Have you ever gone to your religious leader for advice on a sensitive issue, or counseling between you and a partner? Pastoral training is when a religious figurehead within a church offers psychological help to members of their congregation. Though trained in psychology, they will base it more on the tenants of your faith, helping you spiritually, in order to help you mentally. This is an important part of any congregation.

What Can I Do With Pastoral Counseling Training?

You can become a pastoral counselor yourself. Pastoral counseling training is meant to be applied as a specialty, so you will not be qualified to make major medical decision in the world of mental health. But you will be able to assist church members, and refer them to a professional if addition help is needed.

How Much Can I Earn With Pastoral Counseling Training?

Your salary will be based on what you make as a pastor. This is traditionally a low amount, but with board and most bills covered by the church in question. Outside income will come to about $25,000 per year, over the benefits you recieve.

Learn more about how pastoral counseling training can prepare you to lead your congregation.

What is Theology?

Simply defined, theology is the study of a god or the study of religious faith, practice, and experience. Theologians use varying forms of analysis and argument, such as philosophical, historical, and spiritual, to help understand, explain, and defend many different religious topics.

What to Expect

Enrolling in an accredited online theology degree program will help you gain a deeper understanding of one particular religion. While programs will vary depending on the institution, courses in sociology, history, and civics are typically included. In addition to the basic college curriculum, degree programs will also require training in the history and development of the world’s religions.

Importance of Accreditation

It is important to research accreditation prior to enrolling in an institution, as some Bible colleges operate without traditional accreditation. Some agencies to look for when researching potential accredited online theology degree programs include the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) and Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools.

Job Opportunities

Upon graduating from an accredited online theology degree program, you will be skilled to perform a variety of tasks as a clergy member. You will organize and lead regular religious services and officiate at special ceremonies. Some roles you will perform in the church include confirmations, weddings, and funerals. As a clergy member, you may also visit the sick or bereaved to provide comfort. Outside of the church, private education is another popular career path for theology degree holders. There are many faith-based educational institutions throughout the country.

A career in the clergy is unlike any other career field. It is not only a career but also a way of life, which can be very rewarding. If you are guided by principles and your faith, an accredited online theology degree will provide you with an academic basis for a career in the clergy.

Life experience college degrees acknowledge the fact that your learning is already equivalent to that of a college graduate’s, and give you the opportunity to quantify that learning for employers, current or potential. Almost any sort of learning experience you’ve had can contribute toward your life experience based degree.

Life Experience College Degrees: Credits for Experience on the Job

You may not have fully realized how much learning you’ve done every day. Every job you’ve had has required learning new skills. This counts towards your life experience degree. Think about the various skills you use each day on the job… computer skills, management techniques, interpersonal skills, customer service methods, accounting… it all adds up to more than you give yourself credit for.

Life Experience College Degrees: Credits for On the Job Training and Military Training

More formal types of learning on the job can be worth life experience credits, as well. Military training, training seminars, or certifications you’ve earned while working are all well documented, excellent potential sources of experiential credit. Safety trainings, seminars on workplace interaction, even basic job training can all help you get your degree fast.

Life Experience College Degrees: Credits for Participation in Organizations, Volunteering, Travel, and Hobbies

And don’t forget to think about the learning you do in you free time. Many of the most enriching learning opportunities available to you are through your participation in volunteer activities, hobbies, memberships in organizations, and travel experience. If classic cars are your passion, or fine arts, or charity work, any and all of these can be a fantastic asset when it comes to getting the diploma you deserve, and fast.

How do you know if an evangelical Bible seminary or college is the right school for you? First of all, you must check if the place is properly accredited. Just like non-religious high education institution, Bible colleges must also go through proper accreditation. Without this process, the quality of education in a certain school cannot be determined.

Some of the agencies that accredit evangelical Bible seminary institutions Association for Biblical Higher Education and the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools. These are groups that accredit Bible colleges and similar institutions in the United States. If an evangelical Bible seminary has received approval from one of these agencies, you can be sure that you will be receiving top-notch education.

