As I grow in faith and understanding of God’s Word, I’ve discovered the incredible opportunities that free online seminary degrees and theology courses offer. Pursuing theological education has become more accessible than ever, allowing people like me, with a busy schedule, to study Scripture and ministry skills without the financial burden of attending a traditional seminary.
This article addresses the fundamental question of how to study theology online for free, answers key questions about online seminary options, and highlights the best free theology courses, including those from Dallas Theological Seminary and other reputable institutions.
If you are reading this, it means you have been bothered by the mental query about online seminary and are seeking a free theology degree, a certificate course, or programs tailored for seniors. This article provides a clear roadmap to deepen your faith and equip you for service.
Why Pursue a Free Online Seminary Degree?
Theological education equips believers with a deeper understanding of the Bible, Christian doctrine, and practical ministry skills. Traditionally, seminary degrees required significant financial investment and relocation, but the rise of online learning has democratized access. Free online seminary programs allow you to:
Deepen Your Faith: Engage with Scripture and theology to grow spiritually and apply biblical principles to your life.
Prepare for Ministry: Gain skills for preaching, teaching, or counseling without leaving your current responsibilities.
Save Money: Avoid the high costs of tuition, which can range from $10,000 to $50,000 for a traditional seminary degree.
Study Flexibly: Learn at your own pace, balancing family, work, or other commitments.
Earn Certificates: Many programs offer certificates of completion, adding value to your resume or ministry credentials.
For seniors, free theology courses provide an enriching way to explore faith in retirement. For aspiring pastors or lay leaders, these programs offer foundational training without financial strain. Let’s dive into how you can study theology online for free and answer key questions about available options.
How to Study Theology Online for Free?
Studying theology online for free is straightforward with the right resources. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get started:
Identify Your Goals: Determine whether you want a structured degree, individual courses, or a certificate program. Are you studying for personal enrichment, ministry preparation, or academic credentials?
Choose Reputable Platforms: Look for trusted providers like BiblicalTraining.org, Dallas Theological Seminary, or Christian Leaders Institute, which offer high-quality, free content from respected professors.
Explore Course Formats: Free theology courses come in various formats—self-paced videos, live webinars, or hybrid models. Select one that fits your schedule.
Leverage Free Resources: Many platforms provide free access to lectures, eBooks, and study guides. For example, Dallas Theological Seminary offers free courses like “How to Read the Bible Like a Seminary Professor.”
Engage with Community: Participate in discussion forums or virtual study groups to enhance learning and build connections.
Track Progress: Some programs offer certificates upon completion, which require quizzes or assignments. Stay organized to meet these requirements.
By following these steps, you can access world-class theological education without cost. Websites like BiblicalTraining.org and The Gospel Coalition provide structured programs, while others, like Covenant Theological Seminary, offer standalone courses for free.
Can I Take Seminary Online?
Yes, you can take seminary online, and many programs are entirely free or low-cost. Online seminary education has grown significantly, offering flexibility for students who cannot attend traditional campuses. Institutions like Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS), Christian Leaders Institute (CLI), and Covenant Theological Seminary provide online courses ranging from introductory Bible studies to advanced theological training.
Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS): DTS offers free online courses through its DTS Global Institute, covering topics like Revelation, Evangelism, and Bible Study Methods. These courses are self-paced, include video lectures from renowned faculty, and are accessible worldwide. While DTS’s full degree programs require tuition, their free courses are robust and certificate-eligible in some cases.
Christian Leaders Institute (CLI): CLI provides free online seminary courses and degree programs, including associate and bachelor’s degrees in divinity. Courses cover biblical doctrine, apologetics, and ministry skills. Students can earn certificates or pursue ordination through CLI’s Christian Leaders Alliance.
Covenant Theological Seminary: Offers free online courses in Bible, theology, and ministry. These are non-credit but provide seminary-level training for personal growth or ministry preparation.
Online seminary programs vary in structure. Some, like CLI, offer full degree tracks with no tuition, while others provide individual courses for free but charge for formal degrees. Always check accreditation if you need a recognized credential (more on this later).
Is Biblical Training Free?
For those asking, Yes, BiblicalTraining.org is a leading platform offering free theological education. Founded to equip believers for spiritual growth, it provides over 1,000 hours of content from top evangelical professors like Darrell Bock, Craig Blomberg, and John Piper.
Course Offerings: BiblicalTraining.org offers beginner, intermediate, and advanced courses in biblical hermeneutics, systematic theology, church history, and more. Examples include “Biblical Theology” by Greg Beale and “Psalms” by Bruce Waltke.
Programs: The site features learning plans for disciples, leaders, and pastors, grouping courses into structured paths like Foundations of Biblical Studies.
Cost: All content is free to access, though registration may be required for certificates. Some advanced features or certificates may have a small fee, but core content remains tuition-free.
Accessibility: Courses are available via web or mobile apps, with options for offline listening.
