2025: Editor’s Picks for Best Online and Campus-Based Christian Bachelor’s Degrees in America

Best Christian Bachelor's degreesThe wide range of Christian bachelor's degrees out there gives you a lot of options to think about as you are starting out in your ministry career. No matter where your life in ministry might take you, a four-year Christian degree is how you'll get started.

The quality of the education and mentorship you receive at this level is going to determine how successful you will be in your calling and how effectively you reach people. On a very practical level for anyone serious about vocational ministry, it could make a big difference in whether or not you will be seen as a serious candidate for career positions with churches or faith-based organizations.

And if you are going all the way with plans to become an ordained pastor, the bachelor’s degree you earn now will have a big impact on how well-prepared you are for the graduate degree you will eventually need on your way to becoming a church leader.

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Your bachelor's degree provides the learning experiences and mentorship that sets the tone for the rest of your career.

You will be studying during the most formative time of your life, laying a foundation for everything that comes next. So, you have a lot of good reasons to get the best Christian undergraduate experience money can buy.

We're here to help prospective Christian undergraduates all across the country just like you find bachelor's degrees that align perfectly with their individual calling and goals. To this end, we have done the time-intensive work of combing through religious schools across the country that offer bachelor's degrees in a wide range of Christian majors and put together this list of the ones we feel deserve to be called the best every single state.

How We Picked the Top Online and Campus-based Christian Bachelor's Degrees in the United States

With hundreds of Christian colleges and dozens of degrees per school, there are a lot of different Christian bachelor's programs to choose from. Picking out the cream of the crop is no easy task.

Our first filter was to simply exclude any school that isn't fully accredited by one of the accreditation agencies recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the U.S. Department of Education. That provides a baseline of acceptable quality. It lets us know we're working only with schools that meet the basic standards to be considered reputable, while also meeting the requirements to receive federal student aid and subsidized loans. With that stamp of approval, you know right away that the academic and administrative boxes are all checked for a comprehensive education.

With the baseline established, we began our real evaluation, looking for the things you can expect on finding in elite university programs…

First Rate Professors Serve as Mentors as Well as Instructors

From kindergarten on up, you probably noticed that the classes that you did best in were those who were taught by the best teachers: the ones who knew the material stone cold, who were enthusiastic about the subject, who knew how to get you excited about it to. They communicate clearly and take a genuine interest in the success of their students.

So we looked first for schools where the professors have high academic skills in their field, with advanced degrees and strong publication and research histories. They got even higher marks if graduates are constantly talking about their enthusiasm, interest, and willingness to mentor students through the hard parts of the program.

The Reputation and Heritage of Your Christian College Has Meaning

We pay a lot of attention to what graduates have to say about these degrees, but not just graduates. Schools got our attention if they consistently end up on ranking lists like those established by U.S. News & World Reports and other third-party organizations that monitor academic quality.

Bachelor's programs that have high graduation and retention rates, high percentages of students employed soon after graduation, and strong rates of acceptance into graduate programs are another sign of quality. When a school is doing a good job, word gets around fast, and the success of their graduates reflects it.

Accessibility and Flexibility Offer Advantages to Working Students

We include both online and on-campus programs here, as well as hybrids that allow you to pick some online classes and some in a traditional format. Something we think the best schools do, though, is to offer as much flexibility to students as possible—while still delivering a high-quality education.

That comes not just through flexibility in program formats, but also with degrees themselves. Any bachelor's program that offers multiple concentrations, or a large number of electives to choose from, is going to let you tailor your training to exactly your calling.

The Right Support and Resources To Build Your Skills

Options mean choices to be made. At the bachelor's level, you're just starting out… you need some good advice to make the right choices. So schools with strong mentorship and counseling programs tend to trend to the top of our list as well.

It's not just in the academic world that you need guidance, either. Spiritual formation and personal development are a big part of the reason to earn a Christian degree. So schools that show a strong campus community of faith, with plenty of fellowship opportunities, student groups, and service opportunities are also more likely to come out on top.

All the Information You Need to Choose a Degree that Supports Your Calling

Ultimately, though, there's no single one best school in the country, or even in a state. What it comes down to is matching your calling with the bachelor's degree that best supports it. And because every calling is different, that can make the right bachelor's program different for everyone, too.

So we have thrown in a lot of extra information to help you make your decisions. Things like:

2025: State-by-State Guide to Our Favorite Christian College Bachelor’s Degrees

Maybe you’re looking at a Christian college nearby that will let you come home on the weekends for dinner with your family and Sunday service at your hometown church. Or maybe it’s an online option from a big-name school on the other side of the country that’s piqued your interest. No matter how you plan to start your journey with a Christian-centered education, you can feel confident knowing that the schools listed here will be more than up to the task to preparing you for a career in ministry.

ALABAMA

Huntingdon College
Department of Religion
Montgomery, AL

Website

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Bachelor’s Major in Religion (on-campus)

Cost Per Credit: $895
Total Estimated Program Cost: $107,400

A bright light in Alabama for outstanding Christian study, Huntingdon College is where you’ll find the ideal undergraduate pathway to a career in ministry and service: the Major in Religion. This program features a liberal arts core that ensures you’re prepared to enter service and outreach with outstanding critical thinking and communication skills. You’ll personalize your program with your choice of minors in biblical studies, global studies, or religion and you’ll have the option of adding a Certificate in Youth Ministry through the United Methodist Church if your career goals include working with the youngest followers of Christ. Whether your plans include preparing for seminary, graduate study, or a church vocation, the Major in Religion is designed with you in mind! Get top-notch advice and guidance from the college’s Center for Career and Vocation; add another dimension to your degree through an internship; and deepen your learning with real life experiences through a senior travel-study year. It’s little wonder why Huntingdon has been consistently named a top college by esteemed publications like U.S News & World Report and the Princeton Review!

