Interested in learning about theology and religion, but don’t have time or money for a degree? Consider enrolling in a free online theology course.
Many colleges and seminaries offer free courses that can be completed online and on your own time. Many of these courses can be completed within a few weeks to a semester.
Read on to learn about the top schools that offer these courses.
Top 10 Schools with Free Online Theology Courses
In this section, we’ll explore ten colleges, universities, and seminaries that offer theology and religious courses to the general public.
1. Baptist Ministry Association’s Theological Seminary
The Baptist Ministry Association’s Theological Seminary is located in Jacksonville, TX, and began holding classes in 1957. The school aims to provide Christ-centered education to students both on campus and online.
This seminary offers many free online courses. These courses are semester-based and taught by the seminary’s top-notch professors.
Some of the many courses available include:
- Introduction to Christian Ethics
- Life of Christ
- Introduction to the Major Prophets
- Baptist Doctrine
- Comparative Religions
2. Christendom College
Christendom College is a private Catholic school located in Front Royal, VA. The school began offering remote learning options to students during the 2020 coronavirus pandemic.
One of the professors, Matthew Tsakanikas, created a series of video lectures during this time. These college-level lectures are available for free to the general public on YouTube.
Topics of these lectures include:
- Perpetual Virginity of Mary
- Dialogue with Protestants on Justification
- Resurrection, Ascension, and Pentecost
3. Covenant Theological Seminary
Covenant Theological Seminary is a Presbyterian seminary located in Creve Coeur, MO. It offers many free online courses that anyone can enroll in.
To take advantage of these courses, all you have to do is create an online account. You can explore various topics such as theology, Bible study, church history, and ministry.
Available courses include:
- The Historical Jesus
- Apologetics and Outreach
- Children’s Ministry
4. Dallas Theological Seminary
As the name suggests, this evangelical seminary is located in Dallas, TX, even though it has additional campuses throughout Texas, other states, and the world.
Dallas Theological Seminary has a vast online platform that offers many courses and programs for free. You can register for these courses as a guest or create an account on the seminary’s website.
Course offerings include:
- Lessons from Biblical Leaders
- What is Theology?
- Return of Christ
- Evangelism
- Names and Attributes of God
5. Denver Seminary
This evangelical seminary is headquartered in Littleton, CO. Its online campus offers both degree programs and individual courses which the general public can take.
These courses are available anytime, anywhere. You aren’t bound to a set class schedule, so you can study whenever it’s convenient for you.
Some of the courses you can choose from include:
- Unlocking the Parables of Jesus
- What’s the Bible All About?
- Finding and Following Your God-Given Calling
6. Duke University
Duke University is a large, private school in Durham, NC. It offers a wide variety of degree programs but also has some free online courses available.
The school offers a course in Church Administration Theology and Time Management. This course is available through Coursera.
The free, self-paced course takes about 17 hours of study time to complete. All coursework is 100% online, and students who finish the course receive a certificate of completion.
7. Georgetown University
Georgetown University is a private school in Washington, D.C. It enrolls nearly 20,000 degree-seeking students and also provides some free online courses to the general public.
One public online theology course is available through the edX platform. The course is titled Theo-Humanism: God’s Ways in Today’s World.
The course takes approximately 12 weeks to complete if you study three to five hours a week. However, it is self-paced, so you can study whenever it is convenient for you.
8. Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary is a large institution headquartered in Wake Forest, NC. It offers several free online courses.
Each course consists of a series of video lectures and varies in length. You can watch the videos whenever you have time; you do not have to stick to a study schedule.
Available courses include:
- Work and Worship
- Interpreting and Teaching the Bible
- Christian Theology
- History of Missions
- An Overview of the New Testament
9. Stanford University
Stanford University is a private college in Stanford, CA. The school offers a wide variety of free online courses through its Continuing Studies Program.
Some of these free courses have to do with theology and religious education. All courses are self-paced, audio-only, and available on iTunes.
Some of the courses include:
- Call Me Yeshua
- Words and Wonders
- Resurrection
10. University of Notre Dame
This well-known private Catholic school is located in Notre Dame, IN. The university has been around since 1842.
