Best Online Associate in Theology Programs of 2020

Theology is a broad field that examines the foundations, tenets, and practice of religious beliefs. Students study historical religious texts, scientific evidence of divine existence, and testimonials of spiritual experiences. Theology provides students with the academic background to advocate and preach for a particular religious tradition or to challenge them. Theology can also be a way to examine religious beliefs without reference to any formal religious tradition. If you enjoy debating religious topics and find yourself curious about the nature of divine and spiritual phenomena, an associate degree in theology may be right for you.

What are the best theology programs of 2020? Here are our top 4:

Rank	School	Location
1	Franciscan University of Steubenville	Steubenville, OH
2	Calvary University	Kansas City, MO
3	Concordia University Wisconsin	Mequon, WI
4	Johnson University	Knoxville, TN

2020 Best Accredited Online Associate in Theology Programs

What Can I Do With an Associate in Theology Degree?

CAREER PATHS

A theology degree can be applied to a variety of different career paths that do not directly relate to religious practices. As a discipline in the liberal arts and humanities, theology fosters critical thinking, communication, research, and writing skills. Graduates with an online associate degree in theology are prepared for careers as teachers, journalists, lawyers, program directors, and more. Theology degrees online are useful for students who wish to enter a profession related to religious and spiritual activities or education. Here is a list of possible occupations for individuals with a degree in theology:

Clergy

Clergy are religious leaders who usually preside over religious rituals or oversee religious activities and education. The various roles and names for clergy members vary depending on the specific religious tradition and denomination. Christian religious leaders include pastors, ministers, priests, and bishops. Jewish religious leaders are called rabbi. Clergy members are typically ordained by a specific religious institution, like a Church or Mosque, and work with that institution to teach religious doctrines and practices.

Median Annual Salary: $49,450

Projected Growth Rate: N/A

High School Teacher

High school teachers are responsible for educating students and preparing them for college or the job market. They create lesson plans according to the school district's curriculum and objectives, give lectures, and facilitate preparations for standardized tests. High school teachers must have a bachelor's degree and be licensed by the state to teach certain subjects. An associate degree in theology could be beneficial for those who wish to teach at a religious private school.

Median Annual Salary: $58,030

Projected Growth Rate: 6%

Social and Community Service Managers

Social and community service managers oversee the day-to-day operations of community service organizations, nonprofit organizations, social service companies, and government agencies. They manage volunteers and paid service workers who provide social service programs. This position typically requires a bachelor's degree and some work experience.

Median Annual Salary: $64,680

Projected Growth Rate: 10%

Social Workers

Social workers dedicate their lives to helping individuals, families, and communities with everyday problems. Social workers work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, adoption clinics, non-profit organizations, social service organizations, and mental health institutions. They are often required to have a bachelor's degree in social work. Clinical social workers must also have a master's degree and be licensed by the state in which they work.

Median Annual Salary: $46,890

Projected Growth Rate: 12%

Theology Professor/Theologian

A theologian is a specialist who teaches theology courses and gives lectures. Many theologians are also university professors who conduct research regarding the nature of the divine, publish academic papers, and teach college level courses. Theology professors are required to have a PhD in theology or a similar field.

Median Annual Salary: $75,430

Projected Growth Rate: 13%

EDUCATIONAL PATHS

After obtaining an associate degree in theology, you may want to consider transferring into a bachelor's program. An undergraduate program gives students the opportunity to focus their education, like on Biblical texts. Some professions require a higher degree. Teaching theology or a similar discipline at the college level requires at least a master's degree. If this is something you're interested in, then getting a bachelor's degree is the next step.

• Religious Studies: Religious studies is devoted to investigating and comparing religious beliefs, traditions, history, and institutions. It combines perspectives from a variety of different disciplines such as anthropology, sociology, history, and philosophy to examine religious behavior objectively and contextually, without being partial to any religious tradition.
• Social Work: Social work programs combine social science research and methodology in order to develop programs that help solve social problems. Many social work programs include coursework in other departments like sociology, psychology, economics, and law. Social work encompasses philanthropic efforts without any religious affiliation.
• Philosophy: Philosophy is the investigation of intellectual and social questions concerning existence, reason, knowledge, language, body, and mind. It emphasizes and fosters skills such as critical thinking, rational argument development, and persuasive writing. Coursework may cover topics such as the texts of ancient and contemporary philosophers, logical argument and persuasion, and philosophical paradigms. Philosophers are often university professors, but students with an undergraduate degree in philosophy can be found in various professions, such as law, journalism, and politics.
• Theology: Theology bachelor's programs offer individuals with an associate degree in theology a chance to gain further expertise in the subject. This commonly leads to a teaching career.

ASSOCIATE IN THEOLOGY SALARY

Many specialists in theology may choose to pursue further education and teach at the postsecondary level. The top paying states for postsecondary theology and religion professors are mostly located in the Northeast, with a few exceptions. So if you want to become a theologian, keep an eye out for employment opportunities in the following states:

Top 5 paying states for postsecondary philosophy and religion teachers

State	Median Annual Salary
Rhode Island	$100,070
California	$95,490
Massachusetts	$94,380
New Hampshire	$93,160
Utah	$86,110

Source: Payscale

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

Professional theology organizations are dedicated to promoting engagement in theology and other related fields. Through professional organizations, students meet other professionals in the discipline, participate in theology conferences, receive notifications about theology-related job openings, and discover publication opportunities in theology journals. Conferences hosted by professional organizations are a great outlet to present theological research and learn about pedagogy practices.

• Association of Practical Theology

  The Association of Practical Theology is dedicated to fostering theology education and bridging theological theory with practice. They host their own conference once every two years and a joint session with the American Academy of Religion every year.

• American Academy of Religion

  The AIS is a professional organization that promotes the critical examination of religious beliefs and the influence of religion in society through the development of scholarship and research in religious studies. They host an annual meeting, publish their own journal, and provide employment listings to members.

• Society for the Scientific Study of Religion

  The SSSR is an organization that promotes research about religious beliefs and experiences. The organization facilitates interdisciplinary scholarship on religious topics, welcoming scholars from sociology, psychology, theology, religious studies, gender studies, and other fields. The SSSR hosts an annual meeting and publishes a journal, the Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, which is one of the most cited publications in the field.

Financing Your Online Associate in Theology Program

Many students pursuing an online associate degree in theology are eligible for financial aid. Check with your school to verify if they offer any financial aid programs or scholarships to students in your field. Some schools offer theology specific, merit- or need-based fellowships. Every student should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This allows you to see how much federal aid you're eligible to receive.

Last Updated: June 30, 2020 BACK TO TOP