Does understanding the Bible in an academic context interest you? Do you want to better understand your faith’s book for your church or career? Then consider a biblical studies degree online! These programs grant you the education you desire from anywhere in the world. Read on for a breakdown of what a biblical studies degree is. In addition, learn about some of the top online biblical studies degrees in the US today.
What Are Biblical Studies?
Simply put, biblical studies is the study of the Bible as a historical and religious text. Most biblical studies programs focus on interpreting and understanding the Bible from a religious context. However, some secular biblical studies programs use the Bible mainly as a window into the historical events it depicts.
Biblical studies is a diverse range of disciplines that employ theories and methods such as engine history analysis, philology, literary criticism, mythology, textual criticism, and more.
Although biblical studies is similar to theology, they are not the same things. Theology is the study of God and religion. In contrast, biblical studies programs focus their efforts entirely on the text of the Bible as a document.
Similarly, biblical studies are more focused compared to religious studies. Religious studies programs have students study many different religions, how religions evolve, and why people follow certain faiths.
Ministry programs are also different from biblical studies programs. Ministry programs teach students how to become ministers or officials within their churches. While some biblical studies courses are included, ministry programs don’t focus as much on analyzing and interpreting the Bible.
Overview – Biblical Studies Degree Online
Most biblical studies degrees online cover course topics such as:
- History of the church
- Translating ancient Greek and Hebrew
- The Christian worldview
Depending on your degree and its available concentrations, you may take more focused classes on topics or professions like ministry, religious translations, biblical history, and more.
Fortunately, most biblical studies degrees have reasonable admission requirements (typically a middling GPA requirement plus some letters of recommendation). Throughout the program, you’ll acquire the skills to translate and interpret biblical texts. Participants will gain real-world skills they can use to lead churchgoers or operate as church administrators or ministers.
Most biblical studies degrees online take anywhere between one year and six years to complete (depending on the degree level you pursue). Associate-level degrees, for instance, take less time than master’s degrees.
One beneficial aspect of biblical studies degrees is that many schools offer financial aid opportunities. Scholarships, grants, and internships may help you pay for your biblical studies degree online, even if you don’t attend those universities in person.
How To Choose the Right Program
You can choose the right biblical studies degree online by looking at a few key attributes.
Cost
First, pick a biblical studies degree that is affordable and not too expensive for your budget. Out-of-state schools are generally more expensive than in-state schools.
Admission Requirements
Next, make sure you apply to a degree program that you qualify for via its admission requirements. Most biblical studies degrees require you to have a high school diploma, a GPA minimum, a few letters of recommendation, and a statement of intent.
Program Format
Most biblical studies degrees are online or in person, but some are hybrid programs. Double-check that you know what a biblical studies degree requires before signing up for it – some mostly online degrees, for example, have specific in-person requirements.
Location
As noted, out-of-state schools are usually pricier than in-state schools. Your program’s location can affect its cost, accessibility, and other factors.
Accreditation
Lastly, make sure you choose an online biblical studies degree accredited by a worthwhile institution like the SACSCOC. Only accredited institutions provide degrees that will impress employers post-graduation.
Top Programs in Biblical Studies Online
Associate’s in Biblical Studies
You can begin your journey with the right associate degree in biblical studies online.
1. Liberty University
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Program: Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies
Duration: 1.5 years
Liberty University offers an Associate of Arts degree in Biblical Studies. It’s the ideal choice if you want to prepare yourself for a position in Christian leadership. With eight-week courses, each 100% online, it’s one of the most accessible biblical studies degrees. Even better, students can transfer up to 75% of the program’s total from other schools. Therefore, this can be an ideal choice if you want to complete your degree after previously dropping out for whatever reason.
Note that this program covers course topics like global engagement, Bible study, and theology. It prepares graduates for many different ministry roles.
2. Lincoln Christian University
Accreditation: HLC
Program: Associate of Arts in Bible Online
Duration: 2 years
This online biblical studies degree program is completable within two years. It prepares all graduates for positions such as church planter, Bible teacher, youth sponsor, and more. The program covers course topics ranging from the history of American Christianity to fundamental Christian beliefs to interpreting Christian scriptures.
More importantly, this is one of the most affordable online associate biblical studies degrees. Students can complete the program at reasonable rates (especially when considering financial aid opportunities).
Could not look up degree for "Lincoln Christian University (School Closing)" using "5294"!3. Johnson University
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Program: Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies
Duration: 1-2 years
Johnson University’s AA in biblical studies helps students prepare for a bachelor’s program in a religious major of choice. It includes a solid biblical foundation and requires students to take courses on the fundamentals of the Christian faith, interpretive methods, New Testament epistles, and more.
The program covers both the Old and New Testaments in detail. Furthermore, students can immediately transition many of these courses into Johnson University’s bachelor’s program in theology or biblical studies. With relatively affordable tuition, it’s an ideal choice for both in-state and out-of-state students.
