Unlike many professions that require an accredited university degree for either licensing or professional affiliations, this is not an issue with theology degrees. The only time this could be a factor is with a particular denomination. Check with your local religious leaders to make that determination before you begin your studies.
If you are specifically seeking an accredited distance education program for your theology degree, all schools within the United States that are designated as universities are accredited. This is also true of any program that offers financial aid or qualifies for guaranteed student loans. Accreditation is a prerequisite for being able to offer these government-funded programs.
There are several types of theology degrees available, more in fact than many other degree programs. It's possible to obtain as a first degree an associate's degree, which is generally a two-year program. Most skip this degree however and simply obtain a bachelor's degree. This is traditionally a four-year degree program, but due to credit for life experiences and the design of the program you have entered, this may be much shorter.
For more advanced degrees, there is a traditional master's level designation of the Master of Arts. However, many schools issue a Master of Divinity in place of the M.A.
Doctoral work can result in the standard Ph.D. or the Th.D., for the Doctor of Theology.
Because distance-education programs are familiar with non-traditional students, these programs often take into consideration the life experiences of new students and assign credits accordingly. This can significantly reduce the amount of time needed to complete a degree.
If you are starting at the beginning of your college career, expect to spend around four years to complete a bachelor's degree. A master's program is usually one year beyond the bachelor's and the doctoral level an additional one to three years, depending on the program and research required.
Obtaining your theology degree through distance education means that you can continue to work full-time while fitting in your studies around your schedule. You will be able to work at your own pace, and distance education is less expensive than traditional education.
A unique benefit to theology distance education is that you will be able to study theology aimed at your particular religious beliefs. This is especially important if your beliefs are in the minority or when there is no local university that offers coursework for your area of interest.
According to the U.S. Department of Education, distance education programs are projected to continue to grow rapidly for at least the next 10 years. The University of London reports that its distance-education program has more students than its traditional program.
As more people seek answers to life's greatest questions, theology degrees are going to be more sought after, and distance education makes it easier to obtain one.