Education with a Higher Purpose: Top-Ranked PhDs in Theology Online
Earning your PhD in theology online is a great option if you want to pursue a career centered on your faith. Continue reading for the best programs, popular classes, and more.
Careers often feel like a calling; this is especially true if you gravitate toward a career in theology or ministry. Those who work in theology guide people on their faith journeys and help apply biblical texts to the modern world. Because this career path is highly specialized, 58% of those who work in this field have a PhD or doctorate, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
While this statistic suggests that earning an advanced degree is advisable, pursuing it in-person can be a logistical nightmare, especially if you’re working or have caregiving responsibilities at home. So you may be asking yourself: Is it possible to earn this degree remotely? Fortunately, you do have options if you want to earn your PhD in theology online. Continue reading for details from a few best-in-class programs, the topics they cover, tuition costs, and more.
Theology Program Spotlights: Online & Hybrid
While everyone’s definition of a great program varies, there are some programs that excel in terms of accreditation, academics, and student support. To give you a better idea of what these programs look like, read on to learn about three standout online PhD in theology programs. Even if these three schools don’t end up being a good fit for you, you can use these descriptions to compare against other options you find through your own research.
Columbia International University
If you’re considering earning your PhD in theology online, Columbia International University deserves serious consideration. This 45-credit Doctor of Philosophy in Theological Studies can be completed in as little as 36 months and is fully online.
The curriculum centers on Christian scripture and will be especially helpful if you plan to be a pastor or future educator in Christianity. Columbia requires that PhD candidates complete a dissertation, which you’ll complete under the mentorship of a member of the university’s faculty.
The program is accredited professionally by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), regionally by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and nationally by Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE).
This fully online PhD is made possible through an ATS Board of Commissioners-approved three-year experiment, which is offering a non-residential PhD through a combination of online courses (synchronous and asynchronous) and one-on-one faculty mentoring sessions.
Faulkner University
Faulkner University offers a standout PhD in Biblical Studies. This doctoral program focuses on the Christian faith, with a specific emphasis on interpreting biblical scripture. As a result, students in this program take classes in biblical analysis and biblical hermeneutics. They also take coursework in three languages (Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic) and must demonstrate proficient knowledge in all three before starting the final component of this degree: textual seminars and a related dissertation.
Most students take four to five years to complete all requirements, with all classes and meetings with their dissertation mentor taking place online. Virtual courses take place in a synchronous format, though they are offered at flexible times to fit around students’ schedules. You’ll also write a dissertation, which is defended via conference call.
Faulkner University has institutional accreditation from SACSCOC and programmatic ATS accreditation for this PhD option.
Liberty University
Liberty University offers a fully online PhD in Practical Theology that stands out for its duration and convenience. You can start whenever you’d like, and you’ll complete the program in about 10 semesters, each semester taking eight weeks to complete.
The 51-credit curriculum is split up into three main sections: foundational courses, specialized research courses, and dissertation writing/defense courses. Coursework focuses on how Christianity impacts everyday life and the modern world: You’ll gain theological and philosophical foundations and learn how to apply practical theology to your future work as a minister or professor. You’ll finish your coursework with a dissertation, which you’ll complete under the guidance of a faculty member.
The school also offers attractive admissions features. You can transfer in up to 50% of your total credits, and you won’t need to submit any scores from standardized tests.
Liberty University is institutionally accredited by SACSCOC.
PhD vs. Theology Doctorate (ThD): Which is Right for You?
As you look into research-based doctoral options, two common acronyms will likely pop up: PhD and ThD. While similar, the far more common Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) has minor differences from a Doctor of Theology (ThD), as demonstrated in the table below.
| PhD in Theology | Doctor of Theology (ThD) | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Theory and philosophy behind theology – generally comparing religions | Also focusing on theory and philosophy of theology – generally examining Christianity |
| Student Type | Focused on academia, research, or ministry; usually studying at a university | Also focused on academia, research, ministry; usually studying in seminary or divinity school |
| Student Goal | Academic or research position, sometimes working as a minister | Working as a minister or other faith leader – some also become professors |
| Funding | Fellowships, grant- or scholarship-based | Academic merit scholarships, home church financial support, religious and other scholarships, receiving support from private foundations, federal financial assistance, and grants |
| Prerequisites | Master’s degree in a related field | Master’s and related work experience |
| Length | 3-5 years | 2-7 years |
| Capstone | Dissertation | Portfolio or large project |
Timeline: Online Theology PhDs
Most online PhDs in theology take about three to five years to complete. Often, theology PhDs can be completed faster than similar degrees in other subjects, and getting your degree online can speed up the process even more. That said, there is a general timeline many programs follow, outlined below.