4. Davis College
Accreditation: ABHE
Program: Associate of Applied Science in Bible & Theology
Duration: 1-2 years
Davis College offers an online biblical studies degree at the associate level. It feeds straight into a bachelor’s degree program, making it one of the best for future ministers or biblical studies experts.
Over the program’s duration, students will take classes on topics such as systematic theology, general psychology, fundamentals of speech, and more. Because this is an AAS degree, it includes more courses with a scientific focus so students can analyze the Bible from a more secular and scientific perspective. Thus, this could be a great online degree program for students who aren’t Christians but who nonetheless find the Bible to be a fascinating historical document.
5. Trinity Bible College
Accreditation: ABHE
Program: Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies
Duration: 1.5 years
Trinity Bible College offers an associate of arts in biblical studies over 60 credits. Throughout the program, students will cover topics such as Old Testament history, New Testament literature, the life of Christ, Pentecostal heritage, and ethics.
More importantly, all students will take a global opportunity intercultural seminar. So while this program is not 100% online, it is primarily online.
Biblical Studies Bachelor’s Degree
Students may also pursue bachelor’s biblical studies degrees online. There are many affordable and excellent choices available.
1. The Baptist College of Florida
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Program: Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies
Duration: 2-4 years
The Baptist College of Florida is a designated Christian college. It offers biblical studies degrees at every educational level. Those with an associate-level degree in biblical studies can apply for admission into the online bachelor’s degree in Christian Studies here.
This major helps students develop the skills to interpret biblical passages in ministry settings. However, it’s also ideal if you want to continue your studies in biblical literature at the graduate level later down the road.
With an acceptance rate of 85% and affordable tuition, this institution is highly recommended if you want a bachelor’s degree in biblical studies.
2. Liberty University
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Program: Bachelor of Science in Religion
Duration: 2-4 years
Liberty University’s Virginia campus is one of the best overall Christian research universities. It now offers a Bachelor of Science in Religion online. While it doesn’t focus on biblical studies as much as many other programs, it still includes courses that cover topics like the fundamental principles of the Bible and the church.
The degree allows students to concentrate their studies in one of several areas. Therefore, it may suit students who want to become future church leaders or ministers or those who appreciate the Bible in a secular context.
3. Southwestern Assemblies of God University
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Program: Bachelor of Arts in Bible and Theology
Duration: 2-4 years
The Western Assemblies of God University is located in Texas. It offers over 70 associate-level and higher degrees on campus and online. The bachelor’s degree in Bible and Theology is available entirely online. It’s a reasonably challenging degree, with only a 50% graduation rate.
But it’s still an excellent choice for future ministers. It prepares graduates for vocational ministry positions and graduate-level work. The intensified program teaches students to translate biblical Hebrew and Greek, as well as deeply understand the theological and literary content of the Bible as a whole.
Other course topics covered in this program include biblical preaching, the synoptic Gospels, Christian ethics, and biblical history. It’s a well-rounded and high-quality degree for those wanting to learn as much about the Bible as possible.
4. Clarks Summits University
Accreditation: MSCHE
Program: Bachelor of Science in Bible and Theology
Duration: 2-4 years
Clarks Summits University was founded in 1932 and has been a faith-centered university for its entire history. This school’s online bachelor’s in Bible and Theology is an excellent choice for future ministers. This program immerses students in original biblical languages like Hebrew and Greek.
The program also covers course topics such as God’s word and more. Students can take 57 elective credits to pursue different skills or concentrate their studies in one specific area. This school is a somewhat competitive university to apply to, with an average acceptance rate of just 51%.
5. Houston Christian University
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Program: Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies
Duration: 4-5 years
Last on our list of bachelor’s programs is Houston Christian University. Ranked the number six best small college in Texas for 2022, this school boasts a 72% acceptance rate. However, note that tuition is relatively high when accounting for fees.
Still, students can complete a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies within four to five years. It’s a 100% online degree program and includes 125 credits. The program is robust and comprehensive and is a perfect choice for future ministers and biblical or theological scholars.
Master’s in Biblical Studies
When it comes to graduate-level online biblical studies degrees, you have lots of options as well.
1. Moody Bible Institute
Accreditation: COA
Program: Master’s in Biblical Studies
Duration: 2-4 years
Moody Bible Institute offers an excellent online master’s in biblical studies for several reasons. Moody gives all students access to a great library and research support tools, such as complete electronic library catalogs, online tutorials, and various e-books.
But Moody’s program is also a great choice thanks to its robust course offerings and comprehensive materials. Students will learn to read the Bible in-depth and analyze its stories and pages for historical context. It’s an acceptable program for secular students and Christian students alike.
2. Bob Jones University
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Program: Master of Arts in Biblical Studies
Duration: 2 years
Bob Jones University offers another excellent master’s in biblical studies due to its flexibility. Students of this program can complete their course materials 100% online and asynchronously, so they don’t have to attend any virtual lectures.
