According to the International Student Guide, around 1600 of the United States' 4000 institutions of higher learning are considered private, non-profit institutions. While around 900 of those schools consider themselves religious institutions, only 102 are members of the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities, a body that accepts only Christian schools that actively attempt to maintain a Christian atmosphere in their educational and extra-curricular activities. While many of these institutions have campuses that offer a variety of programs to undergraduate and graduate students, online classes are often an important aspect of the Christian college. You can find many Christian college degrees online that will not only boost your career choices, but that can also help you develop spiritually and academically.
Why choose online Christian colleges?
Quoting the National Association of Christian College Admissions Professionals, the International Student Guide suggests that seeking a diploma from a Christian college can help you grow in multiple areas of your life while interacting more with professors and obtaining a quality education. According to the Directory of Schools, a Christian education is often a quality that employers value because of its emphasis on practical business techniques, honesty, and hard work. Additionally, the guide suggests that a Christian degree based on Biblical principals can be advantageous in the work world, as it teaches traditional wisdom. Furthermore, Christian college degrees online offer individuals who don't have the chance or prefer not to to attend traditional campuses to earn the qualifications that will allow them to participate in a religious profession. Finally, Christian college degrees online may offer better programs in certain areas than other online programs. Even for those who are not particularly looking for a Christian college, Christian college degrees online can be the best option, so researching Christian colleges with online degree programs is often a good tactic.
What do Christian college degrees cover?
Like other online degree programs, Christian college degrees are available in a variety of areas. According to Baker's Guide to Christian Distance Education, there are not many programs that are not available online. From education degrees to business programs, Christian college degrees online can be obtained at the associate, baccalaureate, and graduate levels. Some advantages that Christian college degrees online have over other online diplomas are the spiritual and religious programs that are offered. For instance, Liberty University offers Associate's, Bachelor's, and Doctorate degrees in religion, as well as Master's degrees in Christian Leadership and Discipleship Ministries.
Christian colleges that have been accepted into the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities are also required to implement Christian fundamentals and ideals into their courses. This means that even the most basic and the most specialized courses offered at the Christian university are required to discuss the impact of the subject on spiritual and religious matters. This means that students who graduate with Christian college degrees appeal to employers who place a high value on ethics or spirituality. Furthermore, these online courses can be beneficial to students who are eager to see how their faith is applied to their profession. Whether your major is business or theology, you can expect to learn a great deal about the Bible, Christian faith and history, and how Christianity is relevant today in your classes. Many Christian colleges also offer courses in cultivating qualities desired in a Christian person, such as service and humility. If you are entering a Christian college with the intent of earning a ministry-related degree, you can expect to focus on the fundamental aspects of Biblical literature, as well as the practical methods of ministry.
Christian colleges that have been accepted into the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities are also required to implement Christian fundamentals and ideals into their courses. This means that even the most basic and the most specialized courses offered at the Christian university are required to discuss the impact of the subject on spiritual and religious matters. This means that students who graduate with Christian college degrees appeal to employers who place a high value on ethics or spirituality. Furthermore, these online courses can be beneficial to students who are eager to see how their faith is applied to their profession. Whether your major is business or theology, you can expect to learn a great deal about the Bible, Christian faith and history, and how Christianity is relevant today in your classes. Many Christian colleges also offer courses in cultivating qualities desired in a Christian person, such as service and humility. If you are entering a Christian college with the intent of earning a ministry-related degree, you can expect to focus on the fundamental aspects of Biblical literature, as well as the practical methods of ministry.
What kind of jobs can I get with a Christian college degree?
Although you can get a variety of jobs with degrees from online Christian colleges, many people choose this route so that they will be especially prepared for a job in the field of ministry or theology. For instance, degrees in ministry, children's ministry, Christian education, and youth ministry are some popular choices. With these degrees, individuals can obtain a variety of jobs within the field of ministry. A few examples of these jobs include:
- Musician or Worship Leader
- Children's Ministry Director
- Counselor or Social Services Director
- Secretary or Administrative Assistant
- Pastor or Minister
- Church Administrator
- Religious Writer/Curriculum Developer
- Christian School Teacher
In addition, many ministry-oriented degrees are also easily applicable to other professions. For instance, children's ministry degrees are often impressive to employers looking to hire before and after school childcare workers.
