Theology Degrees

Explore Biblical and Theological Studies Within Religious Degrees

Grand Canyon University offers different types of theology degrees that can teach you the educational background needed to pursue a career in a church or other religious organization. Answer your calling and turn your passion into a potential career by earning a bachelor’s degree in worship arts or Christian studies — or advance your theology education even further by pursuing a master’s degree in theology, such as the Master of Divinity or Master of Arts in Christian Leadership degree. GCU also offers online and on-campus theology certificate programs in areas such as Christian theology and biblical foundations.

$78,780

Median annual wage for postsecondary philosophy and religion teachers as of May 20221

$55,550

Median annual wage for clergy as of May 20222

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Earn your theology degree to take the first step toward your future career.

Gain Skills and Competencies Valued in Religious Leaders and Professionals

Graduates of GCU’s Christian studies and theology degree programs are professionals with degrees that are backed by a passion for God’s love and teachings. As a GCU College of Theology student, you will be taught valuable knowledge and to apply critical skills needed to become a modern religious leader.

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Accelerate Your Path To Becoming a Pastor

GCU provides you with an opportunity to pursue your pastoral calling in a timely manner, offering an accelerated timeline to earning your MDiv degree.

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Scholarship for Aspiring Pastors

As part of GCU’s commitment to affordable education, students in GCU’s accelerated bachelor’s to MDiv degree program can apply for the Barnabas Scholarship to help accelerate their path to ministry.3

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Accredited and Respected Theology Degrees From GCU

Theology degrees at GCU can prepare you to become a well-rounded graduate by providing you with a quality, accredited education.

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Evening, Campus and Online Theology Degrees to Fit Your Lifestyle

GCU offers theology degrees on campus, online and in the evening, letting you decide which format best fits your lifestyle and educational goals. Regardless of which format you choose — be it an on-campus Christian studies degree or online theology degree — you can always count on the support of our experienced faculty and resources.

GCU’s Commitment to Affordable Education

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GCU has a mission to make a private, Christian education affordable for all. If you’re an aspiring pastor, explore the Barnabas Scholarship opportunity for those participating in the Barnabas Pastoral Program.3

Types of Theology Degrees at GCU

Whether you’re just starting out in your collegiate journey, or you’re looking to go back to school to further your career, earning a theology degree from GCU can provide you with a quality biblical and theological studies that you can apply to your spiritual, personal and professional life.

Bachelor’s Degrees in Christian Studies and Theology

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Master’s Degrees in Theology

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Theology Certificates

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Campus and Online Theology Degree Program FAQs

Read through our frequently asked questions to learn more about earning your theology degree and various career options.

Seminaries typically offer graduate programs, which means that students enter seminary after completing undergraduate degree first. In most cases, a student may enter seminary after completing an undergraduate degree in any academic field. Upon entering seminary, students complete a master’s degree such as a Master of Divinity (MDiv) or a Master of Arts (MA) degree.

Traditionally, a divinity degree can prepare you for ministry and pastoral leadership roles in the church. A theology degree covers various aspects of religion and can empower you to pursue other careers, such as teaching religion or spreading God’s Word, and to apply your knowledge of religion in other occupational settings. In many cases, these terms are used interchangeably. For example, a Master of Divinity (MDiv) can prepare you for church-based ministry, but it also entails theological studies and may equip you to pursue several other career pathways including teaching, evangelism outside the church, or service within an occupational setting.

Studying theology can not only provide you with the opportunity to explore Christianity, but can also increase your understanding of different religious beliefs from around the world. This can provide you with the ability to apply practices that shape the world we live in. Learn more about the benefits and impact of Christian culture when students choose to study theology.

An undergraduate online theology degree will typically require 120 credits. Completing your theology degree online can be a great option if you are looking to pursue a career in the church spreading God’s Word while also earning your degree in a format that fits your lifestyle.

A degree in ministry would be more suitable if you’re looking to become a pastor. Ministry programs focus on developing pastoral leadership, whereas a degree in theology can provide you with a deeper exploration of religious concepts, practices and knowledge.

Whether you are qualified to teach with a theology degree is ultimately dependent of the requirements of the educational institution you wish to teach at. While degrees such as a master's degree in theology can equip you with the background and knowledge needed to teach at any level, you may need to acquire additional teaching credentials, such as a doctorate degree to teach at higher education institutions. Universities typically require additional specialized education, research and experience.

With a Christian studies degree, you may find yourself exploring careers such as a postsecondary teacher of philosophy or religion, or a director of religious activities and education. While the requirements will ultimately depend on that organization, some may require an advanced degree such as a doctorate to be able to teach at the university level. GCU offers a multitude of emphases that can help you start down this path, such as a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies with an Emphasis in Global Ministry or youth ministry, so you can choose a program of study that aligns with your interests and career goals.

1 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Postsecondary Philosophy and Religion Teachers, as of May 2022, retrieved on Dec. 27, 2023. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2022 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as postsecondary philosophy and religion teachers, nor does it reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc., against a pool of candidates.

2 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Clergy, as of May 2022, retrieved on Dec. 27, 2023. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2022 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as clergy, nor does it reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc., against a pool of candidates.

3 The Barnabas Pastoral Scholarship will be used to cover your GCU tuition expenses in your fifth year of enrollment. This scholarship has no cash value and cannot be used for room and board.

Grand Canyon University's theology degrees offer the flexibility you need to get ahead, providing a quality education to help you thrive in today's complex world.

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