Best Theology Schools in the World

Are you in search of the best theology schools in the world? If so, then you’re in luck! We’ve got a list of the top 10 best theology schools in the world. The criteria for our list includes tuition, diversity and academic ranking. Check out this list to find out which school is right for you. And don’t forget to check back often as we keep adding more schools to this list!

For many people, choosing the best theology school is a difficult decision. Many factors such as location, the cost of tuition, and reputation play into your decision. This article will go over some of those factors that you should consider before making a final decision on which theology school is best for you.

Why Theology and Religious Studies?

Theological studies are a form of academic inquiry that seeks to understand the relationship between humans and divinity. Religious Studies is a discipline which emphasizes the study of religion and how it affects society and culture. Theology is an important part of Religious Studies, as it strives to understand the intersection between religious systems and secular history, theology, ethics, and law. It also helps explain how cultures interpret the meaning of divinely-inspired texts. On top of these core functions, theological studies can also be used for spiritual guidance or for pastoral work to help individuals find meaning in their lives.

How long does it take to get a Theology Degree?

You can get a theology degree within two to four years. But this will, however, depend on the type of program. Essentially, a bachelor degree in theology takes four years to complete, a master’s degree program in theology take two years to complete and a PhD program in theology takes at least three years to complete too.

All theology programs are for certain levels and need certain qualifications. Thus, theology programs include;

Bachelor Degree – A bachelor degree in theology is for students with a high school diploma or GED or an associate degree.

Essentially, you can get a bachelor degree in theology in spite of not possessing an associate degree in theology.

Master’s Degree – To pursue a master’s program, you would have previously completed your bachelor degree program.

You cannot pursue a master’s degree in theology without a bachelor degree in the same course.

Doctorate Degree – A doctorate degree in theology is the highest academic degree you can pursue in theology.

Therefore, this degree is for individuals who have already earned a master’s degree and also want the educational requirement necessary to lecture at a college level or fill in advanced research positions.

How much is a Theologian’s Salary?

A theologian’s – graduate of theology – basic salary is $66,280 per year.

However, this salary rate is for bachelor degree holders in theology.

Ph.D. holders usually earn higher due to their higher level of knowledge and experience.

What is the Theology Degree Job Outlook?

If you wish to get a degree in Theology, now would be the best time.

Analysts have predicted a 13% occupational growth in theology between 2014 and 2024. Hence, this will mean a lot of open spaces will be available to qualified theologians.

However, there is one condition. And this condition connotes that you must have gotten your Ph.D. degree.

So, why wait? Enroll in one of the best theology schools in the world.

What are the Best Catholic Theology Schools?

Theology has everything to do with Christianity. Therefore, Catholic schools take greater care when it comes to the program.

So, the best Catholic theology schools in the world include; Université Catholique de Louvain, Santa Clara University, Universidad de Navarra, and Georgetown University.

Best Theology Schools in the World 

We have measured the best theology schools in the world based on the quality of education, application rate, and innovation strength.

Hence, the best theology schools in the world include;

#1. Harvard University

Harvard retains the top spot when it comes to great universities. This is owing to the level of devotion and commitment they make towards their programs.

Additionally, these programs are usually taught by the best of minds and complement the latest practices of the profession. Interestingly, there are scholarship opportunities for you to benefit from as a student at Harvard University.

As an institution, they have alumni members that have made giant strides in theology. On the other hand, they continue to bolster their efforts to remain ahead of their competition.

Scholars involved in HDS (Harvard School of Divinity) is among the best scholars of religious practice and belief in the world. Generally, students at HDS learn from trained and experienced professionals in the Hindu, Buddhist, Islan, Christian and other religious beliefs.

In the student body, over 30 religious traditions and denominations integrate to combine the knowledge. Furthermore, they aim to build up academic prowess collectively which in turn pushes the school forward.

As a graduate of HDS, you can be involved in a lot of professions especially lecturing. Additionally, they advance to become scholars and ministers and religious leaders.

Wherever they go, they exhibit excellence and a high rate of integrity because they are graduates of one of the best theology schools in the world.

#2. University of Notre Dame

The University of Notre Dame is located in Indiana. Furthermore, it is at the center of a popular metropolitan area.

