Best Online Master’s in Theology Programs

Master’s in theology programs include master of theology (Th.M.) and master of arts in theological studies (MATS) degrees. Some schools offer a master of theological studies, which is equivalent to a MATS. Each of these degrees allows learners to deepen their scholarly engagement with their faith.

Most Th.M. degrees take one year to complete, entailing about 30 credits. Coursework typically covers pastoral counseling, systematic theology, biblical exegesis, and biblical languages such as Greek and Hebrew. MATS degrees often take 1-2 years to complete and include 30-60 credits of coursework. Tuition costs vary. Some top online programs cost as little as $5,500. Others can cost over five times that amount.

Graduates of master’s in theology programs often work as educational programming directors for faith-based organizations or as clergy members. Many also pursue careers in academia. According to PayScale, individuals with master’s degrees in theological studies earned an average annual salary of $59,000 per year as of October 2021.

Read on to learn more about earning a master’s in theology online, including degree offerings, admission requirements, and career options for graduates.

Students who pursue a master’s in theology are usually skilled in academic writing and research. Many graduates become educators or clergy members, so they are often gifted communicators and committed public servants.

If you’re preparing to apply to graduate school for theology, make sure you understand the various master’s in theology degree options. The Th.M. is for individuals who plan to pursue vocational ministry or earn a doctorate in theology or a related subject. Many Th.M. degrees require applicants to hold a master of divinity (M.Div.).

Most Th.M. programs include 30 credits of coursework and take one year to complete. Students typically choose a specialization, such as biblical studies, religion and society, or ministry and communication.

Unlike most Th.M. programs, MATS programs often accept students who have not completed graduate-level theology coursework. Although some MATS programs prepare students for ministry roles, MATS degrees usually suit laypersons who don’t plan to become ordained clergy members. MATS programs include 30-60 credits and take students two years to complete. Classes introduce students to theological concepts and disciplines.

Students study the Epistle to the Hebrews, one of the New Testament’s most important books. Through close textual analysis, students consider the book’s historical context, issues of interpretation, and major theological themes.

This course focuses on the historical validity of the New Testament. Students engage with literature from historical Jesus studies and New Testament Christology. They learn to defend the veracity of the New Testament against its critics.

In this class, learners study the global spread of Christianity from the first century on. Through readings, lectures, and discussions, students learn about influential missionaries and movements.

Students explore Christian leadership principles and how to apply them in their ministerial practice. They learn to approach ministry responsibilities theologically and reflect on the meaning of the call to be a pastor.

This course explores the relationship between immigration and religion in the United States. It addresses immigration’s impact on spiritual practice. The course also examines religion’s influence on immigrant families, cultures, and communities. Students consider how race, ethnicity, and religion intersect in the formation of immigrant identities.

Students who earn their Th.M. or MATS degrees often work as ministry directors or directors of religious education. Others serve as clergy members. Some master’s in theology graduates earn doctoral degrees and pursue careers as postsecondary teachers in colleges and universities.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that jobs for directors of religious activities and education will increase by 2% between 2020 and 2030, which is slower than the average job growth rate across industries. The projected job growth rate for clergy members during this period is also lower than average. However, the BLS projects that jobs for postsecondary teachers will increase by 12% from 2020-2030.

Graduates of master’s in theology programs can earn above-average salaries. As of October 2021, PayScale reports that pastors earn an average annual salary of $50,120. According to the BLS, as of May 2020, postsecondary teachers of philosophy and religion earned a median annual salary of $76,160.

Pastors oversee Christian worship services and provide spiritual guidance to members of their congregation. They write and deliver sermons, drawing on their knowledge of Christian scripture and biblical history. Pastors are deeply involved in their religious communities and are usually ordained within their church.

Median Annual Salary (October 2021): $50,120

Chaplains provide spiritual guidance to individuals confronting profound challenges. They minister to patients in healthcare facilities and counsel soldiers on military bases and battlefields. Unlike pastors, chaplains often advise people of various faiths. Chaplains need a master’s in theology to qualify for certification.

Median Annual Salary (October 2021): $51,940

Directors of children’s ministries plan youth programming and events for churches and faith-based organizations. They also manage budgets and recruit and train staff. Some children’s ministry directors develop lesson plans, write sermons, and teach Bible studies courses. Children’s ministry directors are often skilled communicators with deep knowledge of their faith.

Median Annual Salary (October 2021): $35,460

Religious education directors work for schools, churches, and faith-based organizations. They plan and organize after-school programs, Sunday school sessions, and holiday gatherings. Religious education directors typically hold master’s degrees and are excellent communicators.

Median Annual Salary (October 2021): $40,150

Professors of theology and religion teach courses to undergraduate and graduate students. They typically specialize in a specific area of research and publish regularly in academic journals. Graduates of master’s in theology programs may need to earn their Ph.D.s to qualify for certain positions.

Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $76,160

Many students with master’s in theology degrees later earn their doctorates. Some enter Ph.D. programs in theology or biblical exposition; others pursue their doctor of theology or doctor of ministry degrees. Some master’s in theology graduates earn a doctor of education in Christian leadership or a similar subject.

Clergy members usually apply for licensure and ordination through their church. Chaplains can pursue board certification through several organizations, including the Association of Chaplains, the National Association of Catholic Chaplains, and the National Association of Jewish Chaplains.

Providing free digital resources to theology students and practitioners, the Theological Book Network links users to many sites for theology, biblical studies, church history, and original Greek and Latin texts.

Published by the Evangelical Theological Society since 1958, this quarterly journal provides advanced, refereed theological articles and scholarly reviews from a conservative Christian worldview. The web-based archive allows the public to view all of the articles free of charge, except those from the most recent two years.

Published with a strong multicultural emphasis, the Journal of Pastoral Theology engages readers and contributors in the construction of sound theological principles to guide the cultivation of caring relationships in pastoral ministry.

The Ekklesia Project engages members in conversations to exercise responsible Christian living in all facets society worldwide. The organization sponsors an annual conference, a blog, and literature publication.

Founded in 1954, the Forum for Theological Exploration serves as a leadership incubator to inspire and equip young people to make a difference in the world through Christian communities. The organization provides conferences, networks, and resources such as grants and fellowships.

Open to students and professionals alike, professional theological organizations offer discussion forums, resources, and support networks to benefit those involved in theological practice. Most of these organizations sponsor a yearly conference, in which members come together to shape key issues and developments in their fields. Most organizations also publish a journal or newsletter to keep up with members during the year.