Theology (BA) Online Degree
Go deeper into the Word and sharpen your ministry calling in preaching, teaching, and more through the Bachelor of Arts in Theology program, powered by Vanguard University, in partnership with Jakes Divinity School (JDS).
Fully accredited, this online theology degree will position you to thrive in your ministry, lead in your community, or prepare for graduate studies.
Designed to work around your life, the theological studies courses are delivered 100% online with face-to-face residency opportunities twice a year as well as live video conferencing. You will learn from Spirit-filled scholars who are committed to personalizing your theology education.
Through your online theology courses, you will improve yourself personally and professionally. JDS offers individualized advising so you are prepared to step into your God-ordained purpose and to help transform our world.
Apply Now
Learn from some of the foremost theologians, pastors, and leaders
Be mentored by a theology expert through our mentor program
Attend face-to-face residency opportunities twice a year
Fulfill your calling while building your ministry career
Why an online theology degree at Jakes Divinity School?
If you are involved in church or para-church activities and are looking to become a pastor, minister, or to further your studies in theological training at the graduate level, the Bachelor of Arts in Theology is for you.
With an average of 15 students or fewer in your online theology courses, you will have direct access to professors who are leading Christian scholars. They are passionate about developing you into an innovative leader.
Flourish in your ministry through a theology degree with a built-in ministry and leadership concentration. You can also choose an anti-human trafficking concentration with courses such as faith-based response to human trafficking and research in women’s studies.
Focus on your studies while you work and attend to your life commitments with our online theology courses. As part of the JDS partnership, VU offers three, 5-week or two, 7- to 8-week modules per semester. Many students take one course per module, but you can request to complete two courses at a time.
Expand your worldview and make global connections by learning with students across the nation and the world. Through your theological studies, you will build critical thinking and other important skills while cultivating networks in the faith community.
Get peer-to-peer moral and academic support from JDS Ambassadors, current students who will be there for you even before you enroll in your online theology degree. You can also build leadership and communication skills by becoming an Ambassador.
Attend JDS spring and fall residencies twice a year and gain access to exclusive information and resources for your theology degree. Learn from top industry and ministry leaders and collaborate and network with other JDS students, faculty, and staff.
Tune into JDS Town Halls and ask questions, get feedback, and engage in discussions on topics ranging from social injustice to theological perspectives to leadership in the church and society. Town Halls are held once a month or as directed by the president.
Be inspired and empowered by JDS founder and chancellor Bishop T.D. Jakes through exclusive master class sessions delivered via Zoom. Bishop Jakes shares with students biblical theological insights coupled with wisdom gained from his multifaceted career.
Sheila Anthony Shaw
Milpitas, CA
JDS Student, Bachelor of Arts in Theology
“I’ve always dreamt about completing my education, and at 61 years young, JDS has allowed me to achieve my dream and succeed. If I can do this, you can too!”
Join the next generation of Christian leaders
Spirit-filled and charismatic minister and global leader Bishop T.D. Jakes explains why he founded Jakes Divinity School and how he hopes to inspire the next generation of Christian leaders.
What can you do with Bachelor of Theology?
With forward-thinking theology classes online, you will gain the knowledge and skills you need to pursue your calling in the ministry or to continue your studies at the graduate level. JDS pairs leadership skills with academic rigor so your theology degree broadens your career options and empowers you to make a positive impact in the world.
Theology degree graduates become:
- Para-ministers
- Pastoral care members
- Preachers
- Teachers
Career Outlook with a Bachelor’s degree in Theology
Most occupations for theology graduates are projected to grow an average of 4% during the next 10 years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Get started on your online theology degree
Take the next steps toward earning your Bachelor of Theology and making an impact in your community and on the world. If you have questions after you review our FAQs, please call us at 1-866-85-MYJDS (1-866-856-9537) or email info@jakesdivinity.org.
Apply Today
Submit your application online today for the Bachelor of Theology powered by Vanguard University in partnership with Jakes Divinity School. See the application requirements below for more information.
Explore Financial Aid
Put your theology degree within reach by applying for federal loans, grants, and/or scholarships. Start by completing the FAFSA and use School Code: 001293 for Vanguard.
