“In the beginning . . .” Study one of the oldest stories known to humankind — the Bible! Start with one of the best online Master’s in Theology.
Religion is one of the most fundamental cornerstones of our society. It shapes how we understand our identities, our actions, our communities, and life beyond. Theology looks at more than just the nature of God. It ultimately takes into account how humans find meaning in religion.
If you’re ready to ask some big questions, this degree is ready to give you some answers. You can earn a theology degree in so many different places—church ministry, mission work, education, social work, and more.
What is a Theology degree?
By definition, theology is the study of religion and God. No biggie, right? Lucky for you, a degree in theology has one main textbook—the Bible! Theology connects the old with the new. So even though the Bible is an ancient text, your coursework will illuminate new meaning that rings relevant today. Some common concentration areas within this degree include:
- Pastoral Leadership
- Biblical Studies
- Moral Theology
A master’s degree in theology will bring together a wide range of disciplines: linguistics, anthropology, philosophy, ethics, and more. This isn’t your average Sunday School meeting. A master’s degree in theology really digs deep and gets to the core beliefs.
How much can you earn with a Theology degree?
While it is more than possible to earn a comfortable living with a theology degree, this field is sometimes best for folks who feel an extra push toward it beyond monetary incentive. This degree can yield many career outcomes, but a common one is to work in the ministry.
According to Payscale, the average pastor or minister makes around $49k per year. That figure is just the average – earning potential can reach closer to $73,000 annually. Job satisfaction in this field is overwhelmingly positive, though. It inherently connects you to a broader community and purpose.
What is required for a Theology degree?
Each program below is different in its admissions and graduation requirements. However, they share some common ground. For instance, most programs cover anywhere from 30-50 required credit hours. Most will start with a core curriculum in foundational theology and later branch out into electives. The programs vary on whether they are coursework only or thesis-based.
While it is rare that you would need to provide a quantitative reporting of your academic merit (like GRE or GMAT scores), most programs require you to provide numerous religious references. This will likely be a letter from a church leader or mentor.
Finally, most programs do not require any previous formal training in theology, though some might accept transfer credits in the field. Just make sure you research thoroughly, and you’ll be good to go!
What are the best Theology degrees?
OSR uses six data points: three school-wide and three program specific. For school-wide, OSR uses Student Satisfaction, Admission Rates, and the number of programs the school offers online. For program-specific, OSR checks the Median Debt of graduates from that program, how many degrees are offered within that program’s umbrella department, and what percentage of students at that school graduated from that department.
The six statistics are displayed by each school. The sliding bar under each statistic represents how that school compares to other US institutions. “Not reported” means a school did not release that information to the US Department of Education. A more detailed description of the OSR process can be found on the methodology page.
Lincoln Christian University
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $7,812(in state) / $7,812(out of state)
- 36 required credit hours (12 courses)
- No annual fees applied
- Choice between final paper or applied project
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Program Level
100%OSR ScoreAt Lincoln Christian University, students will find numerous religious online programs, one of which is the M.A. in Bible and Theology. This degree is perfect for folks who want a deeper understanding of theology but don’t want to go to seminary. Among the 12 total courses are Christian Worldview Studies, Interpreting the Bible, and more.
Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $6,160(in state) / $6,160(out of state)
- 45 required credit hours
- 7 possible start dates (8-week terms)
- In-person symposiums / practicums included
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Program Level
92%OSR ScoreWhile students will technically earn an M.A. in Christian Leadership at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, the coursework is deeply rooted in theology. Students will encounter courses like New Testament Survey, Evangelism & Discipleship, and more. This online degree also incorporates in-person symposiums and practicums.
Columbia International University
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $9,180(in state) / $9,180(out of state)
- 48 required credit hours
- Open to students without theology background
- 18 credits set aside for concentration
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Program Level
89%OSR ScoreThe online M.A. in Theological Studies at CIU brings together church history, biblical studies, and theology. The online coursework takes most students around two years to complete. The program offers two tracks: one for students with a background in theology and one for students new to the field.
The King's University
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $8,190(in state) / $8,190(out of state)
- 48 required credit hours
- Courses specialize in church ministry
- $45 online fee per course
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Program Level
87%OSR ScoreWith the option of completing this degree either online or on-campus, King’s University delivers a Master of Practical Theology program. This curriculum blends together core course topics like Biblical Studies, Practical Ministry, Theological/Historical Studies, and more. It culminates in a capstone project.
Bethel Seminary
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $8,382(in state) / $8,382(out of state)
- 51 required credit hours
- Fully online with option for on-campus intensives
- Most students graduate in 3 years
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Program Level
85%OSR ScoreThe M.A. in Theological Studies at Bethel Seminary is fully completable online. However, students have the option of attending weeklong on-campus intensives. Coursework includes engaging topics like Christian Social Ethics, Hermeneutics, Systematic Theology, and more.
