The church has been a staple in our social environment for years. Many people look to the church for guidance and counseling. If you are looking for a career in the church, you may look into one of the many theological degrees available both online and on campus.

Liberty University

Liberty University is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS-COC) to award degrees at associate, baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist and doctoral levels.

If you think that with your busy schedule you wont have the time to get an education, think again. Liberty University offers degree programs that you can take right at the comfort of your home. Get quality and hassle-free education!

Take theology classes and you are well on your way to better understand the Bible and Christianity. This is a good strating point for students aspiring to be pastors and lay ministers and even for pastors and ministers who wanted to further their knowledge about the Bible.

Liberty University has the following religious programs:

• Associate’s in Psychology – Christian Counseling
• Associate’s in Religion
• Bachelor’s in Psychology – Christian Counseling
• Bachelor’s in Religion
• Doctor of Ministry
• M.Ed. – School Counseling
• Master’s in Christian Leadership
• Master’s in Discipleship Ministries
• Master’s in Evangelism & Church Planting
• Master’s in Pastoral Counseling
• Master’s in Religion
• Master’s in Theological Studies
• Master’s in Worship Studies
• Master’s in Worship Studies: Church Planting
• Master’s in Worship-Ethnomusicology
• Master’s in Biblical Studies
• Master of Religious Education
• Master of Sacred Theology
• Master of Divinity – Chaplaincy
• Master of Divinity – Missional Studies
• Master of Divinity – Pastoral Ministries
• Master of Divinity – Professional Ministries
• PhD in Counseling-Pastoral Counseling

Read more or get a program guide from Liberty University.

Theological Degrees

What is Theology?

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, theology is the study of religious faith, practice, and experience. It is also sometimes defined as the study of God and God’s relation to the world. There is ascetical theology and biblical theology. Ascetical theology refers to the study of spiritual teachings found in scripture, and biblical theology is the study of the bible from the historical perspective.

Theology Careers

When thinking of a career path for theology graduates, most people think about positions in the clergy.  However, there are many other career paths as well. Other religious career paths can be open to those with theological degrees as well. These include theology teachers at the parochial school and collegiate levels, as well as religious writers and researchers.

Theological Degrees

The career path you choose to take will likely dictate the level of education you will need. If you are looking to be a lay leader or pastor, it is important to check with your church leaders to see what level of education is required. There are true theological degrees, as well as degrees in divinity, Christian counseling, religion, and the Bible. Most subjects come in all degree levels, from associates to doctorate.

Summary

There are many theological degrees to choose from. More and more programs are even being offered 100 percent online. This will allow you to continue your work with your current congregation while you obtain your degree. Be certain to check for proper accreditation, however. Many online Bible colleges and seminaries do not have the proper accreditation.

If you have a strong calling and belief structure, earning your master of theology degree could be an important step in your career. How do you know if it is right for you, however? If you are planning on becoming ordained or wanting to teach theological related studies, then the degree program may be a good fit for you.

Liberty University

Liberty University is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS-COC) to award degrees at associate, baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist and doctoral levels.

If you think that with your busy schedule you won’t have the time to get an education, think again. Liberty University offers accredited online degree programs that you can take right at the comfort of your home.

Enrich your knowledge about the Bible and Christianity by taking religious courses being offered by Liberty University Online. Classes are perfect for pastors, lay ministers and those who want to further their understanding about theology.

Online Master’s Degrees:

• Master’s in Theological Studies
• Master’s in Christian Leadership
• Master’s in Discipleship Ministries
• Master’s in Evangelism & Church Planting
• Master’s in Pastoral Counseling
• Master’s in Religion
• Master’s in Worship Studies
• Master’s in Biblical Studies
• Master of Religious Education
• Master of Sacred Theology
• Master of Divinity – Chaplaincy
• Master of Divinity – Missional Studies
• Master of Divinity – Pastoral Ministries
• Master of Divinity – Professional Ministries
• PhD in Counseling-Pastoral Counseling

Read more or get a program guide from Liberty University.

Master of Theology

What exactly can you expect from a master of theology program? The specifics will vary from university to university although most schools do share some similarities. The main goal of the program is to give students the understanding of the history of theology and a good general knowledge of the Bible.

