Master’s in Theology Online Degree Exploring the Depths of Faith, Tradition, and Ethical Leadership
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Degree Options
100% online, 8-week courses
Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total
Pursue Your Passion for Theological Studies by Earning an Online Master’s in Theology Degree
If you have completed your Master of Divinity but are not yet ready to pursue your DMin, then consider Liberty University’s online Master of Theology (ThM). This postgraduate degree provides additional training beyond the Master of Divinity degree.
Through coursework, scholarly research, and logical, critical thinking, the ThM seeks to provide advanced preparation for those called to service in theological education. It is also great preparation for those planning to pursue degree programs at the doctoral level. The master’s in theology postgraduate degree requires a Master of Divinity (MDiv) or equivalent for admission.
At Liberty, you can become well-prepared for careers in various theological fields with your online theology degree. You will explore theological concepts as you dive into research methods and ministry. Our master’s in theology degree online format is designed to help you pursue your passion.
We know that students who choose degrees in religious education want more than a career – they want to make an impact on congregates, students, and their community for Christ. With our theology masters online, you can gain the knowledge and training you need to make a difference in the lives of people in your community or around the world.
Accreditation
Liberty Theological Seminary, as part of Liberty University’s John W. Rawlings School of Divinity, is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). Your seminary degree is approved by ATS and has met rigorous accreditation standards, so you can feel confident that your degree is both academically excellent and well-respected among churches, ministries, and nonprofit organizations.
What Will You Study in Liberty’s Master in Theology Degree Program?
If you are interested in an intense study of theology and apologetics, our master’s in theology is an excellent option! The core of our online master’s degree in theology features 3 foundational classes in theology.
You will study the nature, history, and current trends in biblical theology in both the Old and New Testaments. You will also study the challenges Christianity has faced throughout history. Moreover, your Christian studies courses will explore the fundamental idea of how the Gospel is understood and presented by Christians in the modern era.
Our master of theology program allows you to customize your degree with a specialized study area. These specializations include biblical studies, Christian apologetics, church history, global studies, homiletics, and theology. With a master’s degree in theology online from Liberty, you can learn essential skills and gain the tools needed to succeed in your career and ministry!
Theology Master’s Program Information
- A non-thesis track Master of Theology degree is suitable as a capstone degree for ministers seeking to focus on a particular subject area beyond what the Master of Divinity degree offers
- This program falls under the John W. Rawlings School of Divinity
- View the Graduate Divinity Course Guides (login required).
Why Choose Liberty’s Online Theology Master’s Degree?
As a Christian university, we are committed to Training Champions for Christ. Our online master’s in theology degree is an industry leader in online theological programs taught by professionals with real-world experience in pastoral and ministry settings. Our Master of Theology degree is offered completely online. That way, you can remain active in your job, family, and community without worrying about taking courses on campus.
Our courses offer intensive study in systematic theology and apologetics – and the opportunity to understand the deeper elements of the Christian faith and how it can be applied to today’s issues. This degree allows you to grow in your faith and knowledge of the Bible.
Liberty’s professors are chosen with you in mind. The faculty members at Liberty range from Gold Medallion award-winning authors to lead pastors. We also have faculty who are seminar presenters, missionaries, church planters, and nearly every specialty the field of theology touches in professional and administrative settings.
Potential Career for Master of Theology Graduates
- Bible instructor
- Chaplain
- Counselor
- Educator
- Ethicist
- Historian
- Ministry worker
- Missionary
- Non-profit worker
- Pastor
- Professor
- Senior pastor
- Social worker
- Writer
Degree Options for Our Master in Theology Degree Online
Students pursuing our Master of Theology degree are required to choose a specialization. Please review additional information about each degree in the accordions below.
Biblical Studies
Liberty University’s online Master of Theology in Biblical Studies can help you become an influential leader in both local church and parachurch ministries by providing you with a strong biblical foundation. You will have the opportunity to dissect various books of the Bible while building on your foundation in theology.
View the Degree Completion Plan.
Christian Apologetics
Liberty University’s online Master of Theology in Christian Apologetics offers an in-depth study of the Bible and an advanced study of apologetics and theology. This program will build upon the Master of Divinity and provide a well-rounded extension in your postgraduate career. This degree can help you rationally defend the truth of scripture in a ministry context and prepare for future doctoral study.
View the Degree Completion Plan.