ARKANSAS

John Brown University
Department of Bible and Ministry
Siloam Springs, AR

Website

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Bachelor’s Majors (on-campus)

  • Outdoor leadership ministries with wilderness medicine
  • Outdoor leadership ministries
  • Humanitarian and disaster relief
  • Biblical and theological studies
  • Christian ministry and formation

Cost Per Credit: $964
Total Estimated Program Cost: $115,680

John Brown University’s Christian major offers an exciting, dynamic undergraduate degree that boasts innovative courses of study for a successful, lifelong career in ministry and service! This Christ-centered course of study is where you’ll develop the skills that you’ll need to become an outstanding and committed servant leader. Focus your degree on Outdoor Leadership Ministries and you’ll be immersed in the beauty of Northwest Arkansas, home to the Buffalo River, the Ozark Mountains, and endless parks and natural areas. Or focus your study on Christian Ministry and Formation and you’ll have the option of choosing an emphasis in care and counseling, chaplaincy, children and family ministries, Christian schooling, pastoral church leadership, or parachurch ministry. John Brown is also home to superb mission trips that include the Chicago Urban Vision (includes learning about inner-city cultures and ministering to them); Tulsa Vision & Service (includes working alongside the Crossover Bible Church in North Tulsa); Spring Break Action (includes partnering with Samaritan’s Purse to serve areas affected by natural disaster); and Atlanta Refugee Encounter (includes partnering with Friends of Refugees to help settle, care for, and train refugees in the Atlanta area).

CALIFORNIA

Pepperdine University
Seaver College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences
Malibu, CA

Website

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Bachelor’s in Religion (on-campus)

Cost Per Credit: $1,982
Total Estimated Program Cost: $237,840

Also offers: Master of Divinity; MA in Religion; MS in Ministry

Pepperdine University’s Major in Religion easily makes our top programs list in California! This undergraduate program provides students with a solid foundation of study that’s integral to the Christian faith and is personalized with your choice of specializations in scripture, Church history, Christian thought, or practical theology. And if you want to take your degree to the next level, you’ll have the option of minoring in religion or faith and vocation. At Pepperdine, international travel is a building block to any degree program, which is why 80% of all students here participate in an international travel experience. And international travel has never been more readily accessible than through Pepperdine, which has campuses in Buenos Aires, Florence, Heidelberg, Lausanne, London, and Washington D.C. It’s little wonder why Pepperdine was ranked 12th in the nation for its study abroad program by U.S. News & World Report and recognized among the top universities in the nation for its number of students who study abroad by the Institute of International Education.

Loyola Marymount University
Los Angeles, CA

Website

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BA in Theological Studies (on-campus)

Cost Per Credit: $1,744
Total Estimated Program Cost: $216,256

Also offers: MA in Education Catholic Archdiocesan School Teachers; MA in Pastoral Theology

Loyola Marymount University’s BA in Theological Studies is rooted in the Roman Catholic institution, built on the liberal arts tradition of producing free thinkers and persuasive communicators, and personalized through your choice of 30 minors in the humanities, socials sciences, and interdisciplinary fields. As a Theological Studies major, you’ll investigate the religious experience, which includes diving deep into biblical, historical, systematic, liturgical, and comparative theology as you gain a deeper appreciation for spirituality, ethics, diversity, and faith and culture. Just some of the contemporary courses offered here include Women and Religion, Sex and the City of God, and the African American Religious Experience. You’ll feel good about choosing a university that’s been consistently ranked among the best in the nation by esteemed publications like U.S. News & World Report and the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education.

California Lutheran University
Religion Department
Thousand Oaks, CA

Website

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BA in Theology and Christian Leadership (on-campus)

  • Not for Profit & Social Sector
  • Spirituality and the Arts
  • Children Youth and Family Ministry

Cost Per Credit: $1,517
Total Estimated Program Cost: $210,863

Also offers: Master of Divinity; MA in Spirituality and Social Change; Joint MA-MDiv

California Lutheran University’s BA in Theology and Christian Leadership easily earns a spot on our top programs list, thanks to a rich curriculum that examines the connections between belief and practice and outstanding opportunities to personalize the program to meet your professional goals and personal interests. Here you’ll combine classes in religion with electives in the liberal arts – psychology, sociology, music, etc. and design a major and minor that’s uniquely you. You’ll select an area of specialization in children, youth and family ministry; not for profit & social sector; or spirituality and the arts and then pair it with a minor of your choice. An important part of your BA in Theology and Christian Leadership includes an internship – your opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in the classroom to the real world. Interested in taking your learning abroad? California Lutheran is home to an outstanding selection of programs that will take you to places like Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

Azusa Pacific University
School of Theology
Azusa, CA

Website

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BA in Biblical Studies (on-campus)

  • Biblical archeology
  • Bible Hermeneutics

BA in Christian Ministries (on-campus)

  • Church and Pastoral Ministries Practices
  • Intercultural Christian Ministries
  • Ministry in Urban and Social Service Contexts

BA in Interdisciplinary Studies (on-campus)

BA in Theology (on-campus)

  • Church History
  • Systematic Theology

BA in Youth and Family Ministries (on-campus)

Cost Per Credit: $1,361
Total Estimated Program Cost: $163,320

Also offers: Master of Divinity; MA in Korean Pastoral Studies; MA in Pastoral Studies (English, Spanish); MA in Theological Studies

Azusa Pacific University is a California gem for aspiring ministers, church leaders, and theologians. Part of a supportive, Christ-centered community, the undergraduate programs here come complete with an experienced and dedicated faculty of scholars; exciting majors in biblical studies, Christian ministries, theology, and more; and outstanding guidance and support through the Center for Vocational Ministry. What began as a Training School for Christian Workers in 1899 has transformed into a nationally recognized School of Theology that today continues the tradition of preparing men and women for ministry in the Church. In addition to plentiful concentration options, students of Azusa Pacific’s BA programs can personalize their degrees by choosing among ten minors such as ancient languages, biblical studies, Christian ministries, cultural engagement, and philosophical apologetics.

