Online Master's in Theology Degree Guide & Directory

Table of Contents

If you are working in a church or ministry position and want to be better equipped to pastor, teach, or lead, it may be time to explore getting an online master’s degree in theology. These programs go well beyond undergraduate degrees, equipping you for academic and ministerial excellence in your service to God and others.

This guide offers a thorough overview of what to consider when pursuing an online master’s in theology, and culminates with a directory of almost 300 programs. Read on to learn about online graduate degrees, or jump ahead to browse all online theology master’s programs.

What to Expect from an Online Master’s in Theology

It’s important to remember that an online master’s in theology is an advanced degree, so expect a competitive admissions process. With very few exceptions, programs typically require you to have earned a bachelor’s degree with theology-related coursework.

Some schools may even mandate a certain number of theology credits. Liberty University, for example, requires not just a bachelor’s in theology but also a master of divinity (or equivalent) in order to apply to their Master of Theology program. While the graduate credit requirement is more an exception than the rule, expect to submit all college transcripts during any graduate application process.

The Online Experience

An online theology graduate degree might be a big change, especially for students coming from a traditional on-campus bachelor’s program. Apart from the obvious, you might also have to adjust to

a different academic calendar. Many online master’s programs adhere to a year-round academic calendar with more than two “semesters” throughout the year, ranging from around 5–8 weeks each. Grand Canyon University’s 8-week MA in Christian Leadership is one such example.
cohorts. Many programs, like Cornerstone University‘s MA in Biblical Studies, use a cohort model of study where you move through the program with a set group of people. If your selected program uses the cohort model, expect things like projects and discussion boards to be done with your cohort. This combines the flexibility of online learning with the collaborative nature often found with in-person programs.
asynchronous learning. Many programs allow you to complete assignments at your own pace. Students with an open schedule and desire to quickly complete their studies will gravitate to self-paced programs. The downside is risk of falling behind; students must manage their workload and avoid letting their assignments pile up.

Online Master’s in Theology Program Length

While most undergraduate theology programs take around four years, master’s programs vary greatly in their time to complete. Depending on the type of degree and the program’s flexibility, you could be looking at anywhere from ten months to four years.

Let’s view some sample programs demonstrating this variation in length:

Standard online theology master’s programs: The typical time to complete a standard online master’s in theology is 2–3 years. A full-time student at Fuller or Boston College will complete their online program in two years, whereas Wesley Biblical Seminary advertises a 2–3 year commitment. Part-time online students are typically given a six-year window, such as at Dallas Theological Seminary.
The fastest online master’s in theology programs: Western Theological Seminary has one of the shortest online theology graduate degrees, offering a ten-month intensive Master of Theology program—a schedule demanding all your time, attention, and effort. If ten months is too rapid, consider options like Colorado Christian’s MA in Theological Studies, which can be completed in as little as 17 months.
MDiv programs: Students considering an online master of divinity program, also known as an MDiv, should plan extra time to complete their studies. New York Theological Seminary’s time to completion is a standard 3–4 years.

Overall, you should plan on at least one academic year to earn your master’s in theology. When evaluating time to completion, make sure you compare the number of credit hours, not just the advertised program length. A 36-credit hour program completed in one year, for instance, will require significantly more intensive study time than a 36-credit hour program completed over 2–3 years.

Types of Online Master’s in Theology Programs

While there are many types of distinctive master’s degrees that you can earn, let’s look at three broad categories.

Master of Divinity	Master of Theology	Master of Ministry
Usually designed specifically for those pursing pastoral positions	Usually designed for those interested in an academic study of the Scriptures, with less application focus within the program itself	Usually designed for those interested in a variety of ministry positions (not necessarily pastoral), with greater application focus
70–100 credits typically required	36–50 credits typically required	30–36 credits typically required
Best option if wishing to be a senior pastor at a large church, pursue ordination, or eventually earn a PhD	A sort of midway-degree between master of divinity and master of ministry	Best option for continuing personal education within current ministry job
Example: Oral Roberts University	Example: Bethel University	Example: Lincoln Christian University

In addition to these categories, you can also find online master’s for more specialized programs such as Grand Canyon University’s Master of Urban Ministry and Sterling College’s Master of Sports Ministry. Program specialization options are as interesting as they are varied—see our directory below for all options.