Church History
Liberty University’s online Master of Theology in Church History can help equip you for careers in both the local church and parachurch ministries. Our Christian education seeks to build on your foundation in the historical development of Christian theology, classical reformation, and global and American Christianity. This education can equip you with the skills needed to lead and address various situations within the Church.
View the Degree Completion Plan.
Global Studies
Liberty University’s online Master of Theology in Global Studies offers a thorough overview of Christian theology and its relationship to the global church. You can gain a firm foundation in contemporary applications of Christian principles and prepare for international evangelism.
View the Degree Completion Plan.
Homiletics
Liberty University’s online Master of Theology in Homiletics is designed to equip you for a career in the pastorate. Our online ThM can provide you with the tools and skills essential to identify needs within the Church. You will also study how to prepare a sermon and provide biblical instruction through your communication as a pastor. You will study a variety of teaching styles and determine how you can be most effective in your position.
View the Degree Completion Plan.
Theology
Liberty University’s online Master of Theology in Theology can help equip you to address many of the difficult issues facing our modern society from a biblical worldview. You will have the opportunity to dig deeper into theology and Christian thought by working to understand ecclesiology and eschatology. You can prepare for service in various Christian ministries by developing a strong foundation in orthodox Christian thought, religious studies, and theology.
View the Degree Completion Plan.
Not sure what to choose?
Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.
Tuition & Aid
Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.
To continue our mission of providing affordable education, electronic textbooks are provided for many divinity courses* all for one convenient fee.
*Electronic textbooks are not provided for PACO courses or courses that fall under departments outside the School of Divinity.
Grad & Postgrad Divinity Block Rate (9-15 credit hours) | $2,750 |
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Grad & Postgrad Divinity Part Time (1-8.99 or over 15 credit hours) | $395/Credit |
Military Grad & Postgrad Divinity Block Rate (9-15 credit hours) | $2,475 |
Military Grad & Postgrad Divinity Part Time (1-8.99 or over 15 credit hours) | $275/Credit |
Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.
All Tuition & Fees
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Admission Information for Our Master’s in Theology Online (ThM)
Admission Requirements
- Apply online or over the phone with an admissions counselor by calling (800) 424-9596.
- A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required).
- Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system). A regionally or nationally accredited degrees at the bachelor’s and master’s levels with at least a 3.0 GPA is required for admission in good standing.
- Admission to this program requires the following:
- Submit Contact Information for a Pastoral Recommendation
- Submit the School of Divinity Questionnaire
- Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy.
Preliminary Acceptance
If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:
- Be in your final term and planning to start your doctoral degree after the last day of class for your master’s degree.
- Complete a Master’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
- Submit an official transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show that you are within 6 credit hours of completion for a 30-48 credit hour master’s degree or within 9 credit hours of completion for a 49+ credit hour master’s degree.
- Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new doctoral degree.
Transcript Policies
Official College Transcript Policy
An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to luoverify@liberty.edu.
Admissions Office Contact Information
Liberty University Online Admissions Verification
1971 University Blvd.
Lynchburg, VA 24515
Military
Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.
Who May Qualify?
- Active Duty
- Reserve/National Guard
- Veterans/Retirees
- Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees
- Current Department of Defense Employees
Available Benefits:
- Tuition discounts – $275 per credit hour for part-time graduate and postgraduate divinity courses
- Discounted divinity block rate – $2,475 per semester*
- Additional discount for veterans who serve in a civilian capacity as a First Responder (less than $625 per course)**
- 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)
*Credits taken below 9 and above 15 credit hours per semester are charged at the part-time rate.
**Not applicable to certificates.
Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can you do with a Master of Theology online?
Most people assume that a Master of Theology (ThM) ties you to work as a church planter, a local church pastor, or a religious school teacher. However, there are many other jobs that utilize the same critical thinking, writing, and abstract reasoning skills that are necessary for this major. Our online master of theology degree can help prepare you for various careers in ministry.
How can I know I am receiving a quality education online?
- An accredited seminary school online is often hard to find. Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
- Our online programs are backed by our brick-and-mortar campus – ranked among Niche.com’s Top 5 College Campuses in America – and that commitment to excellence extends to our online students as well. Earning your degree from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
Inner Navigation
- Overview
- What Will You Study?
- What Sets Us Apart?
- Potential Careers
- Specializations
- Tuition & Aid
- Admission Information
- Military
- FAQs
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