University of Valley Forge
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $7,650(in state) / $7,650(out of state)
- 36 required credit hours
- No application fee required
- Courses integrate philosophy and religion
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Program Level
84%OSR ScoreThe University of Valley Forge knows how to do online learning right with its M.A. in Theology. Designed for the working professional, the program covers a 36-credit-hour curriculum that can be completed in 14-week courses. Highlight classes include Cross-Cultural Theology, Spirituality & Philosophical Thought, and Apologetics: Classical to Contemporary.
Pentecostal Theological Seminary
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $11,472(in state) / $11,472(out of state)
- 48 required credit hours
- Option to attend full-time or part-time
- Final requirement is a capstone project
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Program Level
84%OSR ScoreTrue to its denominational roots, Pentecostal Theological Seminary offers an online Master of Theological Studies program that focuses on Pentecostal ministry. The curriculum is divided into core areas: Biblical Studies, Historical and Theological Studies, and Personal Formation for Ministry. Students can attend full-time or part-time.
Grace School of Theology
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $3,600(in state) / $3,600(out of state)
- 29 required credit hours
- Designed for students eventually pursuing PhD
- Thesis-based program
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Program Level
81%OSR ScoreGrace School of Theology is unique in that it offers an online Master of Theology that is designed as a natural extension of the Master of Divinity degree. Therefore, it only requires 29 credit hours. Students may transfer up to 14 credits from previous related graduate work.
Colorado Christian University
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $12,511(in state) / $12,511(out of state)
- 39 required credit hours
- Up to 9 transfer credits accepted
- Program can be completed in 17 months
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Program Level
81%OSR ScoreColorado Christian University offers a robust and efficient online M.A. in Theological Studies. The curriculum is traditional in that it focuses heavily on systematic theology and Christian history. Full-time students have the potential to finish the program in less than two years.
Holy Apostles College and Seminary
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $5,760(in state) / $5,760(out of state)
- 8 different concentration tracks
- GPA of 3.0 strongly recommended
- Same tuition regardless of residency
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Program Level
81%OSR ScoreThe online M.A. in Theology at Holy Apostles College and Seminary is flexible and customizable, with up to eight optional concentration areas. Included in those are Apologetics, Dogmatic Theology, Moral Theology, and more. Students may choose between a cumulative exam or a capstone paper.
Catholic Distance University
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $8,100(in state) / $8,100(out of state)
- 36 required credit hours
- Final comprehensive exam at the end of program
- Up to 6 transfer credits accepted
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Program Level
80%OSR ScoreDesigned in accordance with the theology of the Catholic faith, this M.A. in Theology tackles 36 credit hours of online learning. Among the core classes are Catholic Theological Tradition, Theology of the Sacraments, and Philosophy for Theology. The degree is intended for folks interested in careers in the Catholic Church.
New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $5,445(in state) / $5,445(out of state)
- 52 required credit hours
- Multiple attendance formats available
- Flat-rate tuition regardless of residency
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Program Level
78%OSR ScoreThe 52-credit-hour M.A. in Theology at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary gives maximum flexibility. Students can attend fully online or in a hybrid method, which includes on-campus visits. The program seeks to integrate larger themes such as Biblical Exposition, Christian Theological Heritage, and more.
Multnomah University
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $13,560(in state) / $13,560(out of state)
- 48 required credit hours
- Up to 12 transfer credits accepted
- $130 technology fee applied per term
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Program Level
78%OSR ScoreDesigned as a two-year online program, the M.A. in Theological Studies at Multnomah University is perfect for working adults. Students will take a wide range of core classes that dive into close readings of Biblical Theology. Elective course options include Evangelical Christianity & the American Experience, Traditions in Christian Spirituality, and more.
World Mission University
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $4,860(in state) / $4,860(out of state)
- 48 required credit hours
- Half of the credits can be transferred (24)
- Students must maintain a 2.5 GPA
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Program Level
76%OSR ScoreThe overall intention of WMU’s online M.A. in Theology in Global Leadership program is to graduate future missionaries. As such, this program is best for folks who already have a foundational understanding of theology. Course topics range from Intercultural Studies to Biblical Theology.
Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $10,671(in state) / $10,671(out of state)
- 32 required credit hours
- Bridge pathways to Doctorate of Divinity
- Lower tuition rate for Wesleyan pastors
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Program Level
74%OSR ScoreIWU offers an online Master of Practical Theology. It functions specifically for students who eventually want to complete a Doctorate of Divinity. For students who already have at least 30 credits completed, this program will fill in an additional 32 credits. IWU also offers an online Doctorate of Ministry.
