2024 Best Online Christian Studies Degrees [Bachelor’s Guide]

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If you’re interested in ministry or even just want to learn more about God, Scripture, and your faith, then you might consider earning a Christian studies degree.

Best Online Christian Studies Degrees

Pursuing this degree path may open the doors to meaningful, service-based careers that are Christ- and Bible-centric.

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Whether you’re looking to minister, be involved in missionary work, enter the nonprofit sector, or prepare for graduate-level biblical research, this degree may provide a range of opportunities.

Online Christian Studies Degrees

Woman getting Online Christian Studies Degree

A bachelors in Christian studies degree is designed to provide students with foundational knowledge in theology, biblical studies, ethics, church history, and more.

Depending on your concentration, you may encounter coursework on:

  • Biblical interpretation
  • Ministerial communication
  • Missionary practices
  • Christian character formation
  • Christian doctrine
  • Old and New Testaments
  • Biblical languages, such as Hebrew and Greek
  • Biblical archeology
  • People and events that helped shape the church

Your studies of the Old and New Testaments will likely cover historical context, genres like poetry and biblical narratives, literary elements, and overarching themes.

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Students can also expect to be exposed to a variety of critical thinking, research, and interpretation skills. These soft skills are applicable to a variety of roles and industries, and they can also help develop deeper theological competency.

A Christian studies bachelors degree program can also help prepare students for seminary or graduate-level coursework, depending on their goals. Several career paths may be available with this degree. Potential career paths for professionals with a background in Christian studies include:

  • Pastor
  • Ministry director
  • Director of religious activities and education
  • Christian school teacher
  • Biblical counselor
  • Worship leader
  • Social services assistant
  • Missionary
  • Nonprofit worker

Depending on the employer, some of these positions may require further training or education.

Common Online Christian Studies Degree Concentrations

Christian Studies Degree students taking Biblical Studies

Typically, there are several concentrations you can choose from in a Christianity degree. These may include:

  • Biblical Studies. This concentration focuses on applying the interpretation of biblical literature to ministry and involves identifying content and context within the Bible.
  • Theology. This concentration focuses on the study of God intellectually as well as the application of theological principles to modern church and culture.
  • Christian Ministries. This concentration is designed to prepare students to minister, whether that ministry is as a pastor or chaplain, a youth minister, a children’s minister, or a ministry director.
  • Christian Missions. This concentration is for students interested in mission work, and it focuses on learning how to effectively spread the word of God in the modern era.
  • Philosophy. This concentration focuses on critical thinking regarding the large questions of life and human experience in relation to God and religion.

Several concentrations, such as biblical studies and theology, can also help prepare you for graduate school. Plus, some universities offer programs leading to an on-campus or online degree in theology program.

Christian Studies Careers & Salaries

Christian Studies Careers & Salaries

A Christian studies major may lead to a range of career opportunities in ministry and other fields. The broad, foundational biblical knowledge gained in this degree path can help prepare students to pursue faith-based careers.

Some might become pastors or chaplains, mission leaders, youth or children’s ministers, and more. Graduates may become worship leaders or become involved in church staffing, while others aim to spread the word of God as local evangelists or global missionaries.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are the median wages for potential careers related to Christian studies.

Careers Annual Median Salaries
Administrative Services and Facilities Managers $99,290
Social and Community Services Managers $74,000
Writers and Authors $69,510
Fundraisers $60,660
High School Teachers — Private Schools $56,510
Clergy $49,720
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors $48,520
Directors of Religious Activities and Education $46,980
Social and Human Service Assistants $37,610
Religious Workers (All Other) $37,500

Overall, this degree path can serve as a solid foundation for entering a career focused on serving Christ in a variety of forms. This degree program focuses on a wide range of communication and critical thinking skills designed to prepare graduates to speak and counsel authoritatively. These skills could apply to ministry careers as well as secular communications positions.

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Christian studies majors may also choose to use this degree as a foundation for seminary or graduate-level research. This degree path may also provide Christian counseling opportunities or even set the foundation to become a biblical professor after graduate work.

Bachelor of Christian Studies Curriculum & Courses

Students taking Bachelor of Christian Studies researching

While specific courses may vary depending on your university or at Christian colleges online, several core courses in Christian studies curricula are similar. You can expect to be exposed to courses similar to the following:

  • Old Testament Survey: This course provides an overview of the Old Testament, emphasizing historical periods, narratives, and theological themes.
  • New Testament Survey: This course provides an overview of the New Testament, covering major historical periods, narratives, and theological themes.
  • Christian Theology: This course overviews the doctrines of revelation, sin, God, and humanity, with a focus on theological methodology.
  • Christian Character Formation: This course focuses on analyzing the virtues, spiritual disciplines, and habits that help form Christian character, with attention being given to the doctrine of sanctification.
  • Christianity in a Global Context: This course examines ministry movements alongside fulfilling God’s purpose, and it also explores trends in global Christianity.
  • Biblical Interpretation and Application: This course is designed to equip you with the tools needed for biblical hermeneutics, and it explores the application of biblical interpretation to contemporary concerns.
  • Christian Ethics: This course evaluates the biblical, philosophical, and theological foundations of Christian ethics as compared to other ethics systems.
  • Ministerial Communication: This course aims to equip you with communication and listening skills required in ministerial contexts, such as preaching, group discussions, and teaching.
  • Historical Theology: This course overviews the key historical events that have shaped the Christian doctrine, including movements and personalities.
  • Critical Thinking: This course focuses on the formation of analytical and problem-solving skills that can be applied to biblical interpretation.

