Find your perfect college degree
Many institutions are now focusing on speed and convenience when developing their programs.
Part of the reason why traditional education is losing value, at least in the public’s eyes, is that it takes a long time to complete degrees, during which time students are not frequently earning money or gaining the real-world experience that many jobs demand.
It’s no wonder that many students are opting for online education to avoid putting their careers on hold while they pursue their master’s degrees.
We look at the fastest online Master’s degrees in Theology programs accessible in this post.
Quick audio summary:
Though this ranking of the fastest master’s degree online programs was primarily based on program speed, we gathered data from the United States Department of Education, school websites, and US News & World Report to establish a baseline and structure the ranking according to the following criteria:
Speed of the Program: The shortest time it takes to complete a program. Whether the program allows for expedited learning or credit for prior experience.
Reliability: The program’s accreditation status or affiliation with national education foundations.
Quickest Online Master’s in Theology Degrees
Liberty University
Duration: 18 months
Liberty University has the quickest online master in theology that we could locate. When pursued full-time, students can finish this degree in just 18 months. It’s tailored to people who have already earned a Master of Divinity or an equivalent degree. Students can complete each class on their own time because the curriculum is asynchronous.
Location:
Lynchburg, Virginia
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools
Program Features:
- In both the Old and New Testaments, enrolled students will explore nature, history, and current developments in biblical theology. Students will also learn about the difficulties that Christianity has experienced throughout history.
- The Christian Studies courses will delve into the essential concept of how Christians in the modern period understand and deliver the Gospel.
Course Options:
- Biblical Studies
- Christian Apologetics
- Church History
- Global Studies
- Homiletics
- Theology
Admission Requirments:
- Admission application
- Application fee
- Divinity questionnaire
- Pastoral recommendation
- Official college transcripts
- Proof of English proficiency
Tuition:
- $565 / credit hour
Financial Aid:
- Grants
- Loans
- Scholarship
What’s Unique About The Program:
The degree is a market leader in online theological programs taught by professionals with real-world pastoral and ministry experience. This allows you to stay involved in your career, family, and community without having to worry about missing classes on campus.
Lincoln Christian University
Hybrid Master of Arts in Theology
Duration: 18 months
Lincoln Christian University offers a hybrid theology master’s degree that can be completed in about 18 months. LCU’s online master’s in theology program is a 10- to 12-course rigorous curriculum. Historical surveys of theology, the systematic relationships produced by Christian teachings, and philosophical components of religious studies are also covered in class.
Location:
Lincoln, Illinois
Accreditation:
- Association of Theological Schools
- Higher Learning Commission.
- Association of Biblical Higher Education
Program Features:
- Provides a thorough understanding of Christian theology, including its historical evolution, systematic interconnection of concepts, and relationships with many cultural and philosophical forms of thought.
Course Options:
- Historical theology
- Systematic theology
- Philosophical theology
Admission Requirments:
- LCU Online Essay
- LCU Online Essay for DMin
- Christian Character Reference
Tuition:
- $510 per credit hour
Financial Aid:
- Church-matching scholarships
- Grants
- Christian Worker Scholarship
What’s Unique About The Program:
- It’s intended to be versatile and adaptable to a wide range of activities. The online Master of Arts in Theology program at Lincoln Christian University includes Christian, historical, systematic, and philosophical theology training.
- Those who already hold a bachelor’s degree in theology may be able to complete their studies in even less time. This, however, appears to be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
Duration: 18 months
A Roman Catholic university, Saint Joseph’s College of Maine, offers an online Master of Arts in Theology to anyone, anywhere in the globe. It’s an excellent resource for Christians looking to grow in their faith, as well as Catholic deacons and lay ecclesial pastors.
This online degree program is founded on a solid Catholic doctrinal foundation. The master’s degree program can be completed in as little as 18 months for full-time students. Part-time options are also available.
Location:
Standish, Maine
Accreditation:
- New England Commission on Higher Education
Program Features:
Course Options:
- Pastoral Theology
- Sacred Theology
- Advanced Diaconal Studies
Admission Requirments:
- Any bachelor’s degree
- GPA of 2.5 on a scale of 4.0
Tuition:
- $398 per credit hour
What’s Unique About The Program:
Their MAT graduates are automatically excused from all core coursework (24 credits) for their Theology Doctorate thanks to a partnership with Pontifex University. The degree focuses on research, has a minimal classroom requirement, and can be completed entirely online (even the dissertation).