On average, programs take approximately two years to complete and approximately 120 credit hours. This may be accelerated depending on the school attended. There are core classes, although many schools will allow students customize their programs. Core classes include Bible exposition classes, Greek and Hebrew language classes, and some communications classes.

Many schools will also offer concentrations or emphases that students can choose form. Some of the more common ones offered include evangelism, women’s ministry, apologetics, philosophy, and pastoral care. Not every concentration will be offered at every school. Be certain to check the school’s website or with an academic advisor prior to enrolling.

A master of theology degree can be a powerful stepping stone on your road to spiritual enlightenment and education. It can lead to an exciting and rewarding career as an ordained minister, pastor, or lay person.

Do you have a strong desire to help people and a strong belief in religion? A doctor of theology degree can allow you to help people by being a religious or Christian counselor or by being an academic at the highest levels of collegiate studies. What can you expect with a doctor of theology degree, however?

Liberty University

Liberty University is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS-COC) to award degrees at associate, baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist and doctoral levels.

Liberty University is dedicated to instilling in students the core values and the highest quality education in a distinctly Christian environment. Liberty University has over 45 degrees and 100 specializations.

Online Degree Programs:

• Christian Counseling (Associate, Bachelor, Masters, Doctorate)
• Life Coaching (Bachelor)
• Religion (Associate, Bachelor, Masters)
• Education (Associate, Bachelor, Masters)
• Doctor of Ministry (Doctorate)
• Master of Divinity (4 concentrations available)
• Worship Studies (Master)
• Business (Associate, Bachelor, MBA)
• Accounting (Associate, MBA)
• Psychology (Associate, Bachelor, Master)
• Criminal Justice (Bachelor)
• General Studies / Interdisciplinary Studies (Associate, Bachelor)

Read more or get a program guide from Liberty University.

Doctor of Theology

Most programs will focus on ministries and the practices of the Christian community. It is important to note, that this is a PhD program, so programs will be rigorous and require much time and dedication to your studies. You will be required to take classes and write a dissertation or research paper.

Typically, the coursework section will take two years to complete. However, depending on the university and program, you may be able to accelerate this portion of the program. There are between 12 and 15 classes that cover topics such as worship, preaching, evangelism, and liberal arts. There are also seminars that are required. If you are taking an online program, these may require that you perform a short campus based residency.

Once you have successfully completed the coursework, you will begin work on your dissertation. Typically, a school will have a timeline to finish this part of the program since it is predominately self paced. Students will be required to defend their dissertation findings.

If you are looking to take your career to the next level, you may consider enrolling in a PhD program. A doctor of theology degree can allow you to become a scholar and expert in the field.

Many people who have a calling to serve others look to various theology courses to prepare them for their calling. While having the calling is definitely the most important part of entering into service, many of the different denominations may require that you have some sort of formalized schooling prior to holding a position with the church.

Liberty University

Liberty University offers accelerated 8-week online classes.

Liberty University is an accredited, private Christian University offering online Associate, Bachelor, Master, and Doctorate degrees in a wide-range of fields including:

• Christian Counseling (Associate, Bachelor, Masters, Doctorate)
• Life Coaching (Bachelor)
• Religion (Associate, Bachelor, Masters)
• Education (Associate, Bachelor, Masters)
• Doctor of Ministry (Doctorate)
• Master of Divinity (4 concentrations available)
• Worship Studies (Master)
• Business (Associate, Bachelor, MBA)
• Accounting (Associate, MBA)
• Psychology (Associate, Bachelor, Master)
• Criminal Justice (Bachelor)
• General Studies / Interdisciplinary Studies (Associate, Bachelor)

Read more or get a program guide from Liberty University.

Theology Courses

What is theology? Simply put, theology is the study of God. It is the study of religion and the influences it holds in nature and society. The term may also refer to the actual profession held by those who have completed some formalized training in religious studies.

You can find theology courses in many places. There are online and campus based programs. Some may be found at a religiously affiliated university, a non religious affiliated university, or at a seminary. There are also free courses that you can take online depending on what your ultimate career goal is.