William Jessup University
Rocklin Campus
Rocklin, CA

Website

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BA in Youth Ministry (on-campus)

BA in Biblical Studies (on-campus)

BA in Theology (on-campus)

Cost Per Credit: $1,200
Total Estimated Program Cost: $144,000

William Jessup University’s undergraduate programs in ministry, biblical studies, and theology are backed by the academic excellence of this nationally ranked Christian university and built on a long history of providing students with community-focused, career-ready programs. All students of WJU routinely put their academic learning into motion through outstanding service learning experiences. Students here are engaged both locally and globally, thanks to a nice selection of domestic and foreign Global Outreach trips every year.

The Master's University and Seminary
Santa Clarita, CA

Website

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BA in Biblical Studies (on-campus, online)

  • Biblical Counseling
  • Global Studies
  • Biblical Languages
  • Theology
  • Christian Education

Cost Per Credit: $1,065
Total Estimated Program Cost: $129,930

Also offers: Master of Divinity; MA in Biblical Counseling; MA in Biblical Studies; Master of Theology

The Master’s University and Seminary comes in among our favorite Christian undergraduate programs in California thanks to its BA in Biblical Studies, a flexible course of study that features on-campus or online study and your choice of five concentrations that allow you to personalize your program according to your specific goals and interests. This program features course in theology, biblical counseling, and the individual books of Scripture. Students also study Greek and Hebrew as part of this exciting course of study. Whether your career goals include serving in church leadership, education, or missionary work or preparing for future graduate study, the BA in Biblical Studies has everything you need to succeed. Do your professional and personal obligations make on-campus learning difficult? TMU Online allows students to study from the comfort of their homes. Online learning here features eight-week accelerated courses that allow busy, working adults to finish their degree at a pace that works best for them.

Pacific Union College
Department of Theology
Angwin, CA

Website

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BA in Theology (on-campus)

BA in Religion (on-campus)

  • Biblical Studies
  • Health Professions

Cost Per Credit: $864 (quarter credit) 
Total Estimated Program Cost: $124,404

California’s Pacific Union College’s BA in Theology and BA in Religion are among our favorites, thanks to plenty of opportunities to specialize and their setting in a small Christian university that has a big reputation for academic excellence and student success. Both programs here come with the option of adding a minor in Applied Christianity, Biblical Languages, Biblical Studies, Religious Studies, or Seventh-Day Adventist Studies, which allows you to design a program that best meets your professional pursuits and personal interests. For more than 130 years, PUC has been delivering outstanding programs like these. As a student here, you’ll be taught by Fulbright scholars; you’ll learn in small classes (the average class size is just 19); and you’ll be part of a university whose national accolades include a Best Regional College in the Midwest and a Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report.

COLORADO

Colorado Christian University
School of Theology
Lakewood, CO

Website

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Bachelor’s Major in Apologetics and Evangelism (on-campus)

  • Cultural Engagement
  • Global Apologetics
  • Innovative Evangelism
  • Practical Apologetics

BA in Biblical Studies with Language (on-campus)

BA in Ministry Management (on-campus)

BA in Theology (on-campus)

BA in Youth Ministry (on-campus)

BA in Christian Ministry (online)

BS in Organizational Management in Christian Leadership (online)

BA in Biblical Studies (online)

Cost Per Credit: $1,165
Total Estimated Program Cost: $139,800

Also offers: MA in Theological Studies; MA in Biblical Studies; MA in Applied Apologetics; MA in Executive Leadership in Christian Ministry

Looking for a Christian university that offers an exceptional selection of Christian-based undergraduate degrees? Look no further than Colorado Christian University, which offers no less than eight undergraduate programs, many of which are offered fully online for the best in flexibility and convenience. Whether your goals include working in ministry, outreach, or missions, or if you’re prepping for future graduate study or seminary, CCU has a program designed with you in mind! In fact, for more than 100 years, this evangelical, interdenominational university has been providing students with exemplary academic experiences in a faith-based setting—it’s no wonder it holds the unique distinction of being Colorado’s Flagship Christian University. As a student of CCU, you’ll learn from a dedicated faculty that values close student mentoring. CCU is also home to several dual degree programs that allow you to earn your bachelor’s degree while also earning credits toward your master’s degree. You’ll be proud to be part of a university that’s been recognized as one of the top universities in the U.S. by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni and by esteemed organizations like the Chronicle of Higher Education and the National Council on Teacher Quality.

CONNECTICUT

Yale University
Department of Religious Studies
New Haven, CT

Website

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BA in Religious Studies (on-campus)

Cost Per Credit: $1,998
Total Estimated Program Cost: $239,760

Also offers: Master of Divinity; MA in Religion; Master of Sacred Theology

Since 1963, Yale University’s Department of Religious Studies has served as one of the leading scholarly communities dedicated solely to the study of religion. Its BA in Religious Studies continues this legacy of excellence, providing students with an unmatched learning experience that offers a world-class faculty of researchers; strong ties to other departments within the Yale College and the Yale Graduate School; and unparalleled resources that include one of the world’s finest libraries for the study of religion. As a student here, you’ll study the history of religion, along with how it has been shaped by everything from society to global affairs to war to even terrorism. In addition to a liberal arts core that includes study in history, anthropology, philosophy, and philology, you’ll have opportunities to study Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, Christianity, and more. Undergraduate students within the Department of Religious Studies also enjoy the opportunity to conduct scholarly research!

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

The Catholic University of America
School of Theology and Religious Studies
Washington, DC

Website

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BA in Theology and Religious Studies (on-campus)

Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology (on-campus)

Cost Per Credit: $1,701
Total Estimated Program Cost: $204,120

Also offers: Master of Catechesis; MA in Catholic Clinical Ethics; Master of Ecclesial Administration and Management; Master’s in Church Administration

The Catholic University of America’s undergraduate programs in theology/religious studies and sacred theology easily make our list of top programs for their position within a national research university that’s rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition and supported by an internationally renowned faculty. For more than 130 years, Catholic University has served as the national university of the Catholic Church in America, fulfilling the unwavering mission to impart truth through excellence in teaching and research. Choose the BA in Theology and Religious Studies and you’ll explore religious traditions as you develop the skills that will make you an outstanding servant leader. Or choose the Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology to prepare for the pontifical degree, the Licentiate in Sacred Theology (S.T.L.). You’ll feel good being part of the internationally recognized School of Theology and Religious Studies, which was named as one of the Best Colleges for Religious Studies by niche.com!

