35 BEST ONLINE BACHELOR'S IN THEOLOGY & CHRISTIAN STUDIES

Updated December 5, 2022

Prepare yourself for a life of holy service and study with one of the 35 Best Online Bachelor's in Theology and Christian Studies 2019. If you have a passion to serve God and a desire to study the history of Christianity and the Bible, an Online Bachelor's in Theology and Christian Studies may be the ...

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Prepare yourself for a life of holy service and study with one of the 35 Best Online Bachelor's in Theology and Christian Studies.

If you have a passion to serve God and a desire to study the history of Christianity and the Bible, an Online Bachelor's in Theology and Christian Studies may be the right choice for you. Throughout your coursework, you will learn how to integrate various aspects of the humanities. Topics such as sociology, literature, and philosophy, or how to administer pastoral counseling, are all common focal points of studying Theology and Christian Studies.

During your studies, you may engage in chapel services, mentoring, Bible study groups, or other internships to help you develop a deep understanding of religion and its roots. You will be prepared for a career as a religious studies instructor, or to work in development, community-based services like welfare or social care.

Whichever option you choose, you will likely find that a Bachelor's degree in Theology and Christian Studies will prepare you for lifelong, rewarding work. Consider one of these online options for a degree that is flexible and customized to fit your busy schedule.

Selection Criteria

We have developed an in-depth listing of the Best Online Bachelor's Degree in Theology and Christian Studies. While compiling our ranking, we considered which public and private schools offered the most exceptional degrees in conjunction with academic retention and graduation rates.

Ranking Factors

Upon reviewing the myriad online Bachelor's in Theology and Christian Studies, we focused on several characteristics in particular that are important to students when evaluating the quality of a program. As a result, our list ranks schools based on the following qualities:

  • Affordability
  • Academic Rigor
  • Accessibility
  • Accreditation
  • Recognitions

Want to learn more? Check out our methodology page for a closer look at how we evaluate each school's ranking.

#1 Arizona State University Phoenix, AZ
#2 American Public University Charles Town, WV
#3 Florida International University Miami, FL
#4 Lee University Cleveland, TN
#5 The Baptist College of Florida Graceville, FL
#6 Luther Rice University and Seminary Lithonia, GA
#7 Liberty University Lynchburg, VA
#8 University of the Cumberlands Williamsburg, KY
#9 University of Central Florida Orlando, FL
#10 Johnson University Knoxville, TN

Featured Online Programs

Figuring out where to apply? These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online degrees. Consider one of these accredited programs, and discover their value today.

  1. Arizona State University
    Location

    Phoenix, AZ

    Tuition

    $13007

    Arizona State University's BA in Religious Studies recognizes the crucial role that religion plays as part of human culture. ASU's degree prepares students to navigate religious diversity in, both, domestic and global contexts, while honing in on their professional skills for a professional post-graduate career.

    ASU has been ranked as one of the "Most Innovative Colleges," by U.S. News and World Report, making ASU a must-consider option for any student seeking an in-depth education in Religious Studies. In addition, alumni of ASU are among the top 5 for "Best Qualified Graduates," according to Wall Street Journal.

  2. American Public University
    Location

    Charles Town, WV

    Tuition

    $11470

    The American Public University BA in Religion is designed for students seeking a broad view of religion that encompassing a variety of major world religions. Students will graduate from APU's program with the skills necessary to work in professions involving aspects of human services and pastoral assistance. 120 total credit hours are required for degree completion, with tuition starting at just $270 per credit hour.

    Military members pay even less due to undergraduate book grants, educational partnerships with employers and associations, and transferable credit options. Tuition discounts help make APU an affordable option for students studying from a diverse range of backgrounds.

  3. Florida International University
    Location

    Miami, FL

    Tuition

    $12966

    The online BA in Religious Studies at Florida International University allows students to explore Eastern and Western religions, while developing into researchers, writers, and educators. FIU provides students with an excellent preparation for a Masters degree or broader careers within business, law, or medicine.

    Tuition starts at just $212 per credit hour, making FIU an affordable option for any student seeking an online degree. Online students also receive the opportunity to join the school's elite Honors College while interacting with renowned FIU resources for technology support services, application assistance, and student success coaches.

