In this article, we profile the top 30 best religious studies online degree programs (bachelor’s) of 2020.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), pastors and youth ministers earn approximately $50,000 per year during the early stages of their careers. PayScale, an online salary database, reports an increase in salary based on education. This means that earning a bachelor’s in religious studies or related discipline may impact your earnings potential. Thankfully, religious studies online degree programs exist from accredited and top-ranked programs. To help with your research, we determined some of the best religious studies online programs currently available.
30 Best Religious Studies Online Degree Programs Methodology
We reviewed 73 colleges and universities listed by the Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) College Navigator and reputable online sources that offered bachelor’s in religious studies online degrees, or closely related programs in biblical studies, ministry, or theology. We narrowed our original pool of schools by applying the following criteria: accreditation (regional and/or national), institution or bachelor’s program rankings with at least one major publication, focusing primarily on U.S. News and World Report, and affordability. We selected schools with an undergraduate tuition of less than $36,000 per year. We then listed our 30 selected programs according to raw affordability.
Below are the resulting selections for our top 30 best religious studies online degree programs for 2020.
#30 – Belmont University
Online Bachelor’s in Ministry
Nashville, Tennessee
Undergraduate Tuition: $35,650
Belmont University offers an online bachelor’s in ministry degree program designed for adult learners and students currently involved in ministry work. The program consists of traditional courses in religion with hands-on experience needed to address the challenges of ministry work in today’s world. As a hybrid program, students are offered the flexibility to work and attend school while balancing life obligations and personal demands. Some of the required courses cover topics like ethics in ministry and introduction to ministry. Belmont is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate degrees. Also, Belmont ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 166th best national university.
#29 – Colorado Christian University
Online Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies
Lakewood, Colorado
Undergraduate Tuition: $33,434
If you’re seeking a religious studies online degree program from an accredited program, Colorado Christian University has options. The bachelor’s in biblical studies is designed to equip students with skills needed to interpret the Bible for yourself and for others. The degree is offered as a traditional program or entirely online. Courses are typically taken one at a time and run five weeks in length. Courses cover topics like biblical interpretation, biblical studies capstone, introduction to systematic theology, and teaching the Bible. Colorado Christian University ranks with U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the West.
#28 – King University
Online Bachelor’s in Religious Studies
Bristol, Tennessee
Undergraduate Tuition: $30,616
King University offers an accredited bachelor’s in religious studies online program designed for busy and working students. The program prepares students with knowledge and application of the Bible. Graduates often pursue private and professional work in a variety of religious settings. Courses, delivered online, cover topics like Hebrew wisdom literature, introduction to Islam, introduction to theology and theological thinking, and understanding the world’s religions. In addition to offering a robust religious studies program, King University is fully accredited and ranked by major publications. In fact, King ranks #65 in best regional universities in the South and #47 in top performers on social mobility.
#27 – Dallas Baptist University
Online Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies
Dallas, Texas
Undergraduate Tuition: $30,320
Dallas Baptist University’s College of Christian Faith offers an online bachelor’s in biblical studies designed to equip students for ministry or graduate school. Core courses cover topics like American church history, Christianity in a pluralistic world, history of Christianity, introduction to philosophy, introduction to religion, and systematic theology. DBU is fully accredited and ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, recent 2020 rankings include #281 in best national universities and #303 in top performers on social mobility. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #208 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#26 – Andrews University
Online Bachelor’s in Religion
Berrien Springs, Michigan
Undergraduate Tuition: $30,158
Andrews University, a private institution, offers an accredited online bachelor’s in religion degree designed for adult learners who desire to contribute to the Seventh-day Adventist ministry. The program may be completed entirely online and is ideal for working students. Courses cover a wide range of topics, including doctrines of the Adventist faith, God and human life, introduction to the Old and New Testaments, and religion and ethics in modern society. In addition to being fully accredited, Andrews ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, these rankings include #293-#381 in best national universities and #192 in best online bachelor’s programs.
