Best Theology Degree Options For Seniors
The call of religion speaks to different kinds of people and at different times in their lives. This calling sometimes is most noticed when people have time to reflect and listen to their inner voice, including seniors. With the time on their hands, some seniors want to act on that calling.
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While there have been schools offering courses and degrees in Theology for a long time, it has been only recently that such studies have become widely available online. This allows seniors to pursue their calling to learn more about religion and even become active as a professional in religious organizations. Now seniors don’t have to physically go to a college campus to do this, rather the college comes to them – via the internet. Better yet, in addition to the convenience and security of studying from home, most of these online degree programs are self-paced. This means you take the lessons and do the required work when it is convenient for you. Also, this gives you the option to accelerate your studies and get that degree faster – something that is important for many seniors.
There are many dozens of online degree programs in Theology. They are not all the same and only some are appropriate and beneficial for students who are seniors. Listed below are the best such online degree programs. For seniors looking to deepen their understanding of theology without the financial burden of tuition, there are tuition-free options available. Some institutions offer free courses or degree programs in theology through online platforms. These programs are designed to provide quality education accessible to all, often funded by scholarships, religious organizations, or philanthropic efforts. For example, some seminaries and religious institutions waive tuition fees for qualifying students, including seniors, to encourage lifelong learning and service within their communities. These programs allow seniors to explore their calling without the worry of financial strain, making theological education truly inclusive and impactful.
Franciscan University of Steubenville
This private university is physically located in Steubenville, Ohio. Their degree program draws on Western philosophy and Catholic values. FUS’s rigorous liberal arts tradition emphasizes critical thinking skills and appreciation for Western literature. Major program topics include ecclesiology, Christology, and moral theology. This degree program is 100% online and self-paced and has a graduation rate of 77%. The program consists of 121 credit hours, with the average tuition being $600 per credit. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Financial aid packages are available.
Brescia University
This private university is physically located in Owensboro, Kentucky. Brescia offers an accelerated online bachelor’s in theology tailored to nontraditional and ministry students. Course topics include spirituality and vocation, world religions, and women in Christian tradition. This degree program is 100% online and self-paced and has a graduation rate of 34%. The program consists of 128 credit hours, with the average tuition being $425 per credit. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Financial aid packages are available.
Montreat College
This private university is physically located in Montreat, North Carolina. They offer an online bachelor’s in Bible and theology geared towards students looking to enter theological seminaries or graduate religious studies. The program stands out for requiring the use of New Testament Greek by the senior year of studies. This degree program is 100% online and self-paced and has a graduation rate of 34%. The program consists of 120 credit hours, with the average tuition being $425 per credit. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Financial aid packages are available.
Grand View University
This private university is physically located in Des Moines, Iowa. They offer an online Bachelor’s in Theology taught from a Lutheran perspective. The degree program teaches strong critical thinking and leadership skills through a rigorous liberal arts foundation surveying world religions and Western philosophy. This degree program is 100% online and self-paced and has a graduation rate of 55%. The program consists of 124 credit hours, with the average tuition being $452 per credit. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Financial aid packages are available.
Houston Baptist University
This Texas based private university offers an online Bachelor’s in Theological studies, focused on historical and contemporary Christian thought. The curriculum is designed to help students start a cultural dialogue with their world. Graduates can pursue roles in education and ministry. This degree program is 100% online and self-paced and has a graduation rate of 44%. The program consists of 120 credit hours, with the average tuition being $425 per credit. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Financial aid packages are available.
Oklahoma Wesleyan University
This private university located in Bartlesville, Oklahoma offers an online Bachelor of Science in ministry and leadership. Students are taught skills to work in church ministry, parachurch ministry, or ministry organization administration. This program is offered in an accelerated track that can be completed in under two years. This degree program is 100% online and self-paced and has a graduation rate of 39%. The program consists of 126 credit hours, with the average tuition being $299 per credit. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Financial aid packages are available.