Regent University
Duration: 2 years
The Master of Theology program is for individuals who have already achieved a master’s degree in theology or a related field and wish to pursue a doctoral degree. In just two years, you can complete the degree entirely online. Apocalyptic literature, innovative research methodology, and revival theology are among the topics covered.
Location:
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Program Features:
- Strengthen your biblical studies professional skills and expand on what you learned in the MTS program.
- Examine current challenges in biblical studies linked to the Old and New Testaments’ interpretation of Scripture.
- Additional education can range from Hebrew Scripture to apocalyptic literature, depending on your interests.
- Improve your knowledge of biblical interpretation and hermeneutics.
Course Options:
- Christian Theology
- Church History
- Practical Theology
Admission Requirments:
- $50 Application Fee
- Admissions Questionnaire
- Academic Writing Sample or Graduate Degree Paper (with Citations)
- Unofficial College Transcripts
- Government-issued ID
Tuition:
- $670 per credit hour
Financial Aid:
- Scholarship
- Grant
What’s Unique About The Program:
- This Th.M. degree will prepare you for progression in church or marketplace ministry and teaching at the university level through specialized instruction and extensive theological research and methodology.
- The online Master of Theology degree might help you advance in Regent’s Ph.D. in Renewal Theology program.
Gonzaga University
Online Master of Arts in Theology & Leadership
Duration: 2 years
Gonzaga University is a good option for students interested in studying theology from a Jesuit perspective. Gonzaga University provides an online MA in Theology and Leadership that can be finished in as little as two years if pursued full-time.
The university’s unique academic calendar, which divides semesters into two eight-week sessions, is one explanation for the speedy turnaround. Students interested in MA in Theology & Leadership at this institution should be aware that they still need to spend eight days on campus during the summer.
Location:
Spokane, Washington
Accreditation:
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Program Features:
- In a one-of-a-kind online curriculum, the program combines theological inquiry with leadership.
- The Master of Arts in Theology and Leadership at Gonzaga expands your understanding of Christian theological traditions while also providing you with insight and practical tools to help you become a more effective leader in your church, organization, or community.
Course Options:
- Scripture, history
- Systematic and moral theology
- Ignatian spirituality
Admission Requirments:
- Official Transcripts
- Two Recommenders
- Writing Sample
- Statement of Purpose
- Resume
Tuition:
- $760 per credit
Financial Aid:
- Scholarships
- Tuition Discount
- Payment Plans
What’s Unique About The Program:
You’ll make friends with others who care about social justice, community, and service. Their cohort format means you’ll spend most of your time with the same group of students from start to finish, including two on-campus visits to help you develop community. You’ll get one-on-one attention from professors and have access to Gonzaga’s extensive alumni network.
Campbellsville University
Duration: 2 years
Campbellsville University takes pleasure in the degree of freedom it provides to its students. This is particularly true of Campbellville University’s online Master of Theology program. Students can finish this curriculum in two years, which is significantly faster than most.
Because all coursework is asynchronous, students with jobs and families can study when it is convenient for them. The curriculum in Campbellsville is taught from a Protestant perspective with a slight Baptist slant.
Location:
Campbellsville, Kentucky
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Program Features:
- Both the Old and New Testaments will be studied in terms of their history and interpretation.
- Learn about proclamation and worship ministry, pastoral ministries and evangelism, and leadership development.
- Examine Baptist history and heritage in ethics, Christian faith, and church history before and after the Reformation.
Course Options:
- Biblical studies
- Pastoral leadership
- Theological studies
Admission Requirments:
- Online application.
- 18 undergraduate hours in Christian studies, a graduate degree, or relevant graduate courses.
- Undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university.
- Philosophy of ministry essay.
- Two reference letters (academician and a ministry mentor)
Tuition:
- $308 per credit hour
Financial Aid:
- Scholarships
- Grants
- Loans
- Payment plans
What’s Unique About The Program:
The program prepares you for a profession in ministry, religious research, teaching, policymaking, social care, or counseling. You then enhance your knowledge by taking elective courses in the other two areas of study as a student.
