You are here: home | Future Students | Academic Programs | Online
Online
Doctoral | Master's | Diploma | Certificate | Online
Do you desire a deeper understanding of Scripture and don’t have time to come to class? Do you already have a Master of Divinity and need a few courses to sharpen your skills? Do you need to find a way to complete a degree at Northern while working and taking care of a family? If you answered yes to any of these, then our online courses are for you! Each online course can be taken as part of any master's degree or diploma program.
Areas of Study
- Christian Heritage
Bible, Church History, Theology, and Ethics - Electives
Can be any course in Christian Heritage or Christian Ministry - Christian Ministry
Evangelism, Mission, Preaching, Pastoral Care, Counseling, Youth Ministry, and Worship & Spirituality
- Online Masters
Specialization - Online
Diploma - Part of Degree
Program - ABC
Ordination - How do online
classes work?
Online Master's Specialization
Entirely online, this program offers the convenience of an education that happens on your time and in your space yet with the support and interaction of a community. It doesn’t get any better! Throughout this program students may take courses in biblical study and theology while choosing courses that fit their needs.
Concentrations
- Old Testament
- New Testament
- Biblical Studies
Program Details
Hours vary by concentration but fall into the following categories.
- Christian Heritage
- Christian Ministry
- Life in Christ and Ministry
Application Requirements
- $35 application fee
- Completed application for admission
- Bachelor degree from accredited institution (official transcripts must be mailed to Northern Seminary)
- Letter of Reference from your pastor
- An autobiographical statement (400 words or more)
More Info
- Tuition - $440/credit hour
- Financial Aid available
- Program worksheet
Online Diploma
Students can complete part of their diploma programs online. Diplomas provide a great way to enhance your knowledge and interact with a community desiring the same. It is easy to get started.
Program Details
Hours vary by concentration but fall into the following categories.
- Christian Heritage
- Christian Ministry
- Life in Christ and Ministry
Part of Degree Program
Every course in our online program can be applied toward any degree Northern offers. You can easily start a degree without leaving your home. In fact, 49% of an MACM and 66% of an MDiv can be completed online. After that, you simply need to attend any of our conveniently scheduled courses on our main campus in Lombard to complete your degree.
Concentrations
- Old and New Testament
- Church History
- Ethics
- Electives
Degree Example
(Master of Arts in Christian Ministry)
- 10 courses taken online - 30 hours
- 12 courses on campus - 36 hours
ABC Ordination
Are you seeking ordination in the American Baptist Churches of the USA? Do you have an interest in the Baptist movement through history? If so, we have a great progam for you. Baptist History and Polity meets the requirements for ordination and is a fascinating look at the Baptist tradition. In addition, you can take more online courses to fulfill the education requirements for ordination. Please note that your ordination requirements are goverened by your local region.
Courses
- Baptist History and Polity
- Old and New Testament
- Ethics
- Theology
More Info
- For more information, contact the Office of Admissions at 630.620.2180 or by email at
How do online classes work?
Personal attention, spiritual formation, and community interaction are the key components of every online course at Northern. Each course involves engaging in discussion with professors and students while providing various methods for understanding the content of the course. It’s personal and yet connected to a community.
What students are saying
"I would encourage anyone to apply who is serious about their vocational goal in the church. You work hard at Northern, but you meet the best people here--sisters and brothers in the faith."
--Sharon Olson, M.Div Student
How long is each course?
The average course is 10 weeks long and runs during the Fall, Winter or Spring quarter.
Courses during the summer quarter are often shorter and can be anywhere from 6 to 10 weeks long.