Required Projects within Online Theology Programs

Most online programs require a rigorous final project to showcase your command of theology. While the requirements of each program are different, here are some common project types you might find.

Capstone: A capstone project is a research project that typically uses existing bodies of knowledge to illustrate your understanding of a certain topic within your field of study. Liberty University’s capstone project requires students to write book critiques, participate in discussion boards, and complete a research paper.
Thesis: A thesis differs from a capstone project in that the goal is typically to contribute new findings or information to your field of study. Kentucky Christian University requires a thesis for its MA in Biblical Studies, and you can find examples of theology theses from schools like Andrews University.
Internship: An internship requires you to work within your field of study for a certain number of hours to gain supervised hands-on experience. Emory University encourages ministry internships with churches or other organizations, which count as course credit.
On-campus intensive: Some programs require you to go to campus for a short time to complete in-person work. With Princeton Theological Seminary’s MA in Theology (Justice and Public Life track), students complete a week-long intensive on-campus where they learn about issues related to race through immersive experiences in the Princeton area.

How Much Do Online Master’s in Theology Programs Cost?

While costs can vary significantly, we’ve rounded up some numbers to help you get a basic idea of what to expect.

Most affordable: Some of the most affordable programs come in around $300–$400 per credit hour. For example, Campbellsville’s Online Master of Theology is $308 per credit, with a 30-credit hour requirement. That puts total tuition at just over $9,000.
Standard: Many programs come in around the $500–$550 per-credit range. Colorado Christian’s MA in Theological Studies, for instance, is $543 per credit, 39 required credits, totaling just over $21,000.
Pricier programs: On the higher end, we found programs nearing $700 per credit hour, such as Dallas Theological Seminary and Notre Dame. But read the fine print—tuition discount programs and financial aid are often available.

Online Program Accreditation

In addition to looking for regionally accredited programs, theology programs may also be accredited by The Commission on Accrediting of The Association of Theological Schools. This commission currently accredits over 270 schools. More information about their accreditation process can be found here .

Why Earn a Master’s in Theology Online?

To open new doors: While there are many ministries and jobs that require only a bachelor’s degree, some positions demand an advanced degree. Some churches mandate an MDiv for ordination, and almost all colleges require an advanced degree to teach. Online master’s programs can open these new doors for you with the flexibility to earn your degree on your own time.
- If you’re interested in this kind of outcome, we recommend looking at an MDiv (e.g., Concordia Seminary) or a longer master’s in theology program.

To refine your ministry skills: If you’re working in a ministry, it’s likely very important to you to keep growing in your own faith and excellence as you help others. But you also probably don’t have the ability to drop everything and attend an on-campus program. Online master’s programs can help you continue your personal development while still balancing the rest of your life.
- If you’re looking for this kind of outcome, we recommend a master in ministry. (e.g., Ohio Christian University).

For personal enrichment: Maybe you’re happy with your thriving career in another industry, but you want to complete a shorter program to enrich your own study of Scripture or equip you for lay ministry. While we wouldn’t recommend an MDiv for someone in your shoes, one of the year-long programs might be the perfect way to deepen your own faith.
- If this appeals to you, we recommend a shorter master of biblical studies program (e.g., Colorado Christian University).

With these guidelines in mind, take some time to browse the degree directory below and find the program that’s the right fit for you!

