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the Way
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Bachelor of Arts in Ministry and Theology (Online)
Loyola University New Orleans offers a fully online Bachelor of Arts in Ministry and Theology, integrating theology with practical applications informed by prayer and the study of the Bible, spirituality, and ethics. This program is designed to shape compassionate, faithful leaders who are prepared to make a difference in their communities.
Our flexible, 100% online theology and ministry degree is tailored for adult learners, with coursework that emphasizes real-world impact. The program explores ministry in both church settings and broader contexts—wherever people of faith live and work. Open to students of diverse faith backgrounds, the program fosters inspiring classroom experiences through shared reflection and spiritual growth.
Affordable and Flexible Curriculum
Set up your own study schedule and with asynchronous coursework designed for adult learners juggling life and work responsibilities.
Open to Diverse Faith Backgrounds
Rooted in the long tradition of Catholic theological education and spiritual formation, this program welcomes students from all faith traditions to learn from each other and grow in faith and understanding.
An Emphasis on the Practical
Loyola’s BA in ministry and theology connects faith and spirituality to real issues facing our world today.
Online Bachelor of Arts in Ministry and Theology Curriculum
Flexible online courses taught by experienced faculty.
Combining foundational coursework in ministry, religious education, and Bible study with flexible electives covering a broad spectrum of faith topics, students in Loyola’s BA in ministry and theology can build a plan of study around their specific professional goals and interests. The program integrates focused major coursework with Loyola’s Core curriculum designed to inspire critical thinking, effective communication, and ethical reasoning.
Degree Overview
120 Credits
Bachelor of arts in ministry and theology
Loyola's online ministry and theology degree consists of 120 credit hours, which includes:
- 30 credits of Major courses
- 36 credits of Loyola Core courses
- 54 credits of General Elective courses
Check out the University Bulletin to view further curriculum information about Loyola's online theology degree. Download a degree worksheet
Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
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Career Opportunities for Loyola Ministry Graduates
Leveraging the experience and wisdom of Loyola’s faculty and fellow classmates, students in the online ministry degree become reflective in their faith and qualified to serve in a variety of careers. Graduates may prepare for rewarding roles in any of the following settings:
- Church ministry
- Parishes and diocesan offices
- Education
- Counseling
- Criminal justice
- The public sector
- Nonprofits
- Government and legal offices
- Leadership in business and other fields
Graduate Programs at Loyola
In addition to pursuing a wide range of career opportunities, graduates from Loyola's bachelor program in ministry and theology may also choose to further their education by pursuing a graduate degree in religious education, pastoral studies, or dual degree options combining pastoral studies with criminal justice, business, or counseling.
The Loyola Online Student Experience
Students and recent alumni share how the program has impacted their faith and careers.
Alexandra Mason
“When I found Loyola New Orleans, I felt like I found the "goldilocks" answer to my search—the online program is affordable and flexible, and looked to be open to other denominations while still maintaining the traditions of their own.”
Jeremiah Smith
"In my time here the coursework and the spiritual formation has encouraged—and even pushed me—to change and to grow. [What] we do in LIM is practical theology... and I’ve discovered that [theology] is so much more interesting and life-giving when approached in this practical way."
Christine Alfred
“When I started I was surprised how diverse in religions those in the program were. There is a lot of richness in our faith sharing and that adds another level of enrichment for all of us embarking on working in ministry and accompanying individuals on their faith journeys.”
Bachelor of Arts in Ministry and Theology Frequently Asked Questions
Applications are accepted year-round for enrollment starting in the fall, spring, and summer.
Application deadlines are August 1, January 1, and May 1. Start your application today!
Apply to the program using our free online application—it takes as little as 10 minutes to complete. After submitting your application, you'll have access to the application status portal, where you can upload required materials and track the status of your application.
You will need to provide official transcripts from all previous institutions, but the Loyola Online admissions office can request these on your behalf at no cost.
As part of the application process, we ask that you have two recommendations submitted by people who have observed you in a work, ministerial, or educational setting. The application form asks you to give the contact information of your recommenders, who will be asked to complete the form online or on paper.
Current undergraduate tuition is $468 per credit hour ($1,404 per course). Online students are also subject to certain university fees. Fees for part-time undergraduate students (1-11 credit hours per semester) are $118, and full-time fees (12+ credit hours per semester) are $235.
Because tuition and fees for this online program are significantly discounted, online students are not eligible for any Loyola institutional aid. This applies to both merit scholarships and need-based grants.
Certain Louisiana residents might qualify for state grants, including TOPS. Any state grant programs you qualify for will be included on your financial aid award package. To be eligible for financial aid, you must:
- Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) for the current school year
- Not be in an active default or overpayment on any of your previous student aid
- Not have reached or exceeded your lifetime aggregate limits for direct student loans and/or federal Pell grants
Loyola’s Federal School Code for the FAFSA is 002016. Check out the Submit My FAFSA page for more information.
Meet Loyola’s Faculty
Our faculty are experts in their field and committed to you.
Thomas Ryan, PhD
"Our students really value this program's flexibility that is geared to busy adults. But more than that, they appreciate its faithful and practical approach. It is an inspiration for me to teach our students as they discern how to connect their studies to their own lives, to the Church and to the world."
Emily Jendzejec, PhD
“Being part of LIM is more than a degree program, it is a faith-filled community of engaged learners who are curious, passionate, and committed to making a difference in their communities and the world.”
Rick Beben, MRE
“I think one thing that is more true of this program than many others is that the student is constantly and consistently challenged to prayerfully and intellectually reflect on what new insights and knowledge gained in these studies have to say in dialog with what one already knows and understands about what it means to be a believer and a minister. And this reflection takes place within a community of fellow seekers and ministers."
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