Welcome to our ranking of online master’s in ministry and related degree programs.
Earning a higher education is integral for success in today’s economy. But many students are not sure of the best way to go about pursuing a college degree. A lot of students fear that a college degree is much too costly. For those who are concerned about the rising costs of a college education, an online degree is a great choice for controlling costs. Often times much cheaper than their on-campus counterparts, online degrees typically provide the same curriculum at a fraction of the cost. Students also are given more flexibility over the scheduling of their courses through an online degree and can choose to pursue their education from anywhere that has an Internet connection.
Featured Programs
Students who want to earn an online master’s in ministry degree will find the top programs below–ranked based upon their total cost, number of credits required for completion, and quality of the program. Enjoy!
Note that tuition rates listed below are based on cost per credit, and individual programs may have additional fees.
#1. Campbellsville University
Online Master of Theology
Campbellsville, Kentucky
Students who are interested in pursuing an online Master’s in Ministry degree should consider choosing the Master of Theology degree program offered by Campbellsville University. In this program, students will learn the variety of skills needed for theological and biblical professions. Upon completion of this program, students will be ready to enter into a variety of careers including ministry work, religious research, counseling, and much more. This program is offered in three different emphases: biblical studies, pastoral leadership, and theology. To complete the program, students are required to finish a total of 30 credit hours. Campbellsville University has also designed this program so students can directly continue their studies into the school’s doctoral program. Courses in this program last eight weeks, and generally the degree can be finished in two years.
Tuition: $8,970
Score: 100
#2. Amberton University
Online Master of Family Studies / Christian Counseling
Garland, Texas
At Amberton University, students can choose to enroll in an Online Master of Family Studies / Christian Counseling degree. This online Master of Ministry degree combines counseling and human behavior studies with the dynamics of the Christian faith and its organizational structure. Offered both online and on-campus, this degree program is designed to be completed in two years. In order to finish this program of study, students much complete a total of 36 hours of credits. Students will be asked to study courses including Life Span Development, Family Studies, and much more. There are also electives offered that allow students to gain the specializations needed to earn the Christian Counseling concentration. Students can transfer up to 12 credit hours into the program.
Tuition: $9,540
Score: 99.5
#3. Kentucky Christian University
Online Master of Arts in Religion
Grayson, Kentucky
Kentucky Christian University currently offers an online Master of Arts in Biblical Studies degree to its students. This program is designed from the ground up to prepare students to work in leadership positions within a Christian church. The Master of Arts in Biblical Studies provides students with the historical and cultural context to the various passages of the Bible while also illustrating ways that students can apply the Christian faith contemporarily. This program is offered to students in three different emphases including New Testament, Old Testament, and Theological Studies. Students who pursue this program will study courses including the History of Christian Thought, Ethical Foundations for Christian Leadership, and World Christianity. A total of 36 credit hours are needed to complete this degree program, including a research thesis component.
Tuition: $11,700
Score: 99
#4. Ohio Christian University
Online Master of Arts in Ministry / Practical Theology
Circleville, Ohio
Students at Ohio Christian University can enroll in the Online Master of Ministry / Practical Theology program offered at the school. This program focuses on helping students develop the skills needed to work as pastors or leaders within a local church environment. By working through the curriculum, students will work to complete the six major objectives of the program. Students must finish a total of 36 credits to earn their degree but are able to use 12 of those credits to earn one of the following concentrations: Practical Theology, Pastoral Care and Counseling, and Sports, Recreation, and Fitness Ministries. Typically, this program can be completed by students in about two years. Courses range from three to six weeks long.
Tuition: $12,168
Score: 98.5
#5. Concordia University – Chicago
Online Master of Arts in Religion
Chicago, Illinois
Designed to help those who follow the Christian faith to gain a deeper understanding and further insight into the Lutheran confession, the online Master of Arts in Religion degree has been designed specifically for online learning. By completing this program of study, students will be prepared for a career working within a church or religious organization. This program utilizes cohort groups, meaning that students will be placed into groups that they will move through the curriculum with. In order to complete this program, students must finish 11 courses for a total of 33 credits. Typically, this program can be finished in six semesters. None of the courses in this program are offered to students over the summer.
Tuition: $14,520
Score: 98
#6. Lincoln Christian University
Online Master of Arts in Bible and Theology
Lincoln, Illinois
This online Master of Arts in Bible and Theology degree is offered to students by Lincoln Christian University. This program of study will help students to gain further knowledge of the Bible in order to teach others. Courses in this program of study include Christian Worldview Studies, Interpreting the Bible, Introduction to the New Testament, and much more. To complete this program of study, students need to earn a total of 36 credit hours across the program’s twelve different courses. After completing this degree, students will be ready to work in a variety of different careers related to ministry.