Year One
Students begin with core courses that address program-specific learning outcomes (more on that below). You’ll also weave in electives related to your research interests and identify potential faculty advisors. At this point, you may also be required to file a plan of work (aka an Individual Development Plan) to explain your academic intentions.
Year Two
In year two, students build on the foundational courses from year one. You also have more opportunities to take electives and coursework on different research methods, which are often helpful when completing your dissertation in the program’s later years.
Year Three
Year three is a transitional year. You’ll still take some coursework, but you’ll also choose a mentor and begin working on your dissertation. Most of your foundational coursework is completed by this year. If your program has language requirements, you may have to take foreign language exams to prove competency at this time.
Year Four
As students enter year four, work on the dissertation ramps up. Typically, you’ll be taking few, if any, classes during this time, with the bulk of your time devoted to the completion of their dissertation.
Year Five
During this year, students continue dissertation work, often working weekly with a dissertation advisor. If year five is your final year, you’ll present and defend your dissertation to your thesis committee at the conclusion of this year.
Year Six
If you require a sixth year of study, you’ll most likely spend it working on your dissertation. Similar to year five, year six PhD candidates work independently with frequent meetings with their PhD advisor.
Theology Specializations to Consider
Most PhDs in theology require students to specialize in a specific area. This mainly impacts elective courses and dissertation topics, and many programs offer a variety of specializations.
- Biblical Studies: This specialization focuses on analyzing and interpreting different passages of the Bible.
- Christian Theology: If you’re interested in theology that makes up the foundations of the Christian faith, this specialization may be a good fit.
- Church History: History buffs may enjoy this specialization, which serves to deepen your knowledge of Christianity throughout the ages.
- Practical Theology: Practical theology focuses on real-world applications of the Bible. Students in this concentration also study what good leadership within the church looks like.
- Renewal Theology: Renewal theology focuses on how to revive the Christian community and how to apply Christian principles to life in the modern world.
Accreditation & Online PhDs in Theology
When looking at different programs, accreditation is a must-have (not a nice-to-have) feature. Without it, your degree won’t be viewed as legitimate by employers and other academic institutions. When it comes to finding an accredited online degree in theology, there are two things to look out for.
First, you want to ensure a school has regional or national accreditation. Liberty University, for example, is regionally accredited by SACSCOC. Many schools also offer more specialized, program-specific accreditation. One example is ATS — which accredits Faulkner University’s PhD in Biblical Studies, for example.
Common Components of Theology PhDs
While the exact components of every degree will differ, you’ll also find some commonalities across elements like coursework, dissertation, and an internship or practicum.
Coursework
Coursework is the foundation of a PhD in theology. Students usually take foundation courses in biblical analysis and church leadership, as well as electives in areas of interest to them. Many programs also offer courses specific to research in advance of your dissertation. You’ll also take classes teaching the basics of languages you’ll commonly find in biblical texts.
Dissertation/Research
If classes are the foundation of your PhD, the dissertation is the culmination of your degree. This multi-year project focuses on a topic of interest to you within the field of theology. While it is completed independently, you’ll receive mentorship from one or more faculty members with expertise related to your dissertation topic.
Internship
Some programs will require you to complete an internship related to your field of study. These tend to be offered by faith-based organizations, like a local church or a nonprofit, and provide insight into how you can use your degree after graduating. Typically, internships focus more on the business or administrative side of theology.
Practicum
If you’re interested in ministry, you may consider choosing a program offering a practicum at an affiliated church. In this theology practicum, you’ll have the opportunity to work with a minister on delivering sermons and to gain real-world insight into what Christian leadership looks like in practice.
What You’ll Learn in an Online Theology Grad Program
Coursework is a significant part of a theology PhD. To help you understand what classes you may enroll in, find five popular course topics below.
Biblical Analysis
A key part of working in theology is being able to interpret the Bible and other religious texts. This course will cover how to do so and provide different perspectives on biblical analysis. Often, this course is a required component for all students, regardless of their chosen specialization.
Philosophical Foundations of Theology
Theology is deeply rooted in philosophy. By learning about this philosophical basis, students can better understand the why behind what they study and the abstract ideas that make up their course of study. Typically, this is a required course taken within your first or second year.
Practical Theology
Another key component of theology is knowing how to apply the different lessons and philosophies specific to Christianity. To help students better understand how biblical texts and Christian philosophies apply to the modern world, most courses will offer a course, if not an entire specialization, on practical theology.
Research Methods in Theology
A key component of any PhD is the dissertation, which is usually a multi-year project under the mentorship of a faculty advisor. To ensure you’re familiar with research methods specific to the discipline, most schools offer a research methods course. You’ll take this course before you start your dissertation.
