Master of Arts in Theological Studies Articulating Beliefs and Cultivating Convictions
36
Credit Hours
100% online, 8-week courses
Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total
Make a Lasting Impact in Ministry with a Master of Theological Studies Online
Liberty University’s 100% online Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MTS or MATS) is designed to provide you with an in-depth study of the Old and New Testaments, systemic theology, the Christian church, and other essential topics. This program is designed for individuals seeking an introductory graduate degree in religion. This program can help you start working in a church, ministry, or nonprofit organization.
By earning your theological studies degree online, you can be well-prepared for careers in various faith-based organizations. You can be immersed in biblical studies and experiential learning as you dive into research methods and ministry. We know you want more than a career – you want to make an impact. With our online master’s in theological studies degree, you can gain the knowledge and training you need to make a difference in the lives of others.
Why Choose Liberty University’s Master of Theology?
Our online theology degree is an industry leader in theological programs, taught by professionals with real-world experience in pastoral and ministry settings. Our M.A. in Theological Studies can be completed 100% online. Each 8-week-long course gives students the flexibility they need to complete assignments any time during the week, day or night, and with no required login times.
Accreditation
Liberty Theological Seminary, as part of Liberty University’s John W. Rawlings School of Divinity, is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). Your seminary degree is approved by ATS and has met rigorous accreditation standards, so you can feel confident that your degree is both academically excellent and well-respected among churches, ministries, and nonprofit organizations.
What Will You Study in Liberty University’s Online Theology Degree?
Your online theology courses can provide you with an overview of topics vital to anyone in a ministry-related field. You can learn about apologetics, the history of Christianty, Old and New Testament studies, and more. You can also learn how to conduct research, write theological pieces, and prepare for ministry. Your degree can also focus on hermeneutics, the science of biblical interpretation, and systematic theology.
Our online MTS degree also provides you with the opportunity to personalize your program to your unique professional goals. You can choose 3 theology classes online that can cover topics in apologetics, church history, Greek, Hebrew, and more.
Potential Career Opportunities
You may be wondering to yourself, “What can I do with a master’s in theological studies?” Our program is designed to give you a broad set of career opportunities. Liberty University can equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to be confident in any industry, business, or ministry you choose.
- Archaeologist
- Biblical historian
- Christian author
- Christian school teacher
- Ministry associate
- Missionary
- Nonprofit leader
- Pastor
- Professor
Featured Courses
- CHHI 510 – Survey of the History of Christianity
- GLST 650 – Intercultural Communication*
- NBST 610 – Hermeneutics
- RTCH 500 – Research, Writing, and Ministry Preparation
*Course guide available on request
Degree Information
- This program falls under the John W. Rawlings School of Divinity.
- View the Graduate Divinity Course Guides (login required).
Degree Completion Plan (PDF)
Not sure what to choose?
Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.
Tuition & Aid
Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.
To continue our mission of providing affordable education, electronic textbooks are provided for many divinity courses* all for one convenient fee.
*Electronic textbooks are not provided for PACO courses or courses that fall under departments outside the School of Divinity.
Grad & Postgrad Divinity Block Rate (9-15 credit hours) | $2,750 |
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Grad & Postgrad Divinity Part Time (0-8.99 or over 15 credit hours) | $395/Credit |
Military Grad & Postgrad Divinity Block Rate (9-15 credit hours) | $2,475 |
Military Grad & Postgrad Divinity Part Time (0-8.99 or over 15 credit hours) | $275/Credit |
All Tuition & Fees
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Admission Information for the Online Theological Studies Degree
Admission Requirements
- Apply online or over the phone with an admissions counselor by calling (800) 424-9596.
- A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required).
- Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system). A regionally or nationally accredited bachelor’s degree with at least a 2.0 GPA is required for admission in good standing. Applicants who have earned a master’s degree or at least 12 graduate credits from an accredited institution will be assessed on the basis of the master’s-level degree work.
- Unofficial transcripts can be used for acceptance purposes with the submission of a Transcript Request Form.
- Admission to this program also requires:
- The School of Divinity Questionnaire (login required).
- Submission of contact information (login required) for 1 pastoral recommender.
- Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy.
Preliminary Acceptance
If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:
- Be in your final term and planning to start your master’s degree after the last day of class for your bachelor’s degree.
- Complete a Bachelor’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
- Submit an official/unofficial transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show a minimum of 105 completed credit hours.
- If you are a current Liberty University student completing your undergraduate degree, you will need to submit a Degree/Certificate Completion Application.
- Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new master’s degree.
Dual Enrollment
Please see the Online Dual Enrollment page for information about starting graduate courses while finishing your bachelor’s degree.
Transcript Policies
Unofficial College Transcript Policy
Unofficial transcripts combined with a Transcript Request Form can be used for admission. Official transcripts are required within 60 days of the admissions decision or before non-attendance drops for the first set of matriculated classes, whichever comes first, and will prevent enrollment into future terms until all official transcripts have been received.
Before sending unofficial college transcripts, please make sure they include the following:
- Your previous school’s name or logo printed on the document
- Cumulative GPA
- A list of completed courses and earned credit broken down by semester
- Degree and date conferred (if applicable)
Official College Transcript Policy
An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to luoverify@liberty.edu.
If the student uses unofficial transcripts with a Transcript Request Form to gain acceptance, all official transcripts must be received within 60 days of the admissions decision or before non-attendance drops for the first set of matriculated classes, whichever comes first. Failure to send all official transcripts within the 60-day period will prevent enrollment into future terms until all official transcripts have been received.
Admissions Office Contact Information
Liberty University Online Admissions Verification
1971 University Blvd.
Lynchburg, VA 24515
Ready to Apply?
Submit your application online or over the phone.
Military
Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.
Who May Qualify?
- Active Duty
- Reserve/National Guard
- Veterans/Retirees
- Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees
- Current Department of Defense Employees
Available Benefits:
- Tuition discounts – $275 per credit hour for part-time graduate and postgraduate divinity courses
- Discounted divinity block rate – $2,475 per semester*
- Additional discount for veterans who service in a civilian capacity as a First Responder (less than $625 per course)**
- 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)
*Credits taken below 9 and above 15 credit hours per semester are charged at the part-time rate.
**Not applicable to certificates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best online theology school?
The best school depends on your professional goals and needs as a student. We believe Liberty University stands out. Here’s why:
- Liberty’s institutional accreditation through SACSCOC and programmatic accreditation through ATS mean your degree will be well-respected among churches, ministries, and future employers.
- Our professors have years of experience in ministry, and they are dedicated to sharing their experience with you to teach, guide, and mentor you throughout your education.
- Because our mission is Training Champions for Christ, you can rest assured that we value integrity, excellence, and evangelical theology.
What is the difference between a master’s in divinity and a master’s in theology?
A Master of Divinity is a 75- or 93-credit-hour program designed for ministry professionals who want to expand on their current knowledge and receive specialized training in a specific area of ministry. A master’s in theology is a 36-credit-hour program designed for someone who is just starting out in ministry and wants a formal education and training.
Please review our Master of Divinity program if you think this degree is right for you.
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