Missouri Baptist University
Online Master of Arts in Christian Ministry
Duration: 2 years
Whatever your reason for pursuing a master’s in theology, Missouri Baptist University’s program is likely to meet your needs. The school’s online MA in Christian Ministry program is tailored to various career objectives. Students can opt to focus on a specific topic. Students are only allowed to graduate from the program after completing a relevant internship.
Location:
Creve Coeur, Missouri
Accreditation:
- Association for Biblical Higher Education Commission on Accreditation
Program Features:
- Students will learn to combine religious ideas and academic research with practical strategies for assisting people in their daily lives.
- The program emphasizes the local church and the development of meaningful relationships with people to produce effective discipleship.
Course Options:
- Apologetic Studies
- Biblical Counseling
- Biblical Languages
- Pastoral Ministries
- Church Planting
Admission Requirments:
- Minimum ACT composite score of 20
- A combined SAT score of 1030 (math and critical reading sections)
- CLT score of 66
- Bachelor’s Degree of any type
Tuition:
- $696 Per Credit Hour:
Financial Aid:
- Grants
- Scholarship
- Work-Study Programs
- Loans
What’s Unique About The Program:
As a Christian institution rather than an online Bible college, its mission is to provide graduates with a solid awareness of the world outside of ministry and a thorough education to help them succeed in their careers.
Hope International University
Duration: 30 months
While most online master’s in theology degree programs are designed for students with a background in theology or divinity, Hope International University is not one of them. Hope International’s online Master of Divinity program does not require prior Biblical study and can be finished in as little as 30 months.
Location:
Fullerton, California
Accreditation:
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission
Program Features:
- There are 72 units in the core degree. Students take 30 units, including Bible, theology, church history, and biblical languages; 9 units, including leadership, evangelism, and intercultural studies; 9 units on personal and spiritual formation; and 24 units on ministry skills.
- For a single skills emphasis, students can choose up to 12 courses.
Course Options:
- Christian Ministry and Leadership
- Church Planting
- Intercultural Studies
- Pastoral Care
- Spiritual Formation,
- Children, Youth, and Family
Admission Requirments:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- A cumulative GPA equivalent to at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in all prior undergraduate-level work.
- Letter of explanation if their undergraduate or graduate GPA is below the minimum 3.0 GPA requirement.
- Transcripts from institutions they previously attended.
Tuition:
- $750 per unit
Financial Aid:
- Federal Direct Loans
What’s Unique About The Program:
With a Scripture-based missional heart, service in context, spiritual formation, and professional skills, the MDiv prepares students for an effective ministry of servant-leadership. Many organizations regard the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) to be the basic degree for professional clergy.
Cornerstone University
Duration: 3 years
Cornerstone University’s Master of Theology degree is open to students who have already earned a Master of Divinity or an equivalent degree. Biblical theology, grammar and translation, and Old Testament Exegesis are all part of the program. 30 credit hours of curriculum, a thesis, and a professional practicum are included in both choices.
Location:
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
Program Features:
- Students will have a working knowledge of Greek grammar, know the basis, history, and methodology of textual criticism, and study Aramaic.
- Study critical issues in the history and culture of ancient Israel, contemporary methods in the study of the Old Testament, and exegesis in selected texts in a variety of genres.
Course Options:
- Old Testament
- New Testament
Admission Requirments:
- Bachelor’s degree and an MDiv degree or MA degree in a related discipline from an accredited college or university
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA in the master’s program
- Writing sample from graduate work
- Demonstrate advanced competency in Hebrew or Greek
- Two letters of recommendation from former teachers
Tuition:
- $590 per credit
Financial Aid:
- Scholarship
- Loans
- Grants
What’s Unique About The Program:
Grand Rapids Theological Seminary offers a Master of Theology degree that focuses on strengthening exegetical skills in the Old or New Testament.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I Get a Master’s in Theology?
Graduates with a master’s degree in theology are prepared for positions in the church or other ministry-related organizations, such as teaching in Christian schools. With over two dozen specialization options, this might be an excellent alternative for those who desire a deeper understanding of the Bible and receive ministry training for their current job or life circumstances.
What Are The Career Paths of a Master in Theology?