FLORIDA

St. Thomas University
Biscayne College
Miami Gardens, FL

Website

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BA in Religious Studies (on-campus, online)

Cost Per Credit: $1,060
Total Estimated Program Cost: $127,200

Also offers: MA in Ministry and Leadership

St. Thomas University’s BA in Religious Studies stands out a top program in Florida for its foundation in the Catholic tradition, its emphasis contemporary religious thought, and its flexible curriculum that includes both an on-campus and fully online option. If you’re an adult learner who has already earned an associate’s degree (or the equivalent coursework), the online BA in Religious Studies is designed with you in mind! As part of Biscayne College, the BA in Religious Studies comes complete with exciting opportunities to engage in real-life learning through the Center for Community Engagement… options to take your learning and service abroad through the Institute for World Languages and Cultures… and exciting student clubs that offer plenty of opportunities to get involved and connect with your peers.

Johnson University Florida
Kissimmee, FL

Website

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Bachelor’s Major in Bible and Theology (on-campus)

Bachelor’s Major in Ministry Leadership (on-campus)

  • Children & Family Ministry
  • Pastoral Counseling
  • Preaching & Church Leadership
  • Preaching & Student Ministry
  • Sports Ministry
  • Student & Family Ministry

Bachelor’s Major in Ministry Leadership (online)

Bachelor’s Major in Pastoral Care and Counseling (online)

Bachelor’s Major in Missions (on-campus)

Bachelor of Music in Worship Leadership (on-campus)

Cost Per Credit: $579
Total Estimated Program Cost: $69,480

Also offers: MA in New Testament; Master of Strategic Ministry

Johnson University’s undergraduate programs in ministry, leadership, missions, and more are exciting and dynamic – a winner among Florida’s Christian bachelor’s degrees! Choose the Ministry Leadership program and you’ll design a program that best matches your career goals by choosing among six concentrations, and you’ll complete several internships that will prepare you to lead ministries with competence and confidence. Does your busy life require an online learning experience? Johnson offers the Major in Ministry Leadership and a Major in Pastoral Care and Counseling in a fully online program design!

GEORGIA

Truett McConnell University
Cleveland, GA

Website

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BA in Christian Studies (on-campus, online)

  • Biblical and Theological Studies
  • Missions
  • Student Ministry
  • Women’s Studies

Cost Per Credit: $726
Total Estimated Program Cost: $90,750

Also offers: Master of Divinity; MA in Theology

Truett McConnell University’s BA in Christian Studies earns a top spot on our best of the best Christian bachelor’s programs list for its convenience (it’s available both on-campus and online), its flexibility (personalize it with your choice of four concentrations), and its outstanding, biblically centered academic experience! Whether your career goals include counseling, ministry, education, or leadership, the BA in Christian Studies has what you need to succeed. As a student of this program, you’ll enjoy a solid core in Old and New Testament studies, apologetics, world religions, biblical exposition, and more while you learn the practical skills that will make you a competent servant leader. You’ll feel good choosing a university that’s been preparing students to serve for more than 70 years.

Toccoa Falls College
Bible and Theology Department
Toccoa Falls, GA

Website

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Bachelor’s Major in Bible and Theology (on-campus)

Bachelor’s Major in Bible Languages (on-campus)

Bachelor’s Major in Biblical Studies (on-campus, online)

Bachelor’s Major in Christian Thought (on-campus)

Bachelor’s Major in Counseling in Ministry (on-campus, online)

Bachelor’s Major in Ministry Leadership (on-campus, online)

Bachelor’s Major in Music with Worship Arts (on-campus)

Bachelor’s Major in Pastoral Ministries (on-campus)

Bachelor’s Major in Youth Ministries (on-campus, online)

Cost Per Credit: $716
Total Estimated Program Cost: $90,216

You won’t be disappointed with the Toccoa Falls College’s superb selection of Christian bachelor’s degrees! Ministries, biblical studies, theology… Toccoa Falls has a program designed with your specific career goals and personal interests in mind. Offering a nice blend of on-campus and online programs, you’re also sure to find a program that accommodates your needs and busy schedule. We love Toccoa Falls not just for its exciting selection of undergraduate degrees, but also for its Christ-centered, student-centered experience that includes a low, 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio and a faculty of dedicated scholars and instructors. We also love the accolades this school has received for academic excellence and student success. Online students here receive the same quality education and experience as their on-campus peers and are welcome to visit campus for chapel service, special events, service and outreach opportunities, and other campus activities.

Brewton-Parker College
Division of Christian Studies and Humanities
Mount Vernon, GA

Website

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BA in Christian Studies (on-campus, online)

  • Missions
  • Pastoral Ministry

Bachelor of Music in Worship Studies (on-campus)

Cost Per Credit: $587
Total Estimated Program Cost: $72,201

Brewton-Parker College’s BA in Christian Studies and Bachelor of Music in Worship Studies offer a strong Christian foundation, a liberal arts design, and the practical preparation that ensures a lifetime of success in ministry, service, and outreach. And if you have graduate studies in your future, BPC offers a fast track to the Master of Divinity at any of their partner seminaries. Since 1904, BPC has been preparing competent servant leaders through a tight-knit, student-centered learning environment that includes small class sizes and exciting opportunities to get involved and give back. The school’s strong campus ministries program is home to weekly chapel services, discipleship groups, ministry teams, and plenty of opportunities to serve either locally or globally.