Find Online Master's in Theology Degree Programs

170 Schools Found

Alabama

Amridge University

Turner School of Theology

Montgomery, Alabama

Faulkner University

College of Biblical Studies

Montgomery, Alabama

Heritage Christian University

Florence, Alabama

Huntsville Bible College

Huntsville, Alabama

Master of Ministry (MM) in Biblical Leadership

Offered Online

Arizona

Grand Canyon University

Theology and Ministry Department

Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix Seminary

Scottsdale, Arizona

Arkansas

Ecclesia College

Division of Leadership Studies

Springdale, Arkansas

Master of Christian Leadership

Offered Online

California

Berkeley School of Theology

Berkeley, California

Master of Divinity

Offered Online

Master of Theological Studies

Offered Online

Bethesda University of California

Theology Department

Anaheim, California

Master of Divinity

Offered Online

Biola University

Talbot School of Theology

La Mirada, California

Church Divinity School of the Pacific

Berkeley, California

Master of Divinity

Offered Online

Claremont School of Theology

Claremont, California

Master of Divinity

Offered Online

Master of Theological Studies

Offered Online

Concordia University-Irvine

Church Work and Theology Department

Irvine, California

Master of Arts in Theology - Greek and Non-Greek Tracks

Offered Online

Epic Bible College & Graduate School

Sacramento, California

Franciscan School of Theology

San Diego, California

Master of Theological Studies

Offered Online

Fresno Pacific University

School of Humanities, Religion and Social Sciences

Fresno, California

Master of Arts in Ministry, Leadership and Culture

Offered Online

Fuller Theological Seminary

School of Mission and Theology

Pasadena, California

Hope International University

Pacific Christian College of Ministry And Biblical Studies

Fullerton, California

King's University

Van Nuys, California

Life Pacific College

San Dimas, California

Master of Arts in Theological Studies

Offered Online

Master of Divinity

Offered Online

Pacific School of Religion

Berkeley, California

Point Loma Nazarene University

School of Theology and Christian Ministry

San Diego, California

Master of Arts in Christian Ministry

Offered Online

Shasta Bible College and Graduate School

Redding, California

Southern California Seminary

Bible and Theology Department

El Cajon, California

St. John's Seminary

Camarillo, California

M.A. in Pastoral Ministry

Offered Online

Starr King School for Ministry

Berkeley, California

Master of Divinity

Offered Online

The Master's University and Seminary

School of Biblical Studies

Santa Clarita, California

Master of Arts in Biblical Studies

Offered Online

University of Redlands

Graduate School of Theology

Redlands, California

Master of Arts in Theological Studies

Offered Online

Master of Divinity

Offered Online

University of Saint Katherine

Department of Arts and Humanities

San Marcos, California

Master of Arts in Orthodox Christian Theology (MAOCT)

