Master of Divinity Online Program

Why Choose Liberty University’s John W. Rawlings School of Divinity for Your Online Doctoral Degree?

You may be considering a doctoral degree from John W. Rawlings School of Divinity because of your devotion to God and the teachings of Christ. Whether you are an educator reaching the minds of a new generation of Christians, a scholar reaching people through your powerful writing, or a church leader looking for ways to advance and sharpen your ministry skills, you will find an online doctoral program here at Liberty University.

Taught by renowned professors and church leaders, our courses are designed to give you the academic and practical applications you need to be an effective leader in the Christian faith.


Doctoral Degrees That Work with Your Schedule

Our online doctoral degrees in religious studies are available 100% online. This provides the convenience of pursuing your degree while remaining active in your family, career, and community. You can complete your assignments from the comfort of home and easily access your course materials whenever you need them.


John W. Rawlings School of Divinity Doctoral Degree Programs

Applied Apologetics (PhD)*

Liberty University’s 100% online PhD in Applied Apologetics degree program can equip you with the skills needed to answer the challenges that churches face worldwide. This 51-credit-hour degree can help prepare you to write on apologetic topics, pursue job opportunities in higher education, or work within parachurch apologetic organizations.

This program can help prepare you for university-level teaching and advanced roles in ministry. Our PhD can help equip you to serve as a Christian scholar in various contexts and settings.

PhD in Applied Apologetics Degree Format

  • 100% online
  • 51 total hours

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Bible Exposition (PhD)*

Liberty University’s 100% online PhD in Bible Exposition degree program can provide you with exegetical and expositional skills for the interpretation of Scripture, coupled with biblical-theological awareness and hermeneutical sensitivity, for the scholarly enhancement of ministerial practice. 

This program can help prepare you for university-level teaching and advanced roles in ministry. Our PhD can help equip you to serve as a world-impacting Christian scholar, whether in the church or in an academic institution. 

PhD in Bible Exposition Degree Format

  • 100% online
  • 60 total hours

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Christian Leadership (EdD)

Liberty’s Doctor of Education (EdD) in Christian Leadership online degree program is designed to prepare and equip you with research, teaching, management, and leadership competencies for executive-level leadership roles.

As a praxis program connecting theology, leadership and educational theory, and the practice of Christian leadership, the EdD in Christian Leadership will allow you to propose, implement, and assess a program, process, or product within the context of a field setting.

EdD in Christian Leadership Degree Format

  • 100% online
  • 54 total hours

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Christian Leadership (PhD)*

Liberty University’s 100% online Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Christian Leadership is designed to help you become a leader in Christian education, local churches, parachurch ministries, and nonprofit work.

This program places an emphasis on scholarly, empirical research with the goal of helping you develop effective solutions to challenges in Christian leadership. As part of the PhD program, you’ll complete a dissertation – giving you an opportunity to contribute to the body of knowledge in your field.

PhD in Christian Leadership Degree Format

  • 100% online
  • 60 total hours

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Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Liberty University’s 100% online Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degree program was created to advance and sharpen your ministry skills by providing you with a deeper understanding of biblical principles and strategies so you can serve in a variety of pastoral roles.

You will have the opportunity to interact with an array of well-known church leaders and increase your understanding of the purpose and goals of ministry through our Doctor of Ministry program.

Doctor of Ministry Degree Format

  • 100% online
  • 30 total hours

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Practical Theology (PhD)*

Liberty’s online PhD in Practical Theology degree program is designed to prepare you to conduct theological research and use it to address ministry-related problems. You can learn how to apply theological understanding and inquiry to meet the practical, real-world needs of Christian communities.

This program can help equip you to take theological ideas beyond the realm of academic study and apply them to every aspect of Christian thought, worship, and life.

PhD in Practical Theology Degree Format

  • 100% online
  • 51 total hours

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Master of Theology (ThM)

Liberty University’s 100% online Master of Theology (ThM) is a postgraduate degree that provides additional training beyond the Master of Divinity degree in preparation for full-time Christian service.

Through coursework, scholarly research, and logical and critical writing, the ThM can give you advanced preparation for those called to serve in theological education or those planning to pursue degree programs at the doctoral level.

Online Master of Theology Degree Format

  • 100% online
  • 30 total hours

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Executive Certificate in Bible Exposition

This 100% online postgraduate certificate is designed to provide you with a standalone credential in Bible exposition or the first 21 credits towards your PhD in Bible Exposition. Gain the training you need to advance in your career while preparing for a doctorate.

Throughout this certificate, you will receive guidance from professors who can help you grow in your faith and improve your ministry while furthering your education.

Executive Certificate in Bible Exposition Format

  • 100% online
  • 21 total hours

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Executive Certificate in Christian Leadership

This 100% online postgraduate certificate is designed to provide you with training that prepares you to lead Christian organizations. Additionally, this certificate is designed so that you can transfer all 21 credits from your certificate and use them toward your EdD in Christian Leadership

Throughout this certificate, you will engage with professors who are experts in leadership and ministry and are excited to partner with you as you pursue your certificate.

Executive Certificate in Christian Leadership 

  • 100% online
  • 21 total hours

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Postgraduate Certificate in Chaplaincy

Our Postgraduate Certificate in Chaplaincy is a 9-credit-hour program designed to prepare you with in-demand chaplaincy skills. If you aren’t ready for a Doctor of Ministry in Chaplaincy, you can begin with our postgraduate certificate and then roll your credits into your DMin in Chaplaincy.

Throughout this certificate, you will take courses that delve into topics like practical theology of chaplaincy, strategic leadership, and ethics for chaplain leaders.


Postgraduate Certificate in Chaplaincy Format

  • 100% online
  • 9 total hours

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What Are the Benefits of an Online Doctoral Degree from Liberty University?

Our online degree programs offer students great benefits, including:

  • We are recognized by multiple institutions for our academic quality, affordability, and accessibility. Our commitment to excellence also helped us rank in the top 10% of Niche.com’s best online schools in America. Earning your online doctoral degree from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.

  • The majority of tuition for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs has not increased in 9 years. While many other online colleges have raised tuition, Liberty has been able to keep costs low as a non-profit university. 
  • We have a set block rate of $2,750 per semester if you take 7 to 15 credit hours. This can save you up to $6,000 a semester!**
  • Our programs are offered in an 8-week course format, with 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times!

**The Ed.D. in Christian Leadership does not qualify for the divinity block rate.

Military Benefits for Specific Doctoral Degrees

Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe. Whether you are a current service member, discharged or retired from service, or the spouse of a service member or veteran, we are here to support you every step of the journey.

As a thank-you for your dedication and service to our country, Liberty is honored to serve and support you in your pursuit of online education by offering the following benefits: 

  • Tuition discounts – $275 per credit hour for graduate courses
  • Executive Certificate tuition discount – $300 per credit hour**
  • Pursuing one of our Ph.D. programs? Find out how you can earn a Ph.D. for only $300 per credit hour!
  • 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)

**The Executive Certificate in Christian Leadership is eligible for the $275 military discount.

*The PhD in Applied Apologetics, PhD in Bible Exposition, PhD in Christian Leadership, and PhD in Practical Theology are not approved by the Commission on Accrediting of The Association of Theological Schools but are approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.