With a doctorate in theology, you will get more respect (a Dr. will always be added to your name) and you can work at places where someone with Bachelor’s degree can’t.
Also known as ThD, DTh, or Dr. theol., the degree is an advanced research degree that can be earned at any accredited educational institution in the world.
Most people who have gotten their Master’s in Theology and wish to further their studies & get more certifications may not be financially capable of paying the fees attached.
Free accredited doctorate degree in theology online
The institutions listed below provide a free doctorate degree in theology online for students who love to learn at their own pace and time.
Northwestern Christian University
Since 1980 Northwestern Christian University has been providing affordable quality Christian education in the United States. If you want to earn your theology doctorate degree online for free, NCU is the best option for you.
Once you graduate, your certificate and transcripts will be processed, signed, and printed with the imprinted golden seal and NCU’s watermark. The doctorate degree is by only dissertation (no thesis or PLA).
So what do you get at NCU?
- Free ebooks
- Free enrollment
- Free auditing
- Free NCU certificate program
Their requirements are not much; you should be able to read, write & understand how to use a computer. Once they approve your application, you can start your program.
Northwestern Christian University (NCU) is accredited by the International Association for Christian Educational Accountability (IACEA).
International Seminary for (Free) Distance Education in Theology (ISDET)
At ISDET, the only thing you are paying for is your graduation fee, other things like tuition fees, textbooks, etc are completely free.
There is no hidden fee, students from developed counties like the US, Canada, the UK, Switzerland, etc are going to pay a mandatory registration fee (not up to what you spend at McDonald’s in a week).
Students from developing or underdeveloped countries like India, Nigeria, Brazil, Chad, Indonesia, etc, are not going to pay any entry fee.
To apply for admission to earn your free doctorate of theology degree online at ISDET, you must have an earned Master of Theology from any standard seminary, the program duration is 2 years only.
IICSE University free doctorate of theology online
The Doctor of Theology (DTh) program at IICSE university is free and one of the best online theology doctorate programs you can find in 2022. The program lasts for 3 years (2 semesters per year).
Just like ISDET, tuition and books are totally free at the IICSE University, you only have to pay an application processing fee of $45, exam fees ($5/exam), and your certificate or transcript fee.
To get your doctoral degree in theology at this institution, you must have a Master in Theology (or any related course) or its equivalent.
Using your smartphone, computer system, or tablet equipped with internet connectivity, you can earn your Doctoral degree at IICSE University in 2022. It can be completed at your pace and their teaching is very practical and modern.
Trinity Graduate School of Theology
Trinity Graduate School of Apologetics and Theology is one of the best institutions offering free theological distance programs in 2022.
You ain’t paying for tuition, only a small one-time registration fee and you will get access to regularly updated courses. A Master’s degree in any subject is required but they prefer theology.
The 2-year program is best for only those who have above-average knowledge of theology as you will dive deeper into topics related to the Bible and Theology.
Esoteric Theological Seminary
Esoteric Theological Seminary does not offer fully-funded or free theology doctorate programs but I found them to be cheap which is why I included them in this list.
You can earn an online Doctorate degree in theology at ETS to kickstart your career with new seminary credentials and be able to teach others and/or offer spiritual counseling.
What does it cost? A one-time tuition fee of $600, if this is too much for you, check out the other programs listed on this page. At the end of the day, you get a legal religious doctorate degree diploma with a beautiful gold-raised seal.
Some of the requirements for the degree are:
- You must be an ordained clergy (ordination is free with them)
- Complete the application form
- Write a 4000 word dissertation/thesis on any spiritual topic you want and mail it to them
- Write & submit at least a one page spiritual history
- Pay the compulsory tuition fee
Want to learn more about the institution? Visit their site using the link below.
North Central Theological Seminary Degree Doctor of Theology
Last but not least on our list of free doctorate degrees in theology online is the North Central Theological Seminary located in Florida.
The credits required for a doctorate degree in theology at NCTS are 48 credits, and the accelerated program lasts for about 14-24 months.
Other requirements for admission are:
- You must have a Matser’s degree
- Bible Study Methods
- Dissertation and dissertation proposal
- Advanced church and ministry leadership
- Advanded new and old testament survey
- Analytical assignment of major religions
- Advanced systematic theology
They provide full and subsidized scholarships for students who are not financially capable of paying their tuition fees, the % of your tuition it will cover depends on your score in the online biblical evaluation test.
Can I get a theology degree for free?
Yes, you can get a theology degree for free whether online or the traditional method of teaching.
In this article, we listed some of the best free theology programs for people seeking a doctorate degree in the course. There are also free programs for a Master in Theology degree, Bachelor of Theology degree, or a Ph.D. in theology.
There are hundreds of schools offering these degrees for free and a simple search on Google will get you what you are looking for.
How long does a Th.D. in theology take?
A Doctor of Theology degree (Th.D.) takes 2-4 years depending on the school and location.
Note that a Th.D. is completely different from a Ph.D., and a Ph.D. in theology is the highest major anyone can get in theology.
Failing a lot of courses while taking the program means you are going to spend more years at school, hence this can take longer than 4 years.
How much does a doctorate in theology make?
A graduate with a doctorate in theology makes an average of $85,000 per year in the United States.
Teaching assistants make the least amount ($13k – $32k/year) while Senior pastors can make up to $100k or more annually.
I am sure you now know how to get a free doctorate degree in theology online in 2022. Kindly share this article with your friends and family.