rich arts program and even allows Greek life. Moreover, it has one of the most diverse sports programs on this list. 

The school offers an acceptable student to teacher ratio of 12:1, but only 55 percent of the courses have 20 students or fewer. It has an acceptance rate of 73 percent. Still, it has a decent freshman retention rate of 79 percent with 63 percent graduating in 6 years and 49 percent in four years.

The Bible and Theology bachelor’s degree from Lee University provides students with a foundational understanding of biblical and theological knowledge. The program is designed for students who want to continue on to further theological study. Course offerings include:

• Systematic Theology
• Contemporary Protestant Theology
• Doctrine of Christ
• World Religions

Most students can complete their bachelor’s degree in four years of study.

Cornerstone University became a full university in 1999. Just over a quarter of the students are distance learners. However, theology is one of the top-5 most popular majors. Cornerstone University’s theology degrees are top notch.

Cornerstone University has a reasonable student to teacher ratio of 15:1 with almost 59 percent of classes enrolling 20 students or fewer. They have a generous acceptance rate of approximately 82 percent. The freshman retention rate of 82 percent is solid while 6-year graduation rates are 64 percent though four-year rates are 52 percent.

Cornerstone University offers a 120-credit hour online bachelor’s in ministry and leadership for future Christ-centered leaders. The Christian leadership curriculum is designed for today’s busy ministry professionals who need a flexible, high-quality academic program. 

Courses are taught by real-world ministry faculty. Students enrolled can transfer in up to 90 credit hours, saving both time and money. Online students have access to a variety of support resources in areas like writing and spiritual and mental health services.

Oklahoma Wesleyan University is one of the best theology schools for online learners. OKWU offers its online theology programs in an asynchronous format which allows students to set their own schedule rather than having to be online at any particular time. 

Only 13 percent of its students are exclusively distance learners—so it may not be as integrated as some other options. Its arts options are limited, and there is no Greek life, but it does offer a solid number of sports. Also, theology is one of the top-3 majors at OWU, so the religious culture is strong. 

This school offers a nice student to teacher ratio of 15:1 with 74 percent of the courses enrolling 20 students or fewer. It is not an exceedingly difficult school to get into with an acceptance rate of almost 52 percent. Though it has a relatively low freshman retention rate of 54 percent and only 35 percent graduate within 6 years with 29 percent in 4 years.

The bachelor’s degree in ministry and leadership from OKWU provides students with the online learning tools they need for a long, effective career in the ministry. The Christian leadership program is a great option for students who would like to consider working in their home church while earning their degree. One of the unique features of this online degree program is that students can adapt their studies to include an ordination track.

Students complete their program as a cohort, moving through the program together. They complete online assignments and connect with peers and professors in a virtual environment. OKWU is service member friendly and is regionally accredited through the Higher Learning Commission. 

Brescia is an excellent university for students interested in going into pastoral ministry. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 30% of students are enrolled exclusively in distance education courses while an additional 38% are enrolled in some online courses. 

There is no Greek life, but their music department is decent for choral and vocal programs. Brescia also offers some sports for both men and women. They have an impressive 9:1 student to teacher ratio which allows 89 percent of their courses to have 20 or fewer students enrolled in them. 

The theological school can be moderately selective with a 50 percent acceptance rate. Brescia’s retention rate is decent at 77 percent, but their six-year graduation rate of 36% could be better. Approximately 62% of the undergraduate student population are female.

Brescia University offers one of the top theology degrees online that adheres to the competency expectations of the National Association of Lay Ministry. 

The Bachelor of Arts in theology allows students to complete assignments from anywhere, making this a great choice for busy adults. Courses are offered in an accelerated format, allowing students to complete a high-quality education at a faster pace. This theology degree includes coursework, like:

• World Religions
• Spirituality and Vocation
• The Catholic Faith: An Introduction to Theology

Students enrolled in this online program can complete a three-credit hour ministry internship, gaining valuable field experience.

St. Joseph’s College of Maine made it onto the list of best online theology programs because It gets excellent marks for alumni engagement following graduation. The school also provides financial aid awards 100 percent of the time for first-time, full-time students. 

