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What is Christian Studies?

Christian Studies is a field of study focused on Christianity.  Students pursuing a Christian Studies degree will likely be exposed to foundational biblical and theological studies providing a strong basis for Christian ministry and leadership.  Coursework within the Christian Studies track will include theology, philosophy, world religions, communication, history, biblical studies, and Christian history to provide a solid foundation for reaching a broad audience.

Many Christ based programs and bible colleges will stretch beyond the traditional core to help students become more well-rounded and worldly.  This pedagogical Christ teaching approach helps to promote diversity in thought and critical thinking skills for students.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$47,640

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

22.18%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

28,380

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Christian Studies Degree

The Graduate degree in Christian Studies at Duke University is offered as a Pd.D. program. This was made possible by the collaboration between the Department and Duke Divinity School. Their faculty, staff and students enthusiastically endorse the struggle to achieve racial justice in American society. They urge local and national leadership and citizens to unite their voices in the quest for justice and peace. 

Acceptance Rate

7.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

M.A. degree in early Christian Studies is a gateway to the study of early Christianity and the Late Ancient World. It is a two-year interdisciplinary program at University of Notre Dame offered by Departments of Classics and Department of Theology. This program will prepare beginning graduate students for the advanced study of both early Christianity and late antiquity. Each student will develop a curriculum that meets the individual needs in consultation to the director of the Early Christianity Study program and other faculty advisers. 

Acceptance Rate

15.83

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

College of the Holy Cross offers a Major and Minor in Religious Studies. These programs invite you in an academic context that involves a long tradition of both theological and historical questions related to the nature of humanity in relation to the world and to God. The coursework is designed to engage you in the interreligious as well as intellectual encounter that takes place today. The Department of Christian Studies is devoted to integrating the study of Christian theology with the current study of the world’s religions.

Acceptance Rate

34.22

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Fordham University offers the M.A. in Catholic Theology which is an academic degree that is meant to introduce the students to the study of theology as an academic discipline. This program is meant to prepare students for further work at the doctoral level. Aside from completing a broad-based core curriculum, the students must concentrate in at least one of three fields of study, it can be the bible, historical theology or systematic theology.

Acceptance Rate

45.88

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

The Jesuit School of Theology provides degrees accredited by the Association of Theological Schools. Santa Clara University is one of the three ecclesiastical schools in North America. These programs are launched to provide the needs of those who serve in today’s church. JST claims that they can help their students search the ultimate meaning of life. 

Acceptance Rate

48.82

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Hampton University offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religious Studies. This shall provide the students the opportunity to attain solid foundation in the study of religion. Through distance learning, students can obtain an accredited Bachelor of Arts degree in Religious Studies. They aim to prepare the students for an advanced study.

Acceptance Rate

36

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

The Master of Christian Studies offers to equip their students biblically. The students taking this course can choose an accelerated or fully online option. Union University’s MCS claims that their students developed ministry skills and are theologically and biblically grounded. They have on-site programs where students are taught to apply classroom learnings to their local church ministry through their directed assignments.

Acceptance Rate

52.72

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

The Department of Christian Studies at Mississippi College seeks to stimulate the development of a solid foundation of knowledge, values and skills of Christian heritage. It aims to drive the students in pursuing theological reflection while honing their critical thinking skills. The professors working in this Department invest in their students by imparting knowledge that will prepare them for the ministry. They guarantee to provide a rigorous curriculum that will teach the students to think and look beyond themselves.

Acceptance Rate

42.04

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Stonehill College has a diverse liberal art offering that will be seen on their Religious Studies. There is an interdisciplinary program under the Religious Study major. This program will develop in their students the appreciation of their own traditions and those of others. Students are expected to dissect an array of compelling human questions and the various roles that religions play in the society.

Acceptance Rate

67.69

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

The Master’s College and Seminary offers an online program for Christian Studies. The major coursework of this fully online format program gives emphasis to the understanding and application of biblical literature. They teach biblical content with its original historical content. As a result, students are able to obtain authentically biblical understanding that are applicable to the theological and cultural issues.

Acceptance Rate

67.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

The certificate in Christian Studies Program at Fresno Pacific University is composed of a purposeful community of learners as well as leaders. The faculty working for them are all experienced and published. They provide a theologically diverse student body and give an option to study in Israel every summer. The MFT and ministry students are integrated in foundational courses they offer.

Acceptance Rate

66.08

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

The Christian Studies major at Ouachita Baptist University provides their students the excellent education that provides a firm biblical foundation. They also offer practical training to prepare them to serve in ministry or missions. They can choose Biblical studies and theology, Christian missions and philosophy or Christian ministries. Students will be able to interpret the texts in the bible in the language that it is originally written. 

Acceptance Rate

61.43

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Bachelor of Arts in Christian Formation and Ministry at Friends University isn’t just an academic program. They instill in their students that if they want to change the world, they should first make a positive change in their mind and in their heart. Students will be moved to take action and deepen their relationship with God. With their own effort students will be able to have a growth of faith in their personal life.