The study of theology goes well beyond just knowing Bible trivia and facts. It also incorporates using the messages found in the Bible to live a life that is based on Christian beliefs and doctrines and to help others do the same.

Theology is looked at as not only being necessary, but valuable as well. The study of theology is often looked at as a form of professional training for the Christian ministries.

There are many conflicting viewpoints as to the purpose of studying theology. However, it does fall hand in hand with the study of religion and can lead to a rewarding career in service.

What is a Catholic theology degree online course? Any form of distance education allows students to learn without having to attend a physical classroom setting. Most distance education now lies in the form of an internet-based portal where students read class materials, participate in virtual class discussions, and taken their exams.

When enrolled in a Catholic theology degree online, students will usually study the following:

• Christian Ministry
• Theology
• New Testament
• Philosophy
• Church History
• Church Growth
• Evangelism
• Latin
• Hebrew
• Canon Law

Theology majors can also take the academic and more subjective side of theology and become an analyst, researcher, writer, or professor. Just because you may be a theology major, doesn’t necessarily mean that you are required to enter a career within the church.

Additional Options:

Currently, there are no accredited Catholic Universities offering theology degrees online. However, if you want to study Sacred Theology, Divinity, Christian Counseling, Religion, or other theological subjects, Liberty University, a Christian University, currently offers both on-campus and online degrees. Check out Liberty University below and see if this college is a good fit for you:

Liberty University – Christian University

Liberty University offers accelerated 8 week classes online.

Liberty University is a private, accredited Christian University that allows you to earn an accelerated, accredited degree online. A handful of graduate and doctoral level programs require some on-campus courses for degree completion.

If you want to make a difference in your life, but not interrupt it, Liberty University may be right for you.

Online Associate’s Degrees

• Religion
• Psychology
• Psychology – Christian Counseling
• Business
• Education
• General Studies
• Paralegal Studies

Online Bachelor’s Degrees

• Psychology – Christian Counseling
• Psychology
• Religion
• Psychology – Crisis Counseling
• Psychology – Life Coaching
• Psychology – Substance Abuse
• Criminal Justice
• Education
• Multidisciplinary Studies

Master’s Degrees

• Chaplaincy
• Pastoral Ministries
• Professional Ministries
• Education – School Counseling
• Master of Divinity
• Christian Leadership
• Evangelism & Church Planting
• Worship Studies
• Biblical Studies
• Intercultural Studies
• Religious Education
• Theology
• Health and Wellness
• Marriage and Family Therapy
• Management and Leadership
• Marketplace Chaplaincy
• Pastoral Counseling
• Professional Counseling – 60 Hour
• Religion
• Teaching – Special Education
• Theological Studies
• Business
• Accounting
• MBA (multiple concentrations)

Doctoral Degrees

• Doctor of Education — Curriculum and Instruction
• Doctor of Education — Educational Leadership
• Doctor of Ministry
• Doctor of Philosophy – Counseling – Pastoral Care and Counseling
• Doctor of Philosophy – Theology and Apologetics
• Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling – Professional Counseling

Liberty University is a private, accredited Christian University that allows you to earn an accelerated, accredited degree when it is most convenient for you.

Read more or get a program guide from Liberty University.

After earning a bachelors or associates degree in a distance theology course, students can then enter a career right away, or may want to pursue a masters degree in theology. Some students who want to enter a career within the church may want to enroll in seminary school. Whichever direction you may wish to choose, online theology degrees can help you meet your career goals.

The career choices are more than what you may originally think. As said before, many theology  majors tend to find work within the church. They may become a pastor or minister, perhaps a priest. They can also specialize in a particular type of study, for example, church building, youth ministry, or even Christian Counseling.

However, a master of theology online degree doesn’t necessarily mean that one is required to pursue a career in that type of environment. Religious studies degrees can also be used for academic purposes, as a scholar, instead of a minister, pastor, or priest.

When a student enrolls in a master of theology online degree, they can expect to study a variety of topics during their degree program. These topics include:

• Christian Ministry
• Philosophy
• Theology
• New Testament
• Canon Law
• Church History
• Church Growth
• Hebrew
• Latin
• Evangelism

As I mentioned before, many theology  majors tend to find work within the church. They may become a pastor or minister, perhaps a priest.

