Top 15 Best Online Colleges For Religious Studies In The US

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Best Online Universities For Religious Studies In The US. Photo: KnowInsiders.com

What are religious studies about?

Students interested in biblical principles should pursue an online bachelor's degree in religious studies. This major delves into topics like the New and Old Testaments, theology, and the gospels.

Biblical Theology, Ecclesiology, and Religion and Globalization are some potential courses students may encounter while pursuing an online bachelor's degree in religious studies. Some universities require students to participate in an internship and attend a seminar.

An online bachelor's degree in religious studies can give students the flexibility and affordability they need to finish their degrees. It is important to note that some schools may not be LGBT-friendly, which may be a barrier for some students interested in pursuing this degree. This online degree is an excellent preparation for a master's degree in religious studies or theology. Religion professors, counselors, and historians are some of the possible careers for graduates of an online bachelor's degree in religious studies.

Religious studies and career opportunities

Some religion majors aspire to be pastors or work in the ministry in some capacity. Others study religion as an undergraduate degree to deepen their faith while also establishing an academic bridge to another career field.

Someone with a passion for religious studies may also be interested in careers in education, counseling, or community and social services, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Careers	Annual Median Salaries
Social and Community Service Managers	$69,600
Writers and Authors	$67,120
High School Teachers	$62,870
Middle School Teachers	$60,810
Fundraisers	$59,610
Archivists	$56,760
Clergy	$51,940
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists	$49,300
Directors, Religious Activities and Education	$45,110
Social and Human Service Assistants	$35,960

Top 15 Best Online Universities and Colleges For Religious Studies In The US

(Ranked by KnowInsiders.com)

1. Liberty University

Undergraduate Tuition: $21,587

Median Starting Salary: $35,467

Location: Lynchburg (VA)

Website: https://www.liberty.edu/

Liberty University is notable for having the most Religious Studies course options. The program is completely online.

Graduates of this online degree program will have expanded their knowledge and strengthened their faith. Through a deeper understanding of Christian principles and beliefs, this Christianity-based degree program will instill in its students Christian values that are essential for any training in Christian ministries.

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2. Saint Leo University

Location: St. Leo, Florida

Median Starting Salary: $33,449

Undergraduate Tuition: $24,640

Website: https://www.saintleo.edu/programs/religion-theology-degrees

Saint Leo University provides a Bachelor of Arts in Religion degree program online. Its goal is to give students a solid foundation in the Christian faith. Another goal of the program is to prepare students for work in ministry and theology. Students may also investigate other fields related to religious studies.

While earning their online degree, online students can focus on other courses and extracurricular activities. Because of its emphasis on internships and extracurricular activities related to the degree program, Saint Leo was ranked as the 71st best regional university in the South.

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3. Wayland Baptist University

Location: Plainview, Texas

Website: https://www.wbu.edu/

Wayland Baptist University offers a Bachelor of Christian Ministry degree program online. It is ideal for students who intend to pursue graduate studies or work as a leader in religious organizations in the future. Through flexible online classes, this B.A. online degree program aims to provide sufficient experience and competency.

The extensive coursework allows students to gain the necessary experience for their chosen career path.

4. Lee University

Location: Cleveland, Tennessee

Website: https://www.leeuniversity.edu/

The School of Religion at Lee University places an emphasis on quality, cost-effectiveness, and Christian virtues, and it offers a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies and a Bachelor of Science in Christian Studies. The university hopes to foster an authentic Christian community through these programs. Through a cutting-edge online learning program, the Religious Studies program instills Christian virtues in students.

Lee University has a reputation for having high academic standards. It is proud of its roster of qualified Religious Studies professors.

5. University of Central Florida

Location: Orlando, FL

Website: https://www.ucf.edu/online/degree/religion-and-cultural-studies-b-a/

Undergraduate Tuition: $6,368

The University of Central Florida has an online Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Cultural Studies program. To graduate, students must complete 120 credit hours as well as a capstone or final research project. Applicants must submit an application, SAT or ACT scores, and an application essay to be considered.

The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools has accredited the University of Central Florida.

6. Florida International University

Location: Miami, FL

Website: https://fiuonline.fiu.edu/programs/online-undergraduate-degrees/bachelor-of-arts-in-religious-studies.php

Undergraduate Tuition: $6,565

Florida International University's online bachelor's degree in Religious Studies is an interdisciplinary degree that focuses on the history, beliefs, and practices of the world's religions.

Students will gain an awareness and knowledge of both Eastern and Western religious traditions, thinking critically about similarities and differences between the world's religious traditions.

This degree program seeks to make online instruction more accessible by allowing students to study from anywhere at any time. In addition, the university provides a personal success coach to assist students throughout their degree program.