Acceptance Rate

45.81

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Seton Hall University offers a graduate degree in Christian Studies. This Master of Arts degree program had been teaching about the scriptures of the Jewish and Christian faiths since 1975. As a result of their consistent efforts, students were able to develop a critical awareness of the relationship between Jews and Christians. Until today, they still strive to address complex religious and social issues in an aim to achieve justice and peace.

Acceptance Rate

73.63

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Christian Studies is offered at Point Loma Nazarene University. This major gives a broad understanding of God and the Bible. They offer six concentrations you can choose from. These are the sic concentration options, Biblical Studies, General, Leadership, Philosophy, Theology, and Youth & Family.

Acceptance Rate

73.66

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

The Bachelor’s degree in Christian Studies at Marian University is built on a platform of understanding and exploring aspects of faith. Students majoring in theology will be engaged in disciplined study. Students will be guided to have leadership skills in lay ministry. Students develop the ability of critical thinking and research analysis. The faculty will be hands-on in teaching the students the meaning of complex written documents.

Acceptance Rate

61.54

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Christian Studies is offered at Anderson University. This program is designed not to just impart knowledge but to teach students the practical applications of what they are learning. They also provide a solid biblical foundation on why they should minister. Christian Studies professors working under this program do their best to live what they teach.

Acceptance Rate

68.73

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

You will be equipped with theological understanding and practical skills that can help you in your ministry through Crown’s online degree Christians Studies. This degree is considered to functions like a mini-Master of Divinity degree. The graduates of Crown College are their pride, they have been very prepared for licensing and ordination with the Christian and Ministry Alliance.  The faculty that leads the online courses are with the highest academic degrees. 

Acceptance Rate

49.82

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Programs in Christian Studies are available at Gordon College. These programs are designed to help the students see their life in a biblical lens. Students will receive the opportunity to study God's word with other committed students. The professors will help them establish both biblical and theological foundation. 

Acceptance Rate

74.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Roanoke Colleges acknowledges that examining historical development of Christian beliefs will build an understanding of Christianity’s place at the crossroads of big religion, culture and politics. So, they designed a program that focuses on big questions raised by Christianity. Most seminary education focuses generally on practical ministry, neglecting to answer the difficult questions that are raised. Christian studies under their program will help you to get the root of original Christian writings.

Acceptance Rate

74.8

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

A number of top rated Christian Studies programs are available at Trinity International University-Illinois. So far, it has been their most flexible program in focus and delivery method. Degree program in Theological Studies gives particular stress on tying the broad field of theological studies to the activities done in the church. Students will be given the opportunities to focus their studies on certain subject areas that interest them.

Acceptance Rate

60.24

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

The Bachelor of Science degree in Biblical Studies at Eastern University doesn’t just impart knowledge to their students, they also give their best to help them interpret the texts for themselves and for the benefit of the Christian Church. Students became familiar with critical issues in their transmission and will be provided the tools to faithfully apply the message of the texts to its contemporary contexts. They can also pick a language track that will give them the chance to incorporate Greek and Hebrew into the major. The students will be trained by a faculty with broad expertise in biblical and modern thought.

Acceptance Rate

61.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Liberty University offers an online biblical studies program that will guide their students to deepen their understanding in the bible. It is being offered to the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels. Specialized training in biblical scholarship means that you have to further your ministry career and reach others for Christ. On these online biblical studies courses, you’ll get the chance to dig deeper and explore the life-changing messages that can be found in the scriptures.  

Acceptance Rate

51.06

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Christian Studies at Marquette University claims that they come to know the broad meaning of faith. This study explores the big questions at the heart of human existence. They entertain theological questions that lead to reflection of Divine’s revelation to humankind. They claim that this study opens the door to a closer relationship with God. 

Acceptance Rate

82.96

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

The Theology Christian Studies degree will provide basic knowledge in the areas of systematic foundation on theology, moral theology and world religions. Students who complete the major in Theology and Religious Studies in the college of St. Scholastica will demonstrate effective use of theological resources. They will be engaged to spiritual and religious traditions with human experience that will give them theological reflection. They will be excellent in discussing and writing about religious topics

Acceptance Rate

76.38

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Top Degrees in Christian Studies

Students considering a college degree on campus in Christian studies will find it vital to understand the options available. Colleges and universities offering on campus Christian studies include programs from undergraduate certificates to graduate degrees. To provide additional degree choices to consider, many accredited schools have added online degree programs in the recent past in addition to campus based ministries.

In addition to campus programs, online learning is also known as distance learning is the quickest growing segment in higher education. Inherent benefits of earning a degree online include flexibility, independence, access to quality curriculum, and potential cost savings over similar campus courses. Some schools offer 100% online programs while others have a hybrid option that blends online and campus classroom-based degree programs into the same degree plan.

Certificate Programs in Biblical Studies

Certificate programs in Christian studies are typically found in a schools course catalog in two forms: undergraduate and graduate. First, an undergraduate certificate is designed to provide foundational knowledge in Christ & Christian studies. Undergraduate certificates can be utilized to earn an entry-level position in a church, ministry degree, theology degree, campus ministry, or be a pathway to an advanced degree.

