In this article, you will find several free doctorate degree in theology online offered by different academic institutions across the globe and how you can successfully sign up for any of them as may wish.
Theology, which is the study of God, has come a long way. From being studied in secret to being studied in the open, now to being studied online, as a means to get the knowledge of God to as many as desire it.
So, in this article, you’ll discover some free doctorates in theology online that you can start now. The programs are designed to be self-paced and you can enroll from any part of the world. So, if you are looking to become a doctorate degree holder in theology, there is no better opportunity than this. Do really take your time to read through.
Meanwhile, we have a guide on how to become a reverend doctor and how to obtain a free online pastoral certificate. And just in case you are considering studying theology abroad, we have a list of theology scholarships in Canada for international students that will help cover your tuition or you could just enroll in a free online bible school and save yourself the stress of traveling abroad for a degree. The free doctorate degree in theology online is also a great way of saving stress and money too, so, let’s get into them quickly.
Requirements for a Free Doctorate Degree in Theology Online
Mostly, doctorate degrees in theology online require that you have some already completed degrees.
An ecclesiastical degree is not intended to compete with traditional academic or professional doctorates.
However, the unique manner in which the degree is earned sets it far apart from the honorary D.D. and adds to the dignity and meaning of the world’s oldest, and most easily recognized senior Christian ministry degree.
Here below are some of what is required for a free doctorate in theology online;
- Have earned an appropriate bachelor’s degree (or an ecclesiastical equivalent) from an acceptable institution.
- Have Email and access to the Internet.
- Be old enough to understand what you are studying.
- Have some experience as a minister which includes activities as a senior minister, assistant minister, elder, deacon, missionary, teacher, prison ministry, or chaplaincies, subject to review and approval, and be able to provide verifiable documentation.
Free Doctorate Degrees in Theology Online
Not all schools offer free doctorate degrees in theology through online programs. There are certain schools where you can take this training. Here in this section, we’ll be looking at some of the schools that offer doctorate degrees in theology online for free.
1. IICSE University’s Doctor of Theology (DTh) program
IICSE University is one of the best schools to take Christian theology courses and obtain a free doctorate degree in theology online. A tuition-free, online distance learning University. No school fee is charged. Books and lecture materials are provided free of charge to all students.
For the University to remain sustainable, IICSE charges a one-time Application Fee of 45 USD/Euro and an Exam Fee of 50 USD/Euro per exam to cover the cost of processing the examination.
One exam per course. The Doctor of Theology program consists of three years of two semesters each year. Within each semester, the students are expected to go through not less than 5 courses.
Admission into the university is a straightforward process.
The University supports the general principles of age, stage, experience, and qualifications, whereby students are allowed to progress through their educational development and qualifications at an appropriate rate according to their ability.
In addition to attaining the required academic standard, candidates must satisfy the general University as well as specific departmental educational requirements. Awaiting results will be considered.
To know more and to fill up an application form, click here.
2. ISDET’s Doctor of Biblical Studies
This free doctorate degree in theology online program by ISDET is for those who wish to opt for a doctoral program in Bible/theology after completing their MBS. This program has the lightest workload among all their doctoral programs. The purpose is doctoral-level orientation in the Bible and Theology. To qualify for this doctoral degree, you need an MBS from any theological seminary or any secular master’s degree.
While studying for the doctoral program, the student will be put through courses on Essential apologetics, General apologetics, Bible, Biblical backgrounds, Canon, Ethics, History, Practical Life, and Theology. The program is offered without any tuition fees. All textbooks needed for the program are given free via net-based downloads.
No tuition fees are ever demanded. There is no hidden fee. However, there is a small entry fee (registration fee) that everyone from developed countries needs to pay. This would be less than the tuition fees that they might have to pay for a single credit hour of course in other institutions.
All students (irrespective of the country of their origin) will have to pay a small graduation fee. This amount takes care of final exams, printing, and packing of transcripts and diplomas.
Click here to know more.
3. ISDET’s Doctor of Christian Theology Program
This program is for those who wish to opt for a very thorough study and specialization in Christian Theology. This program is one of the heaviest workloads among all our doctoral programs. It is also a suitable program for those who plan to make Biblical Theology a major part of their ministry. To qualify for this program, you need to have earned a master of Theology from any standard seminary.
Those with a secular master’s degree plus some background in theology can also apply, provided they realize that they will have to take up extra coursework to fill in for their deficiency in theology.
The program is expected to be completed in 2 years. You can extend it for several years by paying a yearly extension fee.
The program is offered without any tuition fees. All textbooks needed for the program are given free via net-based downloads.
No tuition fees are ever demanded. There is no hidden fee. However, there is a small entry fee (registration fee) that everyone from developed countries needs to pay. This would be less than the tuition fees that they might have to pay for a single credit hour of course in other institutions.
All students (irrespective of the country of their origin) will have to pay a small graduation fee. This amount takes care of final exams, printing, and packing of transcripts and diplomas.
Click here to know more.
4. ISDET’s Doctor of Christian Apologetics Program
The ISDET’s Doctor of Christian Apologetics Program is one of the free doctorate degrees in theology online programs for those who wish to opt for a very thorough study and specialization in Christian Apologetics. This program has a very heavy workload. The program is suitable for those who plan to make apologetics a major part of their ministry. The program is expected to be completed in 3 years.