About 30% of students are enrolled exclusively in distance education courses. Its acceptance rate is acceptable at 81 percent. It has a decent student to teacher ratio of 10:1. Its freshman retention rate is on par at 77 percent, and it has an excellent 6-year graduation rate of 65 percent with a 4-year graduation rate of 55 percent. It has one of the highest female student body ratios at 62 percent.

Saint Joseph’s College of Maine offers a Bachelor of Arts in Theological Studies rooted in Roman Catholic theology and ministry. The online degree program serves to prepare students for roles like:

• Deacon 
• Diaconal candidates
• Deacon wives
• Diaconal candidate wives

This theology degree offers five start dates each year, allowing students to begin the online theology degree when it is most convenient. All courses are online and there are no on-campus residency requirements. Students planning to pursue a Master of Arts in Theology can continue their education, saving time and money.

Bethesda University is somewhat limited in academic offerings but specializes in theological studies. Moreover, their mission is specifically to engage with Millennials and instill a Christian foundation of values in their lives.

Bethesda is a university with a respectable student to teacher ratio of 15:1. It has an open admission policy. It is one of the few schools on this list where male dominate the student body, comprising 78 percent. Almost 90% of students are enrolled exclusively in an online degree program.

Bethesda University of California offers a four-year degree bachelor’s degree program in religion. Prospective students can choose from an emphasis in Biblical Studies or Christian Education. Online coursework includes:

• Spiritual Disciplines and Christlikeness
• Church History
• Introduction to Biblical Language

Graduates of this theology degree are prepared to work in the religious community or pursue graduate study.

Trevecca Nazarene University was created specifically to serve the Church of the Nazarene’s higher education needs. An impressive 82 percent of TNU’s faculty hold their doctorate. Theology is the school’s second largest program and they boast some of the best theology degrees online. 

Trevecca Nazarene University does have a conventional arts program for both writing and music. This school is not challenging to get into with a 71 percent acceptance rate. The student to teacher ratio is a modest 22:1, but almost 68 percent of the courses are enrolled with 20 students or fewer. It has a decent 74 percent freshman retention rate with an impressive 60 percent graduating within six years and a just as impressive 49 percent within four years.

Trevecca offers an online bachelor’s degree focused on Christian ministry. The online degree program teaches from a holistic mindset to provide students with servant leadership skills and ministry competence. 

Students can complete their theology degree in just 18 months of study. Courses are taught by faculty with the highest degrees in their field. As students move through the program with a cohort of like-minded peers, they build a professional network. The theology program is flexible, allowing students to balance school with their time in the church.

Southwestern Assemblies of God University offers some excellent prior learning options giving credit for dual courses, AP exams, and life experience. They offer a multitude of undergraduate online theology programs including:

• Bible and Theology
• Biblical studies
• Global compassion leadership
• General ministries
• Church leadership (with eight specialization options)
• Intercultural studies
• Religion and philosophy
• Theological studies

There is no Greek life, but SAGU does have an impressive music and drama culture. SAGU also has a generous acceptance rate of 86 percent. The student to faculty ratio is 17:1, but the average class size is about 11 students. Their freshman retention rate is acceptable at 77 percent while their 6-year graduation rate is 53 percent, and their 4-year graduation rate is 40 percent.

The online bachelor degree in theology from SEGU was designed to help students deepen their understanding of the Scriptures along with its context and applications. Students will explore topics in core courses related to:

• Biblical literature
• Apologetics
• Doctrine
• Christian history
• Christian ethics
• Church ministry

This theology program allows students to practice their preaching and teaching skills through the College of Bible and Church Ministry’s apologetics seminar. Courses are offered completely online with no required on-campus sessions. Graduates of this theology degree are prepared for a variety of career possibilities including: 

• Senior pastors
• Missionaries 
• Military chaplains

One of the most well known Christian colleges is The Moody Bible Institute. As the name suggests, Moody specializes in religious and biblical studies. They offer online programs in a variety of religious areas including:

• Biblical Studies
• Integrated Ministry Studies
• Ministry Leadership
• Ministry to Women
• Theology and Cultural Engagement

MBI also offers 8-week semester courses. Its freshman retention rate is a solid 75 percent. Moody has a 61% overall graduation rate for students. While the student to teacher ratio is 16:1. About 30% of undergraduates are online students.

