25 Best Faith-Based Grad Schools

While you may have had a challenge in deciding which undergraduate university or college to attend, you’re now once again faced with another decision to make: “Which graduate school would you enroll in?” Many factors should be considered when making this crucial decision.

It is essential to gather and digest more information than simply the net cost. Some people focus on geography, programs, and statistics to influence their decisions. In addition, many college students are considering the religion or faith-based teachings of schools. 

There are almost equal numbers of college students who belong to three faiths, according to USA Today. The true believers comprise about a third of the total, which is approximately 32%. An additional 32% identify as spiritual but not religious, while the remaining percentage clarifies themselves as secular.

Based on such data, we now can understand why faith in teachings remains a crucial determinant factor for families and individuals who want to pursue graduate school in a faith-based setting.

Most graduate students search for hands-on training, small classes, and exceptional attention from their graduate schools. Christian graduate schools offer all those things and more. The University of California Los Angeles executed a study of student religiosity, which presents data showing that 80% of the surveyed participants expressed an interest in spirituality.

Simply put, many students perceive that there’s more to college than academics, socials, extracurricular activities, and personal growth. Many students pursue undergraduate studies to strengthen their faith. And they go to graduate schools, expecting to stabilize this area in their life more and more.

While faith-based schools tend to stand out from their secular counterparts, they also offer graduate programs. Moreover, some Christian colleges offer graduate degrees in theology and religion. Many student applicants to Christian graduate schools use this process to emphasize how important faith and Christian values are. 

Quick audio summary:

What to Expect in a Faith-Based Grad School

Faith-based schools offer religion courses, church services, devotional services on campus, and a welcoming community fostering spiritual growth. Finding a school where you can grow spiritually and strengthen your faith is integral to your graduate career experience.

Colleges that support your fundamental values can provide a level of comfort, and being around people who share your values makes you more likely to continue living and believing them, too. This will urge you to deepen your faith as a spiritually mature person.

There are many benefits to integrating religion and education. You can obtain knowledge while studying abroad, participating in service-based learning experiences, and faith-based activities. The general education requirement at many Christian schools includes religion courses.

Programs like these provide successful outcomes, and Christian schools consistently attain national rankings among the best educational institutions. Students who are true to their faith and beliefs can attend any school of their choice, but there are Christian colleges and universities across the country for those who want to strengthen their faith.

Characteristics of a Christian Graduate School

Were you in a secular undergraduate school and ready to enroll in a faith-based graduate institution? The Christian graduate school environment and perspective are similar to those of other graduate schools, so you don’t have to worry about adjusting! Except for the acts and missions of growing the faith, almost all systems and processes are similar.

Moreover, smaller universities may have a lower student-to-teacher ratio, which may mean that students are offered more personalized attention.

Christian values are commonly emphasized in most courses, degrees, school functions, and various student organizations at these schools. So, while some non-Christians wonder whether they can enroll in Christian colleges, the answer is a big YES! Many of these schools accept students from all faiths, and some of them are even dominated by non-Christian learners. 

Christian graduate schools foster a close relationship between students and the faculty and often share the same faith and beliefs. Usually, Christian graduate schools are affiliated with a specific denomination, movement, or church. Such schools offer academics and a solid spiritual foundation that helps you move forward in your professional and personal lives. 

If you seek to integrate religious values into your studies and career, you may choose to attend this type of school. Some Christian graduate schools may offer online degree programs, so if you’re looking for distance learning programs, you can also find many offerings from faith-based schools.

Reasons to Attend a Faith-Based Graduate School

At the end of the day, choosing a grad school to attend also decides which campus will make you grow during the next two years and which community will help direct you into God’s Kingdom. Consider the following reasons below on why you should enroll in a faith-based grad school:

Grad School will Allow You to Grow Your Faith

Colleges with Christian backgrounds offer a prime environment for maintaining or strengthening your faith. Having an environment that emphasizes your relationship with Christ is a huge benefit to your faith, whether it’s in the form of lessons and values that are incorporated into classes or you have access to spiritual advisors and regular worship services.