The program can be finished in two years, and students benefit from relatively small class sizes. The school only has about 3,600 students in total. Faculty members are experienced and available often, enabling students to contact them to ask questions or network as needed.
As a non-denominational Christian institution, Bob Jones allows students to study the Bible from many different contexts and faith positions.
3. University of Northwestern – St. Paul
Accreditation: HLC
Program: Master’s in Theological Studies
Duration: 2-4 years
The University of Northwestern — St. Paul’s master’s in biblical studies is an excellent choice for several reasons, like reasonable tuition rates and plenty of options for financial support. Almost all incoming students get financial assistance, so consider this degree program if you don’t have the money to pay for your degree outright.
On top of that, the faculty at this university is among the best. They teach small classes on various subjects, ranging from the history of theology to biblical languages, church history to ministry, and more. Students can further transfer up to nine credits into their master’s program from other schools, enabling them to complete their degree programs more quickly.
4. Luther Rice College & Seminary
Accreditation: ABHE
Program: Master of Arts in Christian Studies
Duration: 1-2 years
Luther Rice College and Seminary offers a potentially accelerated master’s program. You can complete this program 100% online in between 18 or 24 months, depending on how much work you want to take on.
Regardless, every class includes access to a state-of-the-art technological portal. All students also benefit from a library of electronic resources like books and study aids 24/7. Dedicated and highly educated faculty teach each class. The program is 36 credit hours long.
Students can choose a hybrid program format if they desire. All students benefit from the same tuition rate regardless of whether they attend from in-state or out-of-state.
Ph.D. In Biblical Studies Programs
Some students may wish to take their studies to the next level with an online doctoral degree.
1. Liberty University
Accreditation: ATS Commission on Accrediting, SACSCOC
Program: D.Min in Biblical Studies
Duration: 2 years
Liberty University’s D.Min degree in Biblical Studies has the same benefits as its other online offerings: eight-week courses, each 100% online, and the ability to transfer up to 50% of your degree total from other schools.
Liberty offers multiple start dates each year, and the program takes two years from start to finish with 30 credits. This doctorate covers topics like an in-depth look at the practical applications of the gospel, theology, and the history of the church. Trained professors with real-world ministry experience teach each class.
2. Faulkner University
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Program: Ph.D. in Biblical Studies
Duration: 4-5 years
Faulkner University’s Ph.D. in Biblical Studies covers coursework such as religious history, evangelical backgrounds, biblical interpretation, and much more. It’s a well-rounded program that includes six core courses, six electives, and a dissertation.
The program is 54 semester hours and can be completed in 4 to 5 years. However, note that this school is competitive and only has a 52% acceptance rate. It also requires a master’s degree with a 3.0 GPA and three letters of recommendation alongside other requirements.
3. Regent University
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Program: Doctor of Philosophy in Renewal Theology
Duration: 2-4 years
Regent University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Renewal Theology. Students can concentrate this degree on biblical studies and other topics like Christian theology or church history. With an 81% acceptance rate, it’s an accessible school that requires students to spend 22 residency weeks throughout the otherwise online program’s duration.
More importantly, this program allows students to publish original research on topics like charismatic gifts or the Holy Spirit. The program is 48 credit hours and is perfect for working individuals who can only pursue part-time doctoral studies.
Career Overview
With a degree, you may qualify for a wide range of biblical studies degree jobs, such as:
- Pastor
- Bible translator
- Theologian
- Teacher or professor
- Church chaplain
- Missionary
- Evangelist
- Christian nonprofit director
- Archaeologist
- Counselor
Salaries
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, if you choose to work in the clergy with your biblical studies degree, you can expect an average salary of around $57,000. However, some clergy members make upwards of $80,000 a year, while others make less than $31,000 yearly.
Other religious workers, such as biblical scholars, earn between $20,000 and $73,000 per year. Ultimately, your salary will depend on where you choose to work and how long you stay in a given position.
Outlook & Opportunities
If you have a biblical studies degree, you will spend your career in religious institutions or academic organizations. This factor may still provide you with many opportunities for career advancement. For example, you can become a professor and eventually acquire tenure. Or you can write a book about your biblical studies, perform crucial archaeological research at religious historical sites worldwide, and more.
FAQs
What can I do with a Biblical Studies degree?
You can enter the church as a minister or member of the clergy. Or you can enter academia and study the Bible in an academic context.
How long does it take to get a Biblical Studies degree?
It takes anywhere from one year to six years or more to get a biblical studies degree, depending on the level of degree you pursue.
Can you get a degree in Bible Studies?
Yes. Bible studies and biblical studies degrees are the same things.
What kind of degree is Biblical Studies?
Biblical studies degrees are available at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. You can get biblical studies degrees in science or the arts.
Follow Your Calling Today!
There are many excellent places to acquire a biblical studies degree online. The right online degree program can equip you to understand the Bible better, work as a minister, or begin some other career, depending on your preferences.
Best of all, you don’t have to look far. Check out the schools above, or use GetEducated’s online school database to find the ideal university for your needs.