Graduate certificates are upper-level classes assembled by colleges for qualified students and working professionals. These types of certificate programs help add critical skills, help professionals remain relevant, or help prepare professionals for a pending career transition. Certificate programs can be found within various academic domains with a biblical affiliation:

Bachelor Degrees in Christian Studies

Christian studies bachelor's degrees can be earning in three predominant ways: online, on-campus, or both. Online Christian degree programs can be found from a number of world-class, accredited universities. Online learning has rapidly grown, and studies continue to show the value and efficacy of distance learning to be on par with classroom-based programs.

The obvious and most common earn a degree is in a physical classroom. Did you know there is a third option to earn a degree known as a hybrid degree? Hybrid degree programs effectively blend online Christian degrees with on-campus learning. Learning both in a classroom and remotely may be the perfect mode to earn a Christian-based degree for busy adults.

Bachelor degrees will take approximately four years to complete. You will find these degrees conferred as either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS). In terms of curriculum, faith-based courses at this level will include both general education courses with core Christian curriculum. The BS and BA degree programs in Christian studies can be parsed into various areas of emphasis which will dictate subsequent courses. Examples of areas of concentration include:

  • Womens Leadership
  • Pastoral Leadership
  • Theatre Ministries
  • Cinematic Arts
  • Christ Studies
  • Business
  • Youth Ministry
  • Worship Technology
  • Biblical Studies
  • Worship
  • Music Studies

Christian Studies Major Master Degree

Master degrees will take students one to two years to complete for full-time students. Accelerated degrees and executive programs may be shorter based upon the design of the program. Master's degrees in Christian studies can be conferred in one of three ways:

  1. Master of Arts (MA)
  2. Master in Divinity (MDiv)
  3. Master of Science (MS)

Most graduate-level degrees in Christian studies will necessitate students to select an area of concentration or specialization. The concentration options can include any number of options and combinations such as: community chaplaincy, church ministry, biblical studies, pastoral counseling, worship, theology, pastoral counseling, Christian apologetics, pastoral ministries, church planting, church history, military chaplaincy, counseling, homiletics, and Christian leadership.

Doctorate Christian Studies Degree Program

Doctoral degrees in Christian studies can be conferred in a number of differing versions as a function of the school's accreditation, resources, campus design, curriculum, and program design.   Examples of doctoral degree options in Christian studies include:

  • PhD
  • DWS
  • DMin
  • EdD
  • DBA

With the various degree paths available, it is critical to take the time to understand your best academic option.  Begin your discovery process by requesting information from top ranked bible colleges found with of digital portal.  As a frame of reference, doctoral programs will take qualifying students three to five years to complete as a function of the course load, dissertation requirements, and course configuration.

Dissertations are intensive research projects that take a substantive portion of the overall time invested to earn a doctorate degree.  The intent of a dissertation is to extend the knowledge base in an area of study and enhance the collective body of research.

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Employment & Theology Student Career

Career options and vocational specializations are immense in Christian studies. Students today are no longer bound by the traditional trappings of exclusively becoming a traveling pastor. College graduates have career options that can include public speaker, high school teacher, campus ministry leader, theologian, career counselor, pastor, research specialist, curriculum designer, family counselor, campus counselor, psychologist, marriage counselor, substance abuse counselor, youth pastor, behavior disorder counselor, campus manager, ministry leader, blogger, author, or Christian scholastic.

Career Growth for Campus Ministry Students

Job growth for associated Christian degrees appear to be exceptional. Broad data gathered by the BLS indicate job growth for substance abuse counselors to jump 22% and high school teachers a 7% clip. Total compensation, job duties, and scope of your career will depend upon the decisions you make combined with the needs of employers. Income and job stability have proven to be highly correlated to education levels. The Bureau of Labor Statistics continue to provide data to support this relationship making it essential students invest in education to enhance stability in their careers.

Additional Student Theology Resources

The American Bible Society (ABS) and the Institute for Christian Studies (ICS) are organizations that help students and professionals in the field. Their objectives include providing resources, tools, networking opportunities, and research for Christian faith professionals both nationally and internationally.

Biblical Studies Students Campus Programs

Find a full list of bible colleges and Christian-based university programs with our exclusive search portal or by searching by state. Below represents the states with at least six bible colleges to help you consolidate your search. To obtain admissions information, simply place a request via our portal to learn more from colleges that meet your academic criteria.

 

Alabama Missouri
Arkansas Nebraska
California New Jersey
Connecticut New York
District Of Columbia North Carolina
Florida Ohio
Georgia Oklahoma
Illinois Oregon
Indiana Pennsylvania
Iowa South Carolina
Kansas South Dakota
Kentucky Tennessee
Louisiana Texas
Maryland Virginia
Massachusetts Washington
Michigan West Virginia
Minnesota Wisconsin
Mississippi

 

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