If you feel called to ministry or maybe desire to serve as a pastor at your local church or in another role helping spread the Good News, pastoral studies is your ultimate path. The great news is, you can earn an associate’s degree in pastoral studies completely online. Online programs offer flexibility and convenience. You can study from anywhere while still working at your job or serving in your church. An online degree in pastoral studies will equip you with a solid biblical and theological foundation to advance your faith and prepare you for ministry roles. Check out these 10 accredited online degrees in pastoral studies and take your first step toward following God’s calling on your life.
What Is a Degree in Pastoral Studies?
A degree in Pastoral Studies an academic program that prepare students for a career in ministry and spiritual leadership, typically within a Christian context. This type of degree often includes courses in theology, biblical studies, pastoral counseling, church administration, and liturgy.
Students can expect to delve into the interpretation and understanding of biblical texts, learn about the history and principles of the Christian faith, and develop practical skills for pastoral care and counseling. They will also often study the role of a pastor in a community, learning about conducting religious services, providing spiritual guidance and support, and managing the administrative and organizational aspects of running a church or ministry.
This degree is typically pursued by those who feel a calling to serve as pastors, ministers, or in other religious leadership roles. It can also be useful for individuals interested in roles such as chaplaincy or religious education.
The goal of this degree program is not only to impart knowledge but also to foster a deeper understanding of faith and spirituality, equipping graduates with the tools to guide others in their spiritual journeys.
What Will I Learn?
You’ll take courses in areas like:
- Biblical studies: Learn about the Old and New Testaments, hermeneutics (how to interpret Scripture), and biblical languages like Greek and Hebrew.
- Theology: Explore Christian beliefs and doctrines, different denominations, and contemporary issues in the church.
- Ministry leadership: Develop skills for organizing ministry programs, managing volunteers, fundraising, and navigating church politics.
- Counseling: Gain insight into helping people through life challenges, crisis situations, spiritual matters, and relationship issues.
Types of Degrees in Pastoral Studies
Top 10 Accredited Online Degrees in Pastoral Studies
A degree in pastoral studies can open up opportunities to serve your faith community. Many Christian colleges and universities offer accredited online programs in pastoral studies, ministry, divinity, and theology. Here are 13 top schools where you can earn a degree in pastoral studies fully online:
1.Huntsville Bible College
Program: AA in Pastoral Ministry
Tuition: 1-11 credit hours $190.00/credit
12-18 credit hours $185.00/ credit
Credits: 67 credits.
Accreditation: The college is accredited by the ABHE.
Ranking: the college is ranked #263 out of 443 National Universities .
Financial aid: Available, with 32% of students receiving financial aid.
Huntsville Bible College has been providing Christian degrees for more than 30 years, preparing students to become effective church leaders. The exciting undergraduate degree programs in pastoral ministry that Huntsville College offers today continue this tradition of excellence in Christian education. These programs are all a part of the college’s modern curricula that are created with value in mind. Numerous classes are available online, on Saturdays, and in the evenings because Huntsville Bible College is aware of the demands of today’s students. Convenience and cost-effectiveness meet at Huntsville Bible College!
2. Oakwood University
Program: B.A in Pastoral Care and Pre-Chaplaincy
Tuition: $9,487 per semister
Credits: 120 credits.
Accreditation: The college is accredited by AAADGCSA
Ranking: the college is ranked #178 in Best Colleges among National Liberal Arts Colleges
Financial aid: Available, with 99% of students receiving financial aid.
The Christian bachelor’s degrees offered by Oakwood University equip future pastors and missionaries with Christ-centered, innovative academic programs that are based on Seventh-day Adventist church tradition and cost-effectively planned. Whether your professional aspirations are in pastoral or evangelical ministry, Bible study and inquiry, or Bible-based education, Oakwood will be a good place for you to complete your Christian undergraduate degree.
3. Campbellsville University
Program: BS in Pastoral Ministries
Tuition: $424/credit hour
Credits: 120 credits.
Accreditation: The university is accredited by the SACSCOC.
Ranking: the college is ranked #88 in Best Colleges in Regional Universities South .
Financial aid: Available, with 100% of students receiving financial aid.
The bachelor’s in pastoral ministries offered online by Campbellsville University will provide you a comprehensive understanding of ministry study and prepare you to lead others in Christ in the future. The program covers topics like pastoral care, missiology, church history, biblical studies, and evangelism in-depth.
4.Brescia University
Program: BA in Theology with Emphasis in Pastoral Studies
Tuition: $450/credit hour
Credits: 128 credits.
Accreditation: The university is accredited by the SACSCOC.
Ranking: the college is ranked #35 Best Colleges is Regional Universities South .
Financial aid: Available, with 89% of students receiving financial aid.
The BA in Theology program at Brescia University has a core emphasis on pastoral studies. This online ministry program has been acknowledged as a best value institution. students can complete the 128-credit unit requirement at Brescia University in roughly two years thanks to the university’s accelerated structure. Students leave school prepared for a wide range of careers, including those as a Deacon, Teacher, Director of Religious Education, Youth Minister, or Pastoral Minister.
5.Nazarene Bible College
Program: B.A.Ministries degree with a Pastoral Leadership major
Tuition: $199/credit hour
Credits: 128 credits.
Accreditation: The university is accredited by the ABHE.
Ranking: the college is ranked #2081 of 2,496 in the entire united states .
Financial aid: Available, with 38% of students receiving financial aid.
The BA in Ministry with pastoral program at Nazarene Bible College is the ultimate level of convenience and cost. The BA in Ministry is everything future church leaders, missionaries, and pastors are looking for in a top-notch Christian bachelor’s degree today, and it’s priced significantly below the state average among programs of a similar nature in Colorado. It’s also offered as a fully online course of study, can be customized with your choice of seven concentrations, and is fully accredited.