When you’re accustomed to a Christian environment at home, it can sometimes be awkward to attend a secular college. Christian colleges, however, provide an environment in which you are reminded every day of God’s love. These reminders can help you grow in a stronger faith, especially as you approach the challenges of attending grad school.  

Like-Minded Believers will surround you

Throughout your life, you will keep in touch with people you meet in college and your colleagues in grad school. There is a possibility these relationships may turn into lasting friendships, future working relationships, or find the love of your life in this institution! Therefore, it’s essential to choose a community that provides you with the best chance to meet people who empower you and encourage you in the right ways.

Colleges for young adults with a faith-based focus attract people from all walks of life, but sharing a common faith can make all the difference. There won’t be judging eyes around you if you decide to say NO to something induced by peer pressure. Your friends know your spiritual beliefs. Your time in school can be significantly aided by accountability and support.

Grad Colleges Come with Religious Services

Getting used to college life can make it easy to lose track of your good habits. Suddenly, when you have tight deadlines for your research and thesis, you might easily give up attending activities that are intended to nurture your faith and spirituality.

By going into grad school that prioritizes religion, you’ll be guided accordingly. You’ll be able to prioritize your faith in the same way that you prioritize your master’s degree courses. You can more easily prioritize your faith as a student in a Christian college. There is always a good place for connecting with God on campus, including chapel services, Bible studies, and worship services.

You Prioritize Values Even in Grad School

Besides coursework, colleges can offer you a wide range of extracurricular activities and events, from studying abroad to internships. Getting involved in spiritually-minded activities is another benefit of attending a Christian graduate college.

Join a mission trip over spring break, attend a local church internship or community involvement activity, or hear from foreign missionaries and pastors during on-campus speaking events to earn course credit. It is much easier to put your time and energy to good use when you attend a Christian college, as the whole campus and culture revolve around the same values.

Difference Between Faith-Based and Non-Faith-Based Graduate Schools

In addition to graduate degree programs in business, politics, education, and psychology offered by Christian universities, non-faith-based institutions also offer programs in these fields. Additionally, you can find some Christian schools that offer courses and whole degrees dedicated to Christian ideals. 

Degrees in Christian counseling or Christian education are possible examples. Pursue a master’s degree in Evangelism, Discipleship, Ministries, Christian Leadership, and Biblical Literature.

Quite surprising to some, some universities offer these religious studies even if they’re not faith-based schools. Potential ministers can obtain a Master of Divinity or a Master of Theological Studies degree from a divinity school at a private, nonsectarian university.

Many private, nonsectarian institutions offer theological studies programs specializing in religions other than Christianity, such as Judaism or Islam, along with Christian-focused programs. You can expect to find these offerings among diverse and inclusive-focused universities and grad schools.

Several universities offer academic programs in religion – including state-funded public universities. However, such programs might focus on the studies of multiple faiths and not be biased toward one faith. 

Myths about Studying at a Christian Grad School

Christian colleges have many misconceptions, leading you to think that this isn’t the best educational choice. An educational experience at a Christian school can be a very wonderful experience. 

Take a look at the common myths as we debunk them: 

You can only enroll in these schools if you want to pursue a profession as a pastor.

Some people believe that Christian colleges are only for those planning to become pastors or church leaders. Remember: Christian universities are not the same as bible colleges! The majority of students who attend bible colleges intend to be pastors after graduation.

However, faith-based schools provide diverse selections of studies that aren’t solely focused on religious studies. 

Tuition fees are too expensive.

Generally speaking, people believe that community colleges and state universities are more affordable than private colleges, including Christian universities. Even though some Christian colleges charge steep tuition, many offer reasonable rates.

You can even find financial support opportunities in some graduate faith-based schools. The key is to do prior research and inquire from their admissions departments. The school’s financial assistance office is an excellent place to start if you’re considering attending a Christian university for your master’s degree program. 

