Lots of people these days are looking for an online Bible college or seminary where they can take courses from home without having to leave their jobs and uproot their families and move to a new city or state. Thankfully, more and more schools are offering online Bible college courses and online seminary classes to meet this rising need.
This post contains what I consider to be the 10 Best Online Bible Colleges and Seminaries. Some of them even offer free online Bible college courses!
Of course, you won’t get actual college credit for taking these free courses, but at least you can get the information. Most of the people I talk to who are interested in taking online Bible college courses are not too concerned about the credit, but simply want the information that an online Bible college or seminary can offer.
So whether you are interested in getting an online Bible college degree, or if you just want to get the information that an online Bible college offers, check out the list of schools near the end of this post.
Online Courses with N.T. Wright
Before you spend a lot of time and money applying and enrolling to one of the online Bible Colleges or seminaries below, you might want to take a few courses first to see if online Bible college is for you. I highly recommend you first take some of the online Bible college courses from leading New Testament Scholar, N. T. Wright.
These courses are much cheaper than what you will pay at another online Bible College or Seminary ($600-$900 per course), plus you can complete them on your own time and at your own pace.
I recommend you start with N. T. Wright’s course on Galatians, but he has others there as well (such an online course on the Gospel and another on Philippians).
If you take one of these courses from N. T. Wright and you enjoy the online learning experience, then you should consider applying and enrolling into one of the online Bible colleges and seminaries below.
Online Bible Colleges and Seminaries I Recommend
I have actually attended four of these online Bible colleges, and have taken classes from them. The others I have heard good things about from friends and family members who have attended them.
If you are curious about whether an online Bible college course is equivalent to an in-person Bible college course, I will have a few things to say about this at the end of this post.
- Moody Bible Institute Online – I got my Bachelor’s from Moody, and highly recommend this online Bible seminary. They probably have online Bible college courses as well if you look around their site for them.
- Dallas Theological Seminary – I received my Masters of Theology from DTS. I took many of their courses online, and can vouch for the quality of these classes.
- Biblical Education by Extension – I actually used to teach classes for BEE World. I haven’t done so in a few years, but might want to try to get back into it sometime in the future. One great thing about BEE World is that they specialize in offering online Bible college level courses around the world to people in other countries.
- Rocky Mountain Bible College and Seminary – I strongly recommend this online Bible college and seminary. Though this school is relatively small, I am a strong supporter of their theology, even more-so than what is taught at Moody Bible Institute and Dallas Theological Seminary. The president, Dr. Stephen R. Lewis, is a friend of mine.
- Grace School of Theology – I almost attended here instead of Dallas Theological Seminary. At the time, however, they were not accredited, and so Dallas won out. But I believe they are accredited now, and they offer some great online Bible college courses.
- Tyndale Theological Seminary – This is another great online Bible seminary, and when I was in Dallas, I knew several students who were getting top-notch education at Tyndale. The cool thing about Tyndale is that you can take their courses for FREE if you don’t want credit for them.
- Biola University – Half of my family went to this college, and it looks like they offer online Bible college courses.
- Talbot Seminary – Talbot is the Seminary of Biola University. I don’t actually know if they offer online Bible courses, but you can check them out anyway.
- Baptist Bible College and Seminary – I am not Baptist, but this seems to be a quality school, and they offer online Bible college courses at both the undergraduate and graduate level.
- Biblical Seminary – I love the emphasis Biblical Seminary places on missional living and missional theology. In my opinion, they are one of the leading seminaries in the country for missional studies.
If you know of other good quality online Bible colleges and seminaries, let me know in the comments below.
Are Online Bible Colleges any Good?
I have taken many online Bible college courses, and have taught a few myself. In my opinion, modern technology has allowed online Bible college courses to be just as good as real-world, in-person Bible college courses.
Often you can chat live with other students and the professor. Frequently you can watch the video of the professor teaching the course. At the bare minimum, there is always audio which you can listen to and email to ask questions. Most often there is also some sort of online forum in which you can interact with the professor and other students.
The great benefit to online Bible College courses is that you can “attend class” when it is convenient for you. Though I was actually living in Dallas when I attended Dallas Theological Seminary, I always took at least one course online each semester. This means less time away from home and I could “sit in class” at 1 or 2 in the morning if necessary.
Another thing I liked about the online classes is that they often provided a transcript of what the professor said in the video. I downloaded every transcript of every class I took online and still have them stored on my computer. This is an invaluable resource.
