Editorial Listing ShortCode:. If you are serious about letting your mind be shaped by theological studies, then becoming a doctor in theology may be your next step. Religion and academics can go hand in hand. A PhD is a terminal research degree. Earning it can demonstrate that you are an expert in your field of theological study. It can also show that you have the determination and dedication to conduct original research and share your findings with others. Theology is a large field with many subdisciplines.
The area of focus that you choose for your PhD might be:. The specialty areas that are available to you will depend on where you go to school. Some universities have set concentration tracks you can pick from. Others may allow you to customize your studies through a careful selection of classes that will contribute to your academic goals. Your program may consist of core theology classes, courses centered around your specialization area, and research-focused courses.
The curriculum can include classes that cover ecclesiology, advanced Christian theology, and spiritual development practices. Research classes are an important step toward preparing for your dissertation. The faculty will walk you through selecting an area of study, conducting research, and producing a scholarly manuscript.
Earning a theology PhD may enhance your ministry practice. This high level of study may improve your teaching style, or it may even prepare you for denominational leadership. An academic career can be another reason to consider PhD studies. With a doctorate, you may have the qualifications to pursue a position as a theology professor or researcher.
Religious leaders may interpret scriptures, deliver messages, lead worship, or teach classes in their faith centers. Other responsibilities can include visiting sick people, organizing community outreaches, and providing counseling services. Depending on the religious tradition in which a person serves, the job title can vary. In Christian denominations, clergy members are often called pastors or ministers.
Other religions, though, can employ theologians too. For example, in the Jewish tradition, they may be called rabbis. Religious leaders who work in settings other than churches or other local houses of worship may be chaplains.
For example, hospitals and the military hire chaplains. Some theological leaders pursue careers in education. A Doctor of Philosophy PhD may qualify you to teach religion or theology to college undergraduate or graduate students. There may also be opportunities to teach religion to high schoolers, especially in private schools. Having a doctoral degree may, in some cases, qualify you to work in postsecondary education administration. Religious colleges and seminaries, in particular, might be interested in hiring academic deans with theological backgrounds.
Indiana Wesleyan University is the largest private university in the state. This Christian institution offers more than liberal arts and professional programs, about 90 of which are offered online.
The online bachelor of science in biblical studies prepares students for ministry positions in Christian churches and para-church organizations. The program qualifies graduates to pursue master's-level studies in divinity and ministry.
The credit program includes general education, prerequisite, elective, major, and core courses and a capstone project. The curriculum uses a Wesleyan-Arminian perspective that focuses on understanding the Bible and Christian faith.
Prerequisite courses include basic Christian doctrine, inductive Bible study, and New Testament survey. Core courses include Christian spirituality, synoptic gospels, and acts of the apostles. Full-time students can complete the biblical studies major in three years. Applicants must hold a high school diploma or equivalent and submit transcripts. Established in , Southwestern Assemblies of God University is a private Christian university and seminary in rural Texas.
SAGU offers more than 70 online undergraduate programs, including an online bachelor's in theological studies. The program prepares graduates for faith-based careers or graduate study.
The credit program includes general education, elective, and major courses. The curriculum focuses heavily on the Bible, biblical proclamation, theology, philosophy, and church history. Courses include systematic theology, biblical preaching, and biblical Hebrew.
Students must take one general biblical studies course each semester, choosing from courses like Bible study, authentic Christianity, and New Testament literature. SAGU requires all applicants to provide evidence of being a born-again Christian. They must also submit high school transcripts demonstrating a minimum 2. Founded in , Lincoln Christian University is a private institution that offers six online degrees, including a bachelor of arts in Christian ministry.
The program prepares students for careers in pastoral ministry, missionary work, and Christian education. The credit program includes general education, elective, faith-based core, and Christian ministries requirements. Students learn how to communicate biblical beliefs, demonstrate cultural empathy, apply ministry skills, and model Christ-like character.
Faith-base core classes include systematic theology, basic Christian beliefs, and introduction to Christian worldviews. The bachelor's in Christian ministry also requires courses in church administration, Christian leadership, and foundations of Christian ministry. Oral Robert University, founded in , is a private, evangelical liberal arts university. ORU offers 49 online certificate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs. The online bachelor of arts in history and philosophical theology examines historiography, theology, and philosophy methodologies as they relate to Christianity.
