PhD in Religious Studies Online
Online religious studies Ph.D. programs such as online PhD programs in theology may allow students to explore religion as it relates to other aspects of society. Online PhD in Religious Studies students might study a wide variety of topics. They may focus on one aspect of religion very specifically. Examples of online degrees would include an Online Doctorate in Religious Studies or an online doctor of theology such as the Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership with an Emphasis in Christian Ministry, or the Doctoral degree program in Ministry, or the Distance Learning Online PhD Degree in Theology.
When looking to pursue a Doctor of Ministry or other theological studies you may need to have fulfilled certain requirements. Some of these requirements may include having a master of arts degree from an accredited graduate school. In addition, you may need to have a bachelors degree among other forms of higher education depending on the online programs you consider.
Online PhD religious studies degree programs may be quite diverse, offering different concentrations, educational philosophies, and potential outcomes. In this field of study for example, you might focus your studies on:
- American Religions
- Classical Judaism
- Biblical Theology
- Christian Apologetics and Philosophy
- And other focus areas
You may also find Doctor of Religious Studies programs at seminaries, which could focus on Christian ministry, counseling, or leadership. These programs may be best aimed at candidates who currently practice in a church or ministry, with the hopes of enhancing preparation for a new or existing role.
While no two doctoral programs in religion are the same, some potential courses you could take may include:
- Contemporary Biblical Hermeneutics – In this course, students may cover the interpretation of the Bible in terms of now. The class may compare historical beliefs versus current ideas through biblical studies. The course often examines both the Old Testament and the New Testament.
- Christian Theology – In this course, the students may cover the practice of Christianity and Christian education. The students often look at different texts and compare them to each other.
- Scripture Study Techniques – This course often covers methods in which to study and analyze scripture. Different techniques and ideas may be considered and studies.
- The Problem of Suffering – In the course, students may go over the history of Christianity. The course aims to help students understand why Christians believe they must suffer as a part of their beliefs with church history.
- Counseling Families in the Church – This Christian counseling course may provide insight on different methods of counseling members of a congregation. These could include individuals, families, or groups.
- Classical Theories of Religion – This history based class may provide insight into the basis of many religions and how they have progressed over time. Many different types and belief systems may be covered.
- Studies in Buddhism – This course often focuses on the practice of Buddhism. In this course, students may receive an introduction to the faith and a comparison to other religions.
- Themes in Comparative Religion – In this course, students may assess the different types of religions and draw comparisons that occur between them. This course aims to cover how the religions have changed and how they have grown similar or more different throughout time.
There are other courses to take for programs. These may include classes in Christian leadership, among other electives.
What Are Some Potential Requirements for Earning an Online PhD in Theology?
Some programs may need you to earn a master’s degree before pursuing a PhD.
Not every doctoral program in religion may require that your prior education be in religious studies with a graduate degree. Yet, you should likely enter your PhD program with some kind of background in religion. For some candidates, particularly in seminary programs, that may include a personal ministry.
When it comes to requirements for actually earning the PhD in religion, you may have to:
- Earn a certain number of graduate course credits
- Earn a minimum GPA
- Complete a dissertation or major writing project
- Complete one or more academic presentations
- Fulfill study of foreign language requirements
- And other possible requirements
Top Online Religious Studies Programs by Graduate 2023
We ranked our top 25 colleges with religious studies degree programs. Our methodologies use data from the NCES based on 2023 graduates from the programs.