Campbellsville University
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $11,904(in state) / $11,904(out of state)
- 30 required credit hours
- GRE required for GPAs lower than 3.0
- Up to 12 transfer credits accepted
School Wide
Program Level
72%OSR ScoreAt Campbellsville University, students will find an online Master of Theology that leaves room for lots of career options. The program features three unique concentration tracks: Biblical Studies, Pastoral Leadership, and Theology. Highlight courses include Intergenerational Ministries, Old Testament Prophets, and Ethics of the Christian Faith.
University of Dallas
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $33,750(in state) / $33,750(out of state)
- 37 required credit hours
- Flat-rate tuition regardless of residency
- Catholic-based curriculum
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Program Level
72%OSR ScoreFully deliverable online, the Master of Theological Studies at the University of Dallas centers around a Catholic-based curriculum. It includes a built-in concentration area in Biblical Theology. Core classes reflect Catholic theology, for instance, Liturgy and Sacraments, Systematic Theology, and Church History.
Western Seminary
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $13,560(in state) / $13,560(out of state)
- 56 required credit hours
- Online format with 2 campus visits
- Option to travel abroad for elective credit
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Program Level
71%OSR ScoreWestern Seminary does its online M.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies a little different. For one, it uniquely devotes 20 credit hours to students’ specific concentration areas through electives. Additionally, six credit hours must be taken in-person on the Portland, Oregon campus.
Liberty University
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $8,217(in state) / $8,217(out of state)
- 30 required credit hours
- Discounted tuition for military students
- Optional on-campus intensives available
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Program Level
71%OSR ScoreStudents have the chance to finish their Master of Theology in just over one year at Liberty University. Additionally, students can choose one of six concentration areas. Among them are Christian Apologetics, Homiletics, Global Studies, and more. Courses are delivered in eight-week terms.
Concordia University-Irvine
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $7,914(in state) / $7,914(out of state)
- 47+ required credit hours
- Mostly online, with 2 on-campus courses
- Typically takes 3 years to complete
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Program Level
70%OSR ScoreConcordia University-Irvine delivers a Lutheran-based Master’s in Theology that uses a blended attendance format. Students will take 90 percent of the courses online; two courses, however, must be completed on-campus. Among possible emphases are Research in Theology, Christian Education, Theology and Culture, and more.
Newman University
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $9,864(in state) / $9,864(out of state)
- 30 required credit hours
- Curriculum includes foreign language requirements
- Degree culminates in a comprehensive exam
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Program Level
70%OSR ScoreNewman University’s online Master of Arts in Theology is based on the Catholic theological tradition. Besides an initial on-campus orientation, the rest of the degree can be completed online. The curriculum includes ten total courses, as well as a reading proficiency exam in a foreign language and a Biblical language.
Saint Leo University
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $9,990(in state) / $9,990(out of state)
- 36 required credit hours
- Discounted tuition for M.A. in Theology students
- Blended online attendance options
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Program Level
69%OSR ScoreKnown as one of the oldest Catholic higher education institutions, Saint Leo University delivers a deeply religious foundation for its Master’s in Theology. The curriculum optimizes the online format, bringing together blended lectures, online discussion, and live conferencing. Three elective courses are set aside for concentration areas.
Saint Joseph's College of Maine
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $8,720(in state) / $8,720(out of state)
- 36 required credit hours
- No application fee
- Curriculum is based in Catholic tradition
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Program Level
68%OSR ScoreThere are three specialty tracks embedded within the online M.A. in Theology at Saint Joseph’s College: Pastoral Theology, Sacred Theology, and Advanced Diaconal Studies. Each specialty encompasses 15 credit hours. The program also features a partnership with Pontifex University to go directly into a Theology Doctorate.
Covenant Theological Seminary
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $12,870(in state) / $12,870(out of state)
- 54 required credit hours
- Online option only for part-time students
- Program takes around 3 years to complete
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Program Level
67%OSR ScoreThe online M.A. in Theological Studies at Covenant Theological Seminary covers an extensive curriculum of 54 credit hours. In addition to core classes, students must take coursework in Biblical & Systematic Theology and World Mission. An impressive 20 credits are set aside for electives.
Truett McConnell University
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $5,850(in state) / $5,850(out of state)
- 60 required credit hours
- Career-based concentration areas available
- $300 online technology fee per term
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Program Level
66%OSR ScoreTruett McConnell University makes it possible for students to customize their online M.A. in Theology. Students can take on concentrations in Local Church Ministry or Missiology. Despite being offered online, the program also offers extra opportunities like mission trips, research, and more.