IDAHO

Northwest Nazarene University
College of Theology and Christian Ministries
Nampa, ID

Website

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BA in Biblical Studies (on-campus)

BA in Christian Ministry (on-campus, online)

BA in Intercultural Ministry – Missions (on-campus)

BA in Philosophy and Religion (on-campus)

Cost Per Credit: $1,125
Total Estimated Program Cost: $139,500

Also offers: Master of Divinity; MA in Leadership and Formation (Missional Leadership; Spiritual Formation; Youth Children and Family Ministry); MA in Pastoral Ministry

Northwest Nazarene University is an Idaho favorite for its dynamic selection of Christian bachelor’s degrees! The BA in Christian Ministry here provides a solid foundation in theology, along with the practical training that prepares students for ministry positions upon graduation. Choose from either on-campus or online study… personalize your program with a minor in Bible, children’s ministry, family ministry, missions, theology, worship leadership, or youth ministry… and design it as a Pastor-Scholar program, which includes earning your BA and MA and completing a 12-20-month paid apprenticeship in a local church in just five years. NNU is one of eight regional colleges affiliated with the Church of Nazarene and is consistently recognized for its world-class faculty, its academic excellence, and its strong student outcomes. In 2020-2021 alone, it was named a College of Distinction, an Idaho College of Distinction, and a Christian College of Distinction by Colleges of Distinction.

ILLINOIS

University of Chicago
Divinity School
Chicago, IL

Website

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BA in Religious Studies (on-campus, online)

Cost Per Credit: $1,866
Total Estimated Program Cost: $223,920

Also offers: Master of Divinity; MA in Divinity; MA in Religious Studies

The University of Chicago’s BA in Religious Studies is a winner among Illinois’ Christian bachelor’s degrees! As a student of this program, you’ll explore the religious traditions of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism while you dive deep into topics that address the connection between religion and human society. You’re encouraged to take a variety of electives in areas like sociology, literature, history, and philosophy to better appreciate how religion touches every aspect of the human experience. Just some of the topics explored in this program include religion’s intersection with gender and sexuality, race, ethics, emotions, politics, power, art, literature, and more. This dynamic course of study, which continues the university’s 125-year-plus legacy of providing students with transformative, life-changing programs, can be completed either on-campus or online.

Wheaton College
School of Biblical and Theological Studies
Wheaton, IL

Website

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Bachelor’s Major in Biblical and Theological Studies (on-campus)

Bachelor’s Major in Biblical Archeology (on-campus)

Bachelor’s Major in Christian Formation and Ministry (on-campus)

Cost Per Credit: $1,400
Total Estimated Program Cost: $168,000

Also offers: MA in Biblical Exegesis; MA in Biblical and Theological Studies; MA in Evangelism and Leadership; MA in Global Leadership (Outdoor Ministry); MA in the History of Christianity; MA in Ministry Leadership; MA in Missional Church Movements, MA in Old Testament Archeology, MA in Theology

Wheaton College’s Christian bachelor’s degrees are Christ-centered, collaborative courses of study that are designed to produce graduates who have a broad perspective of the world. The college’s commitment to providing a sound academic experience that’s supported by a student-centered learning environment, a dedicated faculty of today’s top Christian thought leaders, and outstanding, hands-on learning experiences has resulted in consistent national accolades from top organizations and esteemed publications. MONEY Magazine named it a Best College in America; U.S. News & World Report ranked it among the top National Liberal Arts School; and Forbes ranked it 13thamong its Top 25 Universities According to Alumni Ratings.

Olivet Nazarene University
School of Theology and Christian Ministry
Bourbonnais, IL

Website

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BA in Biblical Studies (on-campus)

BS in Children’s Ministry (on-campus)

BS in Christian Education (on-campus)

BS in Ministerial Missions (on-campus)

BA in Pastoral Ministry (on-campus)

BS in Youth Ministry (on-campus)

BA in Religion (on-campus)

Cost Per Credit: $1,215
Total Estimated Program Cost: $145,800

Also offers: Master of Divinity; MA in Pastoral Leadership; MA in Missional Multiplication, MA in Ministerial Studies, MA in Urban Ministry, MA in Family Ministry, MA in Pastoral Ministry, MA in Christian Ministry, MA in Religion, Master of Ministry, Master of Ministry in Spanish

Olivet Nazarene University’s exciting selection of bachelor’s degrees in ministry, missions, biblical studies, and religion is rooted in the International Church of the Nazarene and inspired by the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition. Whether you’re planning a career in ministry and outreach or you’re looking for a program that will prepare you for future graduate study, Olivet Nazarene has a program that’s designed with you in mind! Choose a practical ministry-focused degree in an area like children’s ministry, pastoral ministry, or ministerial missions for outstanding preparation for vocational careers, or choose the BA in Biblical Studies and minor in biblical languages, biblical studies, Greek, or Hebrew or the BA in Religion and minor in theology. The university’s strong focus on ministry means plentiful opportunities to get involved and do good. Student ministries, fellowship and worship programs, and spiritual life ministries, which include both inreach ministries (serves the campus community) and outreach ministries (serves the surrounding community), support the university’s commitment to producing competent servant leaders.

Concordia University-Chicago
College of Theology, Arts and Humanities
Forest, IL

Website

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BA in Deaconess Studies (on-campus)

BA in Pre-Seminary (on-campus)

BA in Theological Languages (on-campus)

BA in Theology (on-campus)

Cost Per Credit: $1,131
Total Estimated Program Cost: $135,720

Also offers: MA in Religion (Deaconess Certification)

Concordia University – Chicago’s selection of Christian bachelor’s degrees are rooted in the Gospel and focused on faith and service. Ministry experiences here are always encouraged, thanks to an outstanding selection of local and national programs that will provide you with opportunities to participate in homeless ministries, Bible studies, and programs aimed at the campus community. If your calling includes learning about other cultures while you strengthen your devotion to service leadership, you’ll love Concordia’s study abroad programs to places like China, France, and Peru.

