In the world of work, there are jobs, and there are callings. If you feel the call to a position of leadership in the Christian faith, your first move might be prayer, but your second should be to prepare yourself educationally. In fact, a bachelor’s degree in theology and Christian studies will fulfill the minimum requirement to work in the field. At the same time it provides the skills and knowledge needed for your work. The courses you will take are intended to strengthen your understanding of:
- scripture
- world cultures
- philosophy
- human psychology
You will also study Christian ethics and the role of a pastor. Your career path may involve teaching or ministry, or a combination of the two. You may decide to earn a teaching certificate or a counseling degree or go on to advanced studies. No matter what road your bachelor’s degree will eventually lead you to, you can be sure you’ll be ready for the journey.
Do you already have day-to-day obligations of family or work or both? Getting an online degree may be a more practical path than attending a traditional institution, simply because of the time saved in travel to and from classes. Most people who go into the field of Christian ministry are not motivated by the desire to “do well,” but by the desire to “do good.”
Still, even ministers must earn a living. Salaries vary, of course, depending on the type of work done. But they are often above the national average for all occupations. In general, Christian ministry provides a livable wage, and those employed in the field enjoy satisfying lives.
The following guide contains more information about how you may use your bachelor’s degree in theology and Christian studies. It also looks at what kinds of career opportunities await you after graduation.
What does a bachelor’s degree in theology and Christian studies do?
The holder of an online bachelor’s degree in theology and Christian studies may work as a minister helping to fulfill a community’s spiritual and religious needs. Churches have senior pastors as well as assistants. Each staff member is tasked with particular duties or even with particular segments of the congregation. Employees in these areas receive an education specific to their work:
- Youth pastors
- missionaries
- church school directors
- Christian school teachers
- worship directors
Program managers in churches work to coordinate activities. They make sure that all aspects of the whole will work together to fulfill the church’s overall mission and goals. Music directors supervise a church’s various music programs. It is likely that whatever your gifts are, there is a job in the field of Christian education that fits those gifts. The higher your education and experience, of course, the greater will be your responsibilities and salary.
What does the degree cover?
The curriculum for an online bachelor’s degree in theology and Christian studies include core courses in:
- scripture and foundational knowledge of the Bible
- methods of interpreting scripture
- religious history in America
- religions of the world
- discipleship
- contemporary morality
- Christian ethics
- educational and congregational administration
- counseling
- research and academic writing
- congregational life, to name only a few.
What jobs are available for degree holders and what is the job outlook for the profession?
The following are some of the jobs available for those with a bachelor’s degree in theology and Christian studies:
- elementary or secondary teacher in a Christian school
- writing
- editing
- publishing
- research associate
- missions
- chaplaincy
- church camp director
- youth minister
- community outreach coordinator
Let’s illustrate the duties expected of those who earn a bachelor’s degree in theology and Christian studies. Here are detailed descriptions of two commonly held positions: youth pastors and Christian educators.
Youth pastors deal chiefly with teenagers and are tasked with teaching them about God. They lead Bible studies to discuss issues that teens care about. They provide encouragement and model how to be a Christian leader. Youth pastors create spaces and opportunities. These might be youth camps, for young people to meet with others in their faith while exploring spiritual and life topics. Not all youth pastors will be required to have a college degree. However, larger churches view the degree as essential evidence of an authentic grounding in:
- the Bible
- theology
- understanding of youth psychology
Many schools of Christian studies offer coursework or even an emphasis on youth ministry.
Christian educators teach in private Christian schools. These teachers model, as well as give instruction in, Bible lessons and living the Christian life. The Christian educator’s responsibility is to create lessons and evaluate student learning. Bible memorization is part of the daily schedule. State licensure and certification for private school teachers may not be required. But you should research this subject for the state where you wish to work in order to follow the law.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the field of religious work will experience nearly a 7% increase in growth. The job growth predicted for Christian educators, K-6th grade, is 17%. Those pursuing a doctoral degree in theology can expect a 13% job growth, well above the average for all occupations. To increase your appeal as an employee, consider earning a double major, such as a foreign language for the mission field or business courses for church or school administration.