The credit program includes general education, core, major, and elective classes. Students learn how historical traditions influence Christian theology and study the intersections of philosophy and theology.
Major courses include Christian apologetics, history of Christianity, and modern theology. Students also take cognate courses on topics like theological research, hermeneutics, and sermon preparation and preaching.
Graduates can work as ministry workers and apologetics instructors. Full-time students can complete the theology degree in four years. Palm Beach Atlantic University -- founded in -- is a private, Christian university that offers six online programs. The online bachelor of arts in Christian studies includes credits of general education, technology, Christian studies, and elective coursework.
Students in this program deepen their understanding of scripture and Christian thought, engage in ethical reflection on contemporary issues, and learn basic disciplines of Christian discipleship and service. Core studies address a variety of faith-based topics, including worship, Christian thought, and spiritual formation. Theology is an excellent fit for online learning. Here, we list the best online programs for Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us.
This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. Online theology programs engage enrollees in academic explorations of religious texts, religious practice, and ministry. United States online theology programs often align with specific Christian traditions and serve students seeking ministry and church administration careers within particular denominations.
However, some theology schools online offer a more general, nondenominational approach. A few online theological schools focus on Islamic or Judaic traditions. Theology online degree graduates often work as clergy, church administrators, religious educators, or social and community service managers.
Graduates with additional training in psychology or counseling often choose careers as mental health counselors or marriage and family therapists. Degree-holders usually work for churches, community organizations, or church-affiliated schools. Getting into a theology online program usually requires a high school diploma or associates in theology and a minimum 2. Some theology schools online require satisfactory prerequisite coursework and recommendation letters for acceptance into the major.
Theology programs typically examine religion through the lens of faith. Meanwhile, religious studies programs analyze religion through sociological and cultural lenses. Many theology schools offer online learning options. Online programs accommodate working students' schedules by permitting asynchronous attendance and participation. Theology online degrees often support careers in teaching, counseling, ministry, and church administration.
Bachelor's degrees typically require four years of full-time attendance to complete. However, many online theology programs offer accelerated timelines. Students with transferable credits usually finish their degrees sooner.
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school. Aspiring theology students choose from bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, or bachelor of theology B. Often more vocation-focused, B. Less likely to require professions of faith, BA in theology programs often prioritize academic study and entail more general coursework. Theology online degrees often include courses in principles of ministry, sacred texts, and theological history.
Many programs encourage specialization in fields such as youth ministry, pastoral counseling, and army or hospital chaplaincy. Most colleges and universities require freshmen applicants to submit standardized test scores, official transcripts, and essays.
If the program only requires 36 credit hours and no thesis, it may be possible to finish in 1 year with full-time study year-round, including the summer. There is no uniform set of requirements that qualifies someone for ordination.
These requirements tend to vary significantly by denomination. That said, some large Christian denominations require a Master of Divinity. The training you can get from a masters in divinity or theology program can help prepare you to work in pastoral roles in most denominations. Aspiring pastors and ministers who plan to seek ordination can seek information from the associations governing ordination in their respective denominations. A masters in divinity program is likely to emphasize preparation for ordination and working in a pastoral role.
A masters in theology program might emphasize a more intensive academic preparation in theology. Yes, a masters in theology is worth it for many students.
A masters in divinity or theology can help equip you for careers in ministry and help qualify you for ordination in many denominations. Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format. The program requires 36 credit hours to graduate. Biola University offers an online Master of Arts with a concentration in Theology. The program offers two tracks: Greek and Non-Greek.
The Greek track allows students to learn the Greek used in the New Testament. They must also submit official transcripts, 2 essays, and 2 references. The program can typically be completed in 2 years, and its courses are 8 weeks long. Students may choose one of three specializations: Biblical Studies, Pastoral Leadership, and Theology. The program requires 48 credit hours to graduate and can usually be completed in 2 years. Applicants must submit official transcripts, an application essay, and a reference from a church leader.
A minimum GPA of 2. The program requires 32 credit hours to graduate and usually takes 2. Students may choose to add one of five emphases. Creighton University offers an online Master of Arts in Ministry. The program offers 8 week terms. Students must complete 48 credit hours, including an internship, to graduate. Depending on the program, 36 to 60 credits are needed to graduate. Other graduation requirements vary depending on the program as well.
Applicants must submit 2 letters of reference, all official transcripts, a resume, and a personal statement to be eligible. An interview must also be completed.
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