You feel like your faith is not enough to get you into a faith-based grad school.

Many people assume that students who attend Christian universities have grown up attending church several times per week, and thus, they are spiritually more advanced than you are. This could be shallow judgment as nobody around you would even dare question whether or not you attend service every Sunday.

As long as you share the same faith with people around you, there’s no comparison to who’s more spiritual than the other.

Faith-based schools are no fun.

Because of the Christian faith’s foundation, there are sometimes stricter rules at Christian universities. You might conclude that a private school will not provide you with the same college experience as you would at a state or secular university.

Attending a Christian-based college can be gratifying, though. It can be refreshing for some students to meet others who have similar beliefs and get to know one another without being pressured by a more traditional college or university setting.

The quality of education is not so great.

The quality of your graduate school experience may be essential to you, so make sure you get a quality education. You may feel wary of attending a Christian university due to the possibility that the quality of the education offered will not be as good as other conventional graduate schools.

This isn’t the case at all. Some faith-based schools entail advanced educational systems and employ the best and most knowledgeable faculty and staff. All accredited Christian colleges and universities must follow the same standards.

And the fact that the student-teacher ratio is smaller means you will get a higher quality of learning in these institutions.

Faith-Based Schools and Admission Requirements

General admissions requirements for Christian graduate schools are relatively standard. Grad schools are for those who have earned their undergraduate degree. Doctoral programs require a master’s degree. Depending on the learning institution, some schools require a standard GPA.

In some cases, you may have to prove or justify your high moral and spiritual character in the form of documented church service or participation in a mission program. However, some schools might get this covered through requirements like letters of recommendation or essays. Students from any denomination of Christianity who wish to apply to Christian graduate schools are explicitly welcome.

25 BEST FAITH-BASED GRAD SCHOOLS

Wheaton College

The school is a nondenominational, private Christian institution located in Wheaton, Illinois, just 25 miles from Chicago, that emphasizes the integration of faith and scholarship.

Wheaton traditions emphasize class participation, attending chapel services, participating in extracurricular activities, and living on campus as the key things to make one’s Wheaton experience successful.

Wheaton has a student population of just over 2,300, with an acceptance rate of about 85%. Around 90% of undergraduate students receive financial aid, but tuition and fees for one year amount to about $77,510. The Wheaton College academic tradition of learning, scholarship, and faith is recognized as one of the best in the country.

Forming Servant Scholars and Leaders Through Grad School

It is one of the nation’s leading Christian liberal arts colleges. Several of the school’s undergraduate and graduate programs are rooted in a Christian worldview, including Environmental Science, Pre-Law, Archaeology, Biology, Theological Studies, and Leadership Studies.

It provides a wide range of faith-based activities for students, including a Billy Graham Center, chapel services, worship bands, and opportunities for community engagement and assistance during the academic year and summer.

Messiah College

The Messiah College is an all-inclusive liberal arts school. In 1909, this private Christian college was founded by philanthropist and scholar R.S. Smith. Academically and locally, the school emphasizes service and leadership in both religious and secular spheres.

Students participate in local, national, and global service projects throughout the academic year and provide service to non-profits, government agencies, and international businesses as part of their academic coursework. As part of the community covenant, students must demonstrate academic integrity, support Christian faith practices, and make responsible decisions.

Over 3,300 students are enrolled at the school, with a 77% acceptance rate. The ratio of faculty to students is 1 to 12. According to current students, over 85% expect to find a satisfying career within their sphere of study.

Challenge Your Intellect and Engage Your Faith

Are you considering a graduate degree or certificate to advance your career and education? Over three decades, Messiah University has been awarded, ranked, and acknowledged by many prestigious reporters and researchers. They offer various convenient and flexible learning options for our graduate programs that combine academic rigor with excellence.