At the inception of Notre Dome, the founder governed the school until it was handed over to a two-board of lay and religious trustees also regarded as fellows.

Related: University of Notre Dame Acceptance Rate

Ever since Notre Dame has grown from the vision of a Catholic priest to a global vision shared by many who seek religious adherence.

Currently, Notre Dame is a place where the Catholic Church performs certain primary functions. Furthermore, it has ranked as the first national study of Catholic elementary and secondary education as well as the most extensive study of Catholic parish life. And a landmark historical study of the Hispanic Catholic community in the United States.

They’ve become one of America’s theology undergraduate teaching institutions and have since been leading in research and scholarship.

As an undergraduate student in Notre Dome, you’ll be usually introduced to the practice of theology as faith seeking understanding through a two-course sequence.

Notre Dame always has been a strong residential university with about four in five undergraduates living on campus. Therefore, students come to Notre Dame to learn and experience a cultural setting that is best described as astounding.

The University always draws great minds who understand that the lesson taught in this institution goes beyond the classroom walls.

Conclusively, Notre Dame has a strong faith standing and remains one of the best theology schools in the world for both graduate and undergraduate programs.

#3. Oxford University

Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world, therefore they are a unique institute. Although there is no specific date that represents when they started operations, we can actually conclude that teaching started at Oxford in some form in 1096 and developed rapidly from 1167.

Currently, Oxford holds a large number of students numbering to over 20,000. Moreso, these students are pursuing a career in both graduate and undergraduate programs.

Indeed, Oxford is very competitive as applications for places are five times the available spaces. This basically means Oxford usually receives over 6 applications for each available place. So if you want to study theology in Oxford, you need to work very hard.

Oxford undergraduate students are majorly graduates of high schools in the UK whereas the remaining students come from schools all over the world.

Oxford, including the colleges and Oxford University Press, is the largest employer in Oxfordshire, supporting around more than 20,000 jobs in the county and putting more than £2.3bn annually into the regional economy.

Graduates of theology participate in faculty research in their premier research center. Oxford offers theology programs at all levels: Bachelor, Masters and PhD levels.

Thus far, other universities celebrate Oxford’s effort as they grow into a prestigious institute.

In summary, it takes two to three years to complete a theology program in Oxford as the tuition fee for theology in Oxford is £9,250 per year.

#4. University of Cambridge

University of Cambridge is a pure research university located in Cambridge, United Kingdom.

This university has 16,000 students from all parts of the world studying different courses under its programs. Furthermore, there are over 10,000 staff members who perform administrative duties.

With over 30 Colleges and 140 Departments, Faculties, Schools and other institutions, as every day spent in Cambridge is a unique experience.

Cambridge is a combination of Schools, Faculties, Departments and Colleges. Hence, the 31 Colleges are usually governed by their own rules and regulations but are important to the total framework of the University.

Cambridge offers you access to the latest research and historic resources in the Faculty, College and University libraries. And these materials will help build the foundational knowledge you need for progress.

Therefore, these research faculties make Cambridge one of the best theology schools in the world.

#5. Durham University

Durham University has a culture of excellence and organization which has made them become an exceptional university today.

Their core involvement and interest in religious and scientific research has reflected in their outstanding results.

Durham has shown commitment in Learning and researching in the subject areas namely; Biblical studies, Christian theology and the sociological and the anthropological study of divinity.

Durham students generally learn to think rapidly and independently within and beyond their own traditions, perspectives thereby making them researchers.

The School of Divinity in Durham has over 20 academic staff, 150 postgraduates and a consistent acceptance of over 71 students into their department each year.

In cognizance, they build a strong body committed to the advancement of research and religious practice thereby ranking them among the top theology schools in the world.

Tuition fee for religion in Durham University amounts to 9,250 for home students and 19,250 for EU/Overseas students.

It takes two to four years to complete a theology program in Durham.

#6. Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen

Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen is a public research university located in Germany. Moreso, they have held the top spot in excellent teaching and research in Europe for a good number of years.

Currently, other institutes like Cambridge and Oxford have made giant strides and budged them some places back. Nevertheless, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen remains relentless in attaining its number one status.

