10 Self-Paced Online Seminaries 2025

Those who have felt the call to ministry would benefit from attending seminary, but you don't have to uproot your life to do so. You can get a top-quality theological education by attending a self-paced online seminary. Self-paced online degrees may be a great option for those who still need to work while completing their education.

The flexibility of taking asynchronous online courses is a fast and easy way to finish your degree and prepare for a ministerial career. Keep reading to learn more about 10 of the best self-paced online seminaries.

What Is a Self-Paced Seminary Course?

A self-paced program allows you to work through the course material at your own pace � without set deadlines or class times. Online students can access the material and complete their self-paced theology studies at whatever time and place works best for them. Since many pastors work nontraditional schedules, this could be the ideal way to further your education without having to attend in-person classes.

Many self-paced degree programs are available. Some schools offer programs from bachelor's and master's degrees all the way up to a Doctor of Ministry.

What Will I Learn in a Self-Paced Online Seminary Course?

Your learning experience depends on your degree level and what degree you are pursuing. Regardless, all seminary classes will be grounded in God's word and include thorough theological training. Classes may include a deeper study of both the Old and New Testaments, apologetics, or counseling.

Self-paced online learning programs require students to be organized, highly motivated, and self-starters. Most provide plenty of student support, but you should take time to consider if you will thrive in a less-structured program.

Self-Paced Online Seminaries

All of the schools below offer self-paced online options for a quality Christian education. If costs are a concern, then take some time to research your options for scholarships for online seminary students.

1. Birmingham Theological Seminary

Birmingham offers a self-paced Master of Biblical Studies degree, which covers a wide range of topics, including apologetics and practical theology, preparing students to work in various ministry settings. A flexible academic calendar means students can start on the first or fifteenth of the month. Students will receive email reminders and have three months to complete coursework; however, the rest is up to them.

Cost: $100 per hour for certificate and graduate programs

2. Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary

Mid-America claims that 99% of their online courses are asynchronous, and with 19 programs to choose from, there is something for everyone. Complete an accelerated Master of Divinity (MDiv) in pastoral ministries or apologetics.

There are also six Master of Arts (MA) programs and two doctoral degrees: Doctor of Ministry or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). There are different tuition rates for these latter two.

Cost: $345 per credit hour

3. Christian Bible Institute and Seminary

This online seminary has several options, from an Associate of Arts in biblical studies to a Doctor of Theology degree. Full-time students can enroll in a dual degree program to complete both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as two to three years. All programs are self-paced and allow you to finish fast or take your time.

Cost: $383.34 for a bachelor's degree on a 12-month payment plan

4. Liberty University Rawlings School of Divinity

Liberty University offers one of the largest online seminaries, led by faculty that are grounded in Christian teaching and expertise. Dozens of degree programs means plenty of career options, whether you hope to work as a pastor, teacher, missions worker, or something else. These eight-week courses have eight start dates per year.

Cost: $410 per credit hour

5. Moody Bible Institute

The Moody Bible Institute is world-renowned for training pastors and leaders in the faith. They offer eight-week online graduate and undergraduate programs, but only some classes are self-paced. Courses like hermeneutics and the church and its doctrines are 16-weeks long and require the student to establish attendance by completing a quiz within the first week of class.

Cost: $411 per credit hour for undergrads

6. Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Online

This online seminary offers discounted tuition to members of the Southern Baptist Church (SBC), as well as extensive student support for all. Weekly due dates allow you to engage with the coursework on your own time without falling behind. You can complete your MDiv in three years or a Master of Arts degree in just two.

Cost: $322 per credit hour for SBC members; $465 per credit hour for non-members

7. Grace Theological Seminary

Grace Theological Seminary's Deploy program offers an MDiv in general ministry and an MA in local church ministry. Both online programs are designed to be flexible so that you can complete coursework without interruptions. Both programs are built upon theological competency, ministry skills, and spiritual formation and discipleship.

Cost: $470 per credit hour

8. Dallas Theological Seminary

There are three self-paced options at Dallas Theological Seminary:

• MA in Christian studies
• Master of Biblical and Theological Studies
• graduate certificate in Christian studies

Pre-recorded videos give students additional flexibility to complete coursework when convenient, and weekly assignments ensure no one falls behind. A distance education at Dallas Theological will prepare you to serve wherever you have been called.

Cost: $680 per credit hour

9. Duke Divinity School

Duke Divinity offers 14 self-paced online courses, and many of them are free for alumni. Courses include church administration, Psalms and the arts, youth theology resources, and more.

All online degree programs are hybrid, and students are required to attend one-week on-campus sessions in January, March, and August. Tuition depends on the program, but all hybrid students receive financial aid � between 25% and 100% of tuition.

Cost: Varies

10. Redemption Seminary

Redemption offers a certificate in biblical studies and an MA in biblical studies. Accelerated and extended options are available for both, depending on how much time you can commit to the program. All required books, a digital reference library, and a subscription to Logos Max are included in tuition, keeping costs low for students. Students will also periodically meet with a mentor who will gauge their progress.

Cost: Varies

FAQs About Self-Paced Seminaries for Theological Studies

You may have an idea of where you are being called to serve but still have questions about how to get there. Our FAQs below explain more about costs and career options for seminary students.

Can You Get a Seminary Degree Online?

Yes, you can get a seminary degree online from several different schools. We listed 10 options above, but there are other online programs with more traditional, structured schedules. There are even some free online theology courses available. However, many online seminary degrees offer asynchronous, self-paced courses because they give busy pastors and ministry workers flexibility to complete their work without interruptions.

Is Online Seminary Worth It?

If you are looking to grow in your understanding of Scripture or pursue new opportunities in the world of Christian ministry, then attending seminary online is absolutely worth it. There are many accredited options available and some are well-known among faith leaders. If you are hard-working and organized, then online seminary could be a great option.

How Much Does a Self-Paced Online Seminary Program Cost?

Online seminary is often cheaper than secular master's and doctoral degree programs, with financial aid available. Averaging our schools above, online seminary will cost about $390 per credit hour. Some schools have higher rates for advanced graduate degrees, but many also offer discounts and scholarships.

Can You Become a Pastor Without Going To Seminary School?

Yes, you can become a pastor without attending seminary. Many churches, especially non-denominational ones, prioritize experience and knowledge of Scripture over a specialized degree. However, seminary courses will expand your knowledge and give you skills that will aid you as a pastor. Research your denomination to see what requirements they have for pastoring a church.

Enroll in Self-Paced Online Courses

The call to ministry can be both exciting and overwhelming, but choosing the right online seminary doesn't have to be scary. There are more accredited schools featured on Learn.org. When you find one that fits your needs, reach out to them to make a plan for the future.