In addition to 12 master’s degrees, they have two doctoral degrees, post-master certificates, and graduate certificates. So choose your pic. Currently, Messiah University has admitted almost 800 graduate students coming from 38 states and four countries. 

Baylor University

Baylor University is a Baptist organization founded in 1845 that boasts a faith-based university community based on Baptist principles.

An average of 15,000 students attend the school, which has a 39% acceptance rate. However, the student-to-faculty ratio is just one to fourteen, allowing students to get direct feedback from their professors and receive consistent guidance and attention.

Academia holds Baylor in high regard. Numerous academic programs are partnering with Waco businesses to undertake cutting-edge research. Ranks high in both academic rigor and competitiveness, the university has an impressive 79% graduation rate.

With 98% of their undergraduates receiving financial aid, it’s no surprise why it made it to the list of the top Christian schools all over the nation. Embracing the Christian faith and serving others is the mission of Baylor University. Students are equipped with leadership skills and enduring spirituality through this education.

The Christian Commitment at Baylor University

As a preeminent research university with a solid Christian heritage, Baylor celebrates its distinctive position in the field of higher education. They are committed to understanding God’s creation and preparing students for careers in service and leadership through research, scholarship, and faith.

However, their stance does not imply that scholarly inquiry is lacking in this commitment. Instead, it appeals to the arts, humanities, and sciences by pursuing truth and new understandings.

As Christians, the university is open and welcoming to all students with different faiths. More than 85 countries and 50 states make up their student body, which means they have various backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs.

Students are encouraged to understand this rich cultural diversity by observing the variety of people who live on campus and throughout the Baylor family.

Cedarville University

Cedarville University serves students from all over the world and is a private Christian university affiliated with the Baptist denomination. Numerous sources have rated Cedarville’s academic programs, retention rate, and community engagement as among the top in the Midwest.

A world-class education experience with an uplifting and Christ-centered learning community, Cedarville offers students a world-class education that develops the “whole person.”

There are more than 100 study programs at Cedarville. The Bible minor is a requirement for all Cedarville students, regardless of their major.

Career Success and Gospel Impact

With Cedarville University’s Graduate School, you have the opportunity to prepare for a successful career and impact the world through business, nursing, ministry, and pharmacy. They have over 400 residential and online students pursuing a graduate degree at Cedarville, and they have approachable and friendly administrative staff members who support them.

In addition to providing seamless services to their graduate students, Cedarville University’s Graduate School strives to build a robust graduate culture.

Calvin University

John Calvin, the Reformer who founded Calvin College, founded the private 4-year school. Women were admitted to Calvin in 1901; in 1906, it became John Calvin Junior College. Centered on the highest point of the 400 acres, the Chapel is the focal point of the campus.

The church stands out on campus because of its octagonal shape and ’round’ seating arrangement; daily services are held, each focusing differently. The building complex comes complete with miles of paths and greenways and a tunnel connecting three buildings, allowing safe passages to transport from one facility to the next. This is quite helpful during the winter season.

As agents of renewal, Calvin educators engage faculty with enduring questions and emerging concerns to prepare students to live and serve God. Their school strives to understand a reality so that you can live your life given possibilities. From a faithful perspective, an unsolved problem is your catalyst for a compelling solution.

Christian Liberal Arts with Expanded Global Influence

Calvin University fosters rigorous intellectual inquiry as part of its Christian mission. In addition to majors and professional programs, Calvin students study the liberal arts.

The university promotes new learning and improvement by encouraging scholarly efforts that contribute to new knowledge and progress and maintain natural resources and cultural heritage. 

Throughout the faculty, staff, and students of Calvin University, a commitment to diversity is evident. Though the university retains its own identity and functions, it has an association with Reformed churches in North America. The university’s mission and understanding of Scripture are shaped by the historic creeds and confessions of Reformed Christianity.

Creighton University

No matter the career you hope to pursue, Creighton University offers dozens of academic programs to help you achieve your dream. They range from nursing and dentistry to law and theology to Christian spirituality or ministry.

