Best Online Bachelor’s in Ministry Programs

Accreditation for Online Ministry Degrees

In addition to considering factors such as program cost, length, and campus requirements, students must also ensure they find a properly accredited program if they do not want to face issues down the road related to transferring credits, competing for jobs, or receiving licensure. Within the world of higher academia, two types of accreditation exist: institutional and programmatic.

Institutional accreditation further divides into regional and national accreditation. Most four–year schools seek out regional accreditation, as it exists as the more rigorous of the two options. Trade and vocational schools tend to apply for national accreditation.

While programmatic accreditation does not necessarily exist for online ministry degree paths, several Christian accrediting agencies exist to help students find programs that meet their spiritual and academic needs. Names to look for include the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada, the Association for Biblical Higher Education, and the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools.

Other names students will likely come across include the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Neither provides accreditation, but both ensure high standards are upheld within accrediting agencies.

Ministry Concentrations

Because online ministry degree paths offer such a wide variety of careers to consider after graduating, many schools allow students to specialize their knowledge in an area by completing a concentration. Some options are listed below, but check with individual schools about specific offerings.

Youth Ministry

Students in these concentrations learn how to effectively conduct outreach and provide pastoral counseling for teenagers as they move through high school and take their first steps as adults. Specific topics include adolescent issues, adolescent faith formation, and administration in youth ministry.

Careers this concentration prepares for:

• Youth Ministry Director
• Youth Ministry Assistant
• Youth Outreach Manager

Ministry Leadership

This concentration exists for individuals who know they want to take on pastoral roles upon graduating. Students learn how to prepare evangelistic messages, exegete Bible verses, and minister to a diverse congregation.

Careers this concentration prepares for:

• Lead Pastor/Minister
• Assistant Pastor
• Director of Spiritual Formation
• Pastoral Counseling Director

Missions

Designed for the distance learner who knows they want to go out in the world and spread biblical messages, this course teaches them how to reach out to diverse communities, plant churches, maintain cultural sensitivity, and work to bring light and support to communities.

Careers this concentration prepares for:

• Missionary
• Church Planter

Biblical Counseling

Students who follow these concentrations know they want to serve others by providing counseling services from a biblical perspective. They learn about how the Bible can apply to modern day life while also studying topics such as therapeutic strategies, counseling methods, and interventions.

Careers this concentration prepares for:

• Pastoral Counselor
• Church Counselor
• Director of Counseling Programs

Music Ministry

Individuals in this concentration want to work in worship music. During their enrollment, students develop their musicianship while also learning about worship leadership and how to convey biblical principles through music.

Careers this concentration prepares for:

• Worship Leader
• Music Minister
• Director of Music Programs
• Choir Director

How Long Does It Take to Get a Degree in Ministry?

Most programs require between 120–130 credits and take four years to finish if studying on a full–time basis. Some of the characteristics affecting the overall time requirement include number of credits, internship requirements, and student schedules.

Individuals who want to graduate more quickly may decide to take additional credits during the fall and spring semesters or enroll in summer courses. Others may decide they want to move through the program more slowly and not feel stressed by school work alongside all their other personal and professional responsibilities. If enrolled on a part–time basis, the actual credits still cost the same amount, but students will pay more in semester–based fees due to being in school for a longer amount of time.

Courses in an Online Bachelor’s in Ministry Program

Most online ministry degrees require 120–128 credits, consisting of general education courses, Bible and theology coursework, and electives. Core classes include ministry leadership, congregational dynamics, Old and New Testament studies, history of the church, systematic theology, church life, spiritual formation, and world missions. Many online ministry programs culminate with a capstone course, ministry internship, or practicum in which students gain hands–on experience in churches and other religious settings.

Survey of Old and New Testament

Students in survey classes examine the historical background, translations, and key themes of the Old and New Testaments. Coursework covers the development of the Gospels and the nature of the intertestamental period. Online students learn to prepare sermons from both texts and practice sermon delivery through preaching experience.

Christian and Pastoral Ethics

Christian and pastoral ethics courses examine the contemporary and historic development of Christian values. These courses help students learn how to think critically and make wise and faith–driven choices as a representative of Jesus Christ. By examining case studies and traditional ethical codes in religious settings, students gain a solid understanding of the foundations of Christian ethics and the relationship between values and contemporary issues.

Leadership

Leadership classes help students develop strong leadership qualities and administrative competencies. These courses emphasize the importance of communication, interpersonal abilities, and teamwork. Students examine training, organization, supervision, program evaluation, and financial management within the church, Christian workplace, and other religious–based settings.

Biblical Studies and Interpretations

Biblical studies and interpretation courses examine the historical, cultural, and literary contexts of the Bible. Focusing on the methods and principles of biblical interpretation, students examine the structure, content, key themes, and messages of the books of the Bible. Online students examine the important relationship between the church’s scriptures.

Religions and Cultures

These courses examine the world’s major religions including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Online students examine various cultures and how they influence the mission and growth of the Christian church. Students reflect on their own cultural worship and the effect of religious participation and spirituality on society.