  4. Lee University
    Location

    Cleveland, TN

    Tuition

    $16789

    Lee University offers a number of degrees in Religion, including those in Ministry Studies, Christian Leadership, Christian Education, and Liberal Studies. The wide variety of degrees offered at Lee makes it easy for students to choose from a number of engaging electives to bolster their careers in theology and ministry.

    With small class sizes, and an average student-to-faculty ratio of just 16:1, Lee is a smart choice for any students seeking a close-knit classroom environment. Lee is also ranked as one of the "Best Private Universities," by Great Value Colleges, and among the "Best Schools for Adult Learners," by U.S. News and World Report.

  5. The Baptist College of Florida
    Location

    Graceville, FL

    Tuition

    $11831

    As a Christian Studies major at the Baptist College of Florida, you will take a number of preparatory courses, including those in Literature and Humanities, Science and Mathematics, Social and Behavioral Sciences, and Information Technology. Students can choose from a number of practical ministry courses, allowing them to engage in real world application of the foundational skills they've already acquired.

    BCF is also an accredited member of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and specializes in degrees related to theology and religion.

  6. Luther Rice University and Seminary
    Location

    Lithonia, GA

    Tuition

    $6988

    The BA in Religion at Luther Rice University and Seminary offers students three distinct minors to enhance their studies and expand worldviews. Students may choose from Biblical Counseling, Ministry, or Christian Worldview. All degrees offered at Luther Rice are nationally accredited and can be earned entirely online.

    Luther Rice has a strong student success rate with a career placement emphasis, allowing students to build foundational skills in ministry with the use of advanced technology, and electronic library resources. Luther Rice is highly affordable as well by offering financial aid, and military funding for eligible students.

  7. Liberty University
    Location

    Lynchburg, VA

    Tuition

    $24794

    Liberty University in Lynchburg's Bachelors in Religion is an online degree offering the broad biblical foundations necessary to serve within the ministry career. Multiple specializations are available and enable students to delve into the word of God through topics such as: Apologetics, Christian Counseling, Evangelism, Global Studies, and Christian Leadership.

    LU's degree is built on Christian values and prepares students for success in their future careers. Alumni continue on to graduate studies in seminary or graduate degrees - or to diverse vocational opportunities within ministry, or pastoral leadership. Each course is offered entirely online in eight week segments. Students may transfer in up to seventy-five percent of their credits from other institutions.

  8. University of the Cumberlands
    Location

    Williamsburg, KY

    Tuition

    $17619

    The online Bachelor's in Missions and Ministry at the University of the Cumberlands provides students with a broad understanding of history, theology, ethics, and biblical literature. An additional minor is also available, giving students the ability to prepare for a lifetime of learning and service.

    With a total online enrollment of less than 900 students, UC caters to non-traditional students. In fact, over twenty-five percent of UC attendees are first generation students. UC is ranked amongst the "Best Christian Colleges," by America's Best Christian Colleges.

  9. University of Central Florida
    Location

    Orlando, FL

    Tuition

    $15533

    University of Central Florida's BA in Religion and Cultural Studies has a broad focus, allowing students to use contemporary theories and methods to analyze religions from all around the globe. Graduates of UCF go on to work as clergy members, diplomats, missionaries, humanitarian workers, and foreign service officers.

    The University of Central Florida is ranked amongst the "Most Innovative Universities," by U.S. News and World Report, as the school is a leader in providing exceptional distance learning opportunities for working professionals. With tuition starting at just $179.19 per credit hour, UCF is also ranked as a "Best Value School," by Kiplinger's and Forbes.

  10. Johnson University
    Location

    Knoxville, TN

    Tuition

    $16368

    If you're looking for a degree offering task-based coursework in a real world setting, look no further. The Johnson University dual BA/BS in Ministry Leadership, which provides students with the skills necessary to lead churches and ministries. JU incorporates foundational coursework within courses such as Bible and Theology, while offering a three-credit internship for students to engage with their local communities.

    JU's BA/BS is also one of the most military friendly online schools, with courses offered at flexible times and with affordable tuition rates. In fact, students of JU's BA/BS graduate with far less debt than the national average, paying less than $6,000 per term.

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