We’ve compiled state-by-state theology degree directories for those wanting to further their education in a specific locale.
To help narrow down your options, we also provide separate listings for on-campus theology degree programs, online theology degree programs, and specialized programs related to theology. Seize the day!
Prepare for Your Calling with a Theology Degree
You’ve heard God’s call, now equip yourself to fulfill it effectively. Choose a theological school and degree program that will support, encourage, and cultivate success in ministry with the following essentials:
- a close, vibrant, consistent, and growing relationship with the Lord
- a solid knowledge of the Bible as God’s inerrant Word, and how to interpret it properly
- a commitment to doctrine based on and aligned with Scripture
- a biblical lifestyle centered around the Great Commission
- full engagement and use of your personal gifts in a local body of believers
- excellent character and interpersonal skills
- effective application of knowledge, skill, and wisdom in serving God and others
Why theology? In today’s world of shifting values, it’s ever more important to speak and live with clarity, with a genuine understanding of God and his system of ethics. As a follower of Christ, you have the opportunity to provide clear vision and a true moral compass to those lost in life, to reveal God’s heart of mercy and compassion, providing guidance and restoration as you minister to the broken. In short, theology equips you to serve as an ambassador for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). How rewarding!
Theology quite simply involves the study of God and of religious beliefs. Once you’ve completed a degree program in this field, you’ll have a wide range of careers to choose from. Prayerfully consider these (or similar) options as God leads your educational endeavors:
- Theologian
- Pastor
- Christian counselor
- Minister of music, education, outreach, etc.
- Biblical scholar
- Professor of theology (in a Bible college or seminary)
- Missionary
- Evangelist
- Itinerant preacher, teacher, or speaker
Of course, choose the degree program that suits your intended career goals. Some degrees, such as a Master’s of Divinity, are general and widely accepted enough to allow entrance into a number of career opportunities, such as pastoring, teaching, missions work, and various ministry positions within the church. However, some career paths are highly specialized and may require specific degrees, licensure, and/or other credentials (e.g., Christian counselors or music ministers).
Search for On-Campus Theology Degree Programs
We’ve created a listing of on-campus theology degree programs for those who prefer to study in an academic environment while benefitting from greater interaction with their peers. You can also look through our theology degree guides to deep dive into your area of interest. Select your preferred degree level below for information on admissions requirements, curricula, costs, and more:
- Associate’s degrees in theology
- Bachelor’s degrees in theology
- Certificates in theology
- Master’s degrees in theology
- Doctorates in theology
Explore Online Theology Degree Programs
If distance learning suits your lifestyle more, consider looking through our listing of online theology degree programs. This approach to education works especially well for those already working or ministering full time, or even serving abroad in a teaching or missions capacity.
Schools that provide direction to students and application of theology to their unique ministry goals add special value to the degree. Look for one that lines up with the dreams and desires God has planted in your heart.
- Online associate’s degrees in theology
- Online bachelor’s degrees in theology
- Online certificates in theology
- Online master’s degrees in theology
- Online doctorates in theology
Find Theology Degree Programs Close to Home
Consider degree programs in your state to simplify your educational venture. You may find great benefit in terms of cost and lifestyle with local or state scholarships, the support from being close to family and friends, and the ease of remaining in your job and near your current locale. To help you explore this possibility, we’ve created a state-by-state directory of theology degree programs.
Most states offer theology degrees, and some like California and Texas have numerous schools to choose from. Be sure to consider the school’s doctrinal statements and denominational affiliations (if any) while perusing our directory to ensure they align with your personal faith as well as your ministry goals.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Virginia
- Washington
- Washington, D.C.
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
Specialized Theology Degree Programs
Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies Degrees and Online Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies Degrees
While theology centers around the study of God, Biblical Studies primarily focuses on studying the Bible itself. Students learn how to properly interpret Scripture and apply it to life and ministry, on both a personal and vocational level. They’ll study the Bible book by book or section by section vs. the typical topical approach of theology. Graduates have many career options available, including the following:
- Pastor
- Theologian
- Archaeologist
- Writer/Editor
- Nonprofit director
- Chaplain
- Teacher/professor
- Missionary
- Evangelist
- Lay counselor
Bachelor’s in Christian Counseling degrees
A Bachelor’s in Christian Counseling offers training in counseling based on a Christian worldview, Christian values, and biblical truth, as well as psychological theory and methods. This well-rounded approach equips students to help their clients navigate life or heal from past hurts. It can also serve as a foundation for a master’s degree and eventual licensure in the fields of counseling, psychology, and social work.
Career options are quite varied, often depending on the concentrations and/or internships included in the degree programs. Consider some of these:
- Mental health counselor
- Trauma or crisis counselor
- Child, family, or school social worker
- Child and teen counselor
- Family or marriage counselor
- Substance abuse counselor
- Pastoral counselor
Bachelor’s in Ministry Degrees
If you’re interested in a general degree that will prepare you for ministry, a Bachelor’s in Ministry may fit the bill. It provides a well-rounded education to equip you with leadership and administrative skills as well as biblical and theological knowledge.
To top it off, you’ll find that many schools offer specialized training in your specific area of ministry. This degree can also serve as a solid foundation for graduate studies in theology, ministry, counseling, missions, and more. Here a few options that graduates might consider:
- Teaching pastor
- Church administrator
- Campus minister
- Minister of education
- Evangelist
- Church planter
- Missionary
- Disability minister
Master of Divinity (MDiv) Degrees and Online Master of Divinity (MDiv) Degrees
As one of the most popular graduate degrees related to theology, the Master’s of Divinity degree offers students upper-level training for full-time ministry, licensure, and/or ordination. It often combines biblical and theological studies with historical studies (e.g., church history and the history of theology) and also prepares students for ministry in their field of choice. Most schools have numerous ministry concentrations to choose from, which can lead to a wide variety of vocations, including
- Bible/biblical languages scholar
- Online minister
- Women’s minister
- Director of a marketplace ministry
- Worship/media minister
- Pastor, theologian, evangelist, missionary
- Director of discipleship (and other church positions)
- Parachurch ministry or nonprofit director
Those desiring focused study on leadership, ministry, and theology may find that the Doctor of Ministry degree suits their needs. Many schools place students in a small group (a cohort, roughly eight to twelve people) who learn from each other as they pursue the degree together under the leadership of a mentor in their specialized area of study.
Throughout your three years as a graduate student, you’ll have the opportunity to conduct meaningful research to bring knowledge to and perhaps even change in your area of expertise. Consider following God’s lead and making a difference in one of these roles:
- Denominational leader
- Executive pastor
- College professor
- Healthcare or military chaplain
- Urban minister
- Social activist/advocate
- Parachurch ministry or nonprofit director
- Missions director
- Theologian