Selecting a graduate school is a time-consuming process. From researching different programs to geographic location preferences, numerous factors play a role in the decision. With over 5,000 universities available within the United States alone, it can be tough to narrow down the options to the school that caters well to your professional goals. Especially for those looking for a faith-based school that aligns instruction with your beliefs, choosing the right college can be overwhelming. If you are looking into graduate school programs, you’ll most likely want to find a university that matches your professional needs and career path while still aligning with your personal values.
That’s why Bible College Online is here to give you a list of the top ten Christian graduate schools in the US. With Bible College Online’s helpful guide, you’ll be one step closer to choosing a faith-based college that sets your future up for success.
- Bethel University (Saint Paul, Minnesota)
- Colorado Christian University (Lakewood, Colorado)
- Texas Christian University (Fort Worth, Texas)
- Southern Methodist University (Dallas, Texas)
- Emory University (Atlanta, Georgia)
- Brigham Young University (Provo, Utah)
- Regent University (Virginia Beach, Virginia)
- Pepperdine University (Malibu, California)
- Wheaton College (Wheaton, Illinois)
- Grand Canyon University (Phoenix, Arizona)
1. Bethel University (Saint Paul, Minnesota)
Looking to get into the education field? Bethel University is an accredited Baptist institution that has been a forerunner among Christian graduate schools since 1871. Originally from Saint Paul, Minnesota, they now have several campuses in Minnesota and Tennessee. Additionally, Bethel University offers an impressive selection of online degree programs to explore for students that would prefer to embrace a flexible class schedule and format.
Bethel University has several Master’s Degree programs, including a well-respected Special Education program. For students getting serious about choosing a Christian graduate school with a program that will help them continue their studies, Bethel University also has doctoral programs for Higher Education Leadership and K-12 Administration. Anyone interested in the education field, or simply wishes to continue their own education, should consider Bethel University as a Christian graduate school worth learning more about.
2. Colorado Christian University (Lakewood, Colorado)
Ever dreamed of living in a mile-high city while attending one of the best Christian graduate schools in the country? Colorado Christian University is located in the charming suburbs outside of the beautiful city of Denver, Colorado. Colorado Christian University is a fast-growing university and has a great selection of graduate programs. Colorado Christian University offers over 32 Master’s degree programs, great for those looking for options in their graduate studies. Colorado Christian University also boasts a reputable doctoral program for Nursing Practice.
When choosing from the best Christian graduate schools, it’s important to explore campus life as much as the academic programs available. Colorado Christian University curates a great campus experience, offering students many opportunities to grow spiritually. So whether you want to live on or off the main campus, Colorado Christian University has programs to help enrich your academic goals and networking opportunities to enhance your personal life.
3. Texas Christian University (Fort Worth, Texas)
For future students looking for an intimate, small-town vibe for their graduate school experience, Texas Christian University might be the right fit. With an average of 1 teacher for every 17 students, Texas Christian University boasts a large campus while still offering an intimate teacher-student ratio. With over 65 Master’s programs, this Fort Worth university is bound to have a program that is the right fit for you. Texas Christian University’s mission is to “educate individuals to think and act as ethical leaders.”
Texas Christian University places a heavy emphasis on personal values within their educational programs, so you can trust your educational experience will be enlightening in many ways. This Christian graduate school is currently the largest institution within the Disciples of Christ association, advocating for faith in their intellect.
4. Southern Methodist University (Dallas, Texas)
Within Southern Methodist University is the Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies that offers numerous doctoral and Master’s programs for aspiring graduate students. The Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies is a Methodist research university that is currently ranked 66th according to the 2021 U.S. News & World Report. Their M.B.A program is ranked as number 27 in the nation.
With such prestigious rankings, SMU is ranked one of the most reputable Christian graduate schools to consider within the US. Flaunting over 32 doctoral programs and 120 Master’s programs, with their MBA programs truly standing out, the amount of options is appealing to any questioning student.
5. Emory University (Atlanta, Georgia)
Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia is one of the most well-recognized names within the academic community. Named in honor of the Methodist bishop John Emory, Emory is a popular choice among future students looking for the best Christian graduate schools. Anyone from the South East knows that Emory University is a prestigious university. Georgia natives are well aware that Emory Healthcare is the largest healthcare provider in the state.