#25 – St. Joseph’s College
Online Bachelor’s in Religious Studies
Brooklyn, New York
Undergraduate Tuition: $29,190
St. Joseph’s College offers an online bachelor’s in religious studies program that is designed to examine religion in the context of society, history, and culture. While the program is offered as a major, students have the option of majoring in another discipline and minoring in religious studies. This means a major in general studies, health administration, or nursing can also lead to a greater understanding of religion. Religious studies certificates are also available. St. Joseph’s is a fully accredited private institution that has earned rankings from U.S. News and World Report. These rankings include #59 in best regional universities in the North.
#24 – Cairn University
Online Bachelor’s in Bible
Langhorne, Pennsylvania
Undergraduate Tuition: $28,918
Cairn University offers an online bachelor’s in Bible for those interested in seeking religious studies online degree programs. The BS in Bible has three professional tracks built around core theological studies. These tracks allow students to tailor their degree to align with career goals. Tracks include biblical studies, Christian ministry, and introduction to counseling. All classes are delivered entirely online and allow students to finish their degree wherever they are in the world. The program is ideal for those on mission trips or traveling abroad. Cairn University also ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 126th best regional university in the North.
#23 – Hampton University
Online Bachelor’s in Religious Studies
Hampton, Virginia
Undergraduate Tuition: $28,024
The accredited religious studies online program at Hampton University is fully accredited and designed for students seeking a strong foundation in religion from a distance-learning program. Courses provide strong biblical and theological teachings and a greater understanding of pastoral and ministerial careers. Courses explore a number of religious studies topics like ethics and leadership, logic and the scientific method, pastoral limits and authority, and public speaking fundamentals (homiletics). According to U.S. News and World Report, Hampton University ranks #218 in best national universities and #4 in best historically Black colleges and universities. Hampton’s undergraduate programs cost less than $30,000 per year.
#22 – Oklahoma Wesleyan University
Online Bachelor’s in Ministry and Leadership
Bartlesville, Oklahoma
Undergraduate Tuition: $27,996
Oklahoma Wesleyan University offers an online bachelor’s in ministry and leadership designed to prepare students for work in church leadership. With the adult learner in mind, the religious studies online program offers convenient classes that allow students to carefully balance education, family, and work obligations. Acceptance to the program requires proof of a high school diploma, GED, or an associate’s degree. Official transcripts should show a minimum GPA of 2.0. Oklahoma Wesleyan is fully accredited and ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 82nd best regional university in the West and 31st best top performer on social mobility.
#21 – Crown College
Online Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies
Saint Bonifacius, Minnesota
Undergraduate Tuition: $26,970
Crown College’s online biblical studies bachelor’s degree program is designed for students who want to expand their understanding of the Bible and apply that knowledge to a career in ministry. Transfer students may take as few as 30 credits to finish their degree. But if you are not a transfer student, you are required to earn a total of 120 credits at Crown. Major core classes cover topics like concepts of global and ethical leadership, contextual and missional engagement, interpreting the Bible, and theology of evangelism and missions. Crown ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the Midwest.
#20 – Belhaven University
Online Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies
Jackson, Mississippi
Undergraduate Tuition: $26,202
Belhaven University offers a bachelor’s in biblical studies program designed to provide students with a biblical foundation for life and for ministry. The program consists of 124 credits with classes that are taught entirely online. These fast-paced, rigorous courses run seven weeks and are taught year-round. Courses cover topics like biblical interpretation, exploring the New Testament, global social responsibility, global perspectives, and introduction to Christian doctrine. In addition to general studies, students have the option of choosing a concentration in human services that will help tailor their degree. Belhaven is a fully accredited institution that has received rankings from U.S. News and World Report. In fact, rankings include #47 in best regional universities in the South.