The only downside to taking online Bible college course is that you may not get to personally meet other students and the class professors. But since you don’t have to move or uproot your family to attend Bible college or seminary, going the online Bible college route makes it worth it. If possible, maybe you could even find a few other people in town who will want to take the class together, and then you can all meet and talk about what you are learning in the online Bible college course.
Have you ever taken online Bible college or seminary courses? What was your experience? Do you have any other questions or comments about online Bible college courses? Let me know!
Great list, thanks Jeremy!
Didn’t you go to DTS?
No, I went to The Masters believe it or not 😉
Hello, Im looking for a free online bible course and to minor in youth concealing do you know of any ? thank you Lisa
I am currently enrolled at Tyndale. Great to see it on your list.
Great. It’s a good school.
Is this the Tyndal located in hurst texas
Yes, that’s the one!
I have not taken any bible related classes online – yet. It is on my EXTENSIVE list of things to do. However, I took many, many online classes while earning my BA and I would recommend that anyone working on any level of advanced education take at least some of their courses online. Personally, I worked harder on those and feel like I learned more.
But online is not for everyone. You have to be disciplined enough to do the work. Also, I know some of the schools have an “on campus” component so do you research before you start your, well research.
Great point! It does take discipline to take online courses. Especially those “study at your own pace” classes.
thanks for the recommendation!
Thanks I just checked it out and it looks very promising so I signed up. 200 lessons and tests on those will keep me busy for a while. As always, thanks for the post Jeremy, we have a Moody campus in my city but even with financial aide I can’t afford it.
Hi Jeremy, Grace School of Theology is now accredited and is offering Undergraduate Degrees. Glad the Seminary made it on your list!
It’s a good school! Say hello to Dave Anderson! (Though he probably doesn’t remember me.) At the time, I sat in his office and I think I talked to much about accreditation, so he said, “Well, you should probably go to Dallas, then.”
Hey Jeremy, great post. I am a student at Colorado Theological Seminary (http://www.seminary.ws) and studying online definitely has its benefits. You are right, however, the challenging part can be not having the fellowship that traditionally comes from attending a brick and mortar program. I think this can be used advantageously, though. My program has given me the opportunity to take a look at myself, assess my shortcomings (regarding my initiative, assertiveness, and independence) and address them. I have to address them if I am to be successful. I have to ask God for help and reach out to my professors (who I have never met face-to-face) and ask them for support and prayers. It is a humbling experience and it has taught me that even in an online environment, I am not alone. I am always given what I need if I ask.
Hmm. I have not heard of Colorado Theological Seminary. Do you know about Rocky Mountain Bible College and Seminary in Denver?
I was looking into this college. ..do u recommend it
I earned my MA in Pastoral studies at Liberty. They are the largest Christian University in the world with programs in every discipline including a school of medicine, law, and even aviation. Hundreds of potential degree possibilities. The school is regionally accredited. Earned my Ph.D. in organizational leadership at Tennessee Temple. The school has gone through some significant changes over the past ten years and has added many quality online programs reasonably priced for an accredited school. The tuition for my doctorate was half of Liberty’s which was one of the most affordable in the nation.
Thanks for the recommendation. I did not include them in my list because I was a bit concerned about some of their theological and political positions. Aren’t they associated somewhat with the late Jerry Falwell?
Is Newburgh Thrological Seminary a good online degree program. I know a pastor friend who is completing an online degree program with them.
I am sorry, I don’t know anything about this school.
Have you heard of West Coast Bible College & Seminary? http://westcoastbible.squarespace.com/ I had wondered about checking them out more, they are affordable and completely online, seem to look OK
I haven’t. Thanks for the link though.
I would love to attend any bible school,where can i find them in South africa.
I recommend Liberty University. http://www.luonline.edu You can earn a degree online. Even the textbooks can be eBooks and they have an online library that you can reference and even read most any book that exists in the world.
What’s your opinikn on Bold Christian University?
Haven’t heard of it either. Sorry!
Although we have only offered online courses for 2 semesters thus far, the College of Biblical Studies in Houston is indeed top-notch. http://www.cbshouston.edu
Thanks for this post!
Thank you very much for your list of the 10 Best Online Bible Colleges and Seminaries! Watching the Jimmy Swaggart Ministries on television brought me back into an intense interest in the word of God and I am waiting for their World Evangelism Bible College to begin offering online bible college courses, which they say will be soon, but don’t know for sure when they will begin. I had just decided to try another online bible college and came across your list. Thank you so much for posting it.
Is that college associated with Jimmy Swaggart? I am not a fan of him or his theology and cannot recommend that school.
What about Regent University? Is this a good school for online courses?