Offered Online

Vanguard University of Southern California

Theology Department

Costa Mesa, California

Master of Arts in Theology

Offered Online

Colorado

Colorado Christian University

School of Theology

Lakewood, Colorado

Denver Seminary

Littleton, Colorado

Connecticut

Hartford Seminary

Hartford, Connecticut

Master of Arts in Interreligious Studies - Ministerial Studies Track

Offered Online

Holy Apostles College and Seminary

Cromwell, Connecticut

District of Columbia

Wesley Theological Seminary

Washington, District of Columbia

Florida

Florida Christian College

School of Christian Ministries

Kissimmee, Florida

Master of Strategic Ministry

Offered Online

Saint Leo University

Religion and Theology Department

Saint Leo, Florida

Master in Theology

Offered Online

South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary

Deerfield Beach, Florida

Southeastern University

Ministry and Theology Department

Lakeland, Florida

St. Thomas University

Theology Department

Miami Gardens, Florida

Master of Arts in Ministry and Leadership

Offered Online

The Baptist College of Florida

Theology Division

Graceville, Florida

Master of Arts in Christian Studies

Offered Online

Trinity Baptist College

Jacksonville, Florida

Master of Arts in Biblical Studies

Offered Online

Warner University

Ministry Department

Lake Wales, Florida

Master of Ministry

Offered Online

Georgia

Beulah Heights University

Atlanta, Georgia

Master of Divinity

Offered Online

Brewton-Parker College

Temple Baptist Theological Seminary Division

Mount Vernon, Georgia

Master of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies

Offered Online

Master of Arts in Ministry

Offered Online

Emory University

Atlanta, Georgia

Master of Divinity

Offered Online

Luther Rice College & Seminary

Lithonia, Georgia

Mercer University

School of Theology

Macon, Georgia

Master of Arts in Christian Ministry

Offered Online

Master of Divinity

Offered Online

Point University

East Point, Georgia

Master of Transformative Ministry

Offered Online

Toccoa Falls College

Bible and Theology Department

Toccoa Falls, Georgia

Master of Arts in Christian Ministry

Offered Online

Master of Arts in Counseling Ministries

Offered Online

Truett-McConnell College

Theology and Missions Department

Cleveland, Georgia

Master of Arts in Theology

Offered Online

Master of Divinity

Offered Online

Hawaii

Chaminade University of Honolulu

School of Humanities, Arts and Design

Honolulu, Hawaii

Master of Pastoral Theology

Offered Online

New Hope Christian College

Honolulu, Hawaii

Master of Arts in Christian Leadership (M-CLO)

Offered Online

Idaho

Northwest Nazarene University

Theology and Christian Ministries Department

Nampa, Idaho

Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry

Offered Online

Master of Divinity

Offered Online

Illinois

Bexley Hall Seabury Western Theological Seminary Federation Inc.

Chicago, Illinois

Master of Divinity (MDiv)

Offered Online

Catholic Theological Union at Chicago

Chicago, Illinois

Master of Arts in Hispanic Theology and Ministry

Offered Online

Master of Arts in Ministry

Offered Online

Lincoln Christian University

Lincoln, Illinois

Loyola University Chicago

Institute of Pastoral Studies

Chicago, Illinois

MA in Christian Spirituality

Offered Online

Moody Bible Institute

Chicago, Illinois

North Park University

Theological Seminary

Chicago, Illinois

Northern Baptist Theological Seminary

Lisle, Illinois

Trinity International University-Illinois

Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

Deerfield, Illinois

Master of Arts in Theological Studies

Offered Online

Master of Divinity

Offered Online

Indiana

Anderson University

School of Theology and Christian Ministry

Anderson, Indiana

Master of Arts in Christian Ministry

Offered Online

Grace College and Theological Seminary

Winona Lake, Indiana

Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global

School of Theology and Ministry

Marion, Indiana

Master of Science in Christian School Education

Offered Online

Indiana Wesleyan University

Theology and Ministry Department

Marion, Indiana

Saint Meinrad School of Theology

Graduate Theology Department

St. Meinrad, Indiana

Master of Arts in Theology

Offered Online

University of Notre Dame

Department of Theology

Notre Dame, Indiana

Master of Arts in Theology

Offered Online

Veritas Baptist College

Greendale, Indiana

Iowa

Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary

Ankeny, Iowa

University of Dubuque

Dubuque, Iowa

Master of Arts in Christian Leadership

Offered Online

Master of Arts in Reformed Theology

Offered Online

Kansas

Friends University

Theology and Humanities Division

Wichita, Kansas

Master of Arts in Christian Spiritual Formation and Leadership

Offered Online

Sterling College

Sterling, Kansas

Master of Arts in Sports Ministry

Offered Online

Kentucky

Campbellsville University

School of Theology

Campbellsville, Kentucky

Master of Divinity

Offered Online

Master of Theology

Offered Online

Kentucky Christian University

Keeran School of Bible and Ministry

Grayson, Kentucky

Master of Arts in Biblical Studies

Offered Online

Master of Arts in Christian Leadership

Offered Online

Lexington Theological Seminary

Lexington, Kentucky

Master of Divinity

Offered Online

Master of Theological Studies

Offered Online

Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary

Louisville, Kentucky

Master of Divinity

Offered Online

The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

Billy Graham School of Missions, Evangelism, and Ministry

Louisville, Kentucky

Maine

Saint Joseph's College of Maine

Standish, Maine

Massachusetts

Boston College

School of Theology and Ministry

Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts

Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry

Offered Online

Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

South Hamilton, Massachusetts

Hellenic College-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology

Religious Studies Department

Brookline, Massachusetts

Master of Theological Studies

Offered Online

Master of Theology

Offered Online

Michigan

Calvin Theological Seminary

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Cornerstone University

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Grace Christian University

School of Bible and Ministry

Wyoming, Michigan

Master of Arts in Ministry

Offered Online

Minnesota

Bethel University

Saint Paul, Minnesota

North Central University

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Master of Arts in Biblical Theology

