Best Bachelor's Degrees in Christian Studies
Study.com has combed through hundreds of colleges and universities to bring you a diverse list of the best programs offering bachelor's degrees in Christian studies. Our rankings use information from the U.S. Department of Education to describe the most accessible, affordable schools where you can gain the experience and knowledge to thrive with a career in the Christian community. With an in-depth description of the diverse concentrations, internship and mission opportunities, study-abroad courses, and online degree options offered by each school; we hope this list gives you all the tools you need to choose the best bachelor's degree in Christian studies for you.
1. Bethel University
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $11,448 | 90% | 32% | 99% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
Bethel University earns the top spot on our list for the in-person Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies program offered at their campus in McKenzie, Tennessee, as part of the College of Liberal Arts and Science's Division of Music and Religion. The program core facilitates a holistic educational foundation, with requirements in diverse departments such as art, music, psychology, and sociology, while the major itself encourages independent thinking by balancing courses in the religion and philosophy departments. Bethel University makes it easy to integrate coursework with real life experience through community engagement, mission trips, lectures, and symposiums.
2. Bluefield College
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $27,036 | 99% | 34% | 100% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
Bluefield College is a historically Baptist university located in Bluefield, Virginia, that offers flexibility through both online and in-person options to earn a BA in Christian Studies. This program has optional concentrations in ministry leadership and biblical and theological studies. The ministry leadership concentration includes a practicum which allows students to take part in a ministry internship throughout their time at Bluefield College. In addition, Christian studies students are able to get hands-on ministry training working with experienced professionals and or through local or international mission trips.
3. Dakota Wesleyan University
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $28,750 | 67% | 54% | 100% | No | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
Dakota Wesleyan University takes a very applied approach to Christian studies, offering a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Leadership with an integrated option to double major in nonprofit management. This in-person program is in Mitchell, South Dakota, and it offers rural students the chance to experience new cultures with the Denver Urban Semester, which is just one way to fulfill the degree's internship requirement. In addition, Christian leadership students are given a glimpse at the real-world application of their degree through the Stark Lectures, an ongoing series of presentations from religious leaders, authors, entertainers, and more.
4. Lee University
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $18,770 | 82% | 60% | 98% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
The flexibility of Lee University's programs makes it a top contender in our list of the best degrees in Christian studies. This school offers a Bachelor of Science in Theological & Professional Studies, which is a bi-vocational track within the Department of Theology that requires two minors, each from different departments. There is also an option to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Theological Studies, which has a foreign language requirement. Students in either program have the exciting opportunity to travel to Italy over spring break and Israel over the summer. Lee University offers these programs at its Cleveland, Tennessee, campus, but it also offers an online degree in Christian studies.
5. McMurry University
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $27,924 | 45% | 33% | 99% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
McMurry University in Abilene, Texas, offers a top-notch Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry. This degree prepares students to enter the professional ministerial world with a required internship and encourages them to think globally with two years of a required foreign language. Students can also expand their professional and personal network by joining Theta Alpha Kappa, the National Honors Society for Religious Studies and Theology, which deepens students' sense of community with events and community service, and they have the opportunity to expand their educational experience by taking part in one-of-a kind study abroad courses in Scotland, Jordan, and England or by attending the Sikes-Melugin Lectures in the spring.
6. Ouachita Baptist University
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $27,900 | 61% | 63% | 99% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
Our next top ranked school is Ouachita Baptist University, which offers a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies program that gives students the flexibility to tailor their degree to their personal interests by offering five concentrations: biblical studies, Christian ministry, Christian missions, Christian theology, and philosophy. Students have the chance to study at the Arkadelphia, Arkansas, campus or online. 'Ouachita Hands On' gives eligible students the chance to serve an empowering and informative five-to-six-month tour of mission service under the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention.
7. The Master's University and Seminary
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $25,390 | 67% | 70% | 62% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
The 10:1 student to faculty ratio at The Master's University and Seminary School of Biblical Studies makes it easy for student to get personalized attention from their professors. Students in the BA in Biblical Studies program can choose an emphasis in biblical studies, biblical counseling, biblical languages, Christian education, global studies, or theology. There are also online options for students at The Master's University and Seminary to pursue remote degrees in biblical counseling, biblical studies, and Christian ministries if they do not want to attend the in-person campus in Santa Clarita, California.
8. University of Mary
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $19,074 | 74% | 60% | 98% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
Located in Bismarck, North Dakota, the University of Mary is dedicated to making sure that students have a deep sense of community and faith while they earn either a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Catholic Studies. Students begin their education with an immersion experience that introduces program, they gather with a small group of peers each week for three semesters to discuss the application of their degree in their personal and professional lives. In addition, the 'Mission for Life' volunteer program introduces students to local and national service opportunities as they earn their degree.
To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit Study.com's ranking methodology page.
Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
Christian Studies Degrees
A degree in Christian studies teaches you the foundations of Christian doctrine and prepares you for a life of serving others with your career, whether it be through missionary work, nonprofit work, or education. There are many different universities to choose from to study Christian studies. Read on to learn more about a degree in Christian studies.
What Kinds of Christian Studies Degrees Are There?
There are many different kinds of Christian studies which will prepare you for a life in different aspects of ministry. These degrees include associates, bachelor's master's doctoral, and certificates in Christian studies.
Associate Degrees in Christian Studies
An associate degree in Christian studies will give students a foundation of Christian doctrine and theology. Many universities offer associate degrees in Christian studies; other names for this degree include Biblical studies and ministry training.
An associate degree in Christian studies typically requires the completion of 60 credit hours, which takes students two years to complete. Courses are offered synchronously and in a cohort. Examples of classes that students may take in this degree include classes on the Old and New Testaments, history of Christianity, systematic theology, and Christian doctrine. This degree will prepare students to work in ministry, missionary work, and in the social services. It will also prepare students to take their studies further with a bachelor's, master's or PhD in Christian studies.
Bachelor's Degrees in Christian Studies
Bachelor's degrees in Christian studies provides students with an in-depth foundation of the Bible and Christian doctrine and theology. It gives students the ability to think critically and analytically about the Bible and Christian worldview.
A bachelor's degree in Christian studies requires 120 credit hours, or four years of course work. Classes are offered synchronously but are not usually offered in a cohort. Classes that students may take for this degree include Christian worldview, Biblical application, Christian theology, ministerial communication, and hermeneutical principles. This degree will prepare students for many different Christian careers, including working as a missionary, ministry director, nonprofit worker, a teacher, or a counselor.
Master's Degrees in Christian Studies
A master's degree in Christian studies is designed for students who want to deepen their understanding of Christianity and the Bible. There are many different kinds of master's degrees in Christian studies, including a Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Christian Studies, and a Master of Theology. Each of these degrees usually take 60 credit hours, or two years, to complete. Students are placed in cohorts and take synchronous classes. Some programs require an internship for completion of the program.
A master of divinity (or M.Div.) is designed to prepare students to eventually become ordained as a pastor or priest, although graduates of this degree can pursue careers in missionary work or counseling as well. Students who study this degree take classes on the Old and New Testaments, theology, Systematic theology, and Christian ethics.
A master of arts in Christian studies provides specific training on different aspects of the Christian faith and life. Students may choose to study Biblical counseling, cross cultural ministries, or worship ministry, to name a few. Students studying this degree may go on to become counselors, missionaries, or worship leaders.
A master of theology is designed for students who wish to study the Bible more in-depth. Students will dive into the study of the Bible's history, language, and interpretation. Graduates of this degree will enjoy careers in ministry and churches.
Doctoral Degrees in Christian Studies
A doctorate degree in Christian studies is the highest degree a student can earn in this subject. There are different types of doctorate degrees in Christian studies students can choose from to best fit their career goals. These include a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.), a PhD in Biblical Studies, or a PhD in Theology and Apologetics. These degrees usually take four to six years to complete, and require a dissertation, or lengthy research project that a student will work on for the majority of their degree.
A Doctorate in Biblical Studies (D.Min.) is designed for students who are working in ministry and are looking to strengthen their workplace or ministry techniques. Students will study pastoral leadership, theology of the gospel, and leadership development. Upon graduation students work directly in ministry.
A PhD in Biblical Studies or theology and apologetics provides students with a rigorous background in the academic side of the Bible and ministry. Students study each of the books of the Bible in depth, learn Biblical Hermeneutics, Biblical languages, Christianity and culture, and/or theology and creation. Students who complete this degree can work as professors of biblical studies or theology, or use their education to work directly in ministry.
Certificates in Christian Studies
There are a wide variety of certificates in Christian studies to choose from. Some of these include a certificate in Biblical studies, Christian counseling, hermeneutics, or Bible teaching, to name a few. These certificates are offered at different levels; for example, some certificates require prior experience, or may require the competition of or dual enrollment in a bachelor's degree. The length of these certificates vary, some averaging only 6 credit hours and some requiring as many as 40 credit hours. Depending on the program the classes are offered synchronously or asynchronously, and students are usually not placed in a cohort.
A certificate in Christian studies can prepare you to work in specialized areas of ministry, counseling, or education. Someone possessing a certificate in Bible teaching is equipped to teach the Bible to a group of people, which someone with a certificate in hermeneutics is equipped to study and interpret the Bible, which may be valuable for someone who works in ministry or discipleship.
Christian Studies Bachelor's Degree Concentrations
There are different concentrations to choose from in a bachelor's degree in Christian studies. Some of these concentrations include theological studies, missions, or student ministry. Any of these concentrations will prepare you for a career in different types of ministry or counseling.
Curriculum for a Bachelor's Degree in Christian Studies
Curriculum for bachelor's degrees in Christian studies varies from university to university, but they generally offer similar classes. Each program requires the completion of core courses, general education courses, and elective courses. Here are some courses students may be expected to take.