Request More Information
If you would like to discuss the Bachelor of Theology degree in more detail with an admissions counselor, please submit this form.
General Education:
49 units
$535 per unit
$26,215
Electives:
24 units
$535 per unit
$12,840
Major:
51 units
$535 per unit
$27,285
- Submit a FREE online application.
- Official high school and college transcripts
- All official transcripts should be submitted as follows:
- Physical transcripts can be sent to the address below and must be in a sealed envelope from the school remitting the transcript to be accepted:
Vanguard University
School for Professional Studies
55 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa, CA, 92626 - Electronic transcripts can be sent to: spsadmissions@vanguard.edu and admissions@jakesdivinity.org (must be sent from a third-party Safe Sender, such as eScrip or Parchment to be accepted).
- Physical transcripts can be sent to the address below and must be in a sealed envelope from the school remitting the transcript to be accepted:
- All official transcripts should be submitted as follows:
- Statement of Purpose
- Write a detailed statement of purpose that describes how your chosen degree program aligns with your vocational aspirations and is related to your Christian faith.
- Statement must be 250 words, double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font.
- Please email your completed statement of purpose (in Word document or pdf format) to hsimons@jakesdivinity.org with the subject “JDS Statement of Purpose – (Your first and last name here)”.
- Complete the FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, by visiting fafsa.ed.gov. Vanguard’s school code is 001293.
- Theology of Church Mission and Ministry
- Critical Thinking and Writing for Ministry
- Church History
- Research Methods for the Study and Preaching of the Scripture
- The Ministry of Preaching and Teaching
- Leadership in Christian Organizations
- Management in Christian Organizations
- Foundations of Christian Ethics
- Theological Themes of the Old Testament
- Research Methods for the Study of Christian Organizations
- Theological Themes of the New Testament
- Pastoral Care and Counseling
- The Ministry of the Spirit in the Church
- 1 Corinthians: The Church in an Urban Setting
- Conflict Management
- The New Testament and Contemporary Christian Issues
- Change Theory and Strategic Planning in Christian Organizations
Estimated tuition costs based on 2024-2025 tuition rates.
- $535 per unit
- Technology and Program Fee: $400 per semester
| General Education: | 49 units | $535 per unit | $26,215 |
| Electives: | 24 units | $535 per unit | $12,840 |
| Major: | 51 units | $535 per unit | $27,285 |
The degree is offered online with some face-to-face opportunities for learning, networking, and hands-on experience. All of Jakes Divinity School students will have face-to-face residency opportunities twice a year. The first is during the International Leadership Summit each spring of a given degree program. Students will arrive on site of the summit the Sunday evening prior and remain for a week until the end of the summit. The second residency will likely take place in Dallas, TX, at Jakes Divinity School in the fall of each year.
PLEASE NOTE: We are not eligible to accept students from the states of Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Wisconsin, and Wyoming in degrees powered by Vanguard University
Apply NowWhat is the Course Format?
The course format consists of three 5-week modules per semester (Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters). Most students take one course per module. If a student needs to complete two courses in a single module, it must first be approved by the Student Success Coordinator.
Students are also encouraged to participate in two residencies per year – the International Leadership Summit and the JDS Symposium.
Are there admissions deadlines for financial aid?
Yes. Please refer to the financial registration deadline and academic registration dates made available through your JDS Enrollment and Student Services Coordinator.
Does the program allow financial aid?
Yes. You have the option of applying for federal loans, grants and/or scholarships.
Who is eligible for financial aid?
Federal guidelines generally require students to be enrolled in a minimum of 6 units/semester hours to use federal financial aid. Students are not eligible to use federal financial aid (FAFSA) if starting in Module 3 of any semester. If starting in Module 3, students will only be enrolled in 3 units (1 course). Students can still be admitted for Module 3 of a semester and pay out of pocket for tuition.
How can I apply for Financial Aid?
Complete a FAFSA application and use School Code: 001293 for Vanguard.
Click here to complete a Spanish FAFSA application.
Can I still apply for the program if I live out-of-state?
Yes. However, our JDS partner school, Vanguard University, does not accept applicants who reside in: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. You may contact a JDS Enrollment and Student Services Coordinator to discuss other program options that may fit your needs.
