Key Takeaways:
- Our #1 ranking school for a Master of Divinity online is Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, followed by New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
- Programs are ranked based on affordability, accreditation, and recognition by significant publications like U.S. News & World Report.
- Many programs offer flexibility with fully online courses, making them ideal for working professionals seeking theological education.
In this article we rank the 30 top value online master of divinity degrees. The concern of affordability is heightened for students seeking an online MDiv since this degree is most often sought as a step to further one’s education to better serve as clergy, professor, chaplain, or other spiritual calling.
Increased earnings potential is not a particular consideration for students of a degree program whose graduates most often serve in non-profit organizations.
Featured Programs
Top Offerings for Master of Divinity Online – Methodology
We reviewed approximately 100 online master of divinity programs listed by reputable sites like the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) College Navigator. We narrowed our original pool of schools to find the top 30 values.
We calculated value by applying the following criteria: Raw affordability (the total cost–tuition and fees–listed by NCES College Navigator), ranking from a major publication like U.S. News and World Report, and accreditation.
The ranking was decided primarily by the cost of tuition and fees. In fact, 26 schools and online MDiv programs on our list offer graduate tuition and fees less than $20,000 per year, and 10 schools offer programs costing less than $10,000.
Below is our list of the top 30 values for master of divinity online programs.
#1 – Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
Online Master of Divinity
Wake Forest, North Carolina
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $5,830
The master of divinity online programs at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary include several degree pathways and specializations. Students may earn degrees in advanced divinity, Christian divinity, missiology, North American church planting, and preaching and pastoral ministry.
The advanced divinity program is designed to prepare pastors, missionaries, and other church personnel for a life of effective Christian leadership. Courses are delivered online and taught by qualified faculty with years of experience in the field of ministry.
Southeastern Baptist is accredited and ranked as the most affordable school on our list to offer master of divinity online programs.
#2 – New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
Online Master of Divinity
New Orleans, Louisiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,288
The master of divinity online programs at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary can be completed entirely online.
The Master of Divinity offers a distance learning track that consists of 84 hours. This program is designed to serve a wide variety of ministerial callings, including campus ministry, chaplaincy, pastoral ministry, and youth ministry.
Classes are delivered entirely online, and there are no residential meetings or on-campus requirements. Affordability lands the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary on our list of top value divinity programs.
The school also offers a number of closely-related degree programs in pastoral ministry, missiology, biblical studies, and theological studies.
#3 – Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Online Master of Divinity
Kansas City, Missouri
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,335
Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary offers an online master’s in divinity, which is the basic seminary degree for college graduates. The program is designed for individuals who anticipate ordination and want to serve as pastors, associate pastors, missionaries, or evangelists.
The foundational core includes a variety of classes like Baptist history, elementary Hebrew, elementary Greek, introduction to hermeneutics, principles of preaching, and theology. Several concentrations are also available in areas of ministry. These concentrations allow students to tailor their divinity degree.
Concentrations include biblical languages, church planting, leadership, women’s ministry, and youth ministry. Midwestern Baptist is one of the most affordable institutions on our list.
#4 – Clarks Summit University
Online Master of Divinity
South Abington Township, Pennsylvania
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,800
Clarks Summit University’s online master’s in divinity is a professional degree designed for those pursuing leadership roles in ministry. The program emphasizes the study of biblical languages, ministry, and theology with specialty courses and core curriculum.
Academics are rigorous and can be completed entirely online. Students choose between a 12-credit hour, one-year paid pastoral internship or integrative ministry project designed to provide ministerial experience.
The program also prepares students for advanced study and a doctoral degree. Clarks Summit offers several doctoral programs for those who wish to pursue an advanced degree.
Clarks Summit is one of the most affordable schools on our list to offer an online MDiv.
#5 – Liberty University
Online Master of Divinity
Lynchburg, Virginia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,333
Liberty University’s online divinity programs include the master of divinity. This 100% online divinity degree is designed to prepare students for professional Christian ministry within the local church and spiritual organizations.
The program offers several specialization areas so that students may tailor their degree toward personal interests or to meet career goals.
