There are many schools in the United States focused on educating students in a particular religion in addition to supplying a well-rounded college education. Preview some of the top religious schools in the nation and what kind of education they provide.
School Overviews
Schools that offer degree programs in religion are often faith-based colleges or universities. Three of the top schools for studying religion in the U.S. are Christian and offer a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees in theology and divinity. The University of Notre Dame is a large university with bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs in these subjects, while Boston College offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in these fields. Baylor University, on the other hand, only provides a PhD.
University of Notre Dame in Notre Dame, IN
| School Highlight: Faculty of the school preside over six areas of reflection in service of the Church, public, students, and the university. |
Notre Dame offers the chance for students to major and minor in theology. Master's degree programs in theology are also available, as well as Master of Divinity, Master of Sacred Music, and Master of Theological Studies programs. Students enrolled in the doctoral program in theology can choose from concentration areas, such as Christianity, ethics, and world religion. Full tuition support is offered to those students enrolled in the Master of Divinity program.
Boston College in Chestnut Hill, MA
| School Highlight: Boston College is an international institution founded on the Jesuit Catholic tradition with a mission to create scholars and ministers for the modern-day Church. |
Boston College's School of Theology and Ministry offers postgraduate degrees in theology, divinity, pastoral ministry, and theological studies. On the undergraduate level, BC features a Bachelor in Sacred Theology program, as well as a major and minor in theology. A doctoral degree is offered in sacred theology.
Baylor University in Waco, TX
| School Highlight: Students in the Truett Seminary must complete six semesters of spiritual formation before graduation. |
Baylor University offers a doctoral degree in religion with concentrations available in the Old Testament, New Testament, and Historical and Theological Areas. Many areas of religion are covered during the program, ensuring a wide variety of knowledge in many facets of Baptist Christianity. In addition to theological study, students are encouraged to work in other areas to expand their education.
Top Religious Schools
There are several other exceptional religious colleges in the United States, such as the following:
- Theology students at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina have access to several centers and initiatives, such as the Baptist House of Studies, the Clergy Health Initiative, and the Methodist House.
- The Candler School of Theology in Atlanta, Georgia's Emory University enrolls nearly 500 students from 44 denominations.
- St. John's University's Hill Museum & Manuscript Library in Queens contains more than 50,000 volumes and 125,000 manuscripts, including pages from The Saint John's Bible.
The University of Notre Dame, Boston College, and Baylor University are three Christian colleges offering religious and theological education at a variety of education levels. These and other top schools have exceptional records for education, as well as various seminaries, initiatives, and more affiliated with them to help enhance a student's learning.