| School Name | Acceptance Rate (%) | Number of Graduates | Programs Offered | 2023 Financial Aid Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary | 68 | 89 | PhD, EdD, D of Missiology, Doctor of Ministry, Doctor of Educational Ministry | 49% of students are awarded grants or scholarships on average of $1,428. 33% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $13,093 |
| Trinity International University-Illinois | 60 | 56 | Doctor of Ministry, PhD in Theological Studies, PhD in Educational Studies | 99% of students are awarded grants or scholarships on average of $24,421. 91% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,505 |
| Asbury Theological Seminary | N/A | 51 | Doctor of Ministry, PhD in Biblical Studies, PhD in Intercultural Studies | N/A |
| Liberty University | 51 | 49 | Master of Theology, Doctor of Ministry, PhD in Bible Exposition, Doctor of Education | 92% of students are awarded grants or scholarships on average of $11,369. 56% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,489 |
| George Fox University | 82 | 37 | Doctor of Ministry, Master of Divinity | 98% of students are awarded grants or scholarships on average of $19,007. 76% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,525 |
| Andrews University | 67 | 35 | PhD in Religion, PhD in Discipleship in Lifespan Education | 99% of students are awarded grants or scholarships on average of $17,486. 46% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,801 |
| Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary | 68 | 35 | PhD in Church Worship, PhD in World Christian Studies, Doctor of Musical Arts in Church Music | N/A |
| The Catholic University of America | 85 | 28 | PhD in Early Christian Studies, PhD in Historical Theology, PhD in Church History, PhD in Biblical Studies, Doctor of Ministry, PhD in Catechetics, PhD in Religion and Culture | 97% of students are awarded grants or scholarships on average of $27,232. 54% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,296 |
| Regent University | 86 | 24 | Doctor of Ministry, PhD in Renewal Theology, Doctor of Ministry – Chaplain Ministry and Leadership, DSL in Ecclesial Leadership, | 98% of students are awarded grants or scholarships on average of $13,744. 91% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $8,546 |
| Dallas Theological Seminary | N/A | 24 | Doctor of Philosophy, Doctor of Ministry, Doctor of Educational Ministry | N/A |
| Luther Rice College & Seminary | 50 | 23 | Master of Divinity, Doctor of Ministry | 78% of students are awarded grants or scholarships on average of $3,580. 69% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $7,171 |
| University of Notre Dame | 16 | 23 | PhD in Theology, Master of Divinity in Theology | 56% of students are awarded grants or scholarships on average of $41,252. 32% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $7,168 |
| Boston University | 19 | 22 | PhD in Theological Studies, PhD in Religion, | 49% of students are awarded grants or scholarships on average of $43,022. 25% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,264 |
| Southern Methodist University | 47 | 21 | PhD in Religious Studies | 80% of students are awarded grants or scholarships on average of $34,084. 21% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,275 |
| University of Chicago | 6 | 21 | PhD in Religious Studies | 51% of students are awarded grants or scholarships on average of $43,836. 9% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,188 |
| Bakke Graduate University | N/A | 20 | Doctor of Ministry, Doctor of Transformational Leadership, | N/A |
| Columbia International University | 48 | 17 | Doctor of Ministerial Leadership, PhD in Biblical Studies, PhD in Theological Studies | 100% of students are awarded grants or scholarships on average of $17,797. 76% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,245 |
| Graduate Theological Union | N/A | 17 | PhD in Sacred Texts, PhD in Historical and Cultural Studies of Religion, PhD in Theology and Ethics, PhD in Religion and Practice | N/A |
| Boston College | 27 | 15 | PhD in Theology and Education, Master of Divinity in Theology and Ministry, Doctorate in Sacred Theology | 44% of students are awarded grants or scholarships on average of $44,700. 39% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $4,007 |
| Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary | 93 | 15 | Master of Divinity | 56% of students are awarded grants or scholarships on average of $5,510. |
| The Master’s University and Seminary | 67 | 14 | MA in Biblical Studies | 60% of students are awarded grants or scholarships on average of $10,016. 35% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,351 |
| Fuller Theological Seminary | N/A | 13 | Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy, Doctor of Ministry, PhD in Theology | N/A |
| Wheaton College | 85 | 13 | PhD in Biblical Studies, PhD in Clinical Psychology | 87% of students are awarded grants or scholarships on average of $20,409. 52% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,116 |
| Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary | 100 | 11 | PhD in Biblical Studies, Doctor of Educational Ministry, Doctor of Ministry, Master of Theology | 70% of students are awarded grants or scholarships on average of $4,127. 50% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $6,275 |
| Fordham University | 46 | 11 | Doctor of Ministry, PhD in Religious Education, PhD in Theology | 90% of students are awarded grants or scholarships on average of $30,636. 52% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,290 |
When looking to enter into a program for an online PhD in Religion there are things to consider. Making sure that the program has accreditation and has quality educators is a great start. Consider options such as theological seminary to pursue studies. Look at factors in regards to where to go. These could be financial aid, if the GRE is required, and the methodology of the teaching. If the school offers the concentration you are looking for. Other considerations could be if you are going to attend full time or part time. How much coursework you might be able to handle while going to school. Another factor to consider is whether you may need to appear on campus for some events as a part of your degree program.
| State | Employment | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 4,270 | $38,330 |
| California | 3,760 | $40,910 |
| Oregon | 1,750 | $30,740 |
| Illinois | 1,590 | $39,800 |
| Michigan | 1,470 | $33,720 |
Popular Schools with Online PhD in Religious Studies
GradSchools.com offers 31 Graduate Schools with PhD Religious Studies Online
Grand Canyon University
Liberty University Online
Winebrenner Theological Seminary
Summit Theological Seminary
Trinity College and Seminary
Luther Rice Bible College And Seminary
Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies, The
Christian Leadership University
Golden State School Of Theology
Sanctus Theological Institute
New Brunswick Theological Seminary
American Leadership Institute and Seminary