Specializations include biblical studies, biblical languages, chaplaincy, church history, global studies, healthcare chaplaincy, pastoral counseling, or youth and family ministries, to name a few. Courses are delivered entirely online, and the program consists of 75 credit hours.
The program takes two years to complete on average. U.S. News and World Report ranks Liberty #230-#301 in best national universities.
#6 – Moody Bible Institute
Online Master of Divinity
Chicago, Illinois
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,390
The Moody Bible Institute offers a master of divinity online degree program designed for working students who need a flexible learning schedule. The program offers five emphasis options that allow students to tailor their degree to meet specific career goals or interests.
Emphases include pastoral studies, ministry leadership, spiritual formation and discipleship, TESOL, and interdisciplinary studies. Two internships are built into curriculum, and all courses are taught online. Some of the required courses include biblical and systematic leadership, church history, Greek and Hebrew studies, and pastoral practices.
U.S. News and World Report recognizes Moody Bible Institute as an unranked school. However, various online programs have received top 150 rankings.
#7 – Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
Online Master of Divinity
Standish, Maine
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,982
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine offers an online MDiv degree program that is both affordable and convenient for working students. The curriculum offers a theological education for individuals wanting to serve the needs of the Catholic Church.
The divinity program is rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Sisters of Mercy heritage. Also, there is an accelerated track that allows students to work at a quicker pace. This track also prepares students for ministerial work within the church.
The school is ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks St. Joseph’s #142-#187 in best regional universities in the North.
#8 – Corban University
Online Master of Divinity
Salem, Oregon
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,056
Corban University’s master of divinity online degree program offers two concentrations and is designed for working and busy students. You can choose your own program pace and schedule. Full-time students finish in just three years, while part-time students have longer to complete their degree.
Concentration options allow students to tailor their degree toward areas of interest in church ministry or biblical languages.
Corban is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school #64 in regional universities in the West and #31 in best value schools.
#9 – Anderson University
Online Master of Divinity
Anderson, South Carolina
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,309
Anderson University’s online divinity programs include the master of divinity. This program is open to students serious about earning an advanced degree that will serve as the foundation needed for ministry. Also, the program prepares students for doctoral studies in ministry and theology.
Courses are taught by university faculty members who have academic credentials and real-world experience in theology, ministry, and divinity. Courses include biblical languages, church leadership, and church organization.
The program also includes an internship to ensure students receive hands-on learning. U.S. News and World Report ranks Anderson #65 in best regional universities in the South.
#10 – Lexington Theological Seminary
Online Master of Divinity
Lexington, Kentucky
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,420
Lexington Theological Seminary offers one of the most affordable online divinity programs on our list. The program consists of 76 credit hours of work, touching on all areas of ministry.
Courses cover topics in biblical and vocational foundations of the teaching ministry, church history, congregation as context, interpreting the scripture for the church, leading the church through care, and succeeding in seminary.
A final capstone project is required to satisfy degree requirements. The capstone project is presented to an assessment team for evaluation near the end of the student’s academic career. Lexington offers one of the cheapest online master’s in divinity programs on our list.
#11 – Northwest Nazarene University
Online Master of Divinity
Nampa, Idaho
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,320
Northwest Nazarene University’s online master’s in divinity program prepares students for careers in church leadership, ministry, or theology. The program offers three concentrations that help students tailor their degree to fit areas of interest.
These concentrations include missional leadership, spiritual formation, and youth, children, and family ministry.
NWU has the historic distinction of being the first university to offer a fully online program granted full membership by the Association of Theological Schools, which accredits the graduate degree. Also, the school is ranked by major publications.
In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks NWU #52 in best regional universities in the West.
#12 – Freed-Hardeman University
Online Master of Divinity
Henderson, Tennessee
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,620
Freed-Hardeman University’s online divinity programs include the master’s in divinity. This fully online graduate program offers web-conferencing courses designed to prepare students for work as preachers, church leaders, and ministers.
The program consists of 81 hours of coursework and a six-hour internship. Requires courses include advanced apologetics, advanced introductions to the Old and New Testament, elementary Greek and Hebrew, history of apologetics, ministerial counseling, and suffering and the human condition. The school is accredited and ranked by major publications.
