Master’s in Religious Studies Online

<a href="https://www.onlinemasterscolleges.com/masters-in-religious-studies-online/">Religious Studies</a>

College Name & Address	Tuition	Graduation Rate
#1 Covenant Theological Seminary 12330 Conway Road, Saint Louis, Missouri 63141	$14,560	NA
#2 Regent University 1000 Regent University Dr, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23464	$15,590	62%
#3 Denver Seminary 6399 S. Santa Fe Drive, Littleton, Colorado 80120	$11,610	NA
#4 Dallas Theological Seminary 3909 Swiss Ave, Dallas, Texas 75204	$17,903	NA
#5 Western Seminary 5511 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, Oregon 97215	$14,808	NA
#6 Drew University 36 Madison Ave, Madison, New Jersey 07940	$19,440	74%
#7 Campbellsville University 1 University Dr, Campbellsville, Kentucky 42718	$8,473	36%
#8 Carolina College of Biblical Studies 817 South McPherson Church Road, Fayetteville, North Carolina 28303	$5,040	33%
#9 South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary 2200 SW 10th Street, Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442	$5,310	NA
#10 Liberty University 1971 University Blvd, Lynchburg, Virginia 24515	$7,847	62%
#11 Graceland University-Lamoni 1 University Place, Lamoni, Iowa 50140	$10,970	47%
#12 Crown College 8700 College View Drive, Saint Bonifacius, Minnesota 55375	$10,350	61%
#13 New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary 3939 Gentilly Blvd, New Orleans, Louisiana 70126	$6,750	59%
#14 Holy Apostles College and Seminary 33 Prospect Hill Road, Cromwell, Connecticut 06416	$4,500	50%
#15 Criswell College 4010 Gaston Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75246	$9,450	63%
#16 Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary 120 S. Wingate Street, Wake Forest, North Carolina 27587	$5,472	51%
#17 Columbia International University 7435 Monticello Rd, Columbia, South Carolina 29203	$10,710	62%
#18 Iliff School of Theology 2323 E. Iliff Ave., Denver, Colorado 80210	$19,824	NA
#19 Fordham University 441 E Fordham Rd, Bronx, New York 10458	$23,112	83%
#20 Chicago Theological Seminary 1407 E. 60th Street, Chicago, Illinois 60637	$24,696	NA

Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available

The Master’s in Religious Studies online focuses on religious traditions, given the contemporary and global issues. It helps students understand international relations and economic and political aspects and encourages conversations not limited to the boundaries of the discipline. Most online religious studies degrees range from 30 to 36 credits, depending on the program’s requirements and delivery mode. The non-denominational program pattern provides students an environment to learn and explore religious studies in neutral settings. The program is offered online and in person. Some programs also provide a blended mode of online and offline. The curriculum would include core, focus area, elective, and capstone courses. The degree program would slightly differ depending on whether students choose a thesis or non-thesis track.

1. Thesis-based curriculum – prepares the students to pursue further education like a doctoral degree in religious studies, or seek employment in research-related careers.
2. Non-thesis-based curriculum – prepares students who want to develop a career based on leadership, work in faith-based communities and non-profit organizations, and improve their skills to seek opportunities in other fields related to religion. 

Curriculum and Skills Gained in Masters in Religious Studies Online Programs

A masters in religious studies online degree typically requires 30 to 36 credits. Some basic core subjects are compulsory for all students to take up. Besides these core courses, students must choose elective and capstone courses and complete projects and assignments to meet the religious studies master’s requirements. Some programs require a thesis to be completed; students must meet additional requirements in such cases. Most programs have similar religious studies courses, some of which include but are not limited to:

Seminar in Biblical Studies

This course explores advanced exploration of biblical texts, emphasizing critical analysis, historical context, and theological implications. Students engage in scholarly discussions, research, and presentations, honing their skills in interpreting and applying biblical insights to understand sacred scriptures in a contemporary context comprehensively.

Seminar on the History of Religion

The Seminar on the History of Religion in the master’s program offers a comprehensive study of religious evolution across cultures and epochs. Students critically examine religious movements, doctrinal shifts, and societal impacts, fostering a nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between faith, culture, and history.

