Summary: Are you planning to pursue a theology course and have a successful career as a theologist? Well, here is an article that will help you to take the first steps towards your goals and have a career in the field of Christian theology.

In the simplest of words, theology is the education of religion. Theology courses are very useful to the students as it gives a chance to do a theoretically careful study of the Christian faith from the perspective of Christian rituals and thought. People who have studied theology, or theologians look at a wide range of religions of the world and their effect on society. Online theology courses provide the students to study the Bible so that they are able to explain what it says. 

Theology courses include some parts of history, anthropology, and philosophy. The job of theologians involves imagining and discussing the idea of God and requires being able to think about the various religions in a proficient and adjusted way. Let us take a closer look at the eligibility, scope, and career paths of the online catholic theology certificate programs.

Eligibility criteria for theology courses

• For undergraduate courses: 

• The individual must have passed their 12th board examinations with a minimum of 50% marks from a recognized board.
• He/she can also apply with a diploma degree in theology.

• For post-graduate online theology courses:

• The applicant should have a minimum of 50% marks in their undergraduate degree.
• Those candidates who have completed their bachelor's degree in theology with English as a subject are also eligible for this course.
• In some colleges, the candidate might have to appear for an entrance exam, and also have to appear for interviews conducted by the college.

• Steps of the admission process for an online catholic theology degree: 

• The students must first register on the official website of the university or college and then fill the application form.
• A cut-off list will be published on the college/university website after the examination. 
• Some colleges may also conduct personal interviews and group discussions. 
• The candidate will then be admitted to the respective college after meeting all the eligibility criteria.

Future scope of theology courses

The field of theology has got diverse career opportunities to offer you. The online catholic theology degree prepares students for a profession as a teacher, religious education coordinator, religion feature writer, pastoral associate, liturgist, or minister of campus. It also develops the students for further studies, graduate-level study, or the priesthood or religious life. 

Students can also set up to become theology professors, Catholic school executives, hospital administrators with extra graduate study or professional training. They can also get a variety of leadership positions in the church. International students who are considering studying theology have got many choices upon graduation. These include working as ministers, missionaries, priests, clergy members, theology or religion professors, or a teacher at a religious school.

Careers in theology

Theology education is evolving and requires a visionary and forward-looking viewpoint. This will help in shaping theological education for the years ahead. Theology is not trendsetting, but it is more reactionary. So, the strength and future of theological education should be grounded in a prophetic element. Theological education will boost its impact and productivity over the land.

Conclusion

Online catholic theology certificate programs are beneficial to students since they allow an intellectual study of the Christian faith from the viewpoint of Christian traditions and thought. 

Resource Box: St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry is one of the renowned institutes of theology that offers many online and on-campus courses including undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and certificate courses like the master of arts in theological studies.