In this institution, professors focus on different areas of religious research. Hence, your subject curriculum will comprise of your focus area in religion.

The research facilities in Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen help students carry out research. However, this research is carried out under supervision and guidance.

German citizens don’t pay tuition to study Geology in Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, however, international students pay a little over 3,000 euros.

#7. Yale University

Founded in 1701, Yale remains committed to building and sharing knowledge in addition to inspiring innovation and research.

Consequently, Yale has a plan to become the core research base for all research in the world. Furthermore, they seek to pull together individuals from different tribes to help them achieve their vision.

This university partners with its hometown of New Haven, Connecticut to make stronger the city’s community and economy. And they have created a process wherein they engage with the people and institutions across the globe in the quest to promote cultural understanding, improve the condition of humans, train leaders and carry out deeper research.

The Yale Divinity School has strong bonds with a number of other departments in Yale College and the Yale Graduate School. Faculty and students in Religious Studies programs can take advantage of Yale’s rich resources, especially its six major research libraries.

In fact, one of the world’s finest libraries for the study of religion is located at the Yale Divinity School. The Divinity School and the Department of Religious Studies might look similar but are entirely different departments with different programs.

Hence, the school remains ardent at providing a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all of its students, faculty, and staff. Therefore, this and many more reasons make it one of the best theology schools in the world.

Tuition fee for theology in Yale Divinity School is $25,440 per semester and it takes two to four years to finish a theology program in Yale.

#8. Université Catholique de Louvain

Université Catholique de Louvain is one of Belgium’s amazing universities. Individuals and associates generally recognize Université Catholique de Louvain as a french speaking University although it is located in Belgium.

Of a truth, Université Catholique de Louvain’s undergraduate and graduate programs help their students build understanding. All students of Université Catholique de Louvain hereby imbibe the habit of self-reliance and research practice.

Although they might not be recognized in other subject areas, Université Catholique de Louvain has made giant strides in theology which makes it one of the best theology schools in the world.

Tuition fees in Université Catholique de Louvain are €835,000 for Belgian students and €4175,00 for non-EU students in both Bachelor’s, Masters and Ph.D. programs.

#9. Duke University

Duke University is essentially a university with a strong academic reputation, hard work principle, and excellent delivery. Furthermore, they’re popularly known for their collaboration with Coursera in the production of short courses.

Duke Divinity School’s approach to theological education combines excellence in scholarship with a strong commitment to the church. Its favorite Christian chant is “Come be a part of all that God is doing in and through us”.

Duke Divinity School is a pathway to prepare you for transformational and strategic leadership in ministry to serve God, the church, and the world.

For this reason, graduates of DDS serve in more than three dozen countries and many states.

Some of these graduates serve in ministry in capacities such as pastors, music ministers, Christian educators, mission coordinators, youth ministers, and church planters.

Additionally, others serve in ministries such as teaching, counseling, advocacy of faith, non-profit organizations, university presses, and academic positions.

Therefore, the tuition fee in DDS is $25,150 for undergraduate programs as it takes two to four years to complete a theology program at Duke Divinity School.

#10. University of Chicago

The University of Chicago is purely a research university that has introduced new ways of thinking. Certainly, they remain committed to building and promoting excellence in diverse educational fields.

UChicago empowers its students to eliminate conventional thinking in view of original ideas.

Generally, all students in the College develop critical, analytic, and communication skills through their sharp, interdisciplinary core curriculum.

Additionally, their students test their ideas with UChicago scholars and become the next generation of leaders in diverse areas of the industry.

UChicago research has gotten breakthroughs such as finding the link between cancer and genetics, building revolutionary theories of economics in addition to developing tools to produce reliably excellent urban schooling.

Hence, they generate new insights for the benefit of all generations with their standard laboratories. Therefore, theology students gain time for research works and extra studies. This little addition to growth makes them one of the best theology schools in the world.

In UC Divinity school, tuitions are $4,217 per course while it takes three to four years to complete a divinity program.

Conclusion

The study of divinity might sound abstract but it’s surely thrilling.

As a student of theology, your knowledge base about strange occurrences will continually increase. And this will lead to research and answers to questions about divinity today.

The best theology schools listed in this article will help give you a quantum leap when you decide to study theology.