Theology Degree and Ministry Programs

$51,940

Clergy Leaders Median Wage1

$33,530

Religious Occupations Median Wage2

Grand Canyon University’s theology and ministry degrees are rooted in biblical truth and designed to strengthen theological knowledge. The mission of GCU’s College of Theology is to “educate students to communicate the gospel effectively, serve the church faithfully and minister with integrity at home and abroad.” Our online and on-campus bachelor’s, master’s and graduate certificate theology programs readies students to be true servant leaders in their community while teaching them to prepare the next generation of Christian leaders.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, clergy leaders saw a mean annual wage of $51,940 in May 2020.1 Workers in religious occupations saw a median annual wage in May 2020 of $33,530.2

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Bachelor’s Theology and Ministry Degrees

Begin your journey of service with a bachelor’s theology and ministry degree from GCU. Our Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies degrees apply theological training with biblical studies to construct a framework of effective learning and ministry. Study for a Bachelor of Arts in Worship Arts to continue your calling in music and worship ministry.

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Master’s Theology and Ministry Degrees

Grand Canyon Theological Seminary (GCTS) is an online and on-campus interdenominational, evangelical seminary that is home to our master’s theology degree programs. It offers our Master of Divinity which equips bachelor’s-prepared students for various types of ministry. The guiding pillars of the seminary include being gospel centered, church focused and missions oriented, which maintains our purpose of equipping Christian leaders to minister faithfully and effectively.

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Theology and Ministry Graduate Certificate Degrees

Earning your graduate certificate in the College of Theology program (either online or on campus) can be the next step in your ministry service. Our theology and ministry certificate programs train future church leaders with a shorter but expansive curriculum that incorporates biblical and theological instruction. Explore our graduate certificate degrees in biblical foundations, Christian theology and more to prepare for multiple types of ministry and service.

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Interesting Courses Within a Theology and Ministry Degree

As a theology student at GCU, you’ll develop skills and integrities that affect your everyday life and prepare you for your calling and career. Interesting courses theology majors may take are:

  • Ministerial Communication: This course is a study of the theory and methods of oral communication with emphasis on the development of speaking and listening skills for application in ministerial contexts such as preaching, teaching, small group discussion and interpersonal communication.
  • Survey of Historical Theology: This course surveys the major developments within the history of Christianity that have shaped Christian doctrine. Emphasis is placed on key events, personalities, theological developments and movements.
  • Biblical Interpretation and Application: This course helps equip students to understand, interpret and use basic principles of biblical hermeneutics.
  • Hebrew Prophets: This course offers a critical study of the pre-exilic, exilic and post-exilic prophets, with special consideration given to the social, political and religious conditions of their times. Attention is given to the ministry and message of the prophets, in their day and today.

FAQs for Theology and Ministry Majors

A theology degree provides students with the necessary skills to apply scripture to the context in which you serve and to succeed in a variety of ministry careers. Whether students are called to lead for Christ, plant churches, speak truth into the lives of others or pursue a career in Christian counseling, theology degrees educate students to communicate the gospel effectively, serve faithfully and with integrity.

A typical ministry degree requires 120 credits and takes approximately four years to complete. Whether learning on campus or online, graduates emerge fully prepared to minister the next generation of disciples.

Studying theology allows students to explore not only Christianity but to also increase understanding of different religious beliefs from around the world. This provides students with the ability to apply practices that shape the world we live in. Learn more about the benefits and impact of Christian culture when students choose to study theology.

1 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Clergy Leaders, as of May 2020. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may also impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the BLS. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers from across the country with varying levels of education and experience and does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as clergy leaders. It does not reflect workers’ earnings in one city or region of the country. It also does not reflect a typical entry-level salary. The median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. You may also wish to compare median salaries if you are considering more than one career path.

2 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Religious Workers, as of May 2020. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may also impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the BLS. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers from across the country with varying levels of education and experience and does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as religious workers. It does not reflect workers’ earnings in one city or region of the country. It also does not reflect a typical entry-level salary. The median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. You may also wish to compare median salaries if you are considering more than one career path.

Compare other areas of interest for your degree at our Majors & Programs page.

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