Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online

83 Programs 3 Degree levels
Masters

Master of Theological Studies

DegreeMasters
FieldTheology & Religious Studies

Cost & earnings at Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online What students borrow here, and what they go on to earn

You borrow $24,250 median federal debt
You repay $276/mo over 10 years
Graduates earn $55,736 10 yrs after entry
Debt clears in — yrs of the salary premium
US Department of Education figures See the full breakdown →

A 48-credit Master of Theological Studies delivered online (with an on-campus/hybrid option) that prepares students for doctoral work or scholarly and ministry roles. Suited to those pursuing advanced study in biblical studies, church history, or systematic theology and to practitioners wanting rigorous research and exegetical training.

What you'll study

The curriculum emphasizes critical and constructive engagement with tradition and contemporary scholarship across systematic theology, Christian ethics, philosophy, and church history. Students choose a concentration and learn research methods and primary-source work to produce original scholarship. Concentration options stated by the program are:

  • Old Testament — training in exegetical tools, languages, and textual/theological issues for interpreting Old Testament texts.
  • New Testament — focus on exegetical tools, languages, and interpretation of New Testament texts within theological contexts.
  • General Theology — deeper work in theological scholarship and deploying Christian tradition in church, academy, and society.
  • Ancient and Oriental Christianity — historical-linguistic work on early Christian texts and foundations for ministry or further study.
  • Modern and American Christianity — research-centered study of Christian developments from the 16th to 21st centuries with emphasis on American Christian origins.

Entry requirements

The program page indicates applicants must complete an online application to be considered for admission. Further application details and any additional requirements are provided by the university’s admissions process (the publicly available course text contains an incomplete admission statement).

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to pursue Ph.D. programs at top-tier universities named by the program (examples given include Boston University, Yale, Catholic University of America, Princeton, Duke, Vanderbilt, Emory, and Baylor). Those not seeking doctoral study can pursue teaching roles in private Christian schools, specialized church ministries, or positions in research-based institutes.

Scholarships & funding angle

The program lists a per-credit cost of $798 and a $200 resource fee per term. Students should consult ACU for information on scholarships, assistantships, or other funding; the program materials also note both online and on-campus delivery options which may affect eligibility for different funding sources.

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Programme details are indicative and may change — always verify current information with the official university website before applying.