Why This Matters

  • 91% OF CLERGY POSITIONS REQUIRE A BACHELOR’S DEGREE OR HIGHER

    According to O*NET, 24% of minister jobs require a bachelor’s degree, and 52% require further study at a master’s level. An online bachelor’s in ministry program is the perfect gateway to an entry-level job or postgraduate study.

  • AMERICA NEEDS 9,700 NEW MINISTERS BY 2028

    The Bureau for Labor Statistics projects a 4% increase in job opportunities for ministers before 2029, which is around the average growth for all occupations.

  • EARN AROUND $56,560 PER YEAR AS A MINISTER

    According to the BLS, clergy members earn an average hourly wage of $27.19, which adds up to a mean annual income of $56,560.

Our Research

All of the online degrees on our list prepare you for a career in Christian ministry, but some focus on a particular kind of religious leadership such as children’s ministry.

When you’re researching online ministry programs, you should look for regional accreditation. Alternatively, you could choose a school accredited by a national organization for religious higher education such as the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE).

  • 57 hours to write this article
  • 150 universities and colleges we assessed
  • 280 education programs we compared

The Top 50 Online Bachelor’s in Ministry Programs

Best Online Bachelor's in Ministry Programs Badge
01
Intelligent Pick
Toccoa Falls College
01
Best Christian Institution
Southwestern Assemblies of God University
01
Best Focus on Music Ministry
Manna University
01
Best Theology Focus
Brescia University
01
Best for Adult Students
North Greenville University
01
Best Bible-Based Institution
Calvary University
01
Best in the Southern Region
Lee University
01
Best for Lay Ministry
Trevecca Nazarene University
01
Best for Working Professionals
Cornerstone University
01
Best in the Midwest Region
Lincoln Christian University
01
Best for Baptist-Based Students
The Baptist College of Florida
01
Best in the Northeast Region
Clarks Summit University
01
Best for International Students
Hope International University
01
Best Libraries
Johnson University
01
Best for Transfer Students
Liberty University
01
Best Faculty Mentors
Regent University
01
Best Leadership Training
Asbury University
01
Most Interdisciplinary Program
Southeastern University
01
Most Flexible Admissions
Bethel University
01
Best Private Institution
Tennessee Temple University
01
Best BS Program
Moody Bible Institute
01
Best in the Pacific Region
The Master's University
01
Best Organizational Leadership Focus
Horizon University
01
Best Church Planting Focus
Ohio Christian University
01
Most Affordable
City Vision University
01
Best Three-Year Program
Northwest Nazarene University
01
Best Asynchronous Program
Biola University
01
Best in the South-Central Region
The King'S University
01
Best Liberal Arts Focus
Welch College
01
Best Evangelism Focus
Oral Roberts University
01
Best Two-Year Program
Mount Vernon Nazarene University
01
Best Mission Trips
Palm Beach Atlantic University
01
Best Grad School Preparation
California Baptist University Online
01
Best Financial Aid
Evangel University
01
Best for Parachurch Ministry
Oklahoma Wesleyan University
01
Best Focus on Communications
Grand Canyon University
01
Best Hybrid Program
Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
01
Best Global Focus
Letourneau University
01
Best Minors
University Of Valley Forge
01
Best Hispanic Ministry Option
Nazarene Bible College
01
Best for Adventist Ministry
Andrews University
01
Best for Critical Thinking
Northwest University
01
Best Focus on Administration
Dallas Baptist University
01
Best Accelerated Program
Grace Christian University
01
Best for Global Ministry
King University
01
Best Concentration Options
Ascent College
01
Best Youth Ministry Focus
Eastern University
01
Best for Veterans
Belmont University
01
Best Student Experience
Barclay College
01
Best Spiritual Growth Opportunities
Warner University

What You Should Know About This Degree

Our list features undergraduate programs in ministry leadership, applied ministry, and theological pastoral studies.

These programs typically include Biblical studies, theology, and practical leadership courses. Most of the listed programs award a Bachelor of Arts degree, although a few follow the Bachelor of Science pathway.

Many ministry graduates will go on to become church pastors. However, this degree can also prepare you for a diverse range of careers, including social work, teaching, and counseling.

What’s Next?

Here are some questions to ask when researching online bachelor’s in ministry programs:

  • Am I eligible for this program? Online bachelor’s in ministry programs require a high school diploma or GED, and many ask for a minimum GPA of 2.0. Many programs also require prospective students to submit satisfactory ACT, CLT, or SAT scores and proof of active church membership.
  • How long does it take to complete this online degree? Most online bachelor’s degrees in ministry programs take four years to complete. However, some offer accelerated programs that you could complete in as little as two years if you qualify.

When choosing a degree program, you should check each school’s application deadline and take note of what evidence you need to submit for the admissions process. Apply for any financial aid as early as possible, and don’t forget to check if you’re eligible for additional assistance such as a scholarship.