US News and World Report reported that with high rankings, they consistently support their 9,000 students in academics and spirituality. And this support continues even after graduation.

Students at Creighton are allowed to cultivate a spiritual life in a nurturing environment with many faith-based organizations on and off campus. The InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and Campus Ministry, and the Catholic Student Organization facilities nurture the faith. 

Contribute Something Better

People seeking knowledge, a better career, or the ability to contribute meaningfully to society can gain knowledge and skills at the school based on the Jesuit tradition.

Students, faculty, and staff thrive in this supportive community committed to Catholic, Jesuit values and practices. The program prepares graduate students to serve others as leaders.

California Lutheran University

In Thousand Oaks, California, California Lutheran University attends to the mission of molding students into robust individuals capable of thriving in a global community while committing to serving others and helping others.

Besides offering interfaith dialogue support, a campus ministry, and the Office of Congregational Relations, the university upholds the 500-year Lutheran tradition through numerous faith-based services for students.

Students can participate in academic programs such as Religion & Theology and Christian Leadership and participate in organizations like the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Lord of Life, and Fishing Through Christ for spiritual support.

Discover Your Purpose

They are committed to developing leaders for a global society who can operate with confidence, are committed to service and justice, and possess a high sense of character. As part of the University family, individuals with various backgrounds and experiences contribute their talents and perspectives, greatly enhancing their culture.

Dedicated, accomplished faculty members give small classes to students who are curious about ideas, others, and faith and seek to grow personally and educationally. Cal Lutheran assists each student with their passions in the classroom and outside it to uncover their purpose and use that purpose to transform the community.

Dordt University

Christian Reformed Church of North America founded the college in 1955 as Midwest Christian Junior College. The name changed to Dordt in 1956 in commemoration of the Synod of Dordt, which took place in the Netherlands during the 17th century. Students at Dordt value their core values and submit to their promise of the Code of Conduct.

This entails the pledge to learn from their mistakes, be responsible for their actions, continue good relationships with peers and classmates, contribute to a better campus education and atmosphere, and better the well-being of everyone in the academic community.

Infused with Biblical Perspectives 

A fully reformed Christian worldview is central to Dordt’s teachings. In Dordt’s courses, learners come from all faith backgrounds and occupations. As a student in the graduate program, you will be able to present your view of the world in your classroom, school, and community.

Students who graduate from Dordt’s MPA program will have the ability to evangelize about city management, policy administration, and other municipal roles.

Additionally, graduates of a social work program can provide counseling and agency work based on biblical principles. The study and use of statistics will enable graduates of the program to explain the wonder of God’s creative nature and the virtue of Christian stewardship and responsibility. 

Bethel University

In 1871, Bethel University, a Christian-based institution, was founded in Arden Hills, Minnesota, part of the Minneapolis-St Paul metropolitan area. A small private university enrolls over 2,400 undergraduates with an acceptance rate of over 80%. On average, the total costs are just over $49,000. And the good news is, almost everyone in this learning institution receives financial aid. 

Among the more than 100 traditional and religious majors available at this university, students can pursue degrees in fields as diverse as reconciliation, mission ministry, and biblical languages. Bethel’s ultimate goal is to measure the student’s performance by applying God’s talents and teachings through their service to the world.

The mission of Bethel is to build an equally rounded community of believers capable of thinking critically, taking leadership positions, and serving others.

Character-Based Leadership Development

Learn to lead with confidence and wisdom at Bethel, where you develop a strong sense of character and ethics. As a graduate school that guides you through meaningful life and career decisions based on values, the university professors have extensive experience in their fields and will be your mentors.

If you complete your program, you’ll be ready to make a lasting impact on our world and inspire others to combine your gifts with God’s to achieve incredible things.

