Online religious studies programs provide students with an understanding of religious traditions across the globe. Some programs may provide students the tools to assess how these traditions affect the history and culture of individual communities. These programs are ideal for individuals who are critical thinkers, organizational, and have a willingness to adapt to their surroundings. Religious studies online programs are available at the associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral levels, and select schools may offer a graduate certificate option.

Students who graduate with a degree or certificate in religious studies may seek employment in the secular or religious fields. These programs may provide students with the necessary skills and training needed to secure a job as a religion professor, deacon, pastor, choir director, or missionary.

Available Degree Levels

• Certificate: One to two years to complete
• Associate Degree: Two years to complete
• Bachelor’s Degree: Four years to complete
• Master’s Degree: One to two years to complete
• Doctoral Degree: Three to five years to complete

Students enrolled in online graduate certificate programs in religious studies broaden their religious knowledge and understanding of the difficulties religious diversities face. Students may be able to transfer some credits into a master’s-level program. Courses may cover Catholicism, religion and American individualism, Islamic history, and religious minorities.

Individuals interested in seeking entry-level careers in ministry or theology can enroll in online associate degree programs in religious studies. These programs may focus on key events, places, and people found in the Old and New Testament. Coursework may cover theology, missions, and world religions. In addition to major-specific coursework, these associate-level programs provide students with general education coursework and training.

Online baccalaureate programs in religious studies may focus on the effect that religion has on society, people, and the globe, as well as its impact on history. These programs may cover biblical, pastoral, and theological courses and allow students to hone their skills in ministry. Students complete general education requirements and may take courses covering cultural diversity, global awareness, the Old and New Testament, humanities, world civilizations, and the prophetic books.

An online master’s-level program in religious studies may provide students with an understanding of theological, historical, biblical, and ethical studies. Students then learn how to apply all these separate aspects to religion. Typical courses may cover systematic theology, values and ethics, church history, and apologetics.

Students interested in online doctoral-level programs in religious studies gain additional training in religion and spiritual theology. Some of these research-laden programs require applicants to be ordained clergy members. Prior to graduation, students may need to complete a thesis or dissertation on a spiritual topic.

Career Options

Individuals who have a religious studies degree or certificate may develop strong theoretical and critical studies skills, be analytical thinkers, and work well with others. Graduates of online religious studies programs may obtain the skills to work in a variety of facets in religious or secular vocations.

Possible career fields include:

• Pastor
• Missionary
• Choir Director
• Deacon
• Religion Professor