Forbes Advisor ranks Columbia International University #1 in the nation for Doctorate in Theology Online Options.  

In making their assessment, the editors at Forbes Advisor note that CIU’s “theology Ph.D. program is fully remote and accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). Full-time students can earn their degree in roughly 36 months.”

The degree is offered through CIU’s Seminary & School of Counseling.

The mostly asynchronous program enables students to learn on their own schedule. However, it also includes a synchronous component that involves a two-hour discussion group session. These discussion groups occur five to eight times per semester.

Forbes Advisor ranked six accredited, nonprofit colleges that offer online doctoral degrees in theology using 15 data points in the categories of credibility, affordability, student outcomes and student experience. The data for these categories were pulled from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites.

Dr. David Croteau, dean of the CIU Seminary & School of Counseling, is not surprised by the ranking.

“Our innovative curricular design has been attractive to many students and has yielded results better than expected,” Croteau said. “Student satisfaction is high and we have been overwhelmed with the response.”

Concentrations include Biblical Studies, Practical Theology and Theological Studies.

Doug Smith, who received his Ph.D. in Biblical Studies from CIU in December, is a teacher at Cornerstone Christian Academy in Abington, Virginia. He said his studies gave him “a lot more depth as a researcher and communicator … as I look forward to serve people, especially those who want to delve into the biblical languages to better know God’s Word.”

Learn more about the rankings at Forbes.com/advisor. 

Higher learning. Deeper faith. A Christ-centered community on campus and online. Apply now or request information on enrollment at CIU by contacting Admissions at (803) 807-5024 or admissions@ciu.edu.