Advanced Study of Jesus, Muhammed, and Buddha

The Advanced Study of Jesus, Muhammad, and Buddha in the master’s program delves into an in-depth comparative analysis of the lives, teachings, and historical contexts of these central figures in Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism. Students explore the theological, cultural, and philosophical dimensions, fostering a nuanced understanding of diverse religious traditions.

Christian Origins: Introduction to New Testaments

This course provides a foundational exploration of the New Testament scriptures. Through critical analysis, historical context, and theological reflection, students gain insights into the origins of Christian beliefs, examining key texts and their significance in shaping the early Christian community.

Grace, Christ, and Spirit

The course “Grace, Christ, and Spirit” examines theological concepts central to Christian faith. Exploring the interplay between divine grace, the significance of Christ, and the role of the Holy Spirit, students gain a comprehensive understanding of foundational doctrines that shape Christian theology and spirituality.

Some of the core courses in a Master’s in Religious Studies program may include:

• Church, Sacraments, and Liturgy
• Introduction to Practical Theology
• Spirituality, Morality, and Ethics
• Curriculum Development
• Foundations of Religious Education
• Pastoral and Educational Praxis
• Religious Education Across the Curriculum
• Catechetical Leadership
• Foundations of Youth and Young Adult Ministry
• Digital Media and Ministry
• Jewish Roots of Christian Faith: Introduction to Old Testament

When students graduate with their online master’s in religious studies degree, they will be geared up to take responsible roles in education and academics. Based on their knowledge and skills garnered throughout the program, they can showcase their abilities in their various roles. Some of the skills graduates would use will be their ability to:

• demonstrate adaptive thinking to make judgments and critically think about the problems occurring within different religious settings;
• use the necessary creative thinking skills to design solutions to problems;
• organize and administer religious-based activities effectively in a culturally sensitive manner;
• display skills of collaboration that would entail a respectful exchange of knowledge and ideas to enrich opinions and resolution of conflict;
• use leadership skills in various institutions related to religions or faith-based organizations and display flexibility and active imagination to lead religion-based institutions for the betterment of society;
• demonstrate high standards of professionalism associated with achieving success in the field of religion and beyond;
• demonstrate profound comprehension of religion-related philosophy as well as reflective practice;
• use their knowledge to create a diverse and balanced curriculum for religious education;
• use effective communication skills to express thoughts verbally and in writing, articulate thoughts, build relationships, debate reasoning, and work with people to apply the knowledge learned in the field of religion; and
• organize and collaborate with different stakeholders in the field of religion to show cooperation with others and support those with different viewpoints and ideologies.

Masters in Religious Studies Online Degree Types

There is largely one type of online religious studies master, which is a Master of Arts or MA in religious studies online. However, several related masters in religious degrees are available, like the Master of Divinity Online and Masters in Theology Online.

Specializations in Masters in Religious Studies Online Programs

Choosing a specialization at a master’s level will help students hone their skills and broaden their knowledge base in addition to their regular studies. A specialization benefits students, helping them get a better salary package, industry recognition, and expertise. It makes them industry leaders in their respective fields, giving them better chances at employment. Here are some religious studies specializations students can consider:

Area of Specialization	Description
Indigenous Religions	In this specialization, students learn to demarcate the religious belief systems of different communities described as “indigenous.” Students learn about various belief systems across America, Asia, Africa, Australia, and other regions.
Islam	In this specialization, students engage in religious institutions, different texts, and devotional life in Islam. It is an interdisciplinary field where students understand various aspects of Islam.
Judaism	In this specialization, students study the ancient and foundational sacred texts of Judaism in their context of history. They learn observances, culture, politics, Jewish rituals, learning, and foodways.
Religion in the Ancient Near East and the Mediterranean	In this specialization, students focus primarily on the religions found in the ancient Mediterranean. This would also include those that have originated and developed in the civilizations of ancient Rome and Greece.
Religion in Asia	This specialization focuses on the academic study of South Asian religions and various nuances across communities and sections of society.
Religion in the U.S.A	This specialization takes an interdisciplinary approach to focus on practices, religious ideas, movements, and institutions in the United States. Students focus on American religious history and identify the central trends and themes.
Performance and Ritual	This specialization exposes students to the theories of performance and ritual in religious and non-religious contexts. It compares contexts to understand the different common structures and differentiate religious from non-religious.
Religious Ethics	This specialization focuses on religion’s meaning, validity, merits, and the order of ecosystems and societies. It addresses several problems related to justice, the good life, and the common good.

