Bible colleges prepare learners for Christ-centered careers, including Christian ministry. Online students can earn degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels in various subjects related to pastoral ministry leadership, scripture, and theology.
Earning a bachelor’s degree through online courses presents a flexible and affordable way to learn more about the Word of God, find spiritual growth, and prepare for faith-based careers.
Top Online Bible Colleges
Although there are many online Christian colleges, not all of them qualify as Bible schools. These programs offer differing levels of degrees in multiple denominations to prepare students for work in global ministry or careers with their local church. All of these degree programs are taught through fully online coursework, including affordable online degree programs in theology and other related fields.
1. Liberty University
Liberty University is a Christian university based in Virginia, but the school has multiple online education enrollment opportunities through its School of Divinity. Learners who complete the Bachelor of Science (BS) in biblical studies program will be prepared for careers as a Bible teacher, missionary, pastor, or other religious-based career.
In addition to the general degree path, there are eight other concentrations to choose from, including apologetics, Christian ministries, and theology. LU’s degree programs have accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
2. Nazarene Bible College
Nazarene Bible College offers seven concentrations for its Bachelor of Arts (BA) in ministry degree. The degrees at NBC are accredited by both the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) and The Higher Learning Commission. These online programs include counseling for Christian ministries, pastoral leadership, and Bible and theology. Students can also pursue associate degrees and certificate programs at this school.
3. Regent University
Regent University offers undergraduate and graduate Bible studies degrees both online and on-campus. Students can earn degrees, including a BA in biblical and theological studies, a Master of Divinity in theology and ministry, and a Doctor of Ministry. These degrees are delivered through eight-week and 15-week courses, which allows for flexible scheduling. Students can also transfer up to 90 credits to reduce total costs and time requirements.
4. Mid-America Christian University
Learners can complete a BS in Christian ministries at Mid-America Christian University, or add a Christian ministries minor to the school’s business administration, criminal justice, digital marketing, or psychology programs. MACU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and has been providing online degrees since 2008.
5. Shasta Bible College and Graduate School
Shasta Bible College offers certificate programs, associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees online. Some of the degrees available at Shasta include an Associate of Arts in Biblical studies, a BA in Bible and theology, and a Master of Divinity in chaplaincy.
Students receive a syllabus at the start of the semester with deadlines and due dates, but coursework is completed on the student’s schedule.
6. Colorado Christian University
Colorado Christian University prides itself on teaching all its courses through a Christian worldview, including its BA in biblical studies. Students can participate in a dual degree program where they earn this degree along with a Master of Arts in either biblical studies or theological studies. All of the degrees at Colorado Christian University are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
7. Charlotte Christian College and Theological Seminary
Learners at Charlotte Christian College can earn a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical studies with three different concentration options including Bible, Biblical languages, and theology. Students can also enroll in a Bachelor of Arts in urban Christian ministries or a Bachelor of Arts in pastoral studies program. The school is accredited by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools and recognized as an associate member of The Association of Theological Schools (ATS).
8. Luther Rice College and Seminary
Online learners can complete a fully online Bachelor of Arts in religion with one of three minor options including Biblical counseling, Christian worldview, and ministry. These programs are accredited by the SACSCOC, TRACS, and ABHE. This school also offers graduate and doctoral-level degrees in apologetics, leadership, and ministry.
9. South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary
South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary has 25 total degree programs from associate to doctoral level programs, all delivered fully online. Some degree options include a Bachelor of Arts in biblical and theological studies, a Master of Arts in pastoral counseling, and a Master of Divinity. SFBC earns accreditation by the Association for Biblical Higher Education for its faith-based programs.
10. Moody Bible Institute
The Moody Bible Institute, also called Moody Theological Seminary, has various online undergraduate programs, including Bachelor of Science programs in ministry leadership, Biblical studies, and theological studies as well as graduate degrees, such as a Master of Divinity.
Our Selection Criteria
Bible colleges provide highly specialized degrees for students trying to enter faith-based career paths. We selected these programs based on strict criteria to ensure that students get the most from their degrees, without paying the most. Our top criteria include:
- Affordability: We highlighted programs from colleges that accept FAFSA and offer low tuition rates, financial aid opportunities.
- Accreditation: Even though these degrees are highly specialized, we selected only degrees that have subject-based accreditation for Bible schools or traditional regional or national accreditation.
- Multiple Levels of Degrees: Students attending Bible colleges often have different career goals. We selected colleges that have diverse program offerings to give learners as many options as possible.
How To Choose a Bible College
Choosing a Bible college should always start with considering your career options. Within religious career paths, the degree requirements can vary. For example, an aspiring pastor might need to find a school that has a Master of Divinity program, depending on their goals, while someone looking to get into other forms of ministry might only need an undergraduate degree. Once you identify a career path and the required education, it will be much easier to find the best school for you.
Financial Aid for Online Programs at Bible Colleges
Financial aid programs can be applied at Bible Colleges, provided they have accreditation. Students can submit their FAFSA documentation to determine their eligibility for federal programs — some schools even have their own scholarship and grant programs to further reduce costs for students.
FAQs About Online Programs for Biblical Studies
Biblical studies is a specialized degree program, and many students might have questions about the types of schools that offer these programs and the career outcomes of these degrees.
What Is the Difference Between a Bible College and a Christian College?
The main difference between the two is the types of degrees offered. Bible colleges offer ministry-based degree programs, including Bible study and Master of Divinity degrees.
Christian colleges offer traditional degree programs but include Christian themes in the coursework. All Bible colleges are Christian colleges, but not all Christian colleges are Bible colleges.
What Career Opportunities Are Available With a Degree from an Online Bible College?
Some of the most common career paths for graduates of online Bible colleges include:
- pastoral or ministry leadership roles
- youth ministry
- missionary roles
- college educators
What Are the Advantages of Attending an Online Bible College?
There are several advantages to attending an online bible college, including affordability, flexible scheduling, and access to more degree programs. Most online programs include lower costs per credit hour due to reduced fees compared to on-campus programs.
Students can also choose between full-time and part-time scheduling more easily as compared to on-campus programs.
Explore Accredited Online Degrees Today
Use our school profiles to learn more about these programs and other Bible colleges. Once you’ve narrowed down the best programs for your goals, use our resources to request info from your future school.