Updated at: 19-04-2023 - By: Eden Wise

Overview

Do you want to learn more about different faiths? Interested in learning more about God? or Would you like to be God’s servant? If that’s the case, maybe you should look into getting a degree in theology. The good news is that you can do this without spending a dime and without leaving your home if you enroll in the top free theology degree programs online.

Ok, don’t fret. We have collected the best free theology degrees available online and provided you with links to enroll in them.

While many universities and seminaries now provide online theology degrees, only a select few are willing to do so for free. This article provides information on where to find a free online theology degree as well as a list of available theology degree programs.

You might be wondering what exactly goes into getting a theology degree before we get started.

Free Theology Degree Online

Free theology degree online

Esoteric Theological Seminary

Esoteric Interfaith Church, Inc. runs the school. The Esoteric Interfaith Church (EIC) is a non-profit, interfaith organization that awards ordination credentials. Students at Esoteric Theological Seminary are required to pay a one-time tuition fee between $300 and $600. However, the state of Arizona does allow the Esoteric Theological Seminary to function as a degree-granting institution, despite the fact that it is not accredited.

Theological, ministerial, esoteric, and metaphysical studies are all on the curriculum at Esoteric Theological Seminary. These courses can be taken at the bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and doctor of philosophy levels.

Calvin Theological Seminary

Calvin Theological Seminary

Calvin Seminary is a six-degree online seminary that is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools. At CTS, you will receive biblical education that will equip you to share the gospel with others. You will be groomed for effective leadership and prepared for ordained ministry in the church.

Master of Theology, Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Ministry Leadership, Doctor of Philosophy, Master of Arts in Bible and Theology, and Master of Arts in Biblical Studies are just some of the advanced degrees they offer online.

Barclay College 

is recognized as a quality educational institution by the likes of the Higher Learning Commission and the Association for Biblical Higher Education. Friends Bible College was its official name. Barclay College’s Master of Arts in Theology curriculum recognizes that not all students have the same vocational goals, so it employs an interdisciplinary approach to graduate education by allowing students to tailor their curriculum by choosing from a variety of core theology and Bible courses, as well as research and/or field experiences.

Dallas Theological Seminary

Dallas Theological Seminary

Dallas Theological Seminary holds the view that all 66 books of the Bible are inspired by God and can be used to teach, rebuke, correct, and train in righteousness. Dallas Theological Seminary provides a number of engaging online theology courses at no cost to the student.

Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies

Liberty University Online’s Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies covers both theology and apologetics. You have up to three years to earn your certificate at your own pace. This 12-credit certificate program would cost about $5,000 without any scholarships or grants. However, you can afford it if your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) on the FAFSA is low enough to qualify you for federal grants (which can be as high as $6,195 for the 2019-2020 academic year). This tuition is more likely to be covered by financial aid if you live in Virginia.

NotreDameX Theology Courses

Courses like “Introduction to the Quran: Islam’s Holy Scripture” and “Jesus in Scripture and Tradition” are just two of the many free online theology classes offered by NotreDameX. Five to seven hours of work per week over the course of nine weeks is required to complete each course. You can get a Certificate of Completion from Notre Dame after you finish each course (for a fee of $50, of course).

Saint Leo University Theology Degrees

Unless you qualify for a combination of federal financial aid (such as the Pell grant) and state aid (available only to Florida residents), attending Saint Leo University will cost you. The chances of receiving financial aid to cover the cost are higher if you are a Florida resident or if you anticipate having a very low expected family contribution (EFC) on the FAFSA. The school provides both a Master of Arts (MA) in Theology (36 credits) and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Religion (120 credits) that can be completed entirely online. The school accepts the Florida EASE state grant as well as all federal aid made available through the FAFSA, and its unique SALT program works with you to develop novel approaches to financing your education.

Esoteric Theology Ministry

This one-time fee of $600 grants access to an online seminary that provides over 600 courses for free. They have doctoral programs leading to the degrees of Divinity, Theology, and Ministry. You can get ordained for free through the program if you aren’t already a minister, but you need to be a member of the clergy in order to participate. The site is one of the most visited online for ministry education, despite the fact that the program itself has not been accredited as an online institute by any formal accrediting body.

The Gospel Coalition

The Gospel Coalition is a Christian nonprofit that serves as a clearinghouse for information on a wide range of theological topics.

There are more than two hundred free courses available, making this an excellent resource for learning about any aspect of Christianity.

Christian Foundations, Church History, Biblical Studies, the Old Testament, the New Testament, Pastoral Theology, Bible Doctrines, Practical Theology, and Public Theology are the nine main categories that the courses fall into.

Each of these broad categories also contains numerous specific subtopics. Courses on ecclesiology, church planting and missiology, ordinances, ministry practice, corporate worship, preaching, counseling, and urban ministry are all subsets of Pastoral Theology.

Our Daily Bread University

Our Daily Bread University

To help Christians all over the world learn more about and apply God’s Word to their lives, Our Daily Bread University offers classes online for free.

Courses at Our Daily Bread University are designed to meet students where they are and challenge them to grow.

Christian Apologetics, Christian Counseling, Church History, Hermeneutics, Ministry Leadership, Old Testament, New Testament, Spiritual Formation, Systematic Theology, Urban Youth, World Missions, Worldview, and Ethics are just some of the core subject areas covered.