An evangelical Bible seminary that is affiliated with the Association of Independent Christian Colleges and Seminaries is also a great institution. The agency exists in order to encourage, support, and promote advancement in Bible education. This agency also aims to create an commission that can help accredit Christian colleges and seminaries in the nation today.

Of course, after you have checked the accreditation of the school, you must also see if they have the right degree program for you. Some schools offer programs that are not related to spirituality aside from religious degrees. Others offer only programs that  are perfect for those who aim to be religious leaders, Christian counselors, priests, etc. After deciding which school will be perfect for you according to the degrees offered, choosing the Bible or Christian college for you becomes easier.

So you know you want to look into an online Bible college degree, but knowing what to look at first can be hard! Should you be most concerned with the religious denomination of the college? Does accreditation matter, and how can you tell if they have the right one?
There are so many questions, and seemingly, more answers than you might know what to do with.

Define Your Goals First

When you’re excited about an educational possibility, there’s a temptation to just gather as much information as you can lay hands on and then figure out what to do after assessing it all. That’s probably not the most efficient or effective way to go about choosing where to get your online Bible college degree, though, simply because there are so many different practical applications for such a degree with such varied and sometimes contradicting requirements.

Instead, what is your goal? Do you want to be ordained? Do you want to offer services as a Christian counselor? Do you just want to know more about the Bible or about the history of the Church? There are so many options for online Bible college degree programs that being able to rule out programs that won’t meet your goals is an important first step.

Look into what your goal requires. Does it require a degree? What accreditation must the program you receive your degree from carry? What further education might you need, after you finish your online Bible college degree? Will your Bible college degree meet the requirements for that program?

Asking yourself these questions will help you narrow your search to choose the right distance-learning Bible college degree program. Choosing the wrong program could mean years of delay in reaching your goal, so research thoroughly!

• Oklahoma Wesleyan University was founded in 1972, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma
• It is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
• Ranked 7th in the 2008 edition of “America’s Best Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report as a top tier in regional Best Baccalaureate College in the western region.
• Christian-centered learning
• No residency requirement as all courses are conducted 1005 online

About Oklahoma Wesleyan University Online

Oklahoma Christian Universities & Bible Colleges is “A university where Jesus is Lord” and so is the motto of the school. It is an evangelical Christian institution which models the way of life, way of thought and way of faith of the Wesleyan church. The Oklahoma Christian Universities & Bible Colleges is a place where it offers not only serious study, but also critical engagement, and honest questions, all in the perspective of liberal arts community that respects and values the primacy of Jesus Christ, the priority of Scripture, the pursuit of Truth, and the practice of Wisdom.

With the Oklahoma Christian Universities & Bible Colleges online studying format, it offers the ultimate when it comes to convenience and flexibility because you get to log in anytime of day or night and complete your assignments and lesson-work. Faculty at the Oklahoma Christian Universities & Bible Colleges develop rich curriculum which has specific focus areas known as collision points. The collision points are believed to be the main points where the Christian worldview collides with secular worldview. As such, the faculty ensures the collision points are thoroughly discussed and researched on as each of the point is tangled throughout the course material in each class.

Oklahoma Wesleyan University Online Degree Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing – RN to BSN (Degree Completion)
• Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management & Ethics (Degree Completion)
• Master in Business Administration
• Master in Business Administration – Nursing Management

Oklahoma Wesleyan University Online Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition rates at Oklahoma Christian Universities & Bible Colleges start at only $650 per credit hour. The school further extends Federal, state and institutional forms of financial assistance.

• Abilene Christian University was founded in 1906, in Abilene, Texas.
• ACU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
• Ranked number 1 in a new category in the U.S. News & World Report acknowledging innovation, winner of the 2008 ‘Innovator Award’ for mobile learning by Campus Technology, among the 1st universities selected as an iTunes university partner and a leader in using Apple’s iPod technology as a learning tool for students.
• Ranked among the top 25 in America’s Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report and one of the Best Western Colleges by The Princeton Review
• A very long and proud academic heritage
• Founded on a firm Christian background

About Abilene Christian University Online

Abilene Christian University offers a new level of distance education designed specifically with a busy adult in mind. Courses at Abilene Christian University are offered in a 7-week format hence one can complete a course as quickly or as slowly as one wishes. What sets ACU apart from the rest is the fact that all courses are founded on Christian Faith and Learning and also all of the programs have a special focus on conflict resolution management.

