Best Online Master’s in Theology Programs

Liberty University

Located in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty University is a private, evangelical Christian university with nearly 80,000 students. Established in 1971, the school offers a fully online Master in Theology program. Remote students choose from concentrations in biblical studies, Christian apologetics, church history, global studies, homiletics, and theology.

Remote learners in this theology master’s program complete three foundational classes in theology along with several specialized classes based on their chosen area of study. LU’s foundational courses explore church history, recent trends in biblical theology, and Christian thought in the modern era.

Online theology master’s program students need 30 credit hours for graduation. Full-time learners often complete the program in 1.5 years.

Incoming students at LU must possess a bachelor’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited institution with a 3.0 or higher GPA. Applications must also include an application fee, a completed divinity questionnaire, a pastoral recommendation, and official college transcripts.

Lincoln Christian University

Note: This school is permanently closed. Lincoln Christian University is a private Christian university in Lincoln, Illinois. Established in 1944, the school now boasts approximately 1,100 students. Remote learners can take advantage of its online theology master’s program without setting foot on campus.

The program requires completion of 10-12 courses online, on campus, or in a hybrid format, depending on the student’s preferences. Full-time graduate students usually complete this Master of Arts in theology in as few as 16 months. Required courses include understanding the Stone-Campbell movement, Christianity through the ages, systematic theology, modern theology, and understanding contemporary mindsets. Degree-seekers also choose from a wide variety of electives in apologetics, church history, philosophy, and theology.

Prospective seminary students must submit an online application, writing sample, and two Christian character references. References may come from someone in a leadership position in a Christian church or organization who can speak to the applicant’s likelihood of success in a graduate theology program. Incoming students must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a 2.5 or higher cumulative GPA.

Saint Leo University

Saint Leo is a private, liberal arts institution in Florida. It was established in 1889 and is affiliated with the Roman Catholic church.

Remote students can pursue their master’s in theology entirely online with no on-campus obligations. The school teaches theology based on a Catholic tradition but welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and perspectives whether or not they have an undergraduate degree in religious studies.

Master’s in theology online students must complete 36 credit hours for graduation. Required courses include ecclesiology, history of Christianity, Christian scriptures, and Christian spirituality. Learners choose nine credits from available theology electives, including a history of Catholic-Jewish relations, American Catholicism, and management and human resources for ministry.

Many students choose to take advantage of the department’s professional development opportunities, including community service or internship positions. Saint Leo graduates often move on to careers as directors of religious education, high school teachers, hospital chaplains, music ministers, and social workers.

Hebrew Bible Survey

Sometimes referred to as the Old Testament, a Hebrew Bible survey course explores the history of interpretation of the document and how important scholars write and think about it today. Students learn the foundational series in Hebrew Bible development as a text as well as how it has historically influenced Christian imagination and communities.

Prophecy and Biblical Stories

In this course, students explore the works of classical prophets, including Israelite prophets, and the ways they have influenced religious thought. Upon completion, students can compare the preaching and rhetoric of seminal and lesser-known prophets, analyze the significance of biblical stories from the New Testament, and understand the scope of religious concerns and theological outlook for many Christians today.

Reading Scripture

This course focuses on various interpretations of biblical texts. Faculty help learners understand the essential debates existing in theological interpretations and teach them to be self-reflective interpreters of this work. The class also develops critical thinking and analysis skills using specific case studies from the Bible.

Thomas Aquinas and Medieval Theology

This class explores the controversial medieval theologian and investigates his major theological writing, life story, and significance in 13th-century theology. As an important figure in the field still today, students understand how Aquinas serves as a philosophical and theological resource for modern students.

Master’s Thesis

Most programs have credits set aside for researching and writing a master’s thesis. While not a requirement in all online theology master’s programs, it can impact how long a program takes. The thesis is also an important document to brand you as a professional in terms of the topic, scope, and research.

Biblical Studies

One common concentration for online theology master’s programs in biblical studies. It allows students to specialize in the study of the Hebrew Bible, New Testament, ancient Judaism, and early Christianity. In some cases, students must complete language courses, often in Hebrew or Greek, as part of this track.

Sexuality and Gender

This concentration often focuses on issues related to equity, sexual orientation, reproduction, and gender identity through a religious lens. Students specializing in this area often research issues, both past and present, in religious, spiritual, professional, and political contexts.

History and Traditions

This specialization is for students interested in understanding the historical developments in various religious traditions. Learners in this concentration do not necessarily focus on the history of Christianity. Rather, schools offering this specialization often help master’s students explore other religious traditions relating to the interests or research areas of the department’s faculty.

Ethics

Students in this concentration study ethics from philosophical and religious perspectives. They develop high-level critical analysis skills and evaluate theories of racial and social justice. Graduate students focusing on this area often examine power structures, political arrangements, ethical judgments, and other instances where religious meaning and thought might play an important role.

Congregational and Counseling Practices

Specifically designed for those master’s students who see themselves as pastors, religious educators, or ministers, this concentration helps develop the management, organizational skills, and specialized theological knowledge needed to effectively work with faith groups and their local communities.