No tuition fees are ever demanded. There is no hidden fee. However, there are small entry fees (registration fees) that everyone from developed countries needs to pay. This would be less than the tuition fees that they might have to pay for a single credit hour of course in other institutions.
All students (irrespective of the country of their origin) will have to pay a small graduation fee. This amount takes care of final exams, printing, and packing of transcripts and diplomas.
Click here to know more.
5. North Central Theological Seminary’s Doctor of Divinity program
This is one of the best free doctorate degree in theology programs you can take online and to get through this one, the university offers subsidized or full scholarships. The full scholarships cover up to 80% of tuition for the students, depending on their performance in an online biblical evaluation test.
The program duration is between 12-24 months. Students are also expected to possess a master’s degree before applying. For unsupervised learning, after reading the PDF texts issued for a course, Doctorate students are required to submit a twelve-page essay.
The twelve-page essay must have one page of the introduction, nine pages of critical thinking regarding the subject matter, and two pages of summary conclusion. After the completion of the essay portion of the test, the student is required to create a set of twenty-five multiple-choice questions and provide answers to those questions in a Question-and-answer format.
Completed tests must be submitted online for grading. Supervised learning is quite different and attracts a penalty of $35 if the student does not complete the test on time.
Click here to know more.
6. St. Christ University of Theology & Seminary’s Doctorates in Theology.
This university offers free online doctorates in theology for specialization in evangelism, the New Testament, the Old Testament, pastoral theology, and religious ministry development.
St. Christ University of Theology & Seminary’s (SCUTS) Graduate Degree Programs are fast-tracked, career-focused, non-academic religious masters and doctoral degree programs, strategically designed to match your area of interest to meet your career goal while studying globally online.
PS: this article has been updated and we found out that the doctorate in theology degree programs at St. Christ University of Theology & Seminary are no longer free. However, the fees are cheap at $35 cost per credit point.
Click here for more.
7. St. Christ University of Theology & Seminary’s Doctorates in Divinity.
This university offers free online doctorates in divinity for specialization in pastoral leadership, biblical languages, theology and apologetics, chaplaincy, and church history.
PS: this article has been updated and we found out that the doctorate in divinity degree program at St. Christ University of Theology & Seminary is no longer free. However, the fees are cheap at $40 cost per credit point.
Click here to know more.
8. The Esoteric Interfaith Church’s Doctor of Theology Program
Also called the Th.D. (the religious equivalent of the Ph.D.), is for the scholar-seeker, a lover of the written word, ancient scripture, lore, symbols, alphabets, and languages.
The university requires that one write a 4000-word thesis/dissertation on any spiritual topic that appeals to you. Your paper may be emailed to us or snail-mailed. Don’t stress over the thesis paper. Just write about something you love and it will flow out of you.
You are also expected to write at least a one-page spiritual history, telling the story of religion and spirituality in your life from your childhood to the present. The program is 100% online.
PS: The Esoteric Interfaith Church’s Doctor of Theology Program is no longer free. Students are required to pay a one-time tuition fee of $600. This is still quite a cheap and affordable tuition fee for a doctor in theology program.
Click here to know more.
9. Northwestern Christian University Doctorate by dissertation
A free Northwestern Christian University doctorate opportunity means students enroll for free and can audit an entire program online at no cost. Those who seek a 90-day Doctorate award, pay a minimum suggested donation at graduation.
This represents huge savings when compared to traditional university tuition. You will receive a Northwestern Christian University officially sealed and signed degree and certified NCU transcript.
There are no upfront costs to enroll, books are free and there are NO hidden costs or fees.
Click here to know more.
10. Trinity Graduate School of Theology’s Doctor of Theology Program
The university offers tuition-free graduate distance bible courses in apologetics, theology, and Christian ministry.
The ThD is an advanced-level theological diploma course where one goes deeper into topics related to the Bible and Theology. The course is suitable for people who already have a good background in theology. Students are expected to complete the course in 2 years and are also expected to possess a master’s degree in any subject, preferably in theology.
In case your master’s is not in theology, the university will send additional course material (if needed) to take care of the theological deficiency.
- Doctor of Theology degree programs offered by Trinity Graduate School are:
- Doctor of Theology in Biblical Theology
- Doctor of Theology in Systematic Theology
- Doctor of Theology in Theological Apologetics
- Doctor of Theology in Nouthetic Counseling
- Doctor of Theology in Pastoral Theology
Click here to read more.
FAQs
How can I study theology for free?
To study theology for free, you will have to take advantage of many free or highly subsidized online courses that are up for the taking.
The internet, which is a good resource provides well-articulated guides and opportunities such as this article
How long does it take to earn a doctorate in theology?
It takes between 2-7 years to complete and earn a Doctorate in Theology.
Is there PhD in Theology?
Yes, there is a PhD in Theology and you can go for it if you wish. Also, a PhD in Theology is different from a Doctorate in Theology. The ThD is focused more specifically on Christian theology whereas a PhD is often more comparative.
Conclusion
Many such programs are geared towards giving doctorate degrees in theology and sometimes divinity to those who seek a deeper knowledge of what the bible holds for them. This article is a guide to lead any of such students in the right direction; to provide free doctoral degree program opportunities.
This article has been updated with the latest information, go ahead and apply for any of the courses and start your journey towards your theology program.