A theology master’s degree will offer doors of opportunity in several contexts and capacities for those who desire deeper spiritual truths and wish to assist others in applying such truths to their lives. You can also work as:
- a foreign missionary,
- a private Christian school instructor,
- or, even a Bible translator, plus many others.
Some of these vocations necessitate a high level of academic rigor and motivation, while others demand unselfish compassion and a servant’s heart. All of the professions necessitate excellent communication abilities.
Private School Faculty
Many theology graduates work as teachers in private institutions, such as Christian academies, teaching grades K-12. As a teacher in this context, you will teach pupils conventional school topics while incorporating Christian principles and traditions.
As a non-teaching administrator in this environment, you will be accountable for various other job tasks, including those of the principal, vice-principal, and other administrative personnel, all of which are responsible for maintaining the school well-managed and fully running.
Journalist
After graduation, many theology students pursue careers in journalism. Some people find it easy to work as writers, reporting on various stories, religious or not. Others find jobs as newscasters, radio hosts, and other public-facing positions.
Working in a religion-related function or business is the most direct use of a Master’s in Theology. However, many non-religion-related journalism jobs are also open to this degree without reservation.
College Professor
College professors are in charge of the real educational classes in colleges, and Master’s in Theology graduates are frequently ideal candidates for this position. This is especially true if the school or the subject matter taught there is religious in nature.
Even better news for those contemplating this career path: according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), demand for this profession is expanding at an annual rate of 12%, with a median pay of $79,640 per year.
Missionary
Missionaries are workers who go out into the field, usually in a foreign location, to spread religion among the local population.
The missionary may assist with local infrastructure, medical, food, and water requirements while teaching and propagating their religion’s doctrine, either directly or indirectly, in this job environment. When they are not working in foreign countries, these workers continue to promote their faith while preparing future outreach efforts.
Clergy
Being a clergy member entails being a professional and formal part of a church’s personnel. Ministers, deacons, synod members, operations coordinators, and other clergy members make up the clergy.
While many people assume that clergy members only work in churches, the BLS also states that they work in medical and surgical hospitals, home healthcare operations, elementary and secondary schools, and even nursing homes.
What Are The Courses I Should Expect in a Master’s in Theology?
Most seminaries and Bible schools provide similar courses, although electives vary depending on the field, emphasis, or specific school. Course offerings can also be influenced by denominational emphasis. Most master’s in theology programs, however, provide courses that are similar to those mentioned below.
Elements of Greek
Most theological institutions require a rudimentary understanding of Hebrew and Greek because the Bible was originally written in those languages. Advanced courses in these native languages may be required of students in the four- or five-year Th.M. degree.
Theological Method
The philosophy, concepts, and techniques of systematically deriving, characterizing, and assessing distinct theological viewpoints from Scripture are introduced in this course. This subject lays the groundwork for further study of theology themes like bibliology, soteriology, and systematic theology.
Preaching Methods
The majority of master’s in theology graduates work in fields that need excellent communication skills. Students who earn their M.Div. or Th.M. often serve as pastors, missionaries, chaplains, or Bible instructors; this course teaches them how to preach and communicate effectively.
Bible Study Methods and Interpretation
This subject, also known as biblical exposition or hermeneutics, introduces students to the Bible as a collection of many genres of writing written in various historical and cultural contexts.
The following questions arise as a result of these interpretive challenges: What exactly does it say? What did it imply to the people who first saw it? What does this mean in today’s world?
Pastoral Counseling
Most M.Div., Th.M., and master of arts in counseling programs include one or more courses on general counseling principles and techniques. Pastors, chaplains, and theological educators frequently find themselves in counseling situations and must be prepared to serve people effectively.
Key Takeaways
In conclusion, a quick online Master’s in Theology degree provides unparalleled convenience for individuals looking to further their education in the field of theology. With its flexible and self-paced learning structure, students can easily balance their studies with other commitments such as work or family.
Additionally, the online format allows students to access course materials and interact with professors and classmates from anywhere at any time, making it a convenient option for those with busy schedules or who live in remote areas.
Furthermore, the shorter duration of the program allows students to obtain their degree in a timely manner and start fulfilling their career goals.
Overall, the convenience of a quick online Master’s in Theology degree makes it a highly attractive and practical choice for individuals seeking to deepen their knowledge and understanding of religious studies.