Timeline for graduating from Masters in Religious Studies Online Programs

An online master of religious studies can be completed in two years if students choose full-time study. However, it is worth noting that the program’s duration might also depend on many factors like the chosen electives, curriculum, capstone, thesis or non-thesis coursework, concentration, whether classes are synchronous or asynchronous, etc. Students have the option to complete the master on either full-time or part-time:

1. Full-time: A full-time master’s requires two years to complete, depending on the program and institution.
2. Part-time: A part-time master’s would take between two and four years to complete. It is suitable for students who have family obligations or full-time jobs.

An accelerated master’s degree is an option given to students to complete the requirements of their master’s degree in less calendar time than required. These programs give students the flexibility and speed to satisfy requirements and could be cost-saving. Some colleges combine a bachelor’s and master’s degree that students can complete in 4+1 years instead of the usually required 4+2 years. Some examples of accelerated masters in religious studies online include those offered by Missouri State University¹ and George Mason University².

Masters in Religious Studies Online Programs Admission Requirements

Online religious studies masters have requirements for prospective students to be admitted to this program. Each institution has different requirements, depending on the program in question. Here are the most common masters in religious studies online admission requirements:

• Online application
• Fees of application form
• Graduate degree from an accredited college (minimum GPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0)
• Official transcripts from all academic organizations attended
• A Graduate Résumé
• A Statement of Purpose or Personal Statement
• Two or more letters of reference
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores (required by some schools)

Note: The GRE may be waived for applicants already holding a graduate degree.

Graduates applying for master’s programs must take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and submit their test scores when enrolling. However, some institutions waive this requirement under specific circumstances. For example, students with a higher GPA than most may not be required to submit their GRE scores. Examples of universities offering masters in religious studies online with no GRE programs include:

• The University of Iowa (UI)³
• Penn Arts and Sciences⁴

Accreditation for Masters in Religious Studies Online Programs

Higher educational institutions undergo an elaborate validation process to meet strict educational standards. This process is known as accreditation. A few private and independent organizations review academic programs and institutions to establish whether they meet their high standards. Ideally, students pursuing a master’s should always apply only to accredited masters in religious studies colleges. Many employers prefer students who have completed their degrees from accredited programs and universities. Some of the accrediting bodies in the United States are:

• New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

Additionally, the Association for Biblical Higher Education⁵ is recognized by the Department of Education in the U.S. as an agency of national and specialized institutional accreditation. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation⁶ also recognizes it as an accrediting agency for institutions preparing students for Christian ministry through church vocation, biblical, and general studies.

To understand more about accreditation, read the Accreditation Guide.

Several institutions and online platforms offer free Master’s in Religious Studies online courses. Such courses help students enhance their knowledge but cannot be used as a replacement for regular accredited master’s degree courses. Here are some free courses for religious studies masters students to explore:

Course	Provided by	Description
Philosophy, Science, and Religion: Philosophy and Religion7	Coursera	This course helps students familiarize themselves with relevant areas of science, including evolution, cosmology, and neurosciences. Students engage with these areas conceptually. The course also encounters critical philosophical approaches between religion and science in a cross-disciplinary manner.
World Religions Through Their Scriptures8	edX	This course helps individuals interpret the roles world religions have played in recent times and throughout history. It helps them appreciate the internal diversity and evolution of different religions of the world.
Religion, Conflict, and Peace9	Harvard University	This course provides the tools to interpret the roles religions play in creating conflicts in the contemporary world. It helps students understand how religions are embedded in different human cultures and how internally diverse the world’s religions are.

