There a dizzying number and variety of graduate degrees available for Christian ministering. Out of all of those, the Master's in Theology is perhaps one of the more dynamic, flexible, and foundational. Combining essential perspectives on the history of Christianity, Biblical hermeneutics, and practical pastoral training, the Master's in Theology gives students a balance of both academic and real-world experience.
Featured Online Masters Degrees in Theology Degree Programs
- Liberty University: Master of Theology: Biblical Studies
- Ohio Christian University: MA in Ministry – Practical Theology
- Grand Canyon University: M.Div
Graduates can go on to become ministers and pastors, in addition to a number of other church-related vocations – counselors, missionaries, associate pastors, church administrators, and more. They may also choose to pursue doctorate studies. Below we've ranked our top 5 online programs.
For more general information regarding distance learning, visit our ranking of the best colleges online.
Rating and Ranking MethodologyTuition Points:
Under $20,000—1 point
Under $15,000—2 points
Under $10,000—3 points
Under $5,000—4 points
U.S. News & World Report's Ranking of Online Programs (Highest Ranking at the Graduate Level)
Top 10—6 points
Top 50—5 points
Top 100—4 points
Top 150— 3 points
Top 200— 2 points
Top 250— 1 point
Customization Options• Format Customizations (e.g. Hybrid/Online, Full-time/Part-Time, Accelerated, Degree Completion, etc.)—1 Point Per Customization Option• Content Customizations (e.g. Minors, Concentrations, Specializations, etc.)—1 Point Per Customization Option
Wow Factor• 1 point awarded for each unique feature or program that "wowed" us
Featured Online Schools
To develop this ranking, our editors began with an initial pool of 58 online master's in theology programs. To narrow this pool, we applied an affordability filter, eliminating any schools with graduate tuition rates of over $20,000. We then began the process of collecting the data necessary to apply the rating and ranking methodology above, consulting both College Navigator and U.S. News & World Report as well as each program's website. The results are listed below in the following ranking of the top 5 online master in theology programs. In cases of a tie, the more affordable schools received the higher ranking.