BiblicalTraining.org is ideal for those seeking high-quality, free theological education without pursuing a formal degree. Its user-friendly platform and diverse topics make it a top choice for personal enrichment.
Can You Study Theology Online?
Absolutely, theology can be studied online through numerous platforms offering free or low-cost courses. Online theology programs cater to diverse learners, from casual students to aspiring ministers. Key platforms include:
The Gospel Coalition: Offers free courses like “New Testament Biblical Theology” by G.K. Beale and “Life of Christ” by Craig Blomberg. These are ideal for deepening biblical understanding.
Our Daily Bread University: Provides free courses on apologetics, biblical literacy, and Christian living, with self-paced formats and downloadable resources.
BMA Theological Seminary: Offers free online Bible courses with certificates of completion, covering topics like the Gospel of Mark and the Book of Acts. These are non-credit but valuable for personal growth.
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary: Provides free courses like “An Overview of the New Testament,” with 32 lecture videos averaging 20 minutes each.
These platforms allow you to study theology at your own pace, often with access to discussion boards for community engagement. Whether you’re exploring Old Testament theology or Christian apologetics, online options are abundant and accessible.
Free Online Theology Course with Certificate
Many institutions offer free theology courses with certificates of completion, adding value for those seeking recognition without a full degree. Here are some top options:
Dallas Theological Seminary: DTS offers free courses like “Understanding God’s Covenants” and “Revelation,” with certificates available upon completion of assignments or quizzes. These courses, led by faculty like Dr. Howard Hendricks, cover practical and theological topics.
BMA Theological Seminary: Provides free courses like “The Gospel of Mark” and “Conversion from Sin,” with certificates for completing coursework. Students enjoy interactive discussion boards and global perspectives.
Christian Leaders Institute: Offers free courses such as “Christian Basics” and “Theology I,” with certificates included. These are part of CLI’s broader divinity programs, which are also free.
Biblicalelearning.org: Provides free access to hundreds of lectures on Old Testament, New Testament, and theology, with certificates for some courses. Topics range from biblical languages to philosophy.
Certificates typically require completing assignments, quizzes, or discussion posts, but they’re free and enhance your resume or ministry credentials. Always verify certificate requirements before enrolling.
Free Theology Degrees for Seniors Online
Seniors seeking to deepen their faith or explore theology in retirement can benefit from free online programs tailored to their needs. While full degree programs may have age-agnostic requirements, many free courses are ideal for seniors due to their flexibility and accessibility.
Christian Leaders Institute: CLI’s free associate and bachelor’s degrees in divinity are perfect for seniors. Courses like “Christian Basics” and “Theology II” are self-paced, allowing seniors to study without time constraints. CLI also offers personal enrichment tracks for non-degree learners.
BiblicalTraining.org: Offers free courses like “Psalms” and “Church History I,” which appeal to seniors interested in lifelong learning. The platform’s mobile app and offline options make it accessible for those less tech-savvy.
Our Daily Bread University: Provides free courses like “Apologetics Basics,” which are short and engaging, ideal for seniors exploring faith without academic pressure.
Northwestern Christian University: Claims to offer 90-day bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees for a donation at graduation. However, its accreditation is not recognized by standard bodies, so seniors should approach cautiously and prioritize learning over credentials.
Seniors can benefit from these programs’ self-paced nature, allowing them to study from home without financial or physical strain. Community forums and discussion boards also provide social engagement, fostering connection with other learners.
Free Seminary Degree and Free Theology Degree Online
While free seminary degrees are rare due to accreditation costs, some institutions offer tuition-free or donation-based programs. Here are notable options:
Christian Leaders Institute (CLI): Offers free associate and bachelor’s degrees in divinity, with courses covering biblical doctrine, Christian history, and ministry skills. CLI’s model is donation-based, with no upfront tuition. Students can also pursue ordination through the Christian Leaders Alliance.
Trinity Graduate School of Apologetics and Theology (TGSAT): Claims to offer tuition-free theological education, including master’s and doctorate programs. However, its accreditation status is unclear, so it’s best for personal enrichment rather than professional credentials.
International Seminary for Distance Education in Theology (ISDET): Partners with TGSAT to provide free theology programs, focusing on apologetics and biblical studies. Like TGSAT, its accreditation is not widely recognized.
Northwestern Christian University: Offers 90-day degree programs for a donation, but its lack of recognized accreditation limits its value for professional purposes.
These programs are ideal for personal growth or informal ministry but may not meet academic or denominational standards for ordination or employment. For accredited degrees, consider institutions with financial aid, as fully free accredited degrees are nearly nonexistent.