#19 – Trevecca Nazarene University
Online Bachelor’s in Christian Ministry
Nashville, Tennessee
Undergraduate Tuition: $26,098
Trevecca Nazarene University offers options for busy students wanting to pursue religious studies online degree programs. The online bachelor’s in Christian ministry program provides a biblical faith foundation designed for students interested in careers in religious and Christian ministries. There are four key areas of focus, including holistic mindset, ministry competence, missional vision, and servant leadership skills. Courses cover topics like biblical literature and interpretation, Christian ethics, compassionate ministry, introduction to Christian ministry, and personal and spiritual development. Trevecca Nazarene ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 293rd-381st best national university and 147th in top performer on social mobility.
#18 – Saint Leo University
Online Bachelor’s in Religion
Saint Leo, Florida
Undergraduate Tuition: $23,750
The Saint Leo University online bachelor’s in religion program is designed to equip students with a solid Christian faith foundation and comprehensive biblical education. Ideally, this program prepares students for ministry work or entry into graduate theology programs. Some of the required courses cover topics like foundations of Christian faith, the second Vatican control, and women in the Church. In addition to being fully accredited, Saint Leo ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, recent rankings include #25 in best regional universities in the South and #5 in best value schools. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #80 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#17 – Brescia University
Online Bachelor’s in Theology
Owensboro, Kentucky
Undergraduate Tuition: $23,500
Brescia University, a private institution in the South, offers an online bachelor’s in theology with emphasis in pastoral studies. This program is ideally designed for students looking to enter careers in ministry or church-related professions. Online theology courses cover topics like basics of catechetical and youth ministry, introduction to the New Testament, introduction to the Old Testament, spirituality and vocation, and world religions. Graduates of the program have gone on to pursue careers as deacons, high school religion teachers, pastoral ministers, or youth ministers. Along with its accreditation, Brescia has received rankings from U.S. News and World Report as the 29th best college in the South and 14th best value school. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #217 out of more than 1,200 U.S. News surveyed programs.
#16 – Toccoa Falls College
Online Bachelor’s in Ministry Leadership
Toccoa Falls, Georgia
Undergraduate Tuition: $23,184
Toccoa Falls College offers an online bachelor’s in ministry leadership that is designed to equip students with skills needed for careers in lifelong ministry endeavors. The program also offers five minor options, which allow students to tailor their degree toward specific areas of interest. These minors include family and children’s ministries, ministry leadership, outdoor leadership and education, pastoral ministries, and youth ministry. Classes are available online and are highly interactive. After most coursework has been completed, students complete an intensive, three-credit internship experience. This internship may be completed from anywhere in the world. Toccoa Falls College ranks #25 in best regional colleges in the South.
#15 – Liberty University
Online Bachelor’s in Religion
Lynchburg, Virginia
Undergraduate Tuition: $22,747
Liberty University, a private Christian institution, offers a 120-credit online bachelor’s in religion designed to equip students with a strong foundation in religion. The program is offered entirely online, is fully accredited, and prepares students for roles in ministry leadership. In addition to providing a solid biblical foundation, the program offers eight specializations that allow students to tailor their degree to align with career goals. These specializations include apologetics, biblical and theological studies, Christian counseling, global studies, and more. Liberty ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top national university. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #223 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#14 – Wayland Baptist University
Online Bachelor’s in Christian Ministry
Plainview, Texas
Undergraduate Tuition: $22,658
The online Christian ministry degree (bachelor’s in Christian ministry) at Wayland Baptist University is designed for students with aspirations of graduate school or working as leaders in church organizations. The program consists of 36 credits and students take classes that cover topics like Christian theology, Old and New Testament, and religious study. In addition to offering accredited religious studies online degree programs, Wayland Baptist has earned rankings with U.S. News and World Report. In fact, recent rankings include #87-#113 in best regional universities in the West. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #260-#345 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#13 – Shorter University
Online Bachelor’s in Christian Studies
Rome, Georgia
Undergraduate Tuition: $22,370
Shorter University offers an online bachelor’s in Christian studies program that can be completed entirely via distance education. Designed for students who plan to enter ministry, courses focus on evangelism and related vocations. Courses cover topics like the fundamentals of Christian theology and religious and biblical studies. Admission to the program requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. Shorter University, a fully accredited institution, ranks with major publications. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks #96-#122 in best regional universities in the South and #85 in top performers on social mobility. Also, Shorter ranks among some of our top most affordable schools for religious studies online degree programs.
