In pursuit of a life committed to serving God, there are many opportunities to enhance one’s education in Bible-based academics. For those who don’t have the time to study for a traditional classroom degree, online theology and Christian studies degrees are available. The following is a ranking of the 10 best deals in online theology and Christian studies degrees.
Methodology
Starting with a group of 40 institutions with online options for Christian education, we awarded points based on the presence of:
- diverse online curriculum based in biblical studies
- a faculty of respected religious figures in the field
- modern online classroom portals
- accessible technical support
- schedule flexibility
- any additional unique features that add value to an online bachelor’s degree in Christian studies.
The 10 colleges profiled below scored the highest among accredited schools with a tuition (per College Navigator) of $33,000 USD or less. These schools are ranked in order of points earned. In the event of a tie, the schools with the lower net price are ranked higher.
Christian Studies Online Program Rankings
#10 – Holy Apostles College and Seminary
ONLINE BACHELOR OF ARTS IN THEOLOGY
Points: 8
Enrollment: 378
Tuition: $7,750
Holy Apostles College and Seminary’s mission is “to cultivate lay, consecrated and ordained Catholic leaders for the purpose of evangelization.” It’s a selective institution that offers both on-campus and online Catholic theology degrees. Holy Apostles’ bachelor of arts in theology is an immersive education in:
- moral and dogmatic theology
- scripture
- theological research and writing
- evangelization
- the Catechism of the Catholic Church
This college and seminary is known for its affordability, with a tuition 72% lower than the average private college.This makes it an excellent option among online theology and Christian studies degrees.
#9 – Apex School of Theology
ONLINE BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN THEOLOGY
Points: 8
Enrollment: 770
Tuition: $5,000
Founded in 1995, Apex School of Theology is a highly affordable option for an online degree in Christian studies. This college has an admissions process that ensures all students are serious about their future careers in Christ-centered leadership. Apex’s online bachelor’s degree in theology spans course topics including:
- biblical languages
- the making of the Bible
- Church history
- a range of electives designed to best customize your online degree
In addition to its academic curriculum, ASOT emphasizes the importance of developing a strong character and code of ethics.
#8 – Brescia University
ONLINE BACHELOR OF ARTS IN THEOLOGY AND PASTORAL STUDIES
Points: 9
Enrollment: 1,056
Tuition: $20,440
Ranked the “Best Online School in Kentucky” by Accredited Schools Online, Brescia University offers a well-respected online Christian degree. Brescia’s bachelor of arts in theology has an emphasis in pastoral studies. The curriculum for this online degree is based in Catholic theology and closely advised by the National Directory for the Formation, Ministry and Life of Permanent Deacons. This college has flexible scheduling options that include slower-paced and accelerated degree formats. Brescia University’s online theology students typically complete their degree in two years.
#7 – Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
ONLINE BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN THEOLOGICAL STUDIES
Points: 10
Enrollment: 2,933
Tuition: $32,620
Since 1912, Saint Joseph’s College of Maine has been committed to the Roman Catholic theology and ministry it was founded upon. This college’s online degree in theological studies best serves people connected to:
- parishes
- hospitals
- diocesan agencies
- spiritual centers
- other Christ-centered organizations
There is no on-campus requirement for students on the theology online degree track. However, there is an optional summer residency intensive that accelerates the program. Saint Joseph’s College offers generous, flexible financing options for accepted applicants of all backgrounds.
#6 – Liberty University
ONLINE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN CHRISTIAN STUDIES
Points: 10
Enrollment: 81,459
Tuition: $20,109
Liberty University is the world’s largest evangelical university. It’s a leader in providing online degrees in Christian studies. LU offers online bachelor of science degrees in:
- Christian ministries
- biblical and theological studies
- biblical and educational studies
- Christian leadership and management
- Christian counseling
- evangelism
All of Liberty’s online Christian degrees consist of courses taught by well-respected religious authorities. LU gives online students the option of attending one-week class intensives on campus. They are also invited to participate in the university’s commencement ceremony. Liberty University provides free transfer evaluations to all prospective students. These evaluations are based on both previous academics and life experience.
#5 – Crown College
ONLINE B.S. IN BIBLICAL STUDIES OR CHRISTIAN MINISTRY
Points: 11
Enrollment: 2,933
Tuition: $23,740
Recognized for its state-of-the-art research database and online library, Crown College proves valuable in Christ-centered liberal arts education. This institution’s online Christian degrees include bachelor’s of science in either biblical studies or Christian ministry. Crown students of online biblical studies engage in courses that deepen their spiritual commitment to God’s word. The online Christian ministry curriculum is designed to prepare future leaders of:
- local churches
- social service organizations
- mission agencies
Crown College also offers an accelerated online ministry program where students can earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree within five years.
#4 – Southwestern Assemblies of God University
ONLINE BACHELOR’S IN THEOLOGY AND CHRISTIAN STUDIES
Points: 11
Enrollment: 1,984
Tuition: $19,180
Southwestern Assemblies of God University is a popular choice for students seeking a top-notch online bachelor’s degree in theology and Christian studies. SAGU offers an impressive range of Christ-based majors, some of which include:
- Bible and theology
- biblical studies
- youth and student ministries
- Church leadership
- planning and revitalization
- pastoral leadership
Southwestern Assemblies of God’s online students have continuous access to academic resources. The technological interface has received high ratings from students. SAGU recognizes life experience as a valuable asset. Students may enroll in the Experiential Learning Credit. This three-hour course provides up to 45 hours of undergraduate credits.
#3 – Saint Leo University
ONLINE BACHELOR OF ARTS IN RELIGION
Points: 12
Enrollment: 16,349
Tuition: $20,830
Saint Leo University, based in Florida, is a well-respected institution recognized for its excellence in online learning. One of SLU’s undergraduate distance-learning degree programs is a bachelor of arts in religion. It serves to prepare its students for parish ministry or graduate theology studies. Saint Leo’s Christian online degree program explores:
- Old and New Testament
- Christian morality
- religions of the world
- foundations of Christian faith, and more
Online students have the added advantage of 24/7 technical support, should any questions arise.
#2 – Regent University
ONLINE BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN CHRISTIAN STUDIES
Points: 12
Enrollment: 5,914
Net Price: $16,880
Regent University is one of the top-ranking colleges for earning an online degree in Christian studies. Regent prepares its students for a wide-range of careers in theology. RU’s bachelor of arts in biblical and theological studies spans curriculum in:
- the Psalms and biblical literature
- apologetics
- systematic theology
- Church history
- other topics relevant to a degree in Christianity
Regent University is known for stellar technology features that include live streaming videos and live tutoring. In addition, Regent faculty are consistently available for academic advising.
#1 – Grand Canyon University
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN CHRISTIAN STUDIES
Points: 13
Enrollment: 62,304
Tuition: $17,050
Founded in 1949, Grand Canyon University is a popular college for students seeking Christ-centered degrees online. The curriculum of Grand Canyon’s BA in Christian studies is based on:
- theology
- philosophy
- Christian history
- biblical studies
Online theology students may choose to focus their bachelor’s degree on biblical studies or worship leadership. GCU’s instructor faculty is large enough to maintain small and engaged interactive classrooms. This college receives high rankings from respected publications including Online Education Database and Fortune Small Business, among others.
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This concludes our ranking of the 10 best deals in online theology and Christian studies degrees.
By GCD Staff
November 2016