Your major coursework will focus on Christian history and theology, discipleship, biblical hermeneutics, and more, depending on your concentration.

Admissions Requirements

Man preparing for Bachelor of Christian Studies requirements

While admissions requirements can vary depending on your school, many admissions requirements for a Christian studies major are similar. These can include:

  • Completed admissions application
  • High school transcripts
  • Minimum GPA (varies)
  • SAT or ACT scores (if required)

A growing number of schools no longer require SAT or ACT scores for undergraduate admissions, so it’s helpful to check with your prospective school. Also, colleges and universities may require the submission of an essay or personal statement.

Accreditation

University offering Bachelor of Christian Studies

It’s beneficial to determine whether your potential school is accredited before applying. Accreditation is a process that ensures a standard of quality for universities and colleges. Regional accreditation is considered the most widely recognized and prestigious type of accreditation.

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Receiving your degree from a regionally accredited school could positively impact your ability to receive financial aid, pursue graduate studies, and qualify for future career opportunities. There are only a handful of organizations that can offer regional accreditation. You can visit the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) to find out if your school is accredited by a credible organization.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Bachelor of Christian Studies Financial Aid

Many students pursuing a bachelors in Christian studies seek financial assistance. Luckily, there are several financial aid options to explore.

For starters, you might consider various scholarship and grant opportunities. Both scholarships and grants are available for various types of majors and specific life situations. Your school might offer a listing of potential scholarships and their eligibility requirements. Another option is to look into federal aid and state aid programs. These often provide need-based aid in the form of student loans, grants, and work-study programs.

To determine your eligibility for federal financial aid, you can fill out and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

What Is a Christian Studies Degree?

Woman taking Christian Studies Degree researching in library

A Christian studies degree is designed to prepare students for a service- or ministry-based career. It aims to provide foundational knowledge of the Bible and Christian doctrine as well as communication skill sets.

Students with this major may go on to enter the field of ministry, missionary work, church staffing, Christian school teaching, nonprofit work, and more. This degree also focuses on biblical interpretation, biblical language translation, ministerial communication, missionary practices, Christian ethics, and the Old and New Testament.

You can also expect to receive a solid grounding in Church history, learning about historical events and personalities that helped shape the church.

What Skills Do You Learn in a Christian Degree?

student learning Philosophy as part of Christian Studies Degree

A degree in Christian studies can help you develop a wide range of practical skills and knowledge that may be applied to a variety of career paths.

These skills include critical thinking, presentation, communication, debate, analytical thinking, organizational, problem solving, data analysis, writing and research, and more.

Core courses you may encounter include:

  • Philosophy
  • Ministerial communication
  • Critical thinking
  • Biblical interpretation and theology
  • Old and New Testament survey

Not only can the skills gained in these courses apply to various ministerial careers, but they can also help prepare you for seminary, graduate school, or even teaching.

What Can You Do with a Christian Studies Degree?

Clergy giving sermon during a Sunday mass

A Christian studies degree can help prepare graduates for a range of ministry careers, such as becoming pastors, ministry directors, camp ministers, activity and education directors, and more.

Some graduates pursue missionary work domestically or abroad, where they may participate in, plan, or lead missions and evangelism. Some Christian studies majors choose specializations that help them prepare for their preferred career path. They might study to become worship leaders, Christian school teachers, counselors, and more.

Students interested in biblical interpretation and research may also use this degree to prepare for graduate-level studies, where they may study to become a professor, lead teaching pastor, or in-field researcher.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Christian Studies Degree Online?

Woman taking Christian Studies Degree Online

Generally, it takes 4 years to complete a bachelor’s degree if you follow a traditional 16-week semester and attend full-time.

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If you follow an 8-week semester and stay continuously enrolled year-round, which includes summer enrollment, then you may be able to finish in less time. Alternatively, if for any reason you need to enroll part-time, it may take you longer to complete your degree program. You can talk to your admissions advisor to discuss different timeframes for degree completion.

What Jobs Can I Get with a Christian Studies Degree?

Mental Health Counselor in a group therapy

The types of jobs you can get with a Christian studies degree depend on your interests and degree concentration.

Potential career paths include:

  • Clergy
  • Director of religious activities and education
  • Christian school teacher
  • Nonprofit worker

There are many types of the clergy, including pastors, chaplains, worship leaders, and ministry directors. Many Christian studies graduates with this degree choose to work in ministry or even become involved in missions and missionary work.