The University of Notre Dame offers some free online courses through edX. Two of these courses are religious in nature. One is called Jesus in Scripture and Tradition; the other is called Introduction to the Quran: The Scripture of Islam.
Both courses follow an instructor-led schedule and require a commitment of five to seven hours weekly. The Christianity course is completed in four weeks, while the Islam course wraps up in nine weeks.
How can I study theology for free?
Studying theology is a profound and intellectually stimulating endeavor. It delves into the understanding of religious beliefs, faith, and the nature of the divine. Many people have a deep interest in theology, but the cost of traditional education can be a significant barrier. However, the digital age has brought about a wealth of opportunities for those who seek to study theology for free. In this article, we will explore various avenues for obtaining a theology education without the burden of tuition fees.
Free theology courses by mail
While online education is becoming increasingly popular, some individuals prefer traditional methods of learning, and this includes receiving course materials through the mail. There are a few institutions that offer free theology courses delivered in this manner. One such example is the Institute of Lutheran Theology (ILT), which offers free courses by mail in partnership with the Disciples Seminary Foundation. ILT’s “Connections Program” allows students to receive course materials by mail and complete their coursework without tuition costs. These courses can serve as a great starting point for your theological journey.
Master’s in theology online free
Obtaining a master’s degree in theology can be an expensive endeavor, but there are online programs that offer free or significantly reduced tuition options. Yale University, for example, provides a Master of Arts in Religion through its Yale Divinity School. While not entirely free, they offer a comprehensive financial aid program that can make the degree accessible to many students, effectively reducing the cost to zero for some. It’s worth exploring similar programs from reputable institutions that may offer financial assistance for master’s degrees in theology.
PhD in theology online free
Earning a Ph.D. in theology is the pinnacle of theological education, and it’s often seen as an expensive and time-consuming endeavor. However, some institutions offer fully-funded Ph.D. programs in theology. The University of Oxford, for instance, provides various scholarships and funding opportunities for doctoral candidates in theology, enabling students to pursue their passion without the burden of tuition costs. It’s essential to research institutions and explore their financial aid options, as there may be opportunities for free or heavily subsidized doctoral programs in theology.
Online free theology degree
For those seeking a comprehensive theological education online and entirely free of charge, certain institutions and websites offer open access to theology courses and materials. Organizations like the Center for Open and Relational Theology (CORT) and the Yale Divinity School provide open access to a range of theology courses. While these programs may not result in a formal degree, they offer valuable knowledge and insights for free, making them accessible to a global audience.
In conclusion, studying theology for free is indeed possible through various means. Whether you prefer traditional mail-based courses, desire a master’s or Ph.D. in theology, or simply want to expand your knowledge, there are opportunities available that won’t break the bank. By researching reputable institutions, exploring financial aid options, and leveraging open-access resources, you can embark on a fulfilling journey into the world of theology without the burden of tuition fees. The pursuit of theological knowledge is no longer restricted by financial constraints, as numerous avenues await those who seek to study theology for free.
FAQs about Free Online Theology Courses
Now that we’ve discussed some of the courses available, let’s take a look at some questions you may still have about free online theology courses.
What is a Free College Theology Course?
Free college theology courses are offered by colleges or seminaries. There is no cost to enroll in these courses, which are usually available online to anyone with a reliable internet connection.
Free online theology courses cover a range of religious topics primarily pertaining to the Christian faith.
What are the Benefits of Taking Online Theology Courses?
Free online theology courses will enhance your knowledge of God, faith, religion, and other topics related to Christianity.
They can help you prepare for or further a career as a minister, pastor, or other clergyman. These courses don’t cost you anything, and most of them are highly flexible to fit your busy schedule.
How Long Does it Take to Complete a Free Online Theology Course?
It depends on the course in question. Some courses may be completed in as little as a day or two, while others may take a few weeks up to a semester.
With self-paced courses, you will finish more quickly if you have more time to study each day. If your time is limited, you will not complete the course as quickly.