Offered Online

Northwestern College

Department of Biblical and Theological Studies

Saint Paul, Minnesota

Master of Arts in Theological Studies

Offered Online

Master of Divinity

Offered Online

Mississippi

Wesley Biblical Seminary

Ridgeland, Mississippi

Missouri

Baptist Bible College

Springfield, Missouri

City Vision College

Kansas City, Missouri

Master of Art in Christian Ministry and Leadership

Offered Online

Concordia Seminary

Saint Louis, Missouri

Covenant Theological Seminary

Saint Louis, Missouri

Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

Kansas City, Missouri

Missouri Baptist University

Humanities Division

Saint Louis, Missouri

Master of Arts in Christian Ministry

Offered Online

Ozark Christian College

Joplin, Missouri

Master of Arts in Biblical Ministry

Offered Online

Nebraska

Creighton University

Department of Theology

Omaha, Nebraska

Master of Arts in Christian Spirituality

Offered Online

Master of Arts in Ministry

Offered Online

New Jersey

Drew University

Drew Theological School

Madison, New Jersey

Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry

Offered Online

Master of Divinity

Offered Online

Georgian Court University

Lakewood, New Jersey

Master of Arts in Theology

Offered Online

New Brunswick Theological Seminary

New Brunswick, New Jersey

Master of Arts in Theological Studies

Offered Online

New York

Fordham University

Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education

Bronx, New York

M.A. in Christian Spirituality

Offered Online

Master of Theological Studies

Offered Online

New York Theological Seminary

Theology Department

New York, New York

Master of Divinity

Offered Online

Nyack College

Alliance Theological Seminary

Nyack, New York

St Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry

Rochester, New York

Master of Arts in Theological Studies

Offered Online

Master of Divinity

Offered Online

St. John's University

Humanities Division

Queens, New York

Master of Arts in Theology

Offered Online

The General Theological Seminary

New York, New York

Master of Divinity

Offered Online

North Carolina

Carolina College of Biblical Studies

Fayetteville, North Carolina

Duke University

Divinity School

Durham, North Carolina

Master of Arts in Christian Practice

Offered Online

Gardner-Webb University

Boiling Springs, North Carolina

Master of Arts in Bible and Theology

Offered Online

Master of Divinity

Offered Online

Hood Theological Seminary

Salisbury, North Carolina

Lenoir-Rhyne University

Seminary Department

Hickory, North Carolina

Master of Divinity

Offered Online

Manna University

Fayetteville, North Carolina

Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

Wake Forest, North Carolina

Ohio

Franciscan University of Steubenville

Steubenville, Ohio

Master of Arts in Theological Studies

Offered Online

Master of Arts in Theology and Christian Ministry

Offered Online

Gods Bible School and College

Cincinnati, Ohio

Methodist Theological School in Ohio

Delaware, Ohio

Ohio Christian University

Circleville, Ohio

Master of Arts in Ministry

Offered Online

Ohio Dominican University

Theology Department

Columbus, Ohio

Master of Arts in Theology

Offered Online

United Theological Seminary

Dayton, Ohio

Winebrenner Theological Seminary

Findlay, Ohio

Master of Arts in Practical Theology

Offered Online

Xavier University

Theology Department

Cincinnati, Ohio

Master of Arts in Theology

Offered Online

Oklahoma

Mid-America Christian University

School of Ministry

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Master of Arts in Leadership - Ministry Leadership

Offered Online

Oral Roberts University

College of Theology and Ministry

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Master of Arts in Practical Theology

Offered Online

Master of Divinity

Offered Online

Southwestern Christian University

Department of Graduate Studies

Bethany, Oklahoma

Master of Arts in Theological Studies

Offered Online

Master of Ministry in Theology of Global Transformation

Offered Online

Oregon

Corban University

School of Ministry

Salem, Oregon

Master of Arts in Christian Leadership

Offered Online

Master of Divinity

Offered Online

George Fox University

Portland Seminary

Newberg, Oregon

Master of Arts in Theological Studies

Offered Online

Multnomah University

Portland, Oregon

Western Seminary

Portland, Oregon

Pennsylvania

Bryn Athyn College of the New Church

Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania

Master of Divinity

Offered Online

Byzantine Catholic Seminary of Saints Cyril and Methodius

School of Theology

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Master of Arts (MAT) in Theology