Tuition: $16,308
Score: 97.5
#7. Saint Leo University
Online Master of Arts in Theology
St. Leo, Florida
Students who are wanting to pursue an online Master of Theology degree should consider the ministry degree offered by Saint Leo University. This online Master of Theology degree is designed to help students develop the skills and competencies needed to excel as leaders in ministries and other religious organizations. Students in this program of study will learn to navigate major theological questions by studying biblical texts. They will learn how to properly convey the ideas and lessons of these biblical teachings to others. Courses in this program include History of Catholic-Jewish Relations, American Catholicism, and Spiritual Direction. To complete this program of study, students must earn a total of 36 credit hours. The program is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition: $17,820
Score: 97
#8. Southeastern University
Online Master of Arts in Ministerial Leadership
Lakeland, Florida
Designed to be completed in either twelve, sixteen, or twenty-four months, the Online Master of Ministerial Leadership degree offers students a great deal of flexibility. Through the pursuit of this program, students will not only gain a deeper understanding of the Christian faith, but they will also learn about the organizational ins and outs of churches and how they can best operate within a ministry. After completing this program, students will be prepared to enter into a variety of religious organizations to effect positive change. Courses in this program include Methods of Biblical Preaching and Teaching, Strategic Missional Leadership, Holistic Pastoral Counseling, and more. A total of 36 credit hours are required for students to earn this degree.
Tuition: $17,820
Score: 96.5
#9. Liberty University
Online Master of Arts in Religion
Lynchburg, Virginia
Covering biblical studies, theology, and ministry practice, the Online Master of Religion degree has been designed from the ground up for students wanting to gain the knowledge and experience needed to work in the ministry. This program is offered in a variety of concentrations including Biblical Studies, Christian Apologetics, Church History, Community Chaplaincy, Discipleship and Church Ministry, Evangelism and Church Planting, and many more. To finish this program, students must earn a total of 60 credit hours. Programs in this course of study are eight weeks long. On average, students complete the program in 2.5 years. The M.A.R. has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition: $18,360
Score: 96
#10. Colorado Christian University
Online Master of Arts in Biblical Studies
Lakewood, Colorado
Colorado Christian University offers an online Master of Arts in Biblical Studies degree to students. This program is designed to teach biblical principles to students in preparation for working within ministries and spreading the Christian faith. Students are able to complete this program in as little as two years entirely online. Some of the programs offered in this program include The Bible and Progressive Revelation, Introduction to the Old Testament, Interpreting the Bible, Biblical Exegesis, and many more. A total of 39 credit hours are needed to complete this program. Nine of these credits can be transferred in from another institution. Courses are offered in five-week blocks. This degree program has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition: $19,305
Score: 95.5
#11. Grand Canyon University
Online Master of Arts in Ministry
Phoenix, Arizona
For students who are interested in a career in ministry work or within a church, the online Master of Arts in Christian Ministry degree offered by Grand Canyon University might be right for you. This program is designed for students who are wanting to provide better guidance and care to the community members at their church. Students in this program will enroll in classes including Leading and Organizing Ministries in the Church, Pastoral Care in a Ministry Context, Ministerial Ethics, and many more. Upon completion of this program, students can gain roles as pastors, Bible study leaders, deacons, and other ministry positions. This program requires a total of 38 credit hours for its completion. Courses take approximately eight weeks each to complete.
Tuition: $19,570
Score: 95
#12. Belhaven University
Online Master of Science in Leadership with Ministry Concentration
Jackson, Mississippi
The online Master of Science in Leadership with Ministry Concentration degree offered at Belhaven University was created for students who wanted to learn organizational leadership skills as they pertain to church organizations. Through the pursuit of this program of study, students will learn the necessary skills to become ministry leaders. Courses in this program include Biblical Shepherding, Education Ministry of the Church, Church and its Mission, and many more. To complete this degree, students must earn a total of 36 credit hours. This program has been designed to be pursued online and does not require students to visit the Belhaven University campus for its completion. Students must have earned a 2.5 GPA or greater in their bachelor’s degree to be considered for this program.
Tuition: $19,800
Score: 94.5
#13. Abilene Christian University
Online Master of Arts in Christian Ministry
Abilene, Texas
Created to develop competent leadership within the Christian church, Abilene Christian University’s online Master of Arts in Christian Ministry degree will prepare students for careers in the Christian ministry as well as potential careers in social services and other adjacent fields of study. This online Master of Ministry program includes courses about Biblical Exegesis, the History of Christianity, and Systematic Theology. A total of 48 credit hours are required for students to complete this program of study. Typically, students will complete this degree program in a total of 30 months. Students can select from the following tracks: Ministerial Leadership, Ministry and Bible, Student and Family Ministry, and Spiritual Formation.