The online theology degree from Moody Bible Institute is a comprehensive program that helps students examine past and present theology. Students will learn to communicate theology and create action plans for improving theological literacy. This bachelor’s in theology encourages students to build relationships with their professors and peers throughout the program, building their network of support. Core courses include:

• Christian Anthropology and Hamartiology
• The Old Testament and Theology
• The Theological Task and Bibliology

Moody offers a variety of financial aid options including scholarships, veterans benefits, and federal grants and loans. Graduates are prepared for graduate study as well as an entry level career in the ministry.

One of the top theology online schools is Nazarene Bible College. NBC specializes in teaching students to minister and evangelize. However, it has a bit of a rocky reputation as it is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and the Commission on Accreditation of the Association for Biblical Higher Education rather than a regional accreditation system. 

Nazarene Bible Colleges admits 100 percent of applicants. The student to teacher ratio is an impressive 6:1. The freshman retention rate is only 44 percent; however, their graduation rates are impressive. 

According to information provided by the National Center for Education Statistics, 100% of students who began their studies in 2014 earned their degree in six years.

The Bachelor of Arts in Ministry is a four-year online degree for future ministers, counselors, and educators in the church. The theology degree features a strong general studies component along with advanced Bible and theology studies. 

Through this bachelor’s in theology, prospective students can choose from seven different major area of studies including:

• Bible and Theology
• Christian Educational Ministries
• Counseling for Christian Ministries
• Hispanic Pastoral Ministries
• Leadership and Ethics
• Pastoral Leadership
• Pastoral Ministries

NBC also welcomes transfer students through their AdVantage Program.

Grand Canyon University is another school that specializes in training people to minister and offers some of the top theological degrees online. GCU even offers five different specialties related to this field. These theology degrees include:

• Biblical Studies
• Global Ministry
• Philosophy
• Worship Leadership
• Youth Ministry

Moreover, over two-thirds of this theological school’s students are distance learners. They have an acceptance rate of about 78 percent. Their freshmen retention rate is 70 percent, but their 6-year graduation rate is a low 46 percent while their 4-year graduation rate is at 38 percent.

GCU offers a Christian studies bachelor’s in theology that covers areas like:

• Religious studies
• Theology
• Philosophy
• Christian history

The online theology program emphasizes Christian character formation and modern ethical issues. Students can expect to learn contemporary theories of communication and organizational leadership. All students complete an intensive Ministerial Communication course that prepares them for preaching, teaching, and interpersonal communication. Theology graduates are prepared to work in a church community as well as expand their career qualifications by pursuing graduate school.

Southeastern University regularly makes it onto lists for the best religious universities. At Southeastern, you will find one of the best online theology degrees in the country. A little less than a quarter of all students are online, and it has a diverse student body from different backgrounds. 

SU also offers numerous sports, but no fraternities. About 63 percent of courses with 20 students or fewer—however, courses are capped at a maximum of 25 students. It has a moderately selective acceptance rate of 61 percent. Its freshman retention rate is a bit low at 67 percent, but 47 percent of students graduate within six years and a 32 percent rate within four years. 

Theology and Religious Vocations is the top program at Southeastern with 29% of bachelor’s degree students focusing their studies in this area.

SEU offers an online bachelor degree in ministerial leadership for future church leaders. Students will gain the skills needed to be successful in both leadership and support roles in ministry. Online coursework covers areas like:

• Bible
• Theology
• Ministry
• Religious studies

Students can choose from one of four concentration areas including:

• Biblical Studies
• Christian Ministry
• Humanitarian Ministry
• Pastoral Care and Counseling

Theology courses are taught by professors with real-world experience. Theology graduates are prepared for career options including lead pastor and missions coordinator.