Offered Online

Clarks Summit University

Baptist Bible Seminary

Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania

Eastern University

Theology Department

Saint Davids, Pennsylvania

Lancaster Bible College

Bible and Theology Department

Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Master of Arts in Christian Apologetics

Offered Online

Masters of Arts in Biblical Studies

Offered Online

Pittsburgh Theological Seminary

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Westminster Theological Seminary

Glenside, Pennsylvania

South Carolina

Anderson University

College of Christian Studies

Anderson, South Carolina

Bob Jones University

Greenville, South Carolina

Columbia International University

Columbia Biblical Seminary

Columbia, South Carolina

North Greenville University

College of Christian Studies

Tigerville, South Carolina

Master of Arts in Christian Ministry

Offered Online

Master of Divinity

Offered Online

Tennessee

Freed-Hardeman University

Graduate School of Theology

Henderson, Tennessee

Master of Arts in Ministry

Offered Online

Master of Divinity

Offered Online

Johnson University

Knoxville, Tennessee

Master of Strategic Ministry

Offered Online

Lee University

Cleveland, Tennessee

Master of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies

Offered Online

Lipscomb University

School of Theology

Nashville, Tennessee

Memphis Theological Seminary

Memphis, Tennessee

Master of Arts in Christian Ministry

Offered Online

Master of Divinity

Offered Online

Milligan University

Emmanuel Christian Seminary

Milligan, Tennessee

Pentecostal Theological Seminary

Cleveland, Tennessee

Richmont Graduate University

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Master of Arts in Ministry

Offered Online

Master of Arts in Ministry and Anglican Studies

Offered Online

Trevecca Nazarene University

School of Theology and Christian Ministry

Nashville, Tennessee

Texas

Abilene Christian University

Graduate School of Theology

Abilene, Texas

Austin Graduate School of Theology

School of Theology

Austin, Texas

Baylor University

George W. Truett Theological Seminary

Waco, Texas

Master of Arts in Theology and Sports Studies

Offered Online

Criswell College

Dallas, Texas

Dallas Baptist University

Graduate School of Ministry

Dallas, Texas

Dallas Theological Seminary

Dallas, Texas

East Texas Baptist University

Department of Christian Ministry

Marshall, Texas

Master of Arts in Christian Ministry

Offered Online

Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS)

Offered Online

Houston Christian University

Department of Theology

Houston, Texas

Masters in Theological Studies (MATS)

Offered Online

Southwestern Assemblies of God University

Waxahachie, Texas

Master of Arts in Bible and Theology

Offered Online

St. Mary's University

Department of Theology

San Antonio, Texas

Master of Arts in Theology

Offered Online

Virginia

Eastern Mennonite University

Harrisonburg, Virginia

Master of Arts in Christian Leadership (MACL)

Offered Online

Master of Divinity (MDiv)

Offered Online

Liberty University

School of Divinity

Lynchburg, Virginia

Regent University

School of Psychology and Counseling

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Washington

Gonzaga University

Department of Religious Studies

Spokane, Washington

Master of Arts in Theology and Leadership

Offered Online

Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education

College of Ministry

Kirkland, Washington

Northwest University

College of Ministry

Kirkland, Washington

Master in Ministry (MMin)

Offered Online

The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology

Seattle, Washington

Whitworth University

Department of Theology

Spokane, Washington

Master of Arts in Christian Ministry

Offered Online

Master of Arts in Theology

Offered Online

West Virginia

Catholic Distance University

Charles Town, West Virginia

Master of Arts in Theology

Offered Online

Master of Arts in Theology and Educational Ministry

Offered Online

Wisconsin

Maranatha Baptist University

Maranatha Baptist Seminary

Watertown, Wisconsin

Nashotah House

Nashotah, Wisconsin