In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks Freed-Hardeman #39 in best regional universities in the South and #10 in best value schools.
#13 – Denver Seminary
Online Master of Divinity
Littleton, Colorado
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,010
Denver Seminary’s master of divinity online degree program consists of 78 credits and is accessible entirely online.
Admission requirements include a regionally accredited bachelor’s degree, cumulative GPA of 2.5, and completion of the application and all documents. The degree takes three to four years to complete, and students work at their own pace.
Courses include epistles and revelation, history of Christian movement, introduction to mentored formation, New Testament Greek, and thinking biblically and theologically. Electives and an oral examination must also be taken and completed prior to graduation.
Denver Seminary is a fully accredited institution that ranks high on our list for affordable online master’s in divinity degree programs.
#14 – Indiana Wesleyan University
Online Master of Divinity
Marion, Indiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,563
Indiana Wesleyan University’s master’s in divinity online degree program is a 75-credit hour innovative degree built around local church ministry and designed for individuals pursuing careers in ministry. The program is taught by faculty teams who weave Bible, church history, and theology into the curriculum.
Foundational courses include cultural contexts of ministry, global Christian history, introduction to Christian theology, the missional church, and the Bible as Christian scripture. An earned bachelor’s from a regionally accredited college or university and 2.5 undergraduate GPA is required to qualify for admission.
U.S. News and World Report ranks Indiana Wesleyan #32 in best regional universities in the Midwest and #67 in best value schools.
#15 – Houston Baptist University
Online Master of Divinity
Houston, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,200
Houston Baptist University offers online divinity programs, including the master of divinity. The master’s program may be completed entirely online and serves as preparation for vocational ministry.
Seventy-two credit hours build upon the foundations of biblical studies, practical theology, and systematic theology. Courses include apologetics, biblical languages, and philosophy.
Admission to the program requires official transcripts and an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution. In addition to the online application and transcripts, a personal statement between 300 and 500 words are required. Houston Baptist offers affordable tuition and lands a top spot on our list of online MDiv programs.
#16 – University of Dubuque
Online Master of Divinity
Dubuque, Iowa
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,600
The University of Dubuque offers one of the top value online divinity programs designed for working professionals seeking to further their ministerial career or move into full-time ministry.
The program includes courses such as Christian leadership in context, interpreting the New Testament, interpreting the Old Testament, nurturing wholeness in Christ, and starting missionary communities.
The distance degree program offers the same curriculum as the on-campus degree. Students are only required to come to campus for a two-week intensive at the onset of the program in August to meet their peers and professors.
For its 2019 rankings, the University of Dubuque is ranked #106 in regional universities Midwest by U.S. News and World Report.
##17 – Amridge University
Online Master of Divinity
Montgomery, Alabama
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,000
Amridge University provides individuals with a top value online master’s in divinity designed for those seeking a full-time career working in ministry. The program’s theology is Christian based. The 78-credit program allows students to transfer in up to 42 semester hours from another program or institution upon approval.
Students must complete the degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA and successfully complete a written comprehensive exam. Sample courses may include history of the Bible, introduction to biblically related research, introduction to pastoral counseling, and leadership vision and values.
The degree can be applied to a variety of contexts and organizations such as youth services, hospitals, military, criminal justice, educational institutions, and more.
#18 – Southeastern University
Online Master of Divinity
Lakeland, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,155
Southeastern University provides a master’s in divinity online designed for individuals seeking careers in full-time ministry. The 72-credit program includes 12 core classes and 12 elective classes.
To apply, candidates need to have successfully completed a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, an academic professional recommendation, one Christian recommendation, transcripts, and a writing sample of at least five pages.
Courses include biblical exposition of faith integration, introduction to the background and theological themes of the Old Testament, introduction to New Testament literature and history, and special topics in biblical studies. U.S. News and World Report ranks Southeastern #107 in regional universities South.
#19 – Western Seminary
Online Master of Divinity
Portland, Oregon
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,700
Western Seminary offers a master of divinity online for individuals seeking a flexible and rigorous education designed for working professionals who need to take online classes due to personal obligations or geographic location.