INDIANA

University of Notre Dame
Department of Theology
Notre Dame, IN

Website

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Bachelor’s Major in Theology (on-campus)

Cost Per Credit: $1,961
Total Estimated Program Cost: $235,320

Also offers: Master of Divinity; Master of Theological Studies; MA in Theology; MA in Early Christian Studies

The University of Notre Dame’s Major in Theology is a flexible, customizable course of study that’s built on the Catholic tradition and rooted in the university’s legacy as a leading undergraduate teaching institution. The Major in Theology, which features a foundation of coursework in Scripture and theology, can be designed as a full major, a supplemental major, or a joint major in philosophy and theology. Exciting elective options like environmental ethics, ancient Judaism, and Catholic dialogue with Islam provide students with the flexibility to design a program that best meets their professional goals and personal interests. You’ll be proud to be part of a university that’s been consistently ranked among the top institutions of higher learning in the nation by esteemed publications like U.S. News & World Report, Forbes, and Niche!

Taylor University
Biblical Studies, Christian Ministries, and Philosophy Department
Upland, IN

Website

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BA/BS in Biblical Literature (on-campus)

BA/BS in Christian Ministries (on-campus)

BA/BS in Youth Ministry (on-campus)

Cost Per Credit: $1,239
Total Estimated Program Cost: $158,592

Taylor University’s BA/BS programs in Christian literature and ministry earn a spot among our favorite Christian bachelor’s degrees for their outstanding flexibility and opportunities for fulfilling, hands-on learning experiences. As a student of Taylor University, you’ll have the option of adding a minor (there’s seven to choose from!), double-majoring, or combining one or more areas of study to create a program that’s uniquely you. Whichever course of study you choose, you’ll feel good being part of an institution that provides students with an optimum blend of classroom and experiential learning to prepare them for exciting careers in areas like church ministry, cross-cultural ministry, Bible translation work, and education. Your degree plan here will includes hands-on summer practicum opportunities, retreats, class projects, guest lecturers and more. You’ll also enjoy opportunities to participate in campus and local activities like community-based ministry and service projects. And if you’re interested in taking your calling abroad, you’ll find outstanding study abroad opportunities here to places like Ecuador, Thailand, China, and Ireland.

Marian University
Department of Theology and Philosophy
Indianapolis, IN

Website

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BA in Theology (on-campus)

  • Biblical Studies
  • Teaching Religion/Theology in Catholic Schools

BA in Catholic Studies (on-campus)

  • Theology
  • Philosophy
  • Pre-Theology

BA in Pastoral Leadership (on-campus)

Cost Per Credit: $1,220
Total Estimated Program Cost: $156,160

Also offers: MA in Educational Leadership-Catholic School concentration

Marian University is a bright light in Indiana for its excellent undergraduate offerings in Catholic studies, theology, and pastoral leadership. Marian’s BA programs are taught by a world-class faculty who hail from some of the finest Catholic and private universities in the U.S. They’re also part of the university’s vision to prepare transformative servant leaders and rooted in the Franciscan and liberal arts tradition. You’ll be proud to be part of a university that’s been consistently recognized for its innovation, value, and academic excellence by esteemed publications like U.S. News & World Report and the Wall Street Journal.

Anderson University
School of Theology and Christian Ministry
Anderson, IN

Website

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BA in Bible and Religion (on-campus)

BA in Christian Ministries (on-campus, online)

BA in Christian Ministries (on-campus)

BA in Youth Ministry (on-campus)

Cost Per Credit: $1,102
Total Estimated Program Cost: $132,240

Also offers: MA in Christian Ministry; Master of Theological Studies

Anderson University comes with outstanding BA options in ministry and religion and a 100-year-plus history of preparing men and women for ministry. You’ll love the flexibility these degrees offer, including the option of online study (BA in Christian Ministries); opportunities to personalize through your choice of minors in Christian ministries, history of Christianity, ethics, philosophy, or religion; and the opportunity to earn both your BA in Christian Ministries and the MDiv in just five years through the 4+1 option. Anderson is also home to exciting, on-campus experiences like weekly chapel services, focus groups, and mentorships with faculty and staff. And if you have aspirations of studying abroad, you’ll love Anderson’s Study, Serve, Share (Tri-S) program, which offers unparalleled opportunities to study in Africa, Europe, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and more.

Huntington University
Institute for Christian Thought and Practice
Huntington/Fort Wayne , IN

Website

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BA in Bible and Theology (on-campus)

BA in Christian Studies (on-campus)

Bachelor’s in Children’s Ministry (on-campus)

Bachelor’s in Missions (on-campus)

BS in Special Needs Ministry (on-campus)

Bachelor’s Major in Worship Leadership (on-campus)

Cost Per Credit: $900
Total Estimated Program Cost: $115,200

Also offers: MA in Pastoral Leadership; MA in Ministry and TESOL

Huntington University is a winner in Indiana for its excellent selection of bachelor’s programs in ministries, missions, bible and theology, Christian studies, and more. As a student of Huntington, you’ll enjoy outstanding preparation for careers in ministry, outreach, and leadership and for future graduate study through a foundation in Bible, Christian theology, church leadership, and practical ministry skills. Housed within the Institute for Christian Thought and Practice, which was established in 2020, these programs are where students develop the skills needed to successfully lead others as they grow in their faithfulness to God. You’ll feel good about choosing a university that boasts national accolades from esteemed publications like U.S. News & World Report, Forbes, and the Princeton Review. It also comes with an outstanding record of student success that includes a 97% employment rate six months after graduation.

IOWA

Dordt University
Sioux Falls, IA

Website

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Bachelor’s in Theology (on-campus)

  • Biblical Studies
  • Mission and Ministry
  • Theological Studies
  • Youth Ministry

Cost Per Credit: $1,153
Total Estimated Program Cost: $142,972

Dordt University’s Bachelor’s in Theology is where your passion for full-time ministry or Christian studies can become a reality. This degree offers a foundation in biblical foundations, Christian confessions, and Reformed theology and options to create a personalized course of study through your choice of four concentrations and a minor in theological studies. This degree easily earned a spot on our top Christian bachelor’s degree list for its balanced approach to learning (classroom learning here is complemented with exciting opportunities to apply what you’ve learned through practical experiences); its dedicated faculty who come with diverse backgrounds in ministry; and its student-centered, Christ-focused learning experience that features a low, student-to-faculty ratio of just 13:1.