#12 – Southwestern Adventist University
Online Bachelor’s in Religion
Keene, Texas
Undergraduate Tuition: $22,188
Southwestern Adventist University offers a bachelor’s in religion degree designed to prepare pastors and Bible workers for ministry. Through coursework and evangelism, students gain a balanced understanding of the practices and challenges in ministry. In addition to courses, mission trips are offered annually. As an online student, a sense of comradery is gained thought mission trips and team-building opportunities. In addition to being fully accredited, Southwestern Adventist ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 11th best regional college in the West. Also, Southwestern Adventist ranks #3 in top performers on social mobility.
#11 – Grand Canyon University
Online Bachelor’s in Christian Studies
Phoenix, Arizona
Undergraduate Tuition: $17,800
Ranking among the most affordable religious studies online degree programs, Grand Canyon University offers a BA in Christian Studies designed for students preparing to go into ministry. This fully online degree program consists of 120 credits, of which 48 credits are required for the major. Classes are taught online and delivered by GCU’s esteemed faculty. Courses cover topics like biblical interpretation and application, Christian theology, ministerial communication, and survey of historical theology. Grand Canyon University ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 293rd-381st best national university and 42nd top performer on social mobility. GCU is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
#10 – Louisiana State University
Online Bachelor’s in World Religions
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Undergraduate Tuition: $11,962
One of the best religious studies online degree programs on our list is offered by Louisiana State University. This 120-credit hour program provides synchronous interaction with instructors, which means classes and communication are often done in real-time. Curriculum was developed by LSU’s experienced faculty and provides study in all areas of world religion. Courses cover topics like Asian religions, contemporary Christian thought, history of Christian thought, introduction to New Testament, and world religion. To be admitted to the program, applicants must have earned a high school diploma or equivalent and have earned a GPA of at least 2.0. LSU ranks #153 in best national universities with U.S. News and World Report.
#9 – Oregon State University
Online Bachelor’s in Religious Studies
Corvallis, Oregon
Undergraduate Tuition: $11,715
Oregon State University’s online bachelor’s in religious studies offers four start terms each year and consists of 180 required credits. This fully online program is designed to provide students with expertise in critical thinking and reasoning as they navigate today’s cultural complexities. All classes are developed by OSU’s esteemed faculty, known and recognized for their research and expertise. Courses you will like take include religion and ethics, religion and social justice, theories and methods of religions, and world religions. OSU ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 139th best national university in the country. Also, OSU’s online bachelor’s programs rank #5 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#8 – Arizona State University
Online Bachelor’s in Religious Studies
Tempe, Arizona
Undergraduate Tuition: $11,338
Arizona State University offers a customizable online bachelor’s in religious studies program designed to align with student career paths and interests. A total of 40 classes are required. Each class runs 7.5 weeks in length. Overall, students complete 120 credits to satisfy degree requirements. Classes you will likely take include religion, culture, and public life; religious studies capstone; and religious theory and practice. Consideration for admission to ASU, as well as the religious studies program, requires a high school diploma or equivalent and minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. In addition to offering accredited programs, ASU ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 117th best national university. Also, ASU’s online bachelor’s programs rank #6 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by the publication.
#7 – Beulah Heights University
Online Bachelor’s in Religious Studies
Atlanta, Georgia
Undergraduate Tuition: $10,150
Affordability! Beulah Heights University’s online bachelor’s in religious studies program offers cheap degree options for those seeking careers in church-related ministries. The affordable online religious studies program is designed for busy and working students balancing personal obligations and education. Required courses include apocalyptic literature, apologetics, historical theology, life of Christ, systematic theology, and world religions. These classes are offered fully online and taught by the same faculty who instruct on campus. Beulah Heights is also fully accredited. The school is a member of the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) and the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS).
