& Universities
What Are The Best Online Bachelors of Religion Degree Programs?
With so many online schools, it is difficult to know which ones are worth their salt in the realm of higher education. Once you’ve decided that distance learning is the right decision for you, trying to sort through all the choices can be overwhelming. We sorted through the sea of online programs to come up with this list of the 10 best online Bachelors of Religion degree programs, so you would have a better starting place in your search.
The methodology used to rank these institutions took into account four areas of consideration:
* How high they ranked on the U.S. News and World Report 2016 university list.
* Online U 2014 Most Affordable Colleges of Online Religious Studies Degree list.
* Nationally recognized accreditation, such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) or the Higher Learning Commission.
* Their overall quality ranking on Rate My Professors.
Dallas Baptist University
Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies. Designed to prepare the student for a career as a pastor, teacher, missionary, or other Christian leadership position. Also prepares students for graduate studies at a university or seminary who want to major in theological studies. Students who qualify for admission are one who wish achieve higher levels of faith and academic pursuits. DBU was chosen as the top program because it fulfilled all of the criteria with high national rankings, is accredited by a well-respected organization, and is approved by students based on positive reviews. Rest assured that a Bachelor’s degree from DBU is worth its weight in educational gold!
Admissions Requirements:
Minimum 2.5 GPA
Minimum composite text score of 21 on ACT (or)
Combined Critical Reading/Math scores of 1020 on SAT
Writing assessment section of ACT/SAT required
Rankings and Facts
* USNWR: Ranked #35 for Best Regional University (West), #29 for Best College for Veterans, and #199 for Best Online Bachelor’s Program
* Online U: Most Affordable and Top College
* Accreditation: SACSCOC
* Religious Affiliation: Baptist
* Rolling Admissions: 46% acceptance rate
* Rate My Professors: 3.8 overall quality rating
* Online Tuition Per Credit: $813
* Degree Credit Hours: 120
Southeastern University
Bachelor of Science in Ministerial Leadership. Created for students who want to serve leadership support roles at churches or faith-based organizations, but not necessarily lead an entire congregation. Prepares students for leadership positions in children’s ministry, missions work, counseling, and other areas of Christian ministry. The university seeks to attract students who want a career in full-time ministry, education, or non-profit leadership.
Admissions Requirements:
High school diploma or GED
Biographical essay
Rankings and Facts
* USNWR: Ranked #42 for Best Regional College (South), #29 for Best Colleges for Veterans, and #148 for Best Online Bachelor’s Program
* Online U: Rated Most Affordable and Best Value
* Accreditation: SACSCOC
* Religious Affiliation: Assemblies of God
* Admission Deadline: May 1 with 44% acceptance rate
* Rate My Professors: 3.7 overall quality rating
* Online Tuition Per Credit: $390
* Degree Credit Hours: 120
Saint Leo University
Bachelor of Arts in Religion. Developed to introduce students to the foundations of the Christian faith who want a well-rounded education in all areas of religious discipline. Will prepare students for a variety of leadership careers in education, ministry, or continuing on to more advanced graduate studies in religion theology. They look to attract students who want to develop character while learning the skills that are necessary to become morally responsible leaders in the community.
Admissions Requirements:
High school diploma or GED
Minister References
Rankings and Facts
* USNWR: Ranked #71 for Best Regional University (South), #51 for Best College for Veterans, and #50 for Best Online Bachelor’s Program
* Online U: Rated Most Affordable and Best Value
* Accreditation: SACSCOC
* Religious Affiliation: Roman Catholic
* Rolling Admissions: 72% acceptance rate
* Rate My Professors: 2.9 overall quality rating
* Online Tuition Per Credit: $535
* Degree Credit Hours: 120
Ohio Christian University
Bachelor of Arts in Leadership and Ministry. Offers four concentrations in Biblical Studies, Pastoral Ministry, Church Planting, and Organizational Leadership. Designed for students who want to become Christian leaders in their community through critical thinking, decision-making, and the ability to communicate the gospel clearly to secular and religious audiences. Looking for students who put faith first while developing intellectually, professionally, and spiritually.
