A Master's in Ministry is a degree that helps professionals cater to their religious communities. Developed first for ministry leaders, this field offers a wide range of career options and valuable challenges to Christian and like-minded students all over the country. Using Biblical teachings and a religious worldview, this degree was created to help usher in the new generation of ethical leaders.
But ministry leaders who are looking for a graduate degree are most likely already working in the field. They need a degree option that gives them flexibility and study options that will make it easier for them to complete a graduate education. They also need affordable choices.
That's where an online degree comes into play. This ranking, which was compiled by using the National Center for Education Statistics and its College Navigator database, narrowed down the field to 40 excellent schools and programs; they all provide hybrid or 100 percent online programs. From the initial pool, 10 were selected on their affordability based on in-state graduate tuition rates. These are listed below in descending order.
Most Affordable Master's in Ministry Online
Explore these promoted online degree programs.
These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online graduate degree programs. Figuring out where to apply? Consider one of these online Master's or PhD programs.
Ranking Low-cost Online Ministry Master's
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Career Options for an Online Master's in Ministry Degree?
The question really should be, what can't someone do with a Master's of Ministry degree?
This graduate offering provides a variety of options for professionals, far too many to go into detail, so here is a list of possible career paths:
Minister
Pastor
Youth Group Leader
Chaplain
Military Chaplain
Social Worker
Executive of a Nonprofit Organization
Professor
Biblical Scholar
Sunday School Teacher
Camp Administrator
Biblical Translator
The list is endless, but the above is a few of the most common career options. Whether working within the church or serving as an ethical layperson, a master's in ministry offers professionals the chance to chase their dreams, regardless of what that may be. The only question is, what will a graduate in this field do with the knowledge that they have?
How Much Can You Earn in this Field?
The field of ministry offers a variety of career options, as evidenced above; it should then stand to reason that salaries will vary as well. The following is a short introduction to possible salaries and it should be noted that these salaries fluctuate and cannot possibly include every career avenue available to graduates of a masters in ministry. The average salary range for all careers spans $28,000 for social workers and ministers to $85,000 for Bible translators and scholars.
Already a professional can see that specialty and experience plays a large role. Bible translators and scholars make a hefty sum based on their understanding of biblical history and languages while ministers and social workers make far less but have more satisfying careers.
But professors of ministry, those who work in seminaries and colleges all over the country, make an average of $95,000. This is because they have developed and obtain a vast amount of religious history and understanding. Additionally, because seminaries tend to be private schools, they can afford to pay their professors far more than their public school counterparts.
It is advised that a student do research on their particular career option to see what salary options are available. They will find that many so-called low paying jobs also provide incredible benefits, such as housing allowances, that may make up the difference for their workload.
What are the Various Disciplines of Ministry?
Ministry requires a great knowledge of several fields, especially at the graduate level. While it could be simple to just lump it into the discipline of religion, the truth is far more comprehensive.
A student of ministry must be facile in religion, this is true. However, they must have a deep understanding of the history, theory, theology, politics, and social issues that surround not only their faith but other faiths as well. This means that students must be prepared to visit all the aspects of all faiths while in school and during their work in the field of ministry.
But it doesn't stop at just religion. Professionals in this field must often face social justice issues, requiring a knowledge of world history, world politics, social issues, social work, sociology, and psychology. Economics and class warfare also play a role and will come up time and again in their work.
Still, their work is not done. Ministry graduates must also understand ethics, philosophy, leadership, anthropology, languages, and cultures. This is because so many work internationally and must understand the cultures which they are surrounded with.
All of these disciplines play a role, but the amount in which they show themselves in someone's career depends on that professional's chosen specialty and career. Whatever role a professional plays, they will have to contend with various disciplines in order to be effective in their position.
What are Some Prerequisites for Entering an Online Graduate Degree in Ministry?
There are few prerequisites for entering an online graduate degree in ministry for public and even most private schools; however, for seminaries, there remain some requirements that must be met before a student is offered placement in a program. For example, regardless of religious affiliation, many seminaries will require some knowledge of biblical teachings for applicants. If none can be found but a student is a viable candidate, they may be required to take introductory courses in the Bible and theology in general; historical context courses are also considered prerequisites.
Some schools, especially seminaries, may also require language prerequisites. These are generally Hebrew and Greek, although Latin is also sometimes required. These are generally required prior to taking on graduate programs because an understanding of these languages is required for translation and research purposes; however, some degrees do require languages as part of their graduate core curriculum.
Many schools do require a demonstration of religious adherence. Many include a personal statement about religion in their application process, while others include a mandatory signature of an honor pledge; this often requires abstinence from drugs, alcohol, and premarital sex. This is a general requirement that students should expect and will come as no surprise to those who are seeking a degree in this field.
Can Work Really Be found in the Layperson Sector?
In a word, yes. It is definitely possible to find work outside of the religious sector, as evidenced above. However, it may be useful to discuss why having such a degree may be useful in the layperson sector.
Businesses, government agencies, and nonprofit agencies are in need of ethical leadership. While they may not be religiously affiliated, having a person on staff that is may be useful when discussing ethical and leadership issues. Students with a graduate degree in ministry are strong advocates for justice in all forms, something that is sorely needed in the layperson sector.
Additionally, many nonprofit organizations that are not religiously affiliated may operate in regions where religion is a large part of the culture. It is useful for them to have ministry leaders or faith-based leaders on their team that understand the cultural differences. It may also make their work easier, as professionals who understand the religious needs of displaced populations may work as better diplomats when working in conflict zones.
Most importantly, however, is the fact that while many professionals in other industries would like to deny the impact of religion, it remains a large part of human culture. Some of the degrees above not only focus on Western religion, but also other religious cultures as well, such as Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam. Understanding the impact of religion on a culture is important, especially in business, as the two are not mutually exclusive in many cultures.
A degree in ministry at the graduate level may not be for everyone, but for professionals that feel their faith is a strong motivator for their career options, it may be the perfect choice. Offering chances to be a valuable voice for everyone from young children to the elderly, this graduate degree provides the perfect combination of faith and professional options. Students who are interested in an online Master's in Ministry should begin their journey to find God's calling for them.