It seems to be a decent school, though I have not tried any of their classes.
I had a dream last night where I was actually planning to attend bible school. It isn’t something I had given much thought to, but maybe the Lord is speaking and wanting me to do this. I don’t have any financial means to do this, so I really must ask… Is there such a thing as FREE theology? Online would be ok, but the ideal thing for me would be on-campus (for fellowship). Please let me know.
Thanks and God bless!
-Thais
I am sure there are some classes like this. I don’t know of any off the top of my head though. Sorry!
Greetings in Christ! Thanks for the list. I had been attending Liberty University but with tuition costs and I did not feel that I was getting as much biblical based teaching I needed I decided to look at other options. I really feel like online seminary would be beneficial in me pursuing the call God has placed on my life. After months of research and applying for various financial aid and scholarships at seminaries, I was accepted and offered a substantial scholarship at North Central Theological Seminary in Minnesota. Do you know of this school or have any information on them? I have not found any negative reports on them but I do not want to make a mistake at pursuing my calling. Any information would be appreciated! God Bless!
I have taken many online and on campus classes at Liberty University / Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. Liberty is SACS accredited. The classes at LU have always been challenging, and very rewarding. I highly recommend Liberty University.
http://www.liberty.edu
Thanks for the recommendation. I did not include them in my list because I was a bit concerned about some of their theological and political positions. Aren’t they associated somewhat with the late Jerry Falwell?
Re: The late Rev. / Dr. Jerry Falwell was the founder of Liberty University. His political persuasion was republican, and his theological beliefs were Baptist, Conservative Virginia Baptist. From a certain point of view, Liberty and Thomas Road Baptist Church are Southern Baptist. At Liberty we have students from many faiths. Students who are not Baptist are welcome.
Jerry was pre mill, pre trib. etc. Jerry was not a Calvinist. His theological beliefs were conservative, similar in many ways to Dallas Theological Seminary. I am a Florida Bible College graduate (Kissimmee, FL 1990). After I graduated from FBC I earned my M.A.R., M.R.E., and M.Div. from Liberty.
I had the honor of playing the trumpet for Dr. Falwell at many revivals, at Thomas Road Baptist Church, and for Liberty University. Jerry was a wonderful pastor. He really cared about the members of his church. He worked very hard to be there for his church members. I found Jerry’s theology to be overall very good. His sermons were biblical, well prepared, and very interesting. But it is how he really cared about so many people that made Jerry special. He was truly loved by our Liberty and Thomas Road family.
I could not be more pleased with the tremendous work of God that Jerry Jr. and Jonathan Falwell are doing at Liberty and Thomas Road Church. I had several classes with Jonathan, and I can tell you from first had experience that he is a wonderful man.
I was researching seminaries and read a comment that said a seminary is only as good as it’s professors and their training. I did a quick analysis of Liberty University’s Rawlings School of Divinity and here are the results:
Seminaries represented by at least one graduate degree:
Westminster
Notre Dame
Gordon-Conwell
Northwest Nazarene
Moody Bible Institute
Western
Freewill Baptist Bible College
Arlington Bible College
Denver Seminary
New Orleans Baptist
BJU Seminary
Baylor
Fuller
Asbury
Talbot
Los Angeles Baptist
Capitol
At least 2 degrees represented:
Calvary BC
William Tyndale
Grand Rapids
Regent
At least 3 degrees represented:
Baptist Bible College
At least 4 degrees represented:
Trinity Evangelical
Southwestern Baptist TS
5 degrees:
Grace Theological Seminary
8 degrees:
Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
9 degrees:
Dallas Theological Seminary
10 degrees:
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
and finally, with a whopping 28 professors degrees:
Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary
Do you know about Rocky Mountain Bible College and Seminary in Denver?
Re: This is an excellent, small school.
Oh, yes! This is a great school! I communicate regularly with Dr. Steve Lewis. Do they have online courses?
Has anyone heard of Christian Leaders Institute?
I am currently enrolled in CLI. It’s pretty awesome. They have everyone take one course in the beginning then after you pass, you can choose a wide variety of other programs to choose from. It’s awesome!
Are they accredited?
Jeremy, I’m need a good school that truly teaches and you experience God’s breathe words. Because of the strong calling in my life. Everytime I try to do something different, I am reminded of what God wants me to do. So I surrender. Which do you recommend?
There is no school that can teach you these things. Seminaries and Bible colleges have their place, but they primarily impart “head knowledge.” This is important, but is not all there is to following Jesus.
Try Online Bible College. Is not only for “head knowledge” is very deep spiritual and very practical.