St. Ambrose University
Davenport, IA

Website

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BA in Theology (on-campus)

Cost Per Credit: $1,161
Total Estimated Program Cost: $139,320

Also offers: Master of Pastoral Theology

St. Ambrose’s BA in Theology is rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition, supported by a world-class faculty, and designed to allow students to explore the deep connections that exist between faith and reason, and faith and life. Through this course of study, you’ll learn how cultures are shaped and how religious traditions have evolved as you explore contemporary theological issues, ethics, spirituality, worship, and moral life. It’s not all classroom learning there, though. Through the Campus Ministry office, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to get involved in prayer groups, Bible studies, retreats, special Masses, and more. You can also personalize your course of study here by adding a minor in Catholic Studies, or Peace and Justice.

KANSAS

Tabor College
Bible, Religion and Philosophy Department
Hillsboro, KS

Website

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Bachelor’s Major in Biblical and Religious Studies (on-campus)

Bachelor’s Major in Adaptive Ministry Leadership (on-campus, online)

Cost Per Credit: $1,423
Total Estimated Program Cost: $170,760

Tabor College’s bachelor’s degrees in biblical and religious studies and adaptive ministry leadership are part of the esteemed Bible, Religion and Philosophy Department, which is home to outstanding course options in ministry, theology, history, philosophy, religion, and more. As a student here, you’ll enjoy exciting opportunities to be mentored in field ministry… to receive practical training in inductive Bible study… and to travel both domestically and abroad. Whether your career goals include seminary/graduate school, pastoral ministry, or mission work, Tabor has the program for you!

MidAmerica Nazarene University
Department of Christian Ministry and Formation
Olathe, KS

Website

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Bachelor’s Major in Ministry (on-campus)

Bachelor’s Major in Youth and Family Ministry (on-campus)

Bachelor’s Major in Bible and Theology (on-campus)

Cost Per Credit: $1,136
Total Estimated Program Cost: $143,136

A unique undergraduate learning experience makes MidAmerica Nazarene University’s majors in ministry and Bible/theology among our favorites in Kansas. They’ve developed a unique program called Wired Wednesday, which focuses all undergraduate courses on Monday/Thursday and Tuesday/Friday. This unique schedule dedicates Wednesdays as Integrative Relational Experiential Day – a day for exciting, hands-on learning outside of the classroom. Activities, field trips, internships, labs, seminars, and other events and activities are available to students on Wired Wednesdays, making your undergraduate learning experiences at MidAmerica Nazarene truly dynamic and interactive.

Central Christian College of Kansas
Division of Humanities, Ministry and Theology Department 
McPherson, KS

Website

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BA in Applied Ministry (on-campus)

BA in Pastoral Ministry (on-campus)

BA in Student Ministry (on-campus)

BA in Worship Arts (on-campus)

Cost Per Credit: $987
Total Estimated Program Cost: $118,440

Central Christian College of Kansas BA programs in ministry and worship arts offer comprehensive pathways to exciting careers in ministry and outreach. Choose the applied ministry major if your interests lie in church planting, bi-vocational ministry, or parachurch ministry work. Choose the pastoral ministry major if your career plans include serving in a leadership position in a church ministry setting. Choose the student ministry major if you have aspirations of ministering to youth and/or children. Or choose the major in worship arts if a career in vocational ministry is what you seek. We love Central Christian College’s outstanding support services and resources focused solely on your success. These include academic and career resources through the Briner Academic Center; internship and practicum experiences designed to complement your classroom learning and prepare you for ministry upon graduation; and international study opportunities to take your learning abroad to places like Israel.

KENTUCKY

Campbellsville University
School of Theology
Campbellsville, KY

Website

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BA/BS in Biblical Studies (on-campus)

BA/BS in Christian Missions (on-campus)

BA/BS in Educational Ministries (on-campus)

BS in Marriage and Family Ministry (on-campus)

BS in Pastoral Ministries (on-campus, online)

Cost Per Credit: $830
Total Estimated Program Cost: $99,600

Also offers: Master of Divinity; Master of Theology

Campbellsville University’s programs are winners among Kentucky’s Christian bachelor’s degree programs! These programs in missions, ministries, and biblical studies start with a comprehensive foundation in Christian studies and feature vocation-specific study to prepare you for exciting ministry and missions careers upon graduation. They also serve as excellent precursors to graduate study and lifelong learning. You’ll feel good about choosing a university that offers practical ministry experiences with local churches, internship opportunities, and a longstanding reputation among the nation’s Best Christian Colleges.

LOUISIANA

Louisiana Christian University
School of Missions and Ministry
Pineville, LA

Website

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BA in Leadership (on-campus)

  • Missions and Ministry

BA in Missions and Ministry (on-campus)

Cost Per Credit: $595
Total Estimated Program Cost: $73,780 - $74,375

Louisiana Christian University's Christ-centered undergraduate offerings within the School of Missions and Ministries provide superb pathways to exciting careers in vocational Christian ministry, making them among our favorites in Louisiana! As a student here, you’ll learn from a world-class faculty who come with years of experience in local-church ministry and academic study. We love the many practical experiences available to students that include cross-cultural mission trips, seminary conferences, campus ministries opportunities, and more. A fantastic selection of minor options in areas like apologetics, Christian education, church planting, evangelism/discipleship, and pastoral ministry allow students to design an undergraduate course of study that best reflects their professional goals and personal interests. And if you have future seminary plans, you’ll be happy to hear that Louisiana Christian University has partnerships with each of the six Southern Baptist seminaries! These valuable partnerships allow students to begin earning credit towards their seminary degree while completing their bachelor’s program.

MARYLAND

Loyola University Maryland
Department of Theology
Baltimore, MD

Website

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BA in Theology (on-campus)

Cost Per Credit: $1,781
Total Estimated Program Cost: $213,720

Also offers: Master of Theological Studies

Loyola University Maryland’s BA in Theology is where you’ll explore life’s biggest questions within the Jesuit, Catholic tradition. This course of study encourages students to examine the many ethical aspects of both Christian and non-Christian religious traditions. Students may design it as a double-major with another area of study such as biology, global studies, philosophy, or business or add a minor in peace & justice or Catholic studies to create a personalized course of study. Since 1852, Loyola University Maryland has been  providing students with exemplary programs of higher learning in the Jesuit tradition. Highlights of this university include a dedication to social justice and service… a commitment to integrity and honesty… and a focus on the intersection of leadership and service. Learning opportunities here extend beyond the classroom, with a plethora of programs and experiences available through the Center for Community, Service, and Justice and Campus Ministry.