Admissions Requirements
High school diploma or GED
Rankings and Facts
* USNWR: Ranked #62 for Best Regional College (Midwest)
* Online U: Rated Most Affordable
* Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
* Religious Affiliation: Protestant
* Rolling Admissions: 65% acceptance rate
* Rate My Professors: 2.9 overall quality rating
* Online Tuition Per Credit: $415
* Degree Credit Hours: 120
Liberty University
Liberty offers a Bachelor of Science in Biblical and Educational Studies and in Christian Leadership and Management. They also offer four Bachelor of Science in Religion degrees with a focus on Biblical and Theological Studies, Christian Counseling, Christian Ministries, or Evangelism. Programs are designed to develop Christian leaders in a wide variety of careers, including education, pastoral leadership, missions, social services, clergy, communications, counseling, evangelism, and more.
Admissions Requirements:
Minimum 2.0 GPA
Rankings and Facts
* USNWR: Ranked #80 for Best Regional University (South), #58 for Best College for Veterans, and #79 for Best Online Bachelor’s Program
* Online U: No Rating
* Accreditation: SACSCOC
* Religious Affiliation: Southern Baptist
* Rolling Admissions: 20% acceptance rate
* Rate My Professors: 4.1 overall quality rating
* Online Tuition Per Credit: $375
* Degree Credit Hours: 120
Amridge University
Amridge offers a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies and a Bachelor of Science in Ministry/Bible. Both degrees will prepare students for a career as a Bible teacher, youth minister, hospital chaplain, pulpit minister, or other Christian leadership positions. This degree also serves as a gateway to Ambridge’s other advanced online degree programs in ministry, marriage and family therapy, or ministerial leadership. Amridge University offers an extensive array of online resources that all distance learners can access 24/7. This includes video tours, library resources, reading and writing services, online workshops, career services, as well as weekly online chapel services with faculty and staff. The program also offers students the opportunity to obtain university-issued iPads to use as part of the online coursework.
Admissions Requirements:
High School Diploma or GED
Rankings and Facts
* USNWR: Ranked #214 for Best Online Bachelor’s Program
* Online U: Rated Most Affordable and Best Value
* Accreditation:SACSCOC
* Religious Affiliation: Church of Christ
* Rolling Admission: 71% acceptance rate
* Rate My Professors: 3.4 overall quality rating
* Online Tuition Per Credit: $415
* Degree Credit Hours: 128
Southwestern Assemblies of God University
Offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Biblical Studies and Bible and Theology. Students will develop a deeper understanding of Old and New Testament studies, Pentecostal doctrine and history, and build a foundation in church ministry studies. SAGU is a Bible-based institution with a mission to prepare its graduates to fill evangelical leadership roles in local communities, churches, and as missionaries around the world. Online students will also be able to feel connected to the main campus through daily worship, student news, campus sports, seminars, and other student activities via live streaming and video on demand.
Admissions Requirements:
High School Diploma or GED
Rankings and Facts
* USNWR: Tier 2 for Regional Universities West
* Online U: Rated Most Affordable and Best Value
* Accreditation: SACSCOC
* Religious Affiliation: Assemblies of God
* Rolling Admissions: 34% acceptance rate
* Rate My Professors: 3.8 overall quality rating
* Online Tuition Per Credit: $565
* Degree Credit Hours: 126
Regent University
Regent offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biblical and Theological Studies. Students will learn the history of the Bible, understand its context and message, as well as theological developments in Christianity throughout history and through today. The program is designed to prepare students for a professional career in ministry or theology, and can also be used as a stepping stone to advanced degrees in history, theology, and Biblical studies. Founded by Pat Robertson in 1978, the university is dedicated to developing Christian leaders to change the world.