Free Online Seminary Schools Accredited
Accreditation ensures a degree is recognized by employers, denominations, or other institutions. Unfortunately, fully free accredited seminary degrees are rare because accreditation involves significant costs for institutions. However, some schools offer free courses or low-cost programs with accreditation:
Dallas Theological Seminary: While DTS’s full degree programs are not free, their free courses (e.g., “Revelation,” “Bible Study Methods”) are offered through an accredited institution. These courses are non-credit but provide high-quality training. DTS is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary: Offers free courses like “An Overview of the New Testament,” accredited by ATS. These are non-credit but valuable for ministry preparation.
BMA Theological Seminary: Provides free online courses with certificates, accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). Courses are non-credit but align with their accredited degree programs.
Covenant Theological Seminary: Offers free courses through its ATS-accredited program, such as “Theology of World Missions.” These are non-credit but reflect seminary-level rigor.
For fully accredited degrees, schools like Saint Paul School of Theology offer hybrid and online programs with financial aid, though not free. Always verify accreditation through ATS, ABHE, or regional bodies before enrolling.
Best Free Online Theology Courses
Here’s a curated list of the best free online theology courses, based on content quality, accessibility, and reputation:
Dallas Theological Seminary – “How to Read the Bible Like a Seminary Professor”: Led by Dr. Howard Hendricks, this four-week course teaches biblical interpretation. Certificate available.
BiblicalTraining.org – “Biblical Hermeneutics”: Dr. Robert Stein’s course explores principles for interpreting Scripture. Free with optional certificate.
The Gospel Coalition – “New Testament Biblical Theology”: G.K. Beale’s course examines theological themes across the New Testament. Free and self-paced.
Covenant Theological Seminary – “Understanding God’s Covenants”: A six-week course exploring God’s promises in Scripture. Free and accessible via their app.
Christian Leaders Institute – “Christian Basics”: Covers fundamental Christian doctrines with a certificate upon completion. Ideal for beginners.
BMA Theological Seminary – “The Gospel of Mark”: A free course with interactive discussion boards and a certificate.
Our Daily Bread University – “Apologetics Basics”: An eight-part course on defending the Christian faith. Free and self-paced.
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary – “An Overview of the New Testament”: 32 lectures covering the New Testament’s themes and context. Free.
Denver Seminary – “Parables”: Dr. Craig Blomberg’s course on Jesus’ parables. Free and self-paced.
Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary – “Theology of World Missions”: A 20-hour course on biblical foundations for missions. Free via BiblicalTraining.org.
These courses cover diverse topics, from biblical interpretation to apologetics, and are taught by respected scholars. Many offer certificates, enhancing their value for ministry or personal growth.
Dallas Theological Seminary Free Courses with Certificate
Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS) is a leader in free online theological education, offering courses through its DTS Global Institute. These courses are non-credit but provide certificates for completing assignments or quizzes.
Available Courses:
How to Read the Bible Like a Seminary Professor: Dr. Howard Hendricks’ four-week course on biblical interpretation.
Understanding God’s Covenants: A six-week study of God’s promises in Scripture.
Revelation: Explores the book’s prophecies and historical context.
Evangelism: Practical training for sharing the gospel.
Bible Study Methods: Tools for precise Scripture study.
Certificate Process: Certificates are awarded upon completing course requirements, such as quizzes or reflection papers. No tuition is required.
Access: Courses are available via the DTS website or mobile app, with pre-recorded videos and weekly assignments.
Reputation: DTS, founded in 1924, is ATS-accredited and known for training pastors and teachers worldwide.
DTS’s free courses are ideal for those seeking high-quality theological education without cost, with certificates adding credibility for ministry roles.
Dallas Theological Seminary Free Online Courses
Beyond certificate courses, DTS offers additional free online courses through its Global Institute, designed to equip believers globally.
Course Topics: Include Acts, Hebrews, Isaiah, and more, with faculty like Dr. Glenn Kreider providing transformative teaching.
Format: Courses are primarily pre-recorded, with some offering real-time video conferencing. Hybrid options may include in-person sessions, but most are fully online.
Accessibility: Available to anyone worldwide, with no prerequisites. Courses are self-paced or follow a weekly schedule.
Impact: DTS emphasizes practical application, helping students live out their faith through biblical wisdom.
These courses are perfect for personal enrichment or supplementing formal education, though they do not count toward DTS’s accredited degree programs.
Conclusion
Pursuing a free online seminary degree or theology course is an incredible opportunity to grow in faith, prepare for ministry, or enhance your understanding of Scripture—all without financial barriers. Platforms like Dallas Theological Seminary, Christian Leaders Institute, and BiblicalTraining.org offer high-quality, accessible education, often with certificates to validate your efforts.
For seniors, these programs provide flexible, enriching learning experiences, while aspiring ministers can access training for ordination or leadership. While fully accredited free degrees are rare, the wealth of free courses from reputable institutions ensures you can study theology online effectively. As @thirdmill noted on X, free seminary-level courses can equip leaders and transform communities, making theological education more inclusive than ever. Start your journey today by exploring these resources, and let God’s Word guide your path.