Courses include applied pastoral counseling caring for people in a broken world, gospel responses to contemporary challenges, living as the community of the Spirit, and taking the gospel to diverse cultures. Admission standards require students to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution at the regional level as well as a 2.5 GPA with a liberal arts background of courses.
The program is appropriate for individuals currently working in ministry or those seeking a career change. Western Seminary welcomes individuals of all academic and professional backgrounds.
#20 – George Fox University
Online Master of Divinity
Portland, Oregon
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,504
George Fox University offers an online master’s in divinity that ranks as one of the top value programs of its kind. The program requires students to complete 78 semester hours, with the average time to completion being four years based on taking 8 credits per term in fall and spring semesters.
The institution is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and the Association of Theological Schools. Upon matriculation, students can choose from several concentrations such as biblical studies, chaplaincy, Christian history and theology, intercultural studies, and much more.
Core classes may include engaging the Old Testament, interpreting the New Testament, New Testament introduction, and Old Testament introduction. George Fox is ranked #24 in regional universities West by U.S. News and World Report.
#21 – Asbury Theological Seminary
Online Master of Divinity
Wilmore, Kentucky
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,110
Asbury Theological Seminary’s master’s program is one of the top value online divinity programs in the country designed for working professionals seeking a graduate divinity degree that allows for flexibility without sacrificing academic rigor.
Candidates who are admitted to the program find the coursework allows them to maintain their personal and professional commitments. There are twelve tracks to choose from such as Anglican studies, aging and spirituality, biblical studies, Christian leadership, and more. Courses may include basic Christian doctrine, care of persons, New Testament introduction, and the theology of John Wesley.
Students who received a major or minor in religion from an accredited institution may receive up to 18 credits toward the degree.
#22 – Regent University
Online Master of Divinity
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,179
Through its School of Divinity, Regent University offers an accredited online MDiv for those seeking to serve society through Christian teachings. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the Association of Theological Schools.
Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution, transcripts, admission questionnaire, and minimum 2.75 GPA. Courses may include coming of world Christianity, foundation for biblical mission, leadership in church and ministry, and Regent foundations for graduate success.
U.S. News and World Report ranks Regent University #201 in national universities in its 2019 comprehensive list of institutions.
#23 – The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Online Master of Divinity
Louisville, Kentucky
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,338
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary offers an online master’s in divinity to prepare its graduates to serve in several different ministerial contexts within religious organizations, community groups, higher education, and more.
The program offers courses within 8-week terms allowing students to maintain their current professional and personal obligations. The admission process requires students to submit an application, pastoral recommendation, and transcripts from all postsecondary institutions. Candidates typically receive an admission decision within 3-5 business days.
Courses may include apologetics, biblical counseling, Christian ministry, and great commission studies. The flexibility of the degree makes it an excellent option for working professionals.
#24 – Luther Seminary
Online Master’s in Divinity
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,670
Luther Seminary provides a master of divinity online that includes distance coursework and a one-year internship applying the content that was learned in the classroom. The program provides a great amount of flexibility as students can now take courses while completing their field studies.
The program features 30 credits with concentrations in Old Testament, New Testament, history of Christianity, systematic theology, Spanish language ministry, congregational mission and leadership, and justice and reconciliation.
Admission requirements include statement of faith, three recommendations including one from a pastor, teacher, and non-family member, and transcripts. Students are not required to submit test scores to apply.
#25 – Chicago Theological Seminary
Online Master of Divinity
Chicago, Illinois
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $19,392
Chicago Theology Seminary offers a master’s in divinity online designed for individuals to assume leadership responsibilities within a religious organization or community capacity. The program can be completed fully online and includes several concentrations such as chaplaincy studies, LGBTQ studies, interreligious engagement, and study of Black life and faith.
In addition to coursework, students are required to complete two field placements, which provides hands on education and practice putting to use what is taught within the curriculum.
Chicago Theological Seminary is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools to confer degrees.
#26 – Oblate School of Theology
Online Master’s in Spirituality
San Antonio, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $19,800
Oblate School of Theology is an excellent option for those looking for online divinity programs. The program is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools and requires students to complete the GRE and have successfully completed nine hours of undergraduate theology and nine hours of undergraduate philosophy courses.
