Masters in Theology Online

Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available

Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available

An online master in theology is generally offered as a fully online program – in which classes are completely online, or a hybrid program – in which there are online classes coupled with a few in-person sessions. In both cases, however, all theological schools that offer theology master’s programs will expect their online learners to complete a research project, or capstone project, towards the end of their graduate degrees.

Online Master in Theology – Degree Types

In general, a theology degree includes studying religious practices, ideas, faith, belief systems, and theories about the original universe from a religious perspective. There are two types of theology degrees – the Master of Arts (MA) in Theology and the Master of Theology (MTH).

Specializations in Masters in Theology

There are many religions in the world, and most religions have several denominations. Each religion and denomination have different theological practices, rituals, and theories. And these various fields become diverse, based on the region from which these religions and denominations have evolved. This widens the scope of theological studies, which has consequently resulted in a variety of specializations in theology online master’s degree programs. Here are some of the most widely available specializations in theology that universities offer degrees for:

Curriculum and Skills Gained in Masters in Theology

An online master’s in theology covers a wide variety of courses. These theology courses provide an in-depth understanding of various religious belief systems, faith-based perspectives of the world and its citizens, and spiritual formation. Online courses in theology also improve skills in the areas of critical thinking, abstract reasoning, writing, logical analysis, and more. While the curriculum in an online master’s in theology can differ from university to university, here are a few courses graduate students can come across in master’s in theology online programs:

Some other examples of common core courses in a theology online program are:

• Church History
• Biblical And Theological Studies
• Systematic Theology
• Biblical Interpretation
• Biblical Theology
• Christian Ministry
• Pastoral Ministry
• Christian Theology
• Christian Leadership
• Church Planting
• Practical Ministry
• Biblical Languages
• Pastoral Counseling
• Ministry Leadership
• Christian Apologetics
• Practical Theology
• Biblical Counseling
• Practical Ministry
• Church Ministry
• Christian Faith
• Spiritual Direction
• Spiritual Formation

Accreditation for Online Masters in Theology

Accreditation is the most important factor when it comes to selecting an institution for a master’s program. Accredited institutions provide quality education, and most employers also prefer a degree from an accredited institution.  Accredited master’s in theology programs confirm the high-quality standards of education, faculty, curriculum, etc. The main accreditation body for degrees in theology is The Association of Theological Schools (ATS). More than 270 schools that offer the theology degree program are accredited by the ATS in the US and Canada. Read the Accreditation Guide to know more about accreditation and its importance.

Timeline for graduation from Masters in Theology

Another important factor to consider before enrolling in an online program in theology, such as the Master of Arts in Theology or the Master of Theology, is knowing how long it takes to graduate from the program. The typical timeline needed to graduate from these programs depend on several factors – specialization, full-time or part-time studies, credits per semester, university restrictions on timelines (if any), etc. With these in mind, it is quite common for a Master of Arts in theology, a 48-credit course, to be completed in two years. The Master of theology (MTH degree) can also be finished in 2 years. However, some programs can take up to 3 years to complete.

Online Masters in Theology Admission Requirements

The admission requirements for an online master in theology vary by university. Some universities want students to have previous theology experience, while others want them to report a test score from standardized tests like the GRE or GMAT. Since a master’s in theology is a graduate-level program, most universities have some common admission requirements, such as:

Getting a master’s degree in any field will enhance careers and provide upward mobility. Graduating from a master’s in theology, however, is slightly different, as theology is a very diverse field with specific organizations hiring theology graduates based on specific requirements. That said, theology students who earn a master’s degree can involve themselves in the local church, biblical languages, catholic secondary school teaching, Christian theology, biblical theology, religious education, or church planting, and also go on to become religion teachers. Here is a table that shows various examples of career titles that graduates from an online master’s in theology can expect to have:

(Source: BLS)

An online master’s degree in theology provides a great platform for students to improve their understanding of theology, enhance their credentials, and improve their overall standing in the field of theology.  However, theology is a field that is more of an art rather than an empirically driven science. And theologists expand their knowledge and deep understanding of issues in this complex field by debating extensively with their peers. Theologists must work in a black box environment where interpretation is the key. All of this can happen if Theologists network with others in the same field or attend conferences, follow journals, etc. As theology degree holders, it is essential that graduates and students also start doing the same to expand their knowledge. There are many resources available for students, some of which are:

1. Christian Classical Ethereal Library (CCEL): This is one of the best and largest Christian spiritual and theological works online. This library contains a wide range of electronic texts, right from the early theologians to authors of the 19th century.
2. Center for Reformed Theology and Apologetics (CRTA): This is a site that consists of several historical documents of churches – confessions, creed, catechisms, etc. CRTA provides sound biblical resources online, for the improvement of people who have faith in life and God.
3. Society of Biblical Literature: This is one of the largest and oldest societies dedicated to researching the Bible. It is an international society that offers intellectual growth, mutual support, and professional development through various facilities provided by this organization.
4. Association of Youth Ministry Educators: This is a professional organization meant for people who teach youth ministry at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The organization encourages youth ministry educators to contact each other and create a friendly and insightful atmosphere.
5. WOCATI: World Conference of Associations of Theological Institutions: WOCATI is a global platform that facilitates networking and dialogue between regional associations of theology schools. They also serve as a learning community that helps students explore new mutual enrichment models, and infer contextual exchange between different theological theories worldwide.