Abilene Christian University online programs allow students to attain their educational needs without compromising on their job and family responsibilities. The courses are flexible as they are accessible 24/7/365 online. Equally, students get personalized attention and one-on-one support from faculty and are able to develop close ties with fellow learners through the intuitive and interactive learning format.

Abilene Christian University Online Degree Programs

• Master of Arts in Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation
• Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
• Master of Education in Higher Education
• Master of Education in Leadership of Learning (Principalship)
• Master of Education in Special Education
• Master of Science in Organizational and Human Resource Development

Continuing Education

• Graduate Certificate in Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation

For those who want to enter into ministry, or want to attend a Christian-centered school, attending an online bible college may be an ideal option. These schools are private as opposed to public, and give students an intellectual as well spiritual education. Many online Christian schools offer a wide range of degree programs, including certificates, Associates, Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate degrees.

While there are schools with physical locations, several now offer students distance learning options. With distance learning, students can earn a Christian degree in a convenient online setting, often through accelerated courses.

To see a complete list of universities offering Bible College Degrees: Bible College Degree Online

Career Options & Employment Prospects

There are many career options for those that want to earn a bible college degree. Career paths include clergyman, ministry educator, religious scholar, or even military chaplain. Those in the religious field work in many settings, including churches, schools and universities, and as counselors.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Handbook, earnings for ministry professionals average between $70,000 and $80,000 per year, with some earning over $100,000 per year. As with most professions, those with more advanced degrees tend to earn more money. The common level of education among ministry professionals is a Bachelors degree.

Bible College Degree Courses and Programs

Typical Christian degrees include Applied Ministry Studies, Theology, and Family and Marriage Counseling. There is a wide range of course offerings at bible colleges, such as Biblical Counseling, Church History, Survey of the Old Testament, Bibliology, Cults and World Religions, and Community Worship. Courses at bible colleges are focused on studying religious texts, relationship building, and developing morality and Christian values.

If taking these courses online, assignments, projects, and testing are done through the virtual classroom, instead of students having to travel to a physical campus. Courses are designed for both beginning and continuing college students, and support is often available in many forms to ensure students are successful in their studies.

Types of Bible College Degrees

There are several types of degrees within the broad group of Bible-related degrees. Students may choose to take a degree in theology, religious history, religious studies, world religions, and many other options.

This variety ensures that you can obtain your Bible college degree in a particular religion, or become an expert for a large number of religions – it is up to you, your interests and your faith.

Although every level of a religious degree will offer different courses and put emphasis on different topics, here is a list of some of the more common courses:

• Life ministries
• Counseling
• Non-profit organization
• Old and New Testament
• Religious system management

Ready to get started? Check out Liberty University, an accredited Christian University offering dozens of Christian degrees via the internet at the Associate, Bachelor, Masters, and PhD level: Liberty University Bible College Degree.

How to Earn a Bible College Degree

In order to obtain a degree in religious studies or a similar field, some students choose to take an Associate Degree first, and then transfer their credits over to a Bachelor Degree. Others choose to enter a four-year Bachelor program off the bat. Again, this is a decision that you will have to make, based on the time commitment and your career goals.

Bachelor Degrees

Once a student has a Bachelor Degree, the options open up completely. He or she can enter the working world, become a pastor, counselor, missionary, or even business executive. The career path after a Bible college degree is limited only by your interests and imagination. There are many secular positions, in everything from government to large corporations, open to the flexibility that a religious studies degree holder possesses.

Masters Degrees

Many students will go on from their Bachelor Bible college degree and continue with their schooling. These individuals will often choose to obtain a Master Degree in a special niche of religious studies – be it Scripture, Old Testament, New Testament, World Religions or one of the many other specialties offered at the top Bible colleges and universities. A Master Degree will typically take about two years after a Bachelor Degree to complete.