The 36-credit program can be completed in just two years for full-time students and 3-4 years for those attending part-time. Core classes include biblical foundations of spirituality, classical Christian writers, fundamental principles of spiritual direction, and reading religious experience and discernment of spirits. All of the courses can be completed entirely online.
#27 – Fuller Theological Seminary
Online Master of Divinity
Pasadena, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $20,140
Fuller Theological Seminary offers a master of divinity online designed for individuals seeking graduate coursework without interrupting their professional and personal obligations or those who do not live in an area with an accredited seminary school.
Admission to the fully online program includes three reference letters (one must be from a pastor), essay response, and official transcripts. Coursework includes Greek tools for biblical interpretation, Hebrew tools for biblical interpretation, Old or New Testament exegesis, and practices of vocation formation.
The 120-credit program can be completed in just 2.5-3 years. Students take courses from fully trained faculty with degrees from institutions such as Harvard, Yale, and more.
#28 – Iliff School of Theology
Online Master of Divinity
Denver, Colorado
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $20,169
Iliff School of Theology offers one of the top online MDiv programs designed for working professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills to increase their career path in ministry or for those seeking a career change.
The program is offered almost entirely online combined with short visits to campus just 2-3 times per year for weekend intensive classes and praxis coursework. The program takes three years to complete and focuses on helping graduates be prepared for ministry careers in the 21st century.
Graduates go on to careers as pastors and pastoral leadership, chaplains, advocacy and non-profit administration, and higher education. Featured classes include ancient and emerging practices, feminist theology, Hebrew Bible, and New Testament literature.
#29 – Gateway Seminary
Online Master of Divinity
Ontario, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $24,750
Gateway Seminary’s master’s in divinity online is a 90-credit program that can be completed fully online for students with an accredited bachelor’s degree. Students can graduate in three years by following the institution’s recommended schedule of classes.
Gateway offers several concentration areas based on the student’s academic or vocational interests. Concentrations for online students include biblical studies, Christian counseling, educational leadership, intercultural studies, ministry to women, missiology, and youth ministry.
Graduates go on to several careers including pastor, missionary, church administration, chaplain, and more. The degree is fully online and designed for individuals seeking a graduate degree without interrupting their professional or personal commitments.
30 – Central Baptist Theological Seminary
Online Master of Divinity
Shawnee, Kansas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $45,750
Central Baptist Theological Seminary offers students a master of divinity online that can be completed in four years. The institution is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to confer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees to students who complete the requirements.
The program includes 75 credits including courses, such as biblical interpretation, creativity in public ministries, foundations for seminary studies, and media for ministry development. The program utilizes video-conferencing where students synchronously interact with peers and professionals for an engaging session.
The entire program is completed online with no campus residential requirements, making it an excellent choice for working professionals seeking a graduate degree with rigorous curriculum and flexibility.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do with a master of divinity online degree?
An individual with a master of divinity can pursue a wide array of occupations that focus on spirituality and religion. The vast majority of divinity degrees in the United States focus on Christianity and its related principles.
Most individuals graduating with the master of divinity pursue full-time ministry work as a pastor or clergy member where they lead worship services and perform leadership duties for the organization. Additionally, a large portion of time is spent providing spiritual and personal guidance to members of the church’s congregation.
Moreover, clergy also spend time performing religious ceremonies such as weddings and funerals. In addition, graduates also move into careers as worship leaders where they provide expertise and guidance over the religious organization’s performing arts activities, including directing the music ministry.
As technology advances, more worship leaders and pastors are involved with multimedia platforms to augment the performance aspect of the religious service.
Full-time church leadership is far from the only career path for divinity graduates. Individuals can pursue occupations as chaplains within hospitals and correctional facilities. Hospital chaplains often minister within an interfaith environment providing support and guidance to patients and their family members.
They may perform specific religious duties related to their own religious affiliation such as last rites. Correctional facility chaplains provide religious guidance and counseling to inmates and family members.
How much can I make with a master of divinity online degree?
According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage of clergy is $47,100 while the mean (average) annual wage is $50,800.
