Theology Degrees

Our theology degrees offer an in-depth exploration of religious beliefs, practices and their impact on today’s world. Prepare to gain knowledge of historical and philosophical aspects of various religions. This academic path can prepare you for careers in religious institutions, academia or other fields that value critical thinking and a deep understanding of diverse worldviews.

Gain Skills and Competencies Valued in Religious Leaders and Professionals

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. 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.

$79,930

Median annual wage for postsecondary philosophy and religion teachers as of May 20231

$58,920

Median annual wage for clergy as of May 20232

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

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.

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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.

Now Available
Scholarship for Aspiring Pastors

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

Male pastor reading Bible with two female students outside of GCU Chapel

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

Choose From Evening, Campus or Online Theology Degrees

GCU offers campus, evening or online theology degrees, letting you decide which format best fits your lifestyle and educational goals. Regardless of which format you choose, you can always count on the support of our experienced faculty and resources.

GCU’s Commitment to Affordable Education

Theology student sitting with Bible

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

Approx. $130 million

In scholarships for online students in 2023

Approx. $180 million

In scholarships received by campus students in 2023

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

Browse our theology bachelor's degree options below to discover your ideal program that can empower you to make a meaningful impact.

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Master’s Degrees

GCU offers different master’s degrees in theology that can guide you in creating a deeper relationship with God as you pursue your calling.

Master's student sitting with laptop holding up lopes sign

Theology Certificates

Earning a theology certificate can be an excellent opportunity to enhance your knowledge and skills while demonstrating your commitment to the field.

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Career Paths With a Theology Degree

A theology degree can prepare you for a variety of career paths beyond traditional religious roles. You may explore opportunities in religious education, teaching religious studies or philosophy. Critical thinking skills and an understanding of cultural contexts gained from a theology degree may also be highly applicable to various other sectors. Wherever your calling takes you, a theology degree can help supplement your passion for God.

Male pastor speaking with people in congregation during a GCU chapel service

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Seminary degrees are typically 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.

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.

A degree in ministry would be more suitable if you’re looking to become a pastor. Ministry programs focus on developing pastoral leadership, whereas degrees 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 master's degrees 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.

You may find yourself exploring careers such as a postsecondary teacher of philosophy or religion — which does require a master’s degree — 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. We offer 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.

Outside entrance of GCU's College of Theology on campus

1 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Postsecondary Philosophy and Religion Teachers, as of May 2023, retrieved Sept. 18, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 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 2023, retrieved Sept. 18, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 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 food and housing.

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