Phd Degrees

From there, students can remain in the academic world in order to pursue their Doctoral Degree, or their PhD. This is the terminal Bible college degree, and it will set you apart as a highly educated and skilled expert in your field. Those with a Doctoral Degree usually obtain the highest salaries, and they often stay within academia, teaching and researching at the university level.

A degree in from a Bible college will allow you to be a leader in your community in whatever capacity is best suited for your skills. It is a spiritually fulfilling career path, and is respected around the world.

Ready to get started? Check out Liberty University!

• Oklahoma Wesleyan University was established in 1910
• Regionally accredited by the North Central Association (NCA)
• Additional accreditations include the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE), the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
• OKWU offers over 35 programs in 7 different schools of study
• Recently added online degree programs
• Over 98% of students – an incredibly impressive statistic – receive some form of financial aid

About Oklahoma Wesleyan University

OKWU is an evangelical Christian University following the Wesleyan Church tradition of faith, modeling “a way of thought, a way of life, and a way of faith.”

They promote a liberal arts community based on these four pillars:

1. The primacy of Jesus Christ
2. The priority of Scripture
3. The pursuit of Truth
4. The practice of Wisdom

Oklahoma Wesleyan University Degree Programs

OKWU has online and correspondence degrees, such as the Bible Correspondence degree, in addition to nearly 3 dozen degree programs offered on campus, within their seven different colleges:

1. School of Arts & Sciences: Humanities – Communication Arts, English, English, Education, Music, Church Music
2. School of Arts & Sciences:Science/Math – Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, General Science, Mathematics, Science, Education, Math, Education
3. School of Arts & Sciences: Social/Behavioral Sciences – Psychology, Social Studies/History, History/Political Science, Social Studies Education
4. School of Business – Master of Business Administration, Business, Management & Leadership, Marketing, Financial Economics
5. School of Education – Business Education, Elementary Education, English Education, Exercise Science, Physical Education, Mathematics Education, Music Education (Instrumental/Vocal), Science Education, Social Studies Education
6. School of Nursing – Nursing, RN to BSN
7. School of Religion & Philosophy – Biblical Studies, Christian Missions/Persecuted Church Ministry, Intercultural Ministry, Pastoral Ministry, Pastoral Ministry/Biblical Studies, Pastoral Ministry/Youth Ministry, Sports Ministry

Oklahoma Wesleyan University (OKWU) Campus Life

At OKWU, if you choose to live on campus or commute to classes, you get what OKWU refers to as “the entire experience … educational, spiritual, and social.”

Student Organizations are comprised of Student Government, Alpha Chi, and the OKWU Chorale. The Spiritual Life Team promotes ministries such as Small Group Bible Studies; The Altar – student-led worship, 9pm on Sunday nights in the Chapel; and Operation Saturation – community service activities. OKWU also offers intramural sports, summer ministry outreach programs, and student mentors.

Oklahoma Wesleyan University (OKWU) Bible Degree Programs

For the purpose of this review, we will concentrate on the Bible Degree programs offered at OKWU within their School of Religion and Philosophy:

• Biblical Studies/Bible Correspondence Degree
• Biblical Studies/Worship Arts
• Christian Missions/Persecuted Church Ministry
• Intercultural Ministry
• Pastoral Ministry
• Pastoral Ministry/Biblical Studies
• Pastoral Ministry/Youth Ministry
• Sports Ministry
• Youth Ministry

Of particular interest is the Biblical Studies or Bible Correspondence degree, which is “designed for students who want a thorough working knowledge of Scripture, but do not wish to pursue the ordination track.” This Bible Correspondence Degree provides students with enough elective hours to choose a minor, which then gives them a wide range of flexibility for future ministry opportunities.

Oklahoma Wesleyan University Tuition and Financial Aid

OKWU is proud to offer its students a variety of financial aid through federal and state grants, federal student loans, and institutional forms of assistance in the form of a multitude of scholarships, grants, and awards. As a matter of fact, over 98% of students – an incredibly impressive statistic – receive some form of financial aid to help them achieve their goal of obtaining a college degree at OKWU!