What salaries can I expect in this field?
As in many careers, a bachelor’s degree is the first step in getting a job in the field. Several positions are available to those who hold that initial degree, but further education will lead to the most desirable jobs. The following list shows three entry-level positions for a bachelor’s degree in theology and Christian studies.
Christian educator, K-6th grade: $52,350
Missionary: $48,150
Youth Pastor: $33,829
Why should I study online instead of in a traditional face-to-face college?
If you already work, or have family obligations, an online college education is an ideal way to earn a college degree. Commuting to and from a brick-and-mortar institution involves time in traveling and expenses for cars. Online schooling can be done in your own home while. At the same time, you can monitor and meet any personal demands. Many colleges have lower rates of tuition for online courses. In addition, you can enroll in accelerated courses, saving more time and money.
How do I find the online bachelor’s program in theology and Christian studies that is right for me?
As you evaluate online programs, you’ll find that you use the same methods you’ve used to assess programs at traditional institutions. You will search for schools that are accredited. You’ll look at the student/faculty ratio. The cost of tuition may be a big factor. Coursework will need to meet requirements of the degree. All of these factors may be checked online.
Does getting an online degree get me a different diploma than people who go to a traditional college?
When you graduate from an online program, your diploma will look exactly the same as the one awarded to students who attended a brick-and-mortar institution. Nowhere on the diploma will be the word online. Your instructors, in fact, may well have been the same ones you would have had at the traditional school.
How will I pay for an online bachelor’s degree in theology and Christian studies?
Online programs may offer a reduced tuition to students. Often, schools will waive the increase for out of state tuition. Application for federal aid may be made in the same way for online programs as for traditional coursework.
What kinds of skills does online college require?
No matter what kind of school you attend, a level of skill with electronic technology is expected. Most schools will provide brief online training and evaluation of abilities to see if you are ready for online schooling. The fact that you’re reading is evidence that you have those necessary skills.
How were these rankings arrived at?
A number of factors entered into this ranking of the 10 best deals on online bachelor’s degrees in theology and Christian studies. These factors are broken down into the bullet points below. Where there is a tie on points in school rankings, tuition cost will be the deciding factor. Another factor is a school’s student/faculty ratio. Bonus points may be awarded for tuition breaks for out of state online students. More detailed information can be found here.
#10 – California Baptist University
Riverside, California
Online Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministries
School Profile
Points: 5
Enrollment: 9,157
Tuition: $31,372
California Baptist University is affiliated with the California Southern Baptist Convention. It has a student/ faculty ratio of 18:1. The school offers an online bachelor of arts in Christian ministries. It’s a 120 credit hour program including coursework in the history of Baptist thought and Christian missions. California Baptist University charges an online undergraduate tuition rate of $566 per credit hour for this program. The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission.
#9 – Colorado Christian University
Lakewood, Colorado
Online Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies
School Profile
Points: 9
Enrollment: 7,032
Tuition: $29,360
Colorado Christian University was established in 1914. It has a student/faculty ratio of 16:1. The school offers an online bachelor of arts in biblical studies. It’s a 120 credit hour program including coursework in biblical tools and the synoptic gospels. Colorado Christian University offers an online full-time undergraduate tuition rate of $469 per credit hour for this program. The part-time rate is $569 per credit hour. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#8 – Regent University
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Bachelor of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies – Theological and Historical Studies Online
School Profile
Points: 9
Enrollment: 8,389
Tuition: $16,438
Regent University was founded by televangelist Pat Roberts in 1977. It has a student/faculty ratio of 41:1. The school offers an online bachelor of arts in biblical and theological studies – theological and historical studies. It’s a 120 credit hour program, including coursework in apologetics and Pauline literature. Regent University offers an online undergraduate tuition rate of $395 per credit hour for this program. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#7 – Campbellsville University