7. Carolina University

Location: Winston-Salem, North Carolins

Website: https://carolinau.edu/

Median Starting Salary: $28,864

Carolina University (CU) is a private, non-profit Christian university that offers a 120-credit-hour online Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies. Completing this program with a full course load can take up to four years. The university accepts 46% of applicants and has a 43% graduation rate.

Online students at CU complete courses through a learning management system. This online biblical studies program provides students with a foundation for ministry or graduate study. Courses in the program include the Pentateuch, Gospels, and New Testament Survey. Graduates may pursue careers as youth directors, lawyers, or religion professors.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Religion Degree Online? If you study full-time and follow a traditional 16-week semester, you should be able to complete your bachelor's degree in religion in four years. You may also find online religious degree programs designed to help you finish faster, such as the accelerated theology degree online programs offered by some universities. In an accelerated program, you'll most likely follow an 8-week semester and be enrolled year-round. If you work or have other obligations, online religious studies programs with flexible and part-time study options are available. Part-time study often results in a longer time to complete your degree.

8. Ohio Christian University

Location: Lancaster Pike, Circleville, OH

Website: https://www.ohiochristian.edu/

Median Starting Salary: $34,222

Ohio Christian University (OCU) is a private, non-profit Christian university that offers a 120-credit-hour online Bachelor of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies. This program will take at least four years to complete for full-time students. The university accepts all applicants, and 27% graduate. OCU is not an LGBT-friendly institution, according to their Student Handbook.

9. Valdosta State University

Location: 1500 N Patterson St, Valdosta, GA

Website: https://www.valdosta.edu/philosophy/programs/

Undergraduate Tuition: $6,583

Valdosta State University is an affordable religious studies college. It offers a bachelor's degree in religious studies online with concentrations in religion or philosophy.

The program offers a religion and philosophy track. It also allows you to follow a single path and specialize in one area of study.

Students also learn to think critically and write with purpose. Their readings are drawn from a wide range of topics in order to provide a diverse range of perspectives.

According to US News & World Report, Valdosta is ranked #154 among top public schools. It is also certified.

10. American Public University

Location: Charles Town, West Virginia

Website: https://www.apu.apus.edu/online-bachelor-degrees/bachelor-of-arts-in-religion/

Undergraduate Tuition: $7,360

American Public University (APU) offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Religion degree program. Its goal is to expose students to the various aspects of religious thought, expression, and interpretation. Students also study the history of the world's major religions and religious practices from a global perspective. The program is entirely online.

11. Arizona State University

Location: Tempe, Arizona

Website: https://www.asu.edu/

Undergraduate Tuition: $11,338

Arizona State University has an online Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies program. Students must complete 40 credits. Each class lasts 7.5 weeks. Applicants must have a GPA of at least 2.5 and be in the top 25% of their graduating class or have an ACT score of 22.

The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools' Higher Learning Commission has accredited ASU. ASU is well-known for its distinguished student scholars. Its Religious Studies program has been named the most innovative in the country.

12. Eastern New Mexico University

Location: 1500 S Ave K Portales, NM 88130

Website: https://www.enmu.edu/academics/degrees-programs/undergraduate-degree/bachelor/bachelor-applied-arts-sciences-baas/baas-concentrations/religion

Undergraduate Tuition: $6,648

Eastern New Mexico University offers online programs for a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science in Religion. The Bachelor of Arts requires students to be proficient in a foreign language, while the Bachelor of Science does not. Applicants must submit an online application, official transcripts, and ACT or SAT scores.

Eastern New Mexico University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

13. Regent University

Location: 1000 Regent University Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23464

Website: https://www.regent.edu/program/ba-in-biblical-theological-studies/

Undergraduate Tuition: $18,720

Regent University is a low-cost option for pursuing a religious studies degree. It grants a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biblical Studies. This program will help you prepare for a career in Christian ministry. It also teaches students how to interpret biblical text, which aids in their understanding of the Bible. Students examine different language translations and how they've impacted the meaning of scripture over time as part of the program's focus on Hebrew and Greek languages.

14. Dallas Baptist University

Location: Dallas, TX

Website: https://www.dbu.edu/

Students who major in Christian Studies prepare for careers other than traditional pastoral ministry or plan to further their education in the field. DBU graduates are well prepared to work as education ministers, youth workers, and children's workers in a variety of church ministries. DBU graduates can manage and lead age groups, collaborate creatively with other professionals, and create evangelism and outreach programs.

15. Kentucky Wesleyan University

Location: Owensboro, Kentucky

Website: https://kwc.edu/

You will be able to meet the growing demand for highly qualified and skilled professionals working in ministries, nonprofits, business, journalism, and related fields, as well as further education, with a top-ranked Bachelor of Arts in Religion online degree completion program offered by Kentucky Wesleyan University. Kentucky Wesleyan's religion program fosters an appreciation for religious diversity by teaching students about the history, beliefs, and practices of various religious traditions. Students in the religion program use interdisciplinary resources to better understand the role of religion in society, culture, and history.

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