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Earning an online associate degree in ministry prepares you to become a fully ordained minister and to embrace more responsibility within your religious organization. The field of ministry attracts students who have found their calling to serve their church and help others in times of need. These positions are in demand; the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment opportunities for clergy positions, such as parish priest and youth pastor, will grow 8% by 2026. An online ministry degree helps you develop communication and cultural interaction skills while also providing a fundamental understanding of the bible and church leadership.
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The Best Online Associate in Ministry Programs
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Online Associate in Ministry Degree Program Ranking Guidelines: We selected the degree programs based on the quality of program and range of courses provided, as well as school awards, rankings, and reputation.
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Academics
Affordability
Online Enrollment
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Academics - 75%
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The Best Online Associate in Ministry Degree Programs
#1 The Best Online Associate in Ministry Programs
Clarks Summit University
South Abington Township, PA
4 years
Online + Campus
Distance learners seeking flexible study in ministry should consider Clarks Summit University's online AA in ministry. The program builds foundational knowledge in ministry, preparing graduates for entry-level careers in the field. Students can apply their course credits toward future educational opportunities, such as a bachelor's degree.
The college prioritizes student success through career services, academic advising, and other resources. As part of an online learning community, distance learners can benefit from virtual library services, academic tutoring, and other resources.
Students can explore numerous funding opportunities, with 100% of enrollees receiving some form of financial aid and 49% opting for student loans.
Clarks Summit University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Location: South Abington Township, Pennsylvania
Admission Rate: 41%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 11-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $26,082
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $26,082
Average Tuition
In-state
$26,082
Out-of-state
$26,082
Retention Rate
78%
Admission Rate
41%
Students Enrolled
771
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
64%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#2 The Best Online Associate in Ministry Programs
Indiana Wesleyan University
Marion, IN
4 years
Online
A leader in online education, Indiana Wesleyan University supports nine online associate degree programs, including its associate in Christian ministries program. The program builds foundational knowledge in ministry, preparing graduates for entry-level careers in the field. Upon completion, students can apply their credits toward a bachelor's degree or other educational endeavors.
Ministry degree-seekers can access comprehensive college resources, including career counseling, academic advising, and financial aid assistance. Online students can further access virtual library services and academic tutoring.
About 85% of incoming students receive financial aid awards, and about 60% receive student loans.
Indiana Wesleyan University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Location: Marion, Indiana
Student-Faculty Ratio: 14-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $8,453
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $8,453
Transfer Credit Accepted: Accepted
Average Tuition
In-state
$8,453
Out-of-state
$8,453
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
11,410
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
97%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 The Best Online Associate in Ministry Programs
Johnson University
Knoxville, TN
4 years
Online + Campus
Students looking for a flexible online associate in ministry should consider Johnson University's ministry leadership program. Students can build their knowledge of the ministry field through coursework and experiential learning opportunities. Typically, students can apply their associate degree credits toward future educational endeavors, like a bachelor's degree.
While enrolled, ministry students can benefit from career services, academic advising, and other success-centered resources. Further resources available to online students including virtual library services and academic tutoring.
Students benefit from financial aid, with 97% of enrollees receiving some form of funding.
Johnson University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
Admission Rate: 53%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 10-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $15,480
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $15,480
Average Tuition
In-state
$15,480
Out-of-state
$15,480
Retention Rate
74%
Admission Rate
53%
Students Enrolled
1,037
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
48%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 The Best Online Associate in Ministry Programs
Maranatha Baptist University
Watertown, WI
4 years
Online + Campus
Maranatha Baptist University supports seven online associate degree programs from its main campus in Watertown, Wisconsin. Enrollees in the AA in Christian ministry program benefit from a robust course curriculum, preparing them for the demands of the ministry field. Enrollees seeking to advance in their studies can apply their course credits toward a bachelor's degree.
Students can access numerous college resources such as career services and academic advising. Other institutional resources include virtual library services and academic tutoring.
Students can explore numerous funding opportunities, with 93% of enrollees receiving some form of financial aid and 36% opting for student loans.
Maranatha Baptist University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Location: Watertown, Wisconsin
Admission Rate: 77%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 11-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $15,480
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $15,480
Average Tuition
In-state
$15,480
Out-of-state
$15,480
Retention Rate
79%
Admission Rate
77%
Students Enrolled
985
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
39%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 The Best Online Associate in Ministry Programs
Southeastern University
Lakeland, FL
4 years
Online + Campus
A leader in online education, Southeastern University supports three online associate degree programs, including its associate of ministerial leadership program. The program prepares students for the demands of the ministry field through foundational and advanced coursework. After graduation, students can apply their college credits toward a bachelor's degree or other educational endeavors.
Throughout the ministry program, students can access career services, academic advising, and other institutional resources. Other resources available for distance learners include academic tutoring and virtual library services.
Typically, 99% of all degree-seekers receive financial aid, with 45% receiving loans.
Southeastern University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Location: Lakeland, Florida
Admission Rate: 48%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 23-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $25,620
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $25,620
Average Tuition
In-state
$25,620
Out-of-state
$25,620
Retention Rate
65%
Admission Rate
48%
Students Enrolled
9,894
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
48%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Featured Online School
What Will I Learn in an Online Ministry Associate Program?
The classes you will take as part of an online associate in ministry program will vary according to your school and its religious denomination. All programs, however, will require some general education classes, including English composition. Below are a few other core courses found in ministry programs:
Biblical Interpretation: This course examines the cultural and historical readings of scripture. Students gain an overall understanding of the Bible. Lessons and theological themes will generally be informed by a school's particular religious focus. The knowledge gained in this course is important for positions such as religious counselor, which require an understanding of biblical teachings and how they might apply to modern personal situations.
Introduction to the Old Testament: This course is usually taught in partnership with a similar class on the New Testament. The purpose of the course is to familiarize students with the content of the Old Testament as well as the history and theology of ancient Israel. The foundational knowledge gained as part of this course is necessary for developing sermons and teaching in a religious organization.
Ministerial Ethics: This course covers topics such as confidentiality, truthfulness, and politics. It examines the moral and ethical responsibilities of church leaders and what is expected of all members of the clergy, both in their personal and professional lives. This course prepares students for the ethical challenges they might face in any career path, particularly in leadership positions such as chaplain and priest where matters of privacy and power over a congregation can pose ethical challenges.
Biblical Counseling: This course covers topics like counseling theory and common counseling situations. It introduces students to methods for using teachings of the Bible to provide comfort, support, and guidance to people struggling with personal problems. This course prepares students for the responsibilities assumed by chaplains, pastors, and religious counselors.
Where Will an Online Associate in Ministry Take Me?
Many online ministry schools offer bachelor's programs that allow you to build on your associate studies. A bachelor's degree can help advance your career from supportive roles within a religious organization to supervisory roles. Anyone interested in becoming a fully ordained minister will need further education, most likely a master's degree. Below are a few degrees often sought by those who have completed an online associate in ministry:
BS in Biblical Studies: This degree focuses on in-depth knowledge of the Bible, including the Old and New Testaments, as well as the Gospels. Students with this degree often go on to earn a master's degree in divinity in order to become ordained ministers.
BA in Theology: This degree focuses on a broad study of religion and its global and cultural impacts. Students who earn this degree often go on to teach religious studies.
BS in Leadership and Ministry: This degree prepares students to become church leaders. It typically focuses on general ministry skills, congregational dynamics, and ministry practices. The degree often includes the option to specialize in areas such as preaching and youth ministry.