Biblical Training

Professors from seminaries and universities across the United States have collaborated to create a wealth of free courses in biblical training. Their goal is to supply the tools necessary to strengthen the Church.

Their courses come in a range of difficulties to accommodate learners at any stage of their development.

Courses in theology range from “A Guide to Christian Theology” to “Advanced Worldview Analysis” to “Church History,” among others.

They offer foundational courses on various religions from around the globe, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and traditional African faiths.

Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, Swahili, and Hindi are just some of the other languages offered.

Appalachian Bible College

Appalachian Bible College

Appalachian Bible College was founded in 1950 to serve as a center of Christian education for the youth of Pettus, West Virginia, and the surrounding communities. In 1956, in order to accommodate its growing student body, the school moved to a 95-acre campus in the Bradley area of West Virginia. Appalachian Bible College became Appalachian Bible University in 1978, hence the name change.

The online campus of Appalachian Bible College is known as ABC Connect. Anyone considering attending ABC, high school students who wish to pursue a dual enrollment option, or anyone interested in devoting more time to studying the Bible will benefit from this book. There are currently 15 online courses available on the course calendar. These courses cover topics like Bible Study Methods, Ministries for Women, Life of Christ/Christology, and Practical Christian Service. Students can also sign up online to receive a Bible Certificate for one year through ABC Connect.

Clarks Summit University

Clarks Summit University was founded in 1932 in Johnson City, New York, but it didn’t move to its current location in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, until 1968. Tucked away in the shadow of the Endless Mountains, the university has flourished into a hybrid of the traditional brick-and-mortar campus and the digital world.

Clarks Summit University offers both postgraduate and undergraduate degrees through its online platform. Some examples of undergraduate degrees include a Bachelor of Science in Christian Ministries, a Bachelor of Science in Counseling and Counseling Ministries, a Bachelor of Arts in Intercultural Studies, and a Bachelor of Science in Degree Completion. There is also a Bible Certificate that is valid for one year. In collaboration with Pilgrimage Educational Resources, we offer fully online Master of Arts programs in the fields of organizational leadership, counseling, and the Bible. Online students can also earn a Master of Education, a Master of Science in Counseling, or a Master of Arts in Literature.

Johnson University

Johnson University

Its construction began in 1893. Johnson University is a small private Christian university in Knoxville, Tennessee, with over 700 students enrolled. Among students, Johnson is known for its innovative approaches to fostering meaningful relationships. In 1886, Johnson opened enrollment for his Bible college via mail. The university is ahead of the curve because of its innovative online campus.

Johnson University Online offers a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministries and a Bachelor of Arts in Intercultural Studies. Online bachelor’s degree programs are available in a variety of fields, including pastoral care and counseling, ministry leadership, intercultural studies, nonprofit administration, and business administration. Graduate students can choose from MA programs in business administration, intercultural studies, or the New Testament. Students can choose from several graduate certifications and a doctoral degree in Leadership Studies.

FAQs

What is Theology Degree?

A theology degree opens doors to ministry, missionary work, and public service. If you want to study religion, share your beliefs with others, or use what you learn to serve God, a degree in theology might be the best option for you. If there are no seminaries in your area, you can still get a good theology degree because there are many options for doing so online. Read on to find out how to get started on a theological education right away.

Earning a theological education can provide insight into the fields of religious morality, philosophy, and literature. Although theology courses can be tailored to any faith, Christian theology is by far the most common in the United States. Theology is primarily an academic discipline, but graduates often find work in fields directly related to their field of study.

Associate degrees are the starting point for a career in theology. After finishing this two-year program, you may be qualified for an entry-level position with a variety of religious organizations. You will likely need at least a bachelor’s degree in theology to work in ministry, teaching, or administration. If you want to use your theology degree in a leadership role in a church, religious institution, or non-profit organization, you may want to consider earning a master’s degree. With a Ph.D. in theology under your belt, you may be qualified to lead major research initiatives or teach at the collegiate level.

What degree do you get from a seminary?

Higher Education in the Church. Seminaries typically offer three different kinds of master’s degrees within the realm of formal education: Master of Divinity (MDiv), Master of Arts (MA), and Master of Theology (ThM). In addition, many seminaries provide advanced degrees up to and including the doctoral level.

How many years does a seminary become a pastor?

It may take more time to become a pastor in one church than another due to differences in ordination requirements between denominations and even between individual churches. It takes about three years to finish an MDiv program, and another year or two to go through the candidacy process at some churches.

Are the Free Theology Degree Online accredited?

Most of these online theology schools that don’t cost anything aren’t legitimate. This is due to the fact that few, if any, free seminaries bother to apply for Accreditation. Most non-profit seminaries and Bible colleges are not required to pursue accreditation.

Who Funds the Free Online Theology Schools?

Donations support open-access theological education on the web. Churches provide funding for some of the free online theology schools that are affiliated with them.

Conclusion

An in-depth familiarity with the world’s major religions, their histories, and the ways in which they’ve shaped human culture can be gained through the study of theology.

The good news is that there are some accredited online theology schools that do not charge tuition. The only requirements are a fast internet connection and an unlimited data plan.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this piece on the best places to get a free online theology degree and that you’ve found a good fit among them. Use the comments section to share your opinions or ask us anything.