Career Outlook
Generally, most people do not get involved in ministry because they are looking to make a great deal of money. However there are many opportunities for those who graduate from online Christian colleges with degrees in a ministry related field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a member of the clergy is a person who performs duties associated with a faith or religion, in addition to providing counseling and support to members of a congregation. Although many members of the clergy or individuals with ministry-oriented degrees work in churches and other places of worship, they are also on staff at other locations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some of these locations include:
- Schools and Day Care Centers
- Hospitals
- Psychiatric Centers and Substance Abuse Treatment Facilities
- Government
- Nursing Homes and Home Health Care Centers
Members of the clergy also routinely join the military as officers who offer spiritual guidance and religious services for the enlisted men and women. Missionaries also often receive degrees from Christian colleges that can prepare them for a life of service.
Although wages differ from state to state and organization to organization, the Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the median wage for members of the clergy as just over $20 an hour. On the low end, workers are paid around $10 an hour, while those in the 90th percentile are paid just over $35 per hour.
Members of the clergy with college degrees can find many ways to increase their annual income. Some of these include offering their services at weddings, serving as substitute teachers, and teaching religion classes. Additionally, many ministers and church workers receive benefits to help relieve some of the struggles of having a low wage. For instance, some churches pay for the ministers' homes and related costs.
Although wages differ from state to state and organization to organization, the Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the median wage for members of the clergy as just over $20 an hour. On the low end, workers are paid around $10 an hour, while those in the 90th percentile are paid just over $35 per hour.
Members of the clergy with college degrees can find many ways to increase their annual income. Some of these include offering their services at weddings, serving as substitute teachers, and teaching religion classes. Additionally, many ministers and church workers receive benefits to help relieve some of the struggles of having a low wage. For instance, some churches pay for the ministers' homes and related costs.
Where can I find online Christian college degrees?
Whether you're looking to enter the workforce or become a full-time minister, you can find Christian college degrees online from a variety of universities that offer accredited, quality education. The following are just a few examples of adequate online Christian colleges.
Regent University
This Christian college has been ranked highly by Christiancolleges.com, as well as national ranking bodies because of its strong academic program. Located at 1000 Regent University Drive in Virginia Beach, Virginia, the university won the 2009 award for the top online Christian college. From communication and criminal justice to religious studies and Christian ministry, this accredited college offers degrees at the associates, baccalaureate, and masters levels. You can learn more about the university by visiting www.regent.edu.
Liberty University
Since 1985, Liberty University has been offering quality online education for students interested in careers or ministry. Both career and Christ focused, Liberty offers training for individuals who want successful careers. However, by offering its courses from a Christian perspective, Liberty helps its online students grow their faith along with their intellects and skill base. From associate to graduate degrees, Liberty even offers specialized MBAs and technical degrees in computers and IT. Liberty University is located at 1971 University Boulevard in Lynchburg, Virginia, and can be viewed online at www.liberty.edu.
Grand Canyon University
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Grand Canyon University has been listed among the top five online colleges for entrepreneurs by Fortune 500 magazine. From business and health courses to liberal arts degrees, Grand Canyon University offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees in both ministry and career-oriented fields. Grand Canyon University is located 3300 W. Camelback Road Phoenix, Arizona and at www.gcu.edu online.
LeTorneau University
Located in Longview Texas, LeTorneau University is a non-denominational Christian university that offers specializations in the sciences, including aeronautical fields. A school that boasts its ranking as one of the U.S. News and World Report's best schools and high graduation rate, the adult and professional program offers a combination of online and on-campus courses.
From ministry courses to competitive MBA and business courses, Christian college degrees online can offer you opportunities to excel in a variety of fields. By considering accreditation and the school's specialization, you can choose a a Christian college online degree that is right for you.
From ministry courses to competitive MBA and business courses, Christian college degrees online can offer you opportunities to excel in a variety of fields. By considering accreditation and the school's specialization, you can choose a a Christian college online degree that is right for you.