Online Master Degree in Religious Studies Programs

Divinity, Theology and Religion Degrees by Distance Learning

An online master degree in religious studies, theology and religion programs are designed to prepare learners who have a calling to lead others spiritually and religiously in counseling and ministry.

Online graduate degrees in religious studies also form a basis for an academic study of religion, and continuing education with a focus on earning a PhD in religion, religious studies or other academic discipline.

Online Christian Colleges offering Master Degree in Religious Studies

Grand Canyon University

Online Masters Degree in Religious Studies Programs

Masters in Christian Studies
Masters in Christian Studies - Christian Leadership
Masters in Christian Studies - Pastoral Ministry
Masters in Christian Studies - Urban Ministry
Masters in Christian Studies - Youth Ministry

Liberty University

Online Master Degree Religious Studies Programs

Master of Arts in Christian Leadership
Master of Arts in Discipleship Ministries
Master of Arts in Evangelism and Church Planting
Master of Arts in Human Services - Christian Ministries
Master of Arts in Human Services - Health and Wellness
Master of Arts in Human Services - Marriage and Family
Master of Arts in Marketplace Chaplaincy
Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling
Master of Arts in Religion
Master of Arts in Religion - Biblical Studies
Master of Arts in Religion - Christian Leadership
Master of Arts in Religion - Church Ministries
Master of Arts in Religion - Discipleship Ministries
Master of Arts in Religion - Evangelism and Church Planting
Master of Arts in Religion - Pastoral Counseling
Master of Arts in Religion - Pre-Pastoral
Master of Arts in Religion - Worship Studies
Master of Arts in Theological Studies
Master of Arts in Worship - Ethnomusicology
Master of Arts in Worship Studies
Master of Arts in Worship Studies - Church Planting
Master of Religious Education
Master of Sacred Theology
Master of Divinity
Master of Divinity - Leadership
Master of Divinity - Biblical Studies
Master of Divinity - Chaplaincy
Master of Divinity - Chaplaincy - 93 Hour
Master of Divinity - Church Ministries
Master of Divinity - Evangelism and Church Planting
Master of Divinity - Missional Studies
Master of Divinity - Pastoral Counseling
Master of Divinity - Pastoral Ministries
Master of Divinity - Pastoral/Preaching
Master of Divinity - Professional Studies
Master of Divinity - Theological Studies
Master of Divinity - Theology and Apologetics
Master of Divinity - Worship Studies
Master of Religion in Intercultural Studies

Find universities that offer online masters degrees in Religion and Theology programs >>>

Online Masters in Religion: Christian or Academic Focus?

While online master degree in religious studies come in different specializations designed to educate in various aspects of religion, most religioud degrees have a strong focus on Christianity. Most masters degree in religious studies include course studies like Old Testament History, New Testament History, issues in interpretation, Christian theology, Jesus, the Ministry of the Holy Spirit, and other Christian topics.

General online religious studies programs or studies of religions other than Christianity tend to be more scholarly in their approach and offer a wider range of subject matter incorporating various religions. Secular religion degrees may include several fields of study, such as Buddhist studies, Jewish studies, Islamic studies or the more general Modern Religious Thought, Ethics & Philosophy. These programs are ideal for students who seek a more academic understanding of each religion and its role in society, in contrast to the more ministry-driven religion degrees offered by Christian schools.

An online master of divinity degree with an emphasis in Missional Leadership, for example, prepares students to lead missions to educate and help disadvantaged populations. Learners who complete online graduate degrees in religious studies in Missional Leadership may travel overseas to deliver aid and teach Christian worship and theology. An online master of divinity degree with an emphasis in Pastoral Counseling, might prepare students to work within their own ministry at home and offer counseling based on Christian theology.

Salaries and Careers for Masters in Religious Studies Degree Graduates

Many types of opportunities and work environments exist with a masters degree on religion, from ministering to leading missions overseas. Those who earn a campus or an online masters in religion often go on to become pastors, Christian educators and missionaries, or use their religion degrees to provide counseling and minister to parishioners in other ways.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median wage for clergy members employed by religious organizations in 2009 was $46,550. Clergy employed in hospitals and home health care services have a similar median wage, while clergy in nursing care facilities have a median salary of $41,860. The salary for mission leaders varies widely as many missions are led by volunteer and not-for-profit organizations.

Peopler who choose more secular programs and go on to academic opportunities typically work in college settings as professors. The average wage for professors in 2009 was $76,147, with associate professors coming in at $63,827 and assistant professors earning $45,977.

Anthropologists who earn a masters of religion may be employed by the government, by colleges or by specific organizations whose goal is to research certain locations or fields of study. Anthropologists employed by colleges and private organizations had a median income of $53,910 in 2008. Anthropologists employed by the Federal Government had an average salary of $88,302 in 2009.