Theology majors can also take the academic and more impartial side of theology and become an analyst, researcher, writer, or professor. Just because you may be a theology major, doesn’t necessarily mean that you are required to enter a career within the church.

The master of theology online degree has a number of uses upon graduating. It is not limited to just one career.

These are theologically based degrees that you earn on the Internet. A theology degree is great for anyone who wants to involve themselves in Ministry, Christian counseling, various religious studies, or even religious anthropology. There are a number of other options as well, and so it is a surprisingly versatile degree choice. Depending on what degree level you seek, you will have more options for a chosen career. Most go into Ministry, and build their own church to run.

What is the Difference Between Theology Degrees Online and Campus Courses?

The classes are no different, and neither are the degrees. As long as the school you choose is accredited (as most will be), you will have a full degree at the end of it. The difference is that an online degree is earned on the Internet, in your own time. You can take it around work, a family, and a social life.

What Can I Make With Theology Degrees Online?

The average wage is between $25,000 and $45,000 per year. But room and board is usually covered, with most bills handled through the church. This makes it easier to live on a smaller salary, though occasionally the pay will be higher.

Learn more today!

When you enroll in an online divinity program, you will have a choice with regards to the level of education you want. There are schools that offer associate, bachelors, masters, and doctorate levels of online divinity degree programs. The difficulty of the program will depend on the level that you enroll in. Associate and bachelor’s degrees are not very difficult. These are the ideal programs for someone who wishes to gain entry in the field of church management or church leadership.

However, if you already have a career in this field and wishes to be given more responsibilities or offer more to the community, you can proceed to earning your masters online divinity degree. With this level of education, you can handle bigger tasks and make a bigger impact in the world. You can choose an area of study to specialize in if you earn your masters in divinity or religious studies. Some of these specializations are professional counseling, ministerial leadership, pastoral counseling, marriage and family therapy, and many others.

As you can see, a masters degree in divinity offers you a chance to help others through counseling or become an effective leader or manager. With this graduate degree or even a bachelor’s degree, you can find employment in more than just churches or Christian organizations. This online divinity degree can also help you find work in business, health care, law, journalism, the government, education, and even the arts.

There are many types of programs offered to those who are interested in an online theology degree. Some of these are Personal Ministries, Biblical Studies, Theological Studies, Religious Education, Pastoral Counseling, Ministerial Leadership, and Family Therapy. Depending on the school, these are offered in different post-secondary levels. Some theology programs associate and bachelor’s degrees while there are some that are ideal for graduate studies.

With an online theology degree, career opportunities and yearly salary vary. For church leaders, you can earn an average of $15,000 a year or earn up to $36,000. For those who wish to become a pastor, the average yearly salary will depend on many factors, such as the size of the congregation, location of your church, and many others.

Of course, an online theology degree can also give you opportunities to help the world in other ways. You can become a Christian counselor and do social work. If this is your calling, you can earn at least $35,000 a year. You can also become a college or university professor. You will need more than an associate or bachelor’s degree in order to do the latter, though. Typically, a doctorate degree in theology will help you become a professor and earn up to $100,000 a year.

A Catholic theology degree online is the perfect program for someone who aims to know the inner workings of the religion. From its history to practices to its place in modern society, a Catholic theology degree online will help you learn more about Catholicism. There are many schools that offer this degree. Some are strictly Catholic institutions while others are not affiliated with any religion.

While there are colleges and universities that offer undergraduate Catholic theology degree online programs, most offer graduate programs in this field. A master’s or doctorate Catholic theology degree online will offer you advanced courses in the field, making you well-equipped to handle teaching positions in colleges and universities. These graduate degrees also offer you specializations. Some examples are Liturgical Studies, Catholic theologians, Advanced Scriptural Studies, Religious Philosophy, and Social Issues, Ethics and Bioethics.

If you end up choosing a graduate program in Catholic theology and holding a teaching position, you might earn between $60,000 to $90,000 a year. A PhD in this field will guaranty you a bigger yearly salary.