Leadership and Theology
Once you graduate with a theology PhD, you’ll most likely serve as a leader within the Christian community. To prepare you, many PhD programs feature a course in leadership, which details effective leadership practices within congregations and other communities of faith.
Tuition and Aid for Theology PhD Programs
Getting a PhD in theology is a serious financial commitment. As demonstrated in the table below, this degree usually costs between $20,000 and $40,000. Fortunately, many schools offer financial aid opportunities to make their program more affordable. The most common forms of financial aid for theology programs include fellowships,scholarships, and grants. In addition to any financial aid you receive, many schools will offer a payment plan allowing you to pay a portion of your tuition on a monthly basis, as opposed to paying for your entire degree upfront.
What Your Online Theology Degree Could Cost
| School | Program | No. of Credits | Est. Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia International University | Doctor of Philosophy in Theological Studies | 45 | $23,850 |
| Faulkner University | Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Studies | 54 | $31,050 |
| Liberty University | Doctor of Philosophy in Practical Theology | 51 | $2,750 per semester |
Common Careers for Theology PhD Grads
Workers with careers in religion make about $60,000 a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This average doesn’t tell the full story, though, as job titles heavily influence salaries and opportunities. The table below explores the salaries and job growth rates for five popular careers for theology PhD graduates.
| Career | Median Salary (50%) | Top Salary (90%) | Projected Growth (2023-33) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clergy | $58,920 | $96,600 | 3% |
| Church administrator | $46,010 | $74,160 | 1% |
| Church music director | $62,590 | $173,810 | 3% |
| Theology professor | $84,380 | $182,710 | 8% |
| Christian marriage and family counselor | $58,510 | $104,710 | 16% |
Source: The Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024
Online Theology PhD: FAQs
What are some of the benefits of earning my PhD online?
Earning a PhD online offers more flexibility than an in-person degree, making it a better option for students who are working while completing their PhD or have significant familial responsibilities. Online programs also eliminate concerns about getting transportation to campus and are easier to complete on a faster timeline or on a part-time basis.
Sometimes, these degrees are also cheaper, though this isn’t always the case. Finally, online PhDs can be completed anywhere with an internet connection, unlocking access to more universities than if you were looking for a PhD program in your geographic area.
Are online theology PhD programs more affordable than in-person programs?
The answer to this question is both yes — and sometimes, no. Some online PhD programs fall on the list of most affordable programs, while others are comparable in price to their in-person counterparts. No matter the cost of the online degree, virtual learners save money on student fees and transportation costs. It’s also easier to work while completing an online program, meaning online learners may have more income than their in-person counterparts.
How long does it take to earn a theology PhD degree online?
While some one-year doctoral programs do exist, most theology programs take three to five years to complete. The program at Columbia International University, for example, is on the shorter end and takes 36 months to complete. By contrast, Faulkner University’s theology PhD takes three to five years. The good news is even the longer theology PhDs are shorter than a typical PhD timeline. That said, any doctoral degree will be a significant time investment.
What are some common admission requirements for online theology PhD programs?
Admission requirements for online theology PhDs vary wildly. Some programs accept students with a bachelor’s degree, while others require a master’s. Some have language requirements, and others do not. At Regent University, for example, their theology PhD requires a master’s degree, competency in foreign languages of common biblical texts, and demonstrated scholarship and interest in theology. Regent University’s PhD in Renewal Theology program, like many online theology PhDs, requires no GRE scores for admission.
How much does a PhD in theology cost?
Tuition costs for PhDs in theology vary. From our research, they range from $20,000 to $40,000 total. For example, you’ll pay around $24,120 at Regent University. Like many schools, Regent offers financial aid opportunities in the form of scholarships and grants to help you pay for your PhD.
Helpful Resources for Online Theology PhD Students
- 26 Jobs in Theology
Knowing what to do after graduating from an online theology program can be tricky. To help, the University of San Diego’s online campus created this career guide with salary information. - Applying to Religious Doctoral Programs
This 30-minute conversation with a divinity professor from Harvard outlines what students should look for when applying to theology PhDs. - Christian Theological Seminary (CTS) Library
As you undertake your PhD, you’ll likely be asked to create speeches and sermons. This library features print materials, e-books, other full-text resources, and many online videos. While some materials are restricted to CTS students, you may be able to request access through inter-library loans; alternatively, you can also learn about resources to ask about at your specific library. - How to Become a Religious Studies Researcher
If you’re interested in the research and academic side of theology, this testimonial from someone within the industry may be useful. - PhD in Theology vs Doctorate in Ministry
Another popular degree option is a doctorate in ministry — commonly called a DMin. This article can help you decide which of these two degrees is right for you.