A Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) is a four-year undergraduate degree centered on the Bible, Christian doctrine, church history, and practical ministry. It is one of the most direct routes into church ministry and a common foundation for seminary. New to the field? Start with what is a theology degree?
Typical courses
- Old and New Testament survey; hermeneutics (interpretation)
- Systematic theology and Christian doctrine
- Church history
- Greek and/or Hebrew (at many schools)
- Preaching, pastoral care, evangelism, and missions
- Supervised ministry internship
B.Th. vs. similar bachelor's degrees
- B.Th.: concentrated theology and ministry; sometimes lighter on general education.
- BA in Theology: liberal-arts base plus a theology major — flexible for graduate school.
- BA/BS in Biblical Studies: centered on the text of Scripture and languages.
- BA in Ministry: heavier on practical ministry skills and leadership.
How long it takes
About four years full-time (roughly 120–130 credits). Associate credit and transfer courses can shorten it — see do Bible college credits transfer? and how long is Bible school?
Cost and aid
Tuition varies widely. Compare options in our degree cost guide, cheapest online Bible schools, and the cost estimator. At accredited schools in Title IV, you can use the FAFSA — estimate what you may qualify for with the financial aid calculator.
Careers
Youth, worship, associate pastor, missions, church administration, Christian school, and nonprofit roles are common. See theology degree jobs and salary data.
Find an accredited program
Look for recognized accreditation (ABHE or a regional accreditor) and verify it in the DAPIP database. Browse accredited Bible colleges, online theology degrees, or all schools.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.)?
- A Bachelor of Theology is an undergraduate degree focused on Scripture, Christian doctrine, church history, and ministry. It is often more concentrated in theology and ministry than a liberal-arts BA, with fewer general education courses.
- What does B.Th. stand for?
- B.Th. (sometimes Th.B. or BTh) stands for Bachelor of Theology.
- B.Th. vs. BA in Theology — which is better?
- Neither is better in general. A BA in Theology usually includes more general education and is a strong base for any graduate program. A B.Th. is often more ministry-focused. If you plan to attend seminary or graduate school, confirm the program is accredited and that your target school accepts it.
- How long does a Bachelor of Theology take?
- About four years full-time, typically 120–130 credit hours. Transfer credit, accelerated terms, or part-time study can shorten or lengthen that.
- Can I earn a Bachelor of Theology online?
- Yes. Many accredited Bible colleges offer theology or biblical studies bachelor's degrees fully online. Check accreditation and whether the school participates in federal aid.
- What jobs can I get with a B.Th.?
- Graduates often serve in pastoral, youth, worship, missions, and church administration roles, or work in Christian schools and nonprofits. Chaplaincy and many senior pastor roles typically also require an MDiv.
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