Tuition: $20,664
Score: 94
#14. Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Online Master of Theological Studies
Kansas City, Missouri
This is a professional degree designed for students who want to become ordained. The Online Master of Divinity degree prepares students for a variety of different roles within the Christian church. Students will be able to start careers as pastors, associate pastors, missionaries, and much more. Students will work to increase their knowledge of the Bible and theology while learning how to help others interpret and understand scripture. Courses in this program include Introduction to Apologetics, Christian Ethics, Evangelism & Discipleship, and many more. To complete this program, students must finish a total of 72 credit hours of courses. The Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary has designed this program to be completed entirely online.
Tuition: $27,720
Score: 93.5
#15. Loyola University Chicago
Online Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies
Chicago, Illinois
Offered at Loyola University Chicago’s Institute of Pastoral Study, the Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies degree was created to provide students with the education needed to enter into the ministry. This program is offered entirely online and requires students to complete 36 credit hours to earn the degree. Students will be tasked with completing courses in scripture, pastoral theology, and ministerial skills. Loyola University Chicago allows students to select from a variety of different concentrations including Church Management, Healthcare Ministries, Religious Education, and Youth Ministry. This program has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Loyola University Chicago allows students to transfer credits towards the completion of this degree program.
Tuition: $28,368
Score: 93
#16. Loyola University New Orleans
Online Master of Religious Education
New Orleans, Louisiana
Students at Loyola University New Orleans are able to enroll in an online Master or Religious Education degree. This online Master of Ministry degree was created in order to provide students with the insight and education needed to enter into the field of religious education. Through the pursuit of this degree program, students will learn how to work within the ministry. This program of study has four main areas of focus: Foundations of Religious Education, Curriculum Development, Religious Education across the Curriculum, and Catechetical Leadership. To complete this online Master of Ministry degree, students must earn a total of 36 credit hours. Loyola University New Orleans does allow students to transfer credits into the program to put towards the completion of their degree.
Tuition: $29,448
Score: 92.5
#17. Dallas Baptist University
Online Master of Arts in Children’s Ministry
Dallas, Texas
This online Master of Arts in Children’s Ministry degree is offered to students entirely online by Dallas Baptist University. This program of study focuses on preparing students with the knowledge and experience needed to work with children within a ministry setting. Students will be tasked with learning how to apply servant leadership within churches and communities while also gaining an education in critical ministry strategies that can help with the development of children and families. They will also learn how to synthesize theology with education theory and biblical leadership skills. To complete this program of study, students must earn a total of 36 credit hours. The program can be completed in a hybrid format as well as online.
Tuition: $34,524
Score: 92
#18. Regent University
Online Master of Divinity
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Students at Regent University can enroll in an online Master of Divinity degree. This online ministry degree teaches how to effectively lead a church, ministry, or other religious organization. Students will also be prepared to gain ministry licensure or ordination upon completion. A total of 72 credit hours are required to complete this program of study. Courses are offered in eight-week intervals, and students can choose from thirteen different areas of concentration.
Tuition: $35,640
Score: 91.5
#19. The King’s University
Online Master of Divinity
Southlake, Texas
The King’s University offers students an online Master of Divinity degree program. This online ministry degree aims to make students into well-rounded servant leaders within the church and other church-related organizations. Upon completion of this program of study, students will be prepared for roles such as chaplain, pastor, missionary, and much more. This program of study allows students to focus on different areas of the faith, allowing students to customize their degree to fit their needs best. A total of 78 credit hours are needed to complete this degree. Courses include Old Testament Theology, Christian History and Renewal, Spirit-Formed Worship, and many more.
Tuition: $37,050
Score: 91
#20. Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
Online Master of Arts in Theology
Standish, Maine
Rooted in Catholic teachings, the Master of Arts in Theology degree is offered to students by Saint Joseph’s College of Maine. Through this program of study, students will learn the skills and theology needed to work alongside Catholic deacons. Students can also apply their education to a variety of related religious organizations. Throughout this program, students will prepare to become a Catholic chaplain while learning how to best serve the Church at the parish or diocesan levels. Students can specialize in three different areas: Pastoral Theology, Sacred Theology, or Advanced Diaconal Studies. To complete this program, students must earn a total of 36 credit hours, unless they have gained an undergraduate degree with Saint Joseph’s College of Maine. Those students are able to complete this program with only 30 total credits.
Tuition: $37,800
Score: 90.5
NPCO Staff
See also:
BEST ONLINE THEOLOGY DEGREE: STUDENTS BEFORE PROFITS