Tyndale Seminary in Toronto, Ontario, Canada offers a fully online Graduate Diploma, and Master of Theological Studies degree (I am a student there). Also, Wycliffe College (evangelical Anglican), associated with the University of Toronto offers a fully online MTS as well. Both schools are ATS accredited.
thank you so much for this valuable info
Thanks for the list. Have you heard anything about Global University?
What is your opinion of Luther Rice Seminary? It is TRACS and ABHE accredited? It has completely online degree programs or on-campus option.
It would not hurt right, to learn something new. Even better, by attending these classes could give us a new perspectives and deepen our knowledge to learn about our own religion. I was trying to learn by myself a few years ago but I ended up confusing myself. It is better to have someone thought you. It is quicker at least.
Joshua Seely you may want to look into some of these.
Did my M Div. Studies online with Tyndale. Can’t say enough great stuff about it. Fantastic education at very reasonable price.
AST in California is a great school.
I have found that continuing my education has helped to enrich my faith. However, I have found that I need to make sure that I make sure that I continue my religious studies to keep my life balanced. Thanks for listing online Christian colleges and Bible colleges to help people continue their religious and secular learning.
Just was hoping you’d update the list letting people know that Tyndall holds no accreditation and offers a truly underdeveloped work load. Just think to be fair to students who might consider enrolling that they have this info as Tyndale does not tell students this. I have had nothing but trouble using my degree from there and finally gave up and went to another school. After taking classes at BMA Seminary I understand why Tyndale hold no accreditation, they could never achieve it with out some major changes
What is your take on BMA? They seem to be the most affordable outside of Tyndale. What program are you in? Completely online? How open would they be to NT Wright style theologies?
Hi I have a BSC Hons in biochemistry so was looking at doing a masters degree. However some places accept this, others rquire a BA in theology and others say I can do a years diploma of theology.
My question is….is it better to start with a BA in theology as a good foundation? I have read extensively, in other words can a masters help to catch up?
Im looking into affordable online seminary options now, and I noticed Tyndale in Hurst, TX but I have to admit that I had assumed they would be right of Liberty on most things political and theological. Yet, you encourage NT Wright and endorse Tyndale? Do you know if they are open to such things?
What about the lack of accreditation? Can anyone speak to the respect the degrees get outside of TX?
Thanks for your homework!!
They get no respect inside of Texas….due to the high profile they have most people know of their troubles and lack accreditation. You will get no pastoral job in todays market with a degree from them, no credit transfers, no Chaplin positions etc.
They are a joke, I was very disappointed by their lack of quality education. I received a B in a course with them where I never submitted any assignments or logged on. They’re barely above a mill sadly I have no idea why theyu are on this list.
It gets very little respect around here. Why pay so much for so little? BMA Seminary in Texas has online degrees and is cheaper, they hold RA and ATS accreditation!
This is first time to visit the site l likes everyone’s recommend and their experience
Do you know of any accredited Bible Colleges/Seminaries that offer tuition waivers for senior citizens seeking a master’s degree? Of course, I’m referring to taking courses for credit and not simply auditing them.
Thanks!
What about Team Impact Christian University’ s credentials?
Has anyone heard about Northwestern Theological Seminary? The reviews I’ve read written by former students are not impressive, also I am concerned about the seminary’s type of accreditation.
I took an online philosophy of religion course at Taylor University. I watched some debates and listened to some lectures by Plantinga and W.L. Craig. There were no pre-recorded lectures from the instructor or lecture notes from the instructor. There were two textbooks: one was a collection of primary source material and another book consisting of secondary source information. The assignments consisted of writing responses to several -type questions, writing two 400-600 page papers, writing one 1600-2000 page paper, and writing two reflection papers.
There was no discussion in a discussion board.
which are accredited? which one is the least expensive?
How about an article on the free online and by mail Bible courses?
I dont have time for the bible collage because i am in qatr so i want to join online bible collage
Dear Sir,
I am a 48 year old from Australia with a young family, 5yr old and 3yr old. I have been working for 23 years in the area of computers and networking.
After being prompted since 2017, I can now confirm that the Lord is calling me and so made up my mind to pursue seminary. Not aiming to be a teacher or academic, but more towards chaplaincy (working with elders) and evangelism.
Considering family circumstances, I am looking at Online classes obviously with affordability in mind.
The following are the seminaries that I am considering
* Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
* Southwestern Theological Seminary
* Dallas Theological Seminary
* Bethlehem College and Seminary
However, I would like to seek your advice in this regard.
Prayers for you and your ministry
raj