Campbellsville, Kentucky
Online Bachelor of Science in Leadership and Missions
School Profile
Points: 11
Enrollment: 3,675
Tuition: $25,400
Campbellsville University is a nationally ranked Baptist institution of higher learning. It has a student/ faculty ratio of 13:1. The school offers an online bachelor of science in leadership and missions. It’s a 120 credit hour program, including coursework in spiritual formation and Christian theology. Campbellsville University offers an online undergraduate tuition rate of $399 per credit hour for this program. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#6 – University of the Cumberlands
Williamsburg, Kentucky
Online Bachelor of Science in Missions and Ministry
School Profile
Points: 11
Enrollment: 7,652
Tuition: $23,000
The University of the Cumberlands is affiliated with the Kentucky Baptist Convention. It has a student/ faculty ratio of 17:1. The school offers an online bachelor of science in missions and ministry. It’s a 120 credit hour program, including coursework in caring for others and church history. The University of the Cumberlands offers an online undergraduate tuition rate of $199 per credit hour for this program. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#5 – Saint Leo University
Saint Leo, Florida
Bachelor of Arts in Religion Online
School Profile
Points: 11
Enrollment: 14,649
Tuition: $21,440
Saint Leo University was established in 1889 by Roman Catholic monks from the Order of Saint Benedict. It has a student/faculty ratio of 16:1. The school offers an online bachelor of arts in religion. It’s a 120 credit hour program, including coursework in Christian morality and ecclesiology. Saint Leo University offers an online undergraduate tuition rate of $360 per credit hour. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#4 – Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia
Bachelor of Science in Religion – Biblical and Theological Studies Online
School Profile
Points:11
Enrollment: 75,756
Tuition: $21,292
Liberty University was born from the vision of televangelist Jerry Falwell. It is now the largest Christian university in the world. It has a student/faculty ratio of 19:1, the school offers an online bachelor of science in religion – biblical and theological studies. It’s a 120 credit hour program, including coursework in the methodical study of scripture and history of life. Liberty University offers a part-time online graduate rate of $455 per credit hour and a full-time rate of $390 per credit hour. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#3 – Luther Rice College and Seminary
Lithonia, Georgia
Bachelor of Arts in Religion, major in Biblical Studies Online
School Profile
Points:13
Enrollment: 1,078
Tuition: $6,800
Luther Rice College and Seminary favors a doctrine along the lines of the Southern Baptists. It has a student/faculty ratio of 31:1. The school offers an online bachelor of arts in religion, major in biblical studies. It’s a 120 credit hour program, including coursework in biblical interpretation and the life of Christ. Luther Rice College and Seminary offers an online undergraduate tuition rate of $284 per credit hour for this program. The school is accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation.
#2 – Shasta Bible College and Graduate School
Redding, California
Bachelor of Arts in Christian Professional Studies – Biblical Studies Online
School Profile
Points: 16
Enrollment: 52
Tuition: $12,060
Shasta Bible College and Graduate School was established in 1970. It has a student/faculty ratio of 5:1. The school offers an online bachelor of arts in Christian professional studies – biblical studies. It’s a 120 credit hour degree completion program, including coursework in biblical literature and a survey of theological studies. Shasta Bible College and Graduate School offers an online undergraduate tuition rate of $350 per credit hour for this program. The school is accredited by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission.
#1 – The Baptist College of Florida
Graceville, Florida
Online Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies
School Profile
Points: 17
Enrollment: 456
Tuition: $10,800
The Baptist College of Florida was founded in 1943. It has a student/faculty ratio of 10:1. The school offers an online bachelor of arts in Christian studies degree completion program. It’s a 120 credit hour process, including coursework in biblical hermeneutics and personal evangelism. The Baptist College of Florida offers an online undergraduate tuition rate of $220 per credit hour for this program. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
By Jennifer W. Eisenberg
September 2018
- 10 Best Deals in Online Theology and Christian Studies Degrees
- Top 50 Great Deals on Bachelor’s Degrees Online
- 20 Best College Deals for Conservative Christians
- Top 10 Great Deals: Bachelor’s in Theology and Christian Studies Degrees Online
- 20 Great Scholarships for Theology and Christian Studies
This concludes our ranking of great deals on online master’s in theology and Christian studies degree programs.