MASSACHUSETTS

Boston University
College of Arts and Sciences
Boston, MA

Website

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BA in Religion (on-campus)

BA in Anthropology and Religion (on-campus)

BA in Classics and Religion (on-campus)

BA in Philosophy and Religion (on-campus)

Cost Per Credit: $1,952
Total Estimated Program Cost: $249,856

Also offers: Master of Divinity; Master of Theological Studies; Master of Sacred Music; Master of Sacred Theology

Boston University’s undergraduate programs in religion are exciting, flexible courses of study that provide students with options to personalize their program through their choice of minor. Home to more than 33,500 students from more than 130 countries, Boston University has consistently placed among the top universities in the nation by esteemed publications like U.S. News & World Report. As a student here, you’ll have access to superb study abroad opportunities and internships in more 30 cities and over 20 countries like Denmark, France, Argentina, Israel, and Spain. Boston University’s reputation as a world class university is backed by an outstanding record of student achievement; a student-centered learning environment that includes a low, 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio; and a truly expansive alumni network that reaches more than 180 countries.

Anna Maria College
Paxton, MA

Website

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BA in Theology (on-campus)

BA in Catholic Studies (on-campus)

Cost Per Credit: $1,255
Total Estimated Program Cost: $150,600

Anna Maria College’s BA programs in theology and Catholic studies offer outstanding, Christ-centered learning experiences that are designed to prepare you for fulfilling careers in ministry, missions, and outreach and for future graduate or seminary study. Classroom learning here is always complemented with experiential learning opportunities that make learning relevant and exciting. From internships to year-long, semester-long, and summer study abroad programs at colleges and universities all over the world, these programs offer students the type of immersive learning that creates worldly, competent learners. We love Anna Maria for its close-knit, student-centered learning environment that features valuable, one-on-one mentorship and a low, 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio. You’ll feel right at home here as you participate in exciting and personally fulfilling Campus Ministry programs.

MICHIGAN

Calvin University
Department of Religion
Grand Rapids, MI

Website

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Bachelor’s Major in Religion (on-campus)

Cost Per Credit: $1,266
Total Estimated Program Cost: $156,984

Also offers: Master of Divinity; MA in Ministry Leadership; MA in Bible and Theology; Master of Theological Studies; Master of Theology

Calvin University earns a top spot on our favorite programs list, thanks to its thoughtfully designed Major in Religion, which encourages students to explore the history of Christianity and other religions, both through classroom learning and through unparalleled community-based and study abroad experiences. Whether you’re interested in a career in ministry, law, journalism, or more, the Major in Religion provides you with an outstanding foundation for a fulfilling career or for future graduate study. Here you’ll be encouraged to take your learning to places like Greece, Budapest, Tibet, and Israel where you’ll explore the roots of religion. You’ll also be actively engaged in community-based serving learning through social justice trips, activities, and programs. Calvin students log nearly 54,000 service-learning hours annually! It’s this commitment to producing competent, worldly graduates that has earned Calvin a top spot among Midwest colleges and universities by esteemed publications like U.S. News & World Report, the Princeton Review, and the Fiske Guide to Colleges.

Cornerstone University
Grand Rapids, MI

Website

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BS in Missions Aviation (on-campus)

BA in Biblical and Theological Studies (on-campus)

BA in Christian Ministry (on-campus)

BA in Music – Worship Arts (on-campus)

BA in Ministry (on-campus)

BS in Biblical Studies (on-campus)

BS in Ministry Leadership (on-campus, online)

Cost Per Credit: $919 - $1,034
Total Estimated Program Cost: $110,280 - $128,660

Also offers: Master of Divinity; MA in Biblical Exegesis; MA in Biblical Studies; MA in Christian Formation; MA in Christian Studies; MA in Ministry Leadership; MA in Theological Studies; Master of Theology

Cornerstone University’s exciting selection of BA and BS degrees provides aspiring ministers, theologians, and church leaders like you with comprehensive, dynamic programs of study that are always biblically-centered and Christ-focused. We love the numbers found here – a low, 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio for a close-knit, student-centered learning environment… a 100% (as of 2018) employment rate within six months of graduation… and a 100% internship or practicum participation rate. Your education at Cornerstone doesn’t end in the classroom – you’ll participate in exciting, hands-on learning experiences at one of the university’s many partner churches and ministries located across the country. And if your calling takes you abroad, Cornerstone offers exciting international trips to places like Greece or Israel and the Palestinian territories.

Madonna University
Livonia, MI

Website

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Bachelor of Music – Church Music (on-campus, online, hybrid)

BA in Pastoral Ministry (on-campus, online, hybrid)

BA in Religious Studies (on-campus, online, hybrid)

Cost Per Credit: $870
Total Estimated Program Cost: $104,400

Also offers: MA in Pastoral Ministry; MS in Catholic School Leadership

Madonna University’s undergraduate offerings in pastoral ministry, religious studies, and church music come with everything aspiring ministers, theologians, and church leaders are looking for. Flexible course designs allow students to take classes online or on-campus or through a blend of the two, while a low student-to-faculty ratio always ensures a student-centered, tight-knit learning environment. Choose Religious Studies and you’ll reflect on the meaning of our existence as you grow in your relationship with the Lord. Choose Pastoral Ministry and you’ll prepare to serve others in your community. Or choose Church Music and you’ll prepare for an exciting career as a church organist, choral director, and more. Madonna’s outstanding record of academic excellence and student success have earned it national accolades from esteemed publications like U.S. News & World Report, which ranked it among the Best Colleges in the Midwest in 2022.