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Obtaining an online PhD in practical theology may be a great choice for those seeking a faith-based career. Such a degree can add practical skills and knowledge to faith-centered pursuits. A variety of career choices await those who have completed their degree. The top online practical theology PhD programs focus on how theology can be applied to day-to-day situations. Those completing an online doctorate in practical theology are well prepared to address an increasing need for thoughtful, well-educated personnel in the areas of pastoral counseling, education, worship, preaching and leading congregations.

Online PhD in Practical Theology Requirements

Candidates for an online doctorate in practical theology should exhibit leadership skills and the ability to practice active listening and offer guidance and direction. They should have a strong desire to obtain a faith-centered career while focusing on the needs of others.

A degree in theology would of course provide an ideal foundation for applicants to online doctoral programs in practical theology. Degrees in social work and counseling can also prepare students to enter online PhD programs in practical theology.

Careers that candidates for the best online PhD in practical theology degrees arise from include serving as pastoral leadership in congregations, but also involve professions like chaplains, faith-based activists, counselors and social workers. Or, candidates for an online practical theology PhD might simply have a history of intensive congregational participation, or of writing and speaking within their individual church.

Online PhD in Practical Theology Education

Candidates attaining an online doctorate in practical theology enhance their ability to explore the relationship between social and religious practice through research–investigating what human actions mean in a larger context while reviewing the literature around this topic. Students engaged in online doctoral programs in practical theology study Christian and other religious traditions, utilizing extensive questioning and analytical methods. Those in online PhD programs in practical theology also examine how institutionalized faiths can meet their congregation’s full spectrum of needs—spiritually, socially, politically and culturally.

Information on Practical Theology Courses

Coursework in online doctorate programs in practical theology offers students a broad knowledge of the origins of spirituality, comparative religion and practical applications for faith. A sampling of possible courses includes the following:

• Africa and Christianity
• This class emphasizes the role of industrialization and computer technology in changing the face of Christianity over the centuries.
• Social Justice and Bioethics
  Focusing on how faith can impact social justice and bioethics, this class covers such topics as abortion, capital punishment and stem cell technology.
• Politics and Christianity
  This class engages students in the debate over the degree to which the church should enter into the political arena, and how much it should attempt to influence individual decisions and choices.

Specializations and Concentrations

Students working towards online doctorate degrees in practical theology may specialize in a variety of areas depending on their career direction.
Potential specialty areas in many practical theology online PhD programs include a focus on liturgical studies, mission work, the church and society and religious education.

Careers in Online PhD in Practical Theology

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, jobs for religious workers are again on the upswing after a period of decline. Some careers available for those with an online PhD include the following:

• Pastor
  Clergy members work full time to prepare and deliver sermons and provide spiritual guidance to their congregants. The annual median salary reported for clergy was is around $43,000 annually.
• Religious educator
  Numerous K-12 schools, generally private schools, hire students who have graduated with online PhD degrees in practical theology. Many of those who have obtained an online practical theology doctorate also enter careers as post-secondary teachers. The salary for this role is between $46,000 and $56,000.
• Theological scholar and/or journalist
  Many who graduate from online doctoral programs in practical theology write books and scholarly articles on applying theology to day-to-day life; others pursue journalism careers. These individuals can anticipate an annual salary of around $35,000.
• Missionary
  Some graduates of online PhD programs in practical theology pursue missionary work across the globe. These individuals must sometimes be prepared for unfamiliar living conditions and typically earn around $35,000 per year.

For individuals dedicated to faith and its applications toward helping others, an online practical theology PhD is likely a great career choice. Professional organizations can also help students decide on a specific career direction. Career choices are varied, but the level of personal fulfillment remains the same for those holding an online practical theology doctorate.