After earning an online master’s in religious studies, graduates work in various occupations as managers, administrators, teachers, and so on. They can work in diverse religion-based institutions, non-profit organizations dealing with religious matters, governmental agencies, and community centers. 

Apart from teaching and administrative positions, other roles religious studies online masters graduates can take up include:

• Community and Social Service Specialists
• Clergy
• Religious Activities Directors
• Social Service Managers
• Education Activities Directors
• Postsecondary Education Administrators
• Postsecondary Teachers (Religion)
• Community Service Managers 
• Pastoral Leadership
• Children, Youth, and Adult Education Positions
• Other Helping Professions

The list below highlights statistical data by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) on a few employment options available to graduates:

Occupation	Median Annual Salary	Job Growth (up to 2030)	Job Description
Postsecondary Education Administrators12	$99,940	4% (as fast as average)	Postsecondary education administrators oversee student services, faculty research, and academics at universities and colleges.
School and Career Counselors and Advisors13	$60,140	5% (faster than average)	Counselors help students develop academic, social, and other personal development skills. They help people choose the paths to employment and address other concerns.
Social Workers14	$55,350	7% (faster than average)	Religious Social workers are employed in various religion-based settings, including human service agencies, schools, and healthcare providers.
Instructional Coordinators15	$66,490	2% (as fast as average)	Instructional coordinators oversee the curricula and teaching standards of religion-based schools. They develop instructional materials, implement them, and assess their effectiveness.
Postsecondary Teachers16	$80,840	8% (faster than average)	Postsecondary teachers of religion instruct students in different religion-based subjects at and beyond the high school level.

Certifications ensure that educators and other professionals have the necessary skills, knowledge, and abilities to perform their jobs well. A person with a master’s degree may hold positions requiring working with different people, and certifications can assure the public about that professional’s credibility.

An online master in religious studies degree does not provide licensure or certification for students. However, it may qualify graduates for positions in teaching, depending on the requirements of the employers. Every state may have different specific requirements for its educators to meet. Some of the requirements could be but are not limited to:

• An undergraduate degree from an accredited university
• Completion of a particular number of semester hours
• Completion of a set number of semester hours in a particular area within religious studies

Candidates seeking National Board Certification for positions like school counseling or other teaching positions could refer to the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS)¹⁷. They must also check the specific requirements enlisted for certification and licensure, if any, for their particular geographical location.

Masters in religious studies online graduates can benefit from a wide range of resources by enlisting in professional associations. Certification programs, career aids, and industry connections are some of the most common features offered to the members of such associations. One could also look at the available resources to better understand how to work in specific religious setups, learn management tactics, find solutions to problems, and so on. Here are a few resources for students to get started:

1. North American Association for the Study of Religion (NAMSR)  – The North American Association for the Study of Religion (NAMSR) was founded in 1985 to encourage theoretical, comparative, historical, and cognitive approaches to studying religion amongst North American scholars. It represents North American scholars studying religion at international levels and aims to sustain communication between them and their international counterparts.
2. Religious Education Association (REA)  – The Religious Education Association (REA) is an association of practitioners, professors, and researchers in the field of religious education. Members meet and work to advance substantive research, look up practical approaches to religious studies, and fund scholarships for deserving students.  
3. American Academy of Religion (AAR)  -The American Academy of Religion (AAR) is one of the largest scholarly societies dedicated to the field of the academic study of religion. AAR has more than 5,000 members worldwide. It aims to foster excellence and advancement in the academic study of religion and related fields.  
4. Society for the Scientific Study of Religion (SSSR)  – The Society for the Scientific Study of Religion (SSSR) is an interdisciplinary academic association that promotes, stimulates, and builds communication about religious experiences and institutions in social scientific research. It was founded at Harvard University in 1949. Today, it fosters dialogue and collaboration with thousands of scholars from different fields.  
5. Society of Biblical Literature (SBL)  – The Society of Biblical Literature (SBL) is a membership organization with more than 8,000 scholars. It is one of the largest and oldest learned societies devoted to the critical investigation of the bible from varied academic fields. SBL supports scholars doing research and fosters an understanding of the public bible.