Core Courses
- Old and New Testament Survey
- Christian Theology
- Biblical Interpretation
General Education Courses
- Ministerial Communication
- Perspectives and Ethics
- Writing and Research
Elective Courses
- Hebrew language
- Church History
- Public Speaking
How Long Does it Take to Get a Bachelor's in Christian Studies?
A bachelor's degree in Christian studies takes 120 credit hours, or four years, to complete. These credit hours include around 60 core classes, 30 general education classes, and 30 elective classes. Universities are specific on where the general education and elective classes are to come from; you may be required to complete 6 of the 30 elective classes on topics on the Old Testament, for example. These programs usually do not require the completion of an internship.
Accreditation for Bachelor's in Christian Studies Degrees
Bachelor's degrees in Christian studies are typically not accredited, but the schools they offer them are. An accredited bachelor's degree means that it meets educational standards set forth by the accrediting agency. These agencies include the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the Higher Learning Commission, and the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, to name a few. It is important to choose a bachelor's degree that is accredited by an agency as it will ensure you are receiving the best education, will be able to transfer credits between universities easier, and be eligible for federal financial aid.
Christian Studies Licensure & Certification
There are different kinds of licenses and certification you can obtain within Christian studies, depending on your career. Some of these may include a license in Christian counseling, a pastoral ordination, or a teacher certification.
Christian Counseling License
Christian counselors are usually not expected to obtain a licensed counselor certificate, but instead have a Christian counseling license. This license has fewer requirements than a regular licensed counselor, but the requirements are specific to helping those in your church. The National Association of Christian Counselors offers different types of certificates for Christian counseling, including a general counseling certificate, a certificate in anger management, and a certificate in domestic violence counseling. Each of these certificates can be used to help those around you. These certificates require the completion of specific classes and a final exam.
Pastoral Ordination
Pastoral ordination is necessary in order to become a pastor or priest of a congregation. While ordination differs depending on the church's denomination, steps for ordination are similar. These include obtaining a Master or Doctor of Divinity, interviewing at local churches, and then becoming ordained.
Christian Teacher Certification
A Christian teacher certification does not follow the same steps that a public teacher certification follows. The most popular Christian teacher certification is the Association of Christian Schools International certification. This certification requires the completion of a bachelor's degree with at least 20 credit hours of elementary education, 6 credit hours of Biblical studies, and student teaching.
What Can I Do With a Bachelor's Degree in Christian Studies?
There are many options for careers with a bachelor's degree in Christian studies. These may include a youth pastor or worship director.
How to Become a Youth Pastor
A youth pastor is charged with spiritually caring for the youth in a church's congregation. They often teach Sunday school, lead and preach at youth group, and plan retreats and camps. Youth pastors are usually required to possess a bachelor's degree in Biblical studies or Bible teaching, or to be mentored in these areas. They must have strong communication and teaching skills, and a desire to see the youth in their church grow spiritually.
According to the BLS, Directors of Religious Activities and Education, including youth pastors, average a yearly salary of $50,490 and the highest paying states for these jobs include Alabama, North Carolina, and Washington, D.C.
How to Become a Worship Director
A worship director is in charge of leading their congregation in worship through song. They choose songs to sing during each service and work the audio and acoustics. If the church has a full band, the worship director leads and directs the band. Worship directors must possess musical abilities and leadership, as well as strong communication skills. Some congregations require that worship directors have a degree in Biblical studies or Bible teaching.
Worship directors are included in the Directors of Religious Activities and Education on BLS. They earn an average yearly salary of $50,490, and Alabama, North Carolina, and Washington, D.C. are the highest paying states for a worship director, according to the BLS.
Financial Aid & Scholarship Information for Bachelor's in Christian Studies Degrees
Financial Aid
There are many different kinds of financial aid that bachelor's students studying Christian studies may be eligible for, including federal, state, and local aid. In order to receive financial aid, you must meet all of the requirements for a FASFA. These include creating a Federal Student Aid (FSA) account, reporting your social security number, reporting your income and tax information, and listing the schools that you are interested in attending. To meet the requirements for student aid, you must be in financial need, be a US citizen or eligible noncitizen, be in good standing with other federal student loans you may have, be in or accepted to a program, and maintain proper academic progress.
Scholarship Information
The Diamonds in the Rough Ministry Scholarship provides scholarship money to female students who are Texas residents and who are studying Biblical studies, theology, or other similar programs. Requirements for this scholarship include maintaining a grade point average of 2.5, a letter of recommendation from a minister or pastor, and a 500 word essay.
The George & Lynna Gene Cook Scholarship provides aid to students who are pursuing degrees in ministry or education. To qualify you must have graduated from a high school in Nebraska, maintain a 3.0 grade point average, and submit your transcript and one reference.
The Robert S. Simmons Christian Studies Scholarship is designed for students attending a Christian college and who are actively involved in volunteer or community work. In order to be considered interested applicants must submit an application and essay.