#6 – University of the Cumberlands
Online Bachelor’s in Missions and Ministry
Williamsburg, Kentucky
Undergraduate Tuition: $9,875
The University of the Cumberlands offers a unique religious studies online degree program designed to prepare students for leadership roles in religion and Christian missions. The online bachelor’s in missions and ministry lays a strong foundation and knowledge of biblical literature, ethics, history, and theology often used in contemporary ministry. Courses are delivered entirely online to accommodate busy and working students. These courses cover topics like caring for others, developing disciples, interpreting the bible, introducing church history, and transitioning to Christian ministry. The University of the Cumberlands ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 293rd-381st best national university.
#5 – Athens State University
Online Bachelor’s in Religion
Athens, Alabama
Undergraduate Tuition: $7,710
Athens State University’s religious studies online degree programs include a bachelor’s in religion. The program offers online courses taught by the same professors who instruct on campus. These courses cover topics like biblical studies, religion and culture, religious history, theology, and world religions. Classes are flexible and designed specifically for those students whose jobs or circumstances make it difficult for them to travel to campus. Athens State is fully accredited and recognized by major publications. In fact, U.S News and World Report recognizes Athens State among the top regional colleges in the South. Also, the school ranks among our top five for affordability.
#4 – American Public University
Online Bachelor’s in Religion
Charles Town, West Virginia
Undergraduate Tuition: $7,324
American Public University offers an online bachelor’s in religion degree program designed to provide knowledge and understanding of religions from a cultural, political, sociological, and spiritual perspective. The online program also provides a flexible learning environment and is exclusively designed with the working student in mind. Courses run eight weeks and most begin monthly. These courses cover topics like introduction to the study of religion, introduction to world religions, myth and ritual, religious existentialism, and sociology of religion. Admission to APU requires a high school diploma or equivalent. APU is fully accredited and ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, recent rankings include top regional universities in the South.
#3 – Florida International University
Online Bachelor’s in Religious Studies
Miami, Florida
Undergraduate Tuition: $6,565
Florida International University’s online bachelor’s in religious studies program is designed for busy students looking to balance school and life obligations. A total of 120 credits are required for the bachelor’s degree in religious studies. Courses, delivered online, cover a number of topics, including methods in the study of religion and studies in world religions. Specialized areas of study include Abrahamic religions, Asian religions, indigenous and other religious traditions, and society and ethics. FIU ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 218th best national university and 63rd most innovative school. Also, FIU’s online bachelor’s programs rank #52 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#2 – Eastern New Mexico University
Online Bachelor’s in Religion
Portales, New Mexico
Undergraduate Tuition: $6,450
Offering one of the most affordable religious studies online degrees on our list, Eastern New Mexico University’s online bachelor’s degree in religion is designed for busy adult learners. All courses are delivered online and are taught by the school’s experienced faculty. These courses cover topics like ethics in religion, interface of science and religion, psychology and philosophy of religion, and world religions. Eastern New Mexico ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. Recent rankings for ENMU include #87-#113 in best regional universities in the West and #72 in top performers on social mobility. Also, ENMU ranks among the top most affordable religious studies online programs on our list.
#1 – University of Central Florida
Online Bachelor’s in Religion and Cultural Studies
Orlando, Florida
Undergraduate Tuition: $6,368
University of Central Florida offers an accredited and affordable online bachelor’s in religion and cultural studies. The program consists of 120 credits that can be completed entirely online. Coursework, developed by UCF faculty, helps develop skills in abstract reasoning, critical thinking, research, and philosophy. After coursework has been completed and you enter your senior year, a senior research project or capstone must also be completed. Some of the courses you will likely take include religion in popular culture, theory in the humanities, and world religions. UCF ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 166th best national university. Also, UCF’s online bachelor’s programs rank #16 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
BDP Staff
June 2020
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