6.Trinity College of Florida
Program: Bachelor of Arts Ministry Major Pastoral Ministry Concentration
Tuition: $510/credit hour
Credits: 123 credits.
Accreditation: The university is accredited by the ABHE.
Ranking: The college is ranked #38 in Best Colleges in National Liberal Arts Colleges .
Financial aid: Available, with 98% of students receiving financial aid.
Hone your preaching and pastoral care talents through this major in ministry which equips students with the intellectual and professional skills required for service. You will be prepared to teach biblical knowledge in a professional setting so that you can begin a career in pastoral ministry with:
- Professional readiness to deliver Biblical knowledge
- Well-articulated Christian world view of life and ministry
- Ministry-ready professional skills in the area of his or her concentration
- Southeastern University
Program: Pastoral Accelerator Program (Both a bachelor’s degree in ministry and a Master of Divinity)
Tuition: $399/credit hour
Accreditation: The university is accredited by the SACSCOC.
Ranking: the college is ranked #27 of 100 Best Colleges for Religious Studies in America.
Financial aid: Available, with 97% of students receiving financial aid.
The greatest approach to develop into the kind of compassionate and valuable servant leader the local church most needs is to earn both of these degrees coupled with extensive, practical experience. When you leave SEU, you will be ready to serve the Kingdom and influence the next generation for Christ. The best part? This innovative curriculum will help you save time and money.
8. Regent University
Program: M.A. in Pastoral Counseling
Tuition: $615/credit hour
Credits: 30 credits.
Accreditation: The university is accredited by the SACSCOC.
Ranking: the college is ranked #369 out of 439 National Universities .
Financial aid: Available, with 100% of students receiving financial aid.
The non-licensure M.A. in Pastoral Counseling will provide you with biblically based counseling methods to assist people in making decisions and dealing with crises, whether you are a pastor, nonprofit executive, or looking to add counseling skills to your work in another industry.
9. Manhattan Christian College
Program: BA in Bible and Leadership & Christian Ministry with an emphasis in Pastoral Ministry
Tuition: $495/per credit hour
Credits: 124 credits.
Accreditation: The university is accredited by the HLC and ABHE.
Ranking: the college is ranked #16 Best in Regional Universities North .
Financial aid: Available, with 57% of students receiving financial aid.
In the 90 years of Manhattan Christian College, hundreds of pastors have graduated. MCC’s pastoral emphasis is the best choice for you if you desire to pastor a church in the future or start a new church someday. The curriculum will be customized according to your area of interest. Very convenient, right?
10.Kansas Christian College
Program: Bachelor of Arts in Leadership and Ministry (Pastoral Ministry emphasis)
Tuition: $400/credit hour
Credits: 120 credits.
Accreditation: The university is accredited by the HLC and ABHE.
Ranking: the college is ranked #68-74 in Best Regional Colleges Midwest .
Financial aid: Available, with 100% of students receiving financial aid.
The bachelor’s in pastoral ministries offered online by Campbellsville University will provide you a comprehensive understanding of ministry study and prepare you to lead others in Christ in the future. The program covers topics like pastoral care, missiology, church history, biblical studies, and evangelism in-depth.
Why Earn an Online Degree in Pastoral Studies?
There are several benefits to consider:
Flexibility and convenience.
An online program allows you to study from anywhere on your own schedule. You can balance your education with work, family, and ministry obligations. No commuting to class means less hassle and more time for what really matters.
Low cost.
Online degrees are often more affordable than traditional on-campus programs. You’ll save money on housing, transportation, and other living expenses. Many schools also offer scholarships, grants, and other financial aid for distance learners.
Learn practical skills.
A degree in pastoral studies will equip you with useful knowledge and abilities for ministry work. You’ll study topics like counseling, homiletics (preaching), hermeneutics (biblical interpretation), and church leadership. Hands-on courses teach you how to apply your learning in real-world settings.
Opportunities for growth.
Earning a degree, even an associate’s, demonstrates your commitment to lifelong learning and personal growth. It can open up more opportunities for career advancement and higher pay. You’ll build connections with instructors and peers that may lead to mentoring relationships or job offers down the road.
Make a bigger impact.
With the skills and credibility gained from your degree, you’ll be better prepared to serve your congregation and community. You can take on more responsibility with confidence and help more people along their spiritual journey. An education in pastoral studies allows you to advance your faith and spread its influence.
What is the difference between chaplaincy and pastoral studies?
What careers can I pursue with a Pastoral Studies degree?
Graduates may become pastors, ministers, or church administrators. They may also work as chaplains in hospitals, military bases, or prisons. Some may choose to work in religious education as teachers or counselors.
Is a degree in Pastoral Studies necessary to become a pastor?
While it’s not always required, many churches prefer or even require their pastors to have formal theological education. A Pastoral Studies degree can provide a solid foundation in biblical studies, theology, and practical ministry skills.
How long does it take to earn a degree in Pastoral Studies?
This depends on the degree level and the specific program. An Associate’s degree typically takes two years, a Bachelor’s four years, and a Master’s two years beyond the Bachelor’s. However, many programs offer part-time or accelerated options that can alter this timeline.
Can I pursue further education after entry Pastoral Studies degree?
Yes, some students choose to pursue further education such as a Master’s of Divinity or a Doctorate in Ministry after earning their Bachelor’s in Pastoral Studies.
Is Pastoral Studies only for those who want to be pastors?
While many students in Pastoral Studies do aspire to be pastors, the degree can also prepare students for other roles in ministry, counseling, or religious education.
