10 Free Online Theology Courses With Certificates

Updated on 9/19/2025

Are you interested in theology, but aren't sure that you want to pursue a degree in the field? Many colleges, seminaries, and other institutions offer free online courses that provide an in-depth look at Christianity and other religions. Some validate students' work with a certificate of completion.

If you're looking to enroll in a free online theology course with a certificate but you don't know where to start, keep reading. Below, we'll discuss where you can take classes at no charge.

Are There Free Online Theology Courses?

While finding an online theology degree at no cost is rare, you can enroll in free online courses covering various religions at institutions nationwide. Depending on the course, you may need to sign up with an email and create a password to access learning materials. For other free courses, lessons, quizzes, and exams are available with no accessibility restrictions.

Do Free Online Theology Courses Include Certificates?

Yes, many free online theological courses include certificates of completion that serve as an official acknowledgement of the work you finished. While some institutions offer a physical or digital certificate free of charge, others come at a cost. Typically, students pay a one-time fee for access to the certificate, ranging from $20 to $150.

What Will I Learn in a Free Theology Course Online?

A free theology course can be very comprehensive, depending on the source providing the learning materials. Here are a few concepts you might explore in a free online class:

• Jesus Christ
• spiritual formation
• systematic theology
• ordination
• discipleship
• Christian life
• early church

These classes are a good option for students who are interested in ministry training or want to eventually pursue an associate degree or a bachelor's degree in theology.

Free Online Theology Courses With Certificates

Do you want to enroll in a free online theology course and receive a certificate? Explore the list below to learn where you can take classes at no cost.

1. The Bible Teaching on God the Father

At Trinity International Theological Seminary, students can choose from several free online courses in theological studies, including ''The Bible Teaching on God the Father''. In this self-paced class, students explore various Books of the Bible, including Deuteronomy, Genesis, and Psalms.

While students taking this course can print most learning materials from the seminary's website, a personal Bible is required. Upon completion, the seminary offers a Certificate of Achievement for a fee of $20.

• Cost: Free
• Course length: Self-paced

2. Bible Study & Tools

Bible Study & Tools is one of several tuition-free online classes available from the International Free Evangelical Bible School (IFEBS) as a part of the Diploma of Biblical Studies (DipBS). The DipBS program also offers courses such as ''Old Testament Studies'' and ''New Testament Studies.''

After completing each course, students take an online exam. With a score of 70%, they receive a free downloadable certificate. Completing all courses results in a diploma (for a small fee).

• Cost: Free
• Course length: Self-paced

3. Christian Leaders Connections

Christian Leaders Institute offers five online theology courses, including the Christian Leaders Connections class. This course is designed to help students clarify their personal sense of calling to ministry and strengthen their walk with God.

Students interested in taking the institute's ''Christian Basics: Introduction to Christian Doctrine - The 101'' course must first take this online class. Completion of both is required to receive a Christian Basics Certificate.

• Cost: Free
• Course length: Self-paced

4. Comparative Study of Religions

Alison, a free online learning platform, is home to the Comparative Study of Religions course. This class explores the history, ideas, and practices of major world religions. Concepts explored include indigenous and Eastern belief systems and modern religious movements.

Students can enroll in and complete all Alison courses for free. After finishing this course with an 80% or higher on each assessment, students can receive an official certificate. Its cost ranges from about $25 to $35 USD.

• Cost: Free
• Course length: Self-paced

5. Religious Literacy: Traditions and Scriptures

Harvard University, through the edX learning platform, offers the free Religious Literacy: Traditions and Scriptures course. In this self-paced class, students learn the different ways religions evolve and change and how they are embedded in all human cultures. Students also explore the strengths and limitations of learning about religions through their scriptures.

Learners interested in this course can audit it for free. Anyone who wants to add a verified certificate can do so for $149.

• Cost: Free
• Course length: Self-paced

6. The Return of Christ

At Dallas Theological Seminary, students can choose from multiple free online courses, including The Return of Christ. In this three-lesson self-paced course, enrollees examine questions surrounding the return of Jesus Christ.

For free access to the learning materials, students can sign up using an email, Facebook, Google, LinkedIn, or Apple account. After completing this course, students receive a certificate by clicking the ''Get Your Certificate'' button in the course player.

• Cost: Free
• Course length: Self-paced

7. Art of Biblical Words

The Art of Biblical Words is a free online course from BibleProject. In this class, students discover key Biblical words that are unfamiliar or have lost their original meaning in our modern context. Tools like interlinear Bibles and Bible dictionaries are used to provide deeper meanings.

This class is accessible through mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers. Upon completion, students receive a digital achievement certificate.

• Cost: Free
• Course length: Self-paced

8. Introduction to Biblical Theology

Cursa, a platform offering various free online courses, provides access to theology courses such as ''Introduction to Biblical Theology''. This self-paced class consists of 15 hours and 18 minutes of online video coursework. Students learn the purity laws in ancient Israel, systemic theology, the central theme of the Book of Isaiah, and more.

In addition to watching video lectures, students complete free exercises to deepen their knowledge. Upon completion, learners receive a free digital certificate.

• Cost: Free
• Course length: Self-paced

9. Christian Basics: Introduction to Christian Doctrine - The 101

Students who have taken Christian Leaders Connections at Christian Leaders Institute and want to receive a Christian Basics Certificate must also take the Christian Basics: Introduction to Christian Doctrine - The 101 course. Enrollees learn the fundamental truths in God's Word for guiding Christian belief and behavior.

Coursework also teaches essential doctrines of Christianity. Upon completion, learners can explain Christian truths to others and share where they're found in the Bible.

• Cost: Free
• Course length: Self-paced

10. Introduction to Theology and Religious Studies

Introduction to Theology and Religious Studies is a free online course from the Alison platform. Students who enroll learn major religious traditions and approaches to theological inquiry. Modules also explore the foundations of theology.

Enrollees spend an average of three to four hours completing this course. Those who achieve 80% or higher in each course assessment can receive an official digital or physical certificate (ranging from about $25 to $35 USD).

• Cost: Free
• Course length: Self-paced

How We Rank Courses

Our team vetted the courses in this ranking list to confirm each met high-quality standards based on the following criteria:

• Course cost: Each course in this list is offered free of charge.
• Course value: These courses help students grasp key theological concepts. They validate learners' work with a certificate of completion.
• Course provider reputation: Courses above are offered by reputable schools and organizations.

FAQs About Free Online Theology Courses With Certificates

Are you ready to enroll in one or more free online theology courses? Review the FAQs below to learn more before taking the next step.

Are There Free Theology Degrees for Seniors?

Free theology degrees for seniors are hard to find. However, students in this age group can take free online courses that enable learners of all ages to study theology anytime and from any location with internet access.

Are There Free Online Theology Degrees?

Finding a free online theology degree is rare. However, you can take tuition-free online courses as a stepping-stone to a traditional degree program. These courses offer a foundational understanding of the subject. And some organizations, such as Christian Leaders Institute, offer college credits for their courses.

How Long Is a Certificate in Theology?

A certificate in theology varies in length depending on the institution. Some courses leading to a certificate take a few hours to complete. In other courses, students might need days, weeks, or months to finish all the lectures, quizzes, and exams.

Can I Learn at My Own Pace With a Free Theology Course?

When taking free theology classes online, students usually complete them at their own pace. Coursework is accessible anytime, and learners can explore lectures, quizzes, and more in any manner they choose.

Discover Online Theology Degrees

Take the next step toward a career in theology by exploring the degree programs on Learn.org. Contact schools today to learn ways they can help you achieve your goals.