Many also go on to become involved in church staffing, teaching, counseling, social services, and more. A Christian studies program can also help you develop versatile communication skills that are applicable to a range of roles and industries.

Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Christian Studies Worth It?

Community Services Manager and his team in outreach program

Yes, a bachelor’s degree in Christian studies is worth it for many students. Many Christian studies majors are interested in having a faith-based career that serves others. This degree may lead to a number of opportunities, ranging from ministry and missions abroad to counseling and teaching.

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Depending on their interests, graduates may also have the chance to focus more on theology, philosophy, or biblical interpretation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, clergy and directors of religious activities and education are both expected to see 4% job growth over the next ten years. Employment for community and social service occupations is expected to grow by 10% over the same period.

Universities Offering Online Bachelors in Christian Studies Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

Anderson University

Anderson University

Anderson University offers a Bachelor of Christian Studies. This program is designed for students who intend to pursue careers in ministry, theological studies, or nonprofit work. Classes meet online and are usually 8 weeks long. Courses cover key concepts like hermeneutics, systematic theology, church history, ministry, spiritual formation, and evangelism.

Anderson University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Cairn University

Cairn University

Cairn University offers a Bachelor of Science in Christian Studies. This program emphasizes the history of the church, spiritual formation, ministry, and biblical perspectives on contemporary issues. Coursework may be completed asynchronously online. Classes are 7 weeks long, and the 120 credit curriculum can typically be completed in 4 years of full-time study.

Cairn University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Campbell University

Campbell University

Campbell University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies. Students who intend to pursue pastoral or faith-based educational careers may find an excellent fit in the Ministry concentration. The curriculum consists of 124 credit hours. Classes utilize an accelerated, 8 week format and can be attended traditionally on campus or asynchronously online.

Campbell University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Dallas Baptist University

Dallas Baptist University

Dallas Baptist University offers a bachelor’s degree program in Christian studies. Depending on their professional goals, students can complete the degree as a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science. Most classes meet online. Potential courses include Teaching Ministry of the Church, Biblical Servant Leadership, and Spiritual Formation for Christian Ministry.

Dallas Baptist University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University offers an online program for a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies. This program emphasizes Christian character formation and modern ethical issues. The curriculum combines key concepts from disciplines like theology, philosophy, history, and biblical studies. Up to 90 qualified credits may be transferred in toward the program’s 120 required credits.

Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Oklahoma Baptist University

Oklahoma Baptist University

Oklahoma Baptist University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies. This program aims to impart the ability to think critically, be intellectually curious, communicate effectively, and apply a Christian worldview professionally. The curriculum is delivered 100% online and consists of 120 credits. Incoming students are admitted three times a year in spring, summer, and fall terms.

OBU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Ouachita Baptist University

Ouachita Baptist University

Ouachita Baptist University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies. Graduates often pursue careers as pastors, missionaries, chaplains, professors, counselors, worship leaders, or youth ministers. Classes meet conveniently online in an accelerated, 8 week format. Common minors for this degree include Philosophy, Apologetics, and Greek or Hebrew Studies.

Ouachita Baptist University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Palm Beach Atlantic University

Palm Beach Atlantic University

Palm Beach Atlantic University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies. The curriculum is designed to train students in ministry, direct their spiritual growth, and strengthen their ability to analyze and communicate scripture. Upon completion of general education requirements, students must complete at least 75 credits within their major. All classes meet online.

Palm Beach Atlantic University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Shorter University

Shorter University

Shorter University offers a Bachelor of Science in Christian Studies. At the core of this curriculum is Christian theology, evangelism, and service. Potential classes include The Church in Word and Worship, Church History, and Survey of Christian Education. The program offers concentrations in Biblical Languages, Biblical Studies, Ministry, and Youth Ministry.

Shorter University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

University of Mount Olive

University of Mount Olive

The University of Mount Olive offers a Bachelor of Science in Christian Studies. Graduates often pursue careers in pastoral ministry, nonprofit organizations, mission work, education, and spiritual direction. The program utilizes a fully online learning format. The curriculum consists of 120 credits and covers topics like biblical interpretation, leadership, world religions, Christian history, and faith formation.

The University of Mount Olive is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Getting Your Christian Studies Degree Online

student completing his Christian Studies Degree Online

If you’re passionate about your faith and want to advance your knowledge of Scripture, biblical interpretation, church history, and ministry practices, then you might consider pursuing a bachelors in Christian studies online.

Some graduates use their training to enter the ministry or work in community service. Others pursue graduate studies in the field. This degree program can also help you develop versatile soft skills, such as communication, critical thinking, and organizational skills.

The sooner you start exploring online Christian studies programs from accredited schools, the sooner you may discover which ones best align with your schedule, preferred specialization, and career goals.

Ready to start your journey?
Megan Patiry
WRITTEN BY
Megan holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Southern New Hampshire University, is a certified Neuro-Linguistic Programming Practitioner with the Academy for Modern Applied Psychology, and is a published author. Her areas of research and interests include behavioral psychology, mental health, and publishing.