College of Saint Elizabeth
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $18,018(in state) / $18,018(out of state)
- 36 required credit hours
- 50% tuition discount for current clergy
- Option of fully online courses or hybrid format
School Wide
Program Level
66%OSR ScoreCollege of Saint Elizabeth offers a dynamic online M.A. in Theology that aligns with its Catholic faith. Within this program are four concentration tracks: Catholic Studies, Pastoral Care, Spirituality, and Theological Studies. In some cases, previous ministry experience can count as graduate credit.
Calvin Theological Seminary
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $15,972(in state) / $15,972(out of state)
- 21 required credit hours
- Over 12 possible areas of concentration
- MDiv or MTS required for admission
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Program Level
65%OSR ScoreCalvin Theological Seminary delivers a unique online Master of Theology degree that is designed as a post-graduate program for folks finishing up their Master’s in Divinity. As such, it only requires 21 credits. The highly focused curriculum is crafted with a final master’s thesis in mind.
Lubbock Christian University
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $7,884(in state) / $7,884(out of state)
- 36 required credit hours
- Proficiency in a Biblical language required
- Courses offered via online and hybrid formats
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Program Level
64%OSR ScoreThe online M.A. in Biblical Interpretation at Lubbock Christian University focuses specifically on holy texts. Highlight coursework includes Hermeneutics, Restoration History and Theology, and Biblical Texts. Students must also demonstrate their working knowledge of at least one Biblical language.
Gonzaga University
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $16,421(in state) / $16,421(out of state)
- 30 required credit hours
- 2 on-campus immersion courses required
- Program-specific scholarships available
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Program Level
64%OSR ScoreThe online M.A. in Theology and Leadership at Gonzaga University is laid out in three parts: nine core theology courses, two leadership electives, and two on-campus immersion courses. This program uses a cohort model. Students who are already working in the ministry are eligible to receive a 35 percent tuition discount.
University of Northwestern-St Paul
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $8,820(in state) / $8,820(out of state)
- 36 required credit hours
- Possible to complete program in 18-22 months
- Graduate Certificate in Christian Studies available
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Program Level
64%OSR ScoreFully completable online, the University of Northwestern delivers a solid M.A. in Theological Studies. Students will take courses from faculty who are experts in their field, alongside an intimate class cohort. This program can be coursework-only or a thesis-based degree.
Franciscan University of Steubenville
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $12,330(in state) / $12,330(out of state)
- 36 required credit hours
- No previous experience in theology required
- Lower tuition for online students
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Program Level
63%OSR ScoreStocked with internationally-lauded faculty, Franciscan University of Steubenville offers an online M.A. in Theology and Christian Ministry that is steeped in the Catholic faith. A sampling of some foundational courses includes Dogmatic Theology, Interpreting the NT, and Moral Foundations. There is no residency requirement.
Freed-Hardeman University
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $10,620(in state) / $10,620(out of state)
- 48 required credit hours
- GPA of 3.0 required for admission
- Up to 6 graduate transfer credits accepted
School Wide
Program Level
62%OSR ScoreStudents have two amazing options at Freed-Hardeman University: an online M.A. in Old Testament or an online M.A. in New Testament. Either way, you will receive a focused study of theology. Both culminate in a final thesis paper. Courses are available through online web-conferencing, both live and pre-recorded.
Biola University
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $10,656(in state) / $10,656(out of state)
- 49 required credit hours
- Typically completed in 2-4 years
- Scholarships offered through Talbot
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Program Level
61%OSR ScoreDelivered through Biola’s Talbot School of Theology, students will complete an engaging M.A. in Theology. This program splits into two tracks: Greek or non-Greek. Spread amongst both tracks are courses like Contemporary Theology, World Religions & New Religious Movements, and Exegesis.
United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $11,250(in state) / $11,250(out of state)
- 36 required credit hours
- All concentrations require final thesis
- Flat-rate tuition regardless of residency
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Program Level
60%OSR ScoreUnited Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities provides maximum flexibility. It offers a general Master of Arts degree with the option to specialize in areas like Biblical Studies, Religion and Theology, Theology and the Arts, and more. All concentration areas are a thesis-based, online program.
Iliff School of Theology
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $19,824(in state) / $19,824(out of state)
- 72 credits
- 2-year program
- Intended to continue into a doctoral degree
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Program Level
60%OSR ScoreThe Master of Theological Studies at Iliff focuses on bridging a bachelor’s degree and a future doctoral degree. Students who have already earned a Master of Divinity degree can shorten the Theological Studies degree by a considerable number of credits. This degree can also be paired with a Master of Social Work degree, allowing you to earn both.