For context, the average annual salary for all occupations is just over $38,000, so individuals with a master of divinity can expect to make approximately $12,000 more per year than the average individual.
Our research showed wages can vary slightly according to occupational context. Nearly 60% of clergy work for religious organizations, which pay an annual mean wage of $49,220. This is the third lowest industry wage compared to other sectors that employ clergy, although the difference is minimal.
The highest paying sectors include general medical and surgical hospitals that pay $52,740 and $52,040 respectively. Skilled nursing facilities pay a competitive wage of $49,320 while community organizations pay the lowest overall mean annual wage of $40,600.
As with most other occupations, geographic location is a salient factor in determining annual wages. The District of Columbia pays the highest mean wage for clergy with an annual salary of $63,680. Washington and California rank second and third with respective annual wages of $62,050 and $60,070. West Virginia pays the lowest overall annual wage of $39,660.
What are the admission requirements for master of divinity online degree programs?
Admission requirements for online master of divinity are much different than other academic disciplines given the unique nature of the curriculum and career requirements.
The majority of programs all require similar application components for all candidates such as bachelor’s degree, transcripts, minimum undergraduate GPA, and letters of recommendation.
There is some variance when looking at admission requirements at seminary schools versus traditional colleges and universities.
For example, it is not uncommon for colleges and universities to require GRE test scores as part of the application process compared to seminary and theology schools that most often do not require test scores.
Similar to other online graduate programs, divinity candidates are required to submit multiple letters of recommendation. The main difference is that divinity programs nearly across the board require students to have at least one letter from a religious leader such as a pastor, priest, or clergy with direct knowledge of the applicant’s spiritual capacity, character, and commitment to faith.
Additionally, students are often required to respond to an application prompt where they discuss their commitment to faith. It is also common for students to sign a commitment to their faith as part of the application. Most programs do not require work or academic experience to apply for graduate divinity programs.
How long does it take to earn a master of divinity online degree?
Our research indicates divinity programs take longer than the average online graduate program. Most graduate programs geared toward working professionals take approximately two years to complete, with some taking just 12-18 months to finish. Most divinity programs can take anywhere between 3-4 years to finish depending on enrollment level.
Given the nature of the work, students need to have intense training and knowledge concerning doctrine and how it applies in the real world when helping their stakeholders. As such, students undergo intense training to understand the history and concepts of the Christian faith.
In addition to curriculum courses, students typically have to spend a minimum of one year in the field learning the duties and functions of the job and how course content applies to real-world contexts and situations.
Most programs integrate the internship or field experience as the last portion of the program, while others allow students to simultaneously take classes during the internship.
As with most online degrees, time to completion is largely predicated on enrollment level of the student. Programs generally allow students to keep their professional lives intact while they pursue the degree on either a full or part-time basis.
Full-time students generally complete the degree within 3-4 years, while part-time students take up to 5-7 years to complete the degree.
What is the job outlook for individuals with master of divinity online degrees?
Graduates of online divinity degrees face average employment prospects compared to all other occupations. For context, the average growth rate from 2016-2026 for all jobs is 7%. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, clergy-related occupations are expected to increase by 8% during the same ten-year time period.
Increased demand is fueled largely by current ministry and clergy professionals reaching retirement age. A large number of current employees are approaching retirement, which means a significant contingent of job openings is expected.
In terms of occupational demand decrease, many areas of the United States are becoming less religious and are relying less on the services of clergy members.
Additionally, large-scale religious scandals and political divide have negatively impacted church attendance and interest in ministry work.
Graduates willing to relocate to high population centers and metro areas will see their employment chances increase. Specifically, New York, California, and Oregon employ the largest numbers of clergy in the United States.
In terms of occupation density, Oregon has by far the highest clergy professionals with 2.43 clergy out of every 1000 jobs. Montana and New York come in second and third with an occupational density rate of 1.42 and .88 per 1000 current jobs.
CVO Staff
This concludes our list of the 30 best values for online master of divinity programs.
More Rankings of Interest:
- Free Online Colleges
- Online Christian Colleges
- Difference Between Online Degree and Campus Degree Programs