Emory University has been rated 21st among national universities in the US and boasts a large number of high-profile alumni, including two Nobel prize winners, a Vice President, six Pulitzer Prize winners, and even two Prime Ministers. One might argue that by choosing to enroll in one of Emory University’s graduate programs you’ll be following in some successful and influential footsteps.
6. Brigham Young University (Provo, Utah)
Brigham Young University is the most well-known university associated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They are a private research university that is known for its low-cost, high-quality education. They offer 64 different Master’s Programs, as well as 26 doctoral programs, a great option for students unsure of which field of study they wish to dedicate their efforts to. Brigham Young University is one of the best Christian graduate schools partially due to their School of Accountancy graduate program. Brigham Young University’s graduate programs ranked number 4 in the country according to the 2020 U.S. World & News Report.
7. Regent University (Virginia Beach, Virginia)
Students looking for a prestigious university with a strong Christian history needn’t look further than Regent University. Founded in 1977 by Pat Robertson, Regent University quickly received full accreditation in 1984. Regent’s online programs continue to spark innovation, as their online MBA program ranked first in the nation in 2013. Online MBA programs have become more and more popular over time as students seek remote and flexible education options. While Regent University offers endless excellent traditional learning experiences, their online programs are a great opportunity for those of you who need or prefer quality distance learning.
8. Pepperdine University (Malibu, California)
Pepperdine University is another private research university that specializes in graduate programs with four different graduate schools. Although most of their campuses are located in southern California, Pepperdine University also has a campus in D.C. and Buenos Aires, London, Heidelberg, Florence, and Lausanne. Pepperdine University is a good option for any students with their eyes set on an international experience at their Christian graduate school. Pepperdine University is also well-known for its MBA program, graduate ministry programs, and a School of Law, fully recognized by the American Bar Association. Whatever a student’s educational ambitions might be, they will be covered by including Pepperdine University within their options of the best Christian graduate schools.
9. Wheaton College (Wheaton, Illinois)
Founded in 1860 by evangelical abolitionists, Wheaton College remains to be one of America’s most prestigious Christian graduate schools. Wheaton College offers 14 Master’s degrees programs and two Ph.D. options, with their graduate school being founded with the purpose to provide further theological training and ministry skills. In addition to the academic quality, many of their programs also offer flexible schedules that facilitate the process of going back to school after time in the professional realm. For example, two graduate programs are summer-only and their Biblical Studies program can be taken part-time or as an evening cohort model. This means that those looking to dive back into academia after time off can still do so without interrupting your normal adult life.
10. Grand Canyon UniversityGrand Canyon University (Phoenix, Arizona)
Grand Canyon University was ranked as the largest Christian university in the world in 2018, so future students will join a sprawling faith-driven community by applying to this Christian graduate school. Grand Canyon University was founded by the Southern Baptist Convention in 1949. While they don’t have as long of a history as some of the other universities on the list, what they lack in history they make up for in their sport. Grand Canyon University is one of the best universities to choose from if campus life is on the top of the checklist. In 2017, the Phoenix location was ranked as one of the top 10 campuses across the US by Town & Country. Grand Canyon University’s campus stands out with a huge number of installations and facilities that all aid in your educational experience. After all, going to a graduate school isn’t 100% about studying, it’s about growing and connecting with the community around you as well.
Explore the Best Christian Graduate Schools with Bible College Online!
Still not sure which of these Christian graduate schools is right for you? Whether you’ve graduated high school and are getting a head start looking into graduate programs or you’re a busy adult with an established life, choosing the right university for you can be difficult. It’s even more difficult when trying to find the right educational program that aligns with your personal values. But remember – the right school is out there waiting for you.
Try reaching out to some of these universities and see what they can offer you. Or better yet, reach out to Bible College Online for guidance! With a surplus of insight into online and in-person graduate programs, Bible College is here to help. Contact us today to take the first step toward your future education.
Want to explore more universities that offer accredited online Christian degrees? Check out Liberty University and Houston Christian University.