Admissions Requirements:
High School Diploma or GED
Signed Community Life Form
Essay
Rankings and Facts
* USNW: Ranked #11 for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs
* Online U: Rated Most Affordable
* Accreditation: SACSCOC
* Religious Affiliation: Non-Denominational
* Admissions Deadline: July 28 with 80% acceptance rate
* Rate My Professors: 4.0 overall quality rating
* Online Tuition Per Credit: $530
* Degree Credit Hours: 120
Grand Canyon University offers a Bachelor of Arts degree with a choice of specialized areas of study. The Christian Studies track offers an emphasis in Biblical Studies, Worship Leadership, and Youth Ministry. These degrees provide a foundation and understanding of Christian history, philosophy, and theology. Programs will prepare students with the tools needed to enter the ministry as a chaplain’s assistant, mission leader, Christian school teacher, and more. Online classes are flexible and convenient for working adults who are also pursuing a higher education degree. The program is looking for students who have a passion for helping others through ministry and leadership in their community to better address spiritual and secular issues or struggles of those in need.
Admissions Requirements:
Be at least 16 years of age
Rankings and Facts
* USNWR: Tier 2 for Regional Universities West
* Online U: Rated Most Affordable
* Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
* Religious Affiliation: Non-Denominational
* Rolling Admissions: 55% acceptance rate
* Rate My Professors: 3.6 overall quality rating
* Online Tuition Per Credit: $687
* Degree Credit Hours: 120
Wayland Baptist University
Wayland Baptist offers a Bachelor of Christian Ministry (BCM) degree for students who already have a background in ministry or Biblical understanding. This program will help a student grow in their faith while developing academically and professionally. Wayland Baptist is dedicated to offering distance learners an academically challenging program of courses that are presented in a distinctively Christian and professional environment. Online students have a wealth of resources available to them, including library resources, reference materials, and faculty assistance.
* Admissions Requirements:
High School Diploma or GED
Rankings and Facts
* USNWR: Tier 2 for Regional Universities West
* Online U: Rated Most Affordable and Best Value
* Accreditation: SACSCOC
* Religious Affiliation: Southern Baptist Convention
* Rolling Admissions: 97% acceptance rate
* Rate My Professors: 4.0 overall quality rating (virtual campus)
* Online Tuition Per Credit: $525
* Degree Credit Hours: 124
Conclusion:
The best online bachelor’s of religion degree programs offer a unique opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of religious studies and explore diverse theological perspectives, all while accommodating their busy lifestyles. These programs are designed to provide a solid foundation in the study of religion, preparing graduates for careers in ministry, education, counseling, non-profit work, and other fields where a deep understanding of cultural and spiritual contexts is essential.
At CollegeRanker.com, we recognize the importance of providing affordable and accessible education options that allow students to balance their academic and personal lives effectively. Our rankings highlight programs that offer flexible learning formats, including asynchronous courses and hybrid options, which enable students to engage with coursework at their own pace. This flexibility is crucial for non-traditional students, working professionals, and individuals who need to juggle multiple responsibilities.
Quality education is paramount, and we prioritize accredited programs with experienced faculty and a strong academic reputation. These programs offer rigorous curricula that cover a wide range of topics, from biblical studies and theology to world religions and ethics. Students gain critical thinking skills and a deep appreciation for diverse religious traditions, preparing them for a variety of career paths and further academic pursuits.
Our ranking methodology also considers the overall cost of education, including tuition, fees, and available financial aid. We aim to connect students with programs that provide good value for their investment and offer strong career support to ensure graduates are well-prepared for success in their chosen fields.
Choosing one of the best online bachelor’s of religion degree programs can be an excellent way to combine academic learning with practical applications, enabling students to make meaningful contributions to their communities and the broader world. These programs offer an affordable route to an enriching educational experience, fostering intellectual growth and spiritual development. Graduates are well-equipped to take on leadership roles, contribute to social change, and build a fulfilling career grounded in their personal and professional values.