Houghton College

At Houghton College, located in Houghton, New York, the school’s primary focus is preparing students for life in the 21st century through top-notch Christian education focused on academic programs. Students are encouraged to live and learn together in Christ through student organizations such as Mercy Seat’s worship group and the Global Christian Fellowship.

Houghton College also facilitates students’ spiritual growth by offering service and worship opportunities, ministry opportunities, and regular chapel services.

Lifelong Success

Through a personalized education designed to accelerate students’ God-given potential, Houghton College is a primary contributor to how you can become a successful servant leader in your lifetime. The community is a close-knit, relational place where Christians connect over transformative learning experiences.

This school offers top-tier Christian education, focusing on Christian education delivered in a small campus setting and with nationally recognized academic standards. At the same time, their special placement rates demonstrate the students’ preparation for the job market.

Covenant College

Since its founding in 1955, Covenant College has been a small Presbyterian institution focused on liberal arts education. Covenant University students can visit Chatanooga and enjoy the Smoky Mountains surrounding Lookout Mountain, Georgia, located on the southern Tennessee border.

As a Covenant student, you have to live in on-campus residential housing for your first three years. In addition, a discipleship coordinator serves as a spiritual mentor in each residence hall. 

Grounded in the Truth of the Bible

Their understanding informs every aspect of Covenant College’s teaching of the world. Using their courses, you will develop a Biblical perspective on education, which becomes the foundation of your teaching or administrative career. Learn, teach, and lead in a new way when you enroll in our education programs at Covenant.

The motto of Covenant School is “In all things, Christ preeminent.” This promotes the pursuit of educational excellence and the value of hard work for all students. There are just around 1,000 undergraduates enrolled in the college, with an acceptance rate of 95%. Along with traditional degrees, students also can major in religious studies in fields such as Missions and Music. 

Westminster College

Churchill delivered his famous ”Iron Curtain” speech at Westminster College, founded by local Presbyterians in Fulton, Missouri. Many resources are available to students interested in nurturing their faith on campus, including chaplains, weekly Bible studies, and an interfaith advisory board and praise team.

Chaplain internships are available, as well as majors and minors in religious studies and dozens of non-religious options, such as finance, physics, sociology, and music. This is a place to pursue your master’s degree plans.

Rich Tradition of Service

In addition to providing exceptional academic preparation for professionals, Westminster College Graduate School is committed to serving students, alumni, and the surrounding communities. Over 75 years later, Westminster College graduate school still offers graduate degrees to prepare students for successful careers.

Up to date, they have about three graduate programs that are offered online and on-campus. 

Earlham College

Located halfway between Indianapolis and Dayton, OH, is Earlham College, an individualized training program. The main quadrangle of the 800-acre campus is known as “the Heart” and is surrounded by traditional red-brick architecture. In addition to weekend events and activities, students tend to spend most of their time on campus.

Despite America’s changing culture, Earlham has remained committed to its reputable values like integrity, social justice, community decision-making, and mutual respect. The College is also dedicated to creating a community of simplicity, peace, and justice. Cultural changes don’t affect these values in any way.

Awakening the Teacher Within

As a college of education, Earlham views the teaching-learning process as awakening the “teacher within” to teach students to become lifelong learners. Earlham promotes active learning. In a cooperative community at the College, students and faculty have the opportunity to interact and learn from one another, primarily through collaborative research.

Earlham College’s mission is to provide education that helps improve society. The school strives to educate ethical leaders for future generations. So Earlham emphasizes global education, resolving conflict peacefully, promoting equality among individuals, and upholding high ethical standards.

Harding University

Harding University was founded in 1924 and is affiliated with the Church of Christ. The 350-acre campus is located next to hiking trails and parks in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. The learner-to-faculty ratio at Harding University is 14 to 1, and students are given lots of attention. The annual cost of tuition, fees, and housing for residential students is over $35,000. However, 98% of students receive financial aid. 

Life With Christian Ideals

As you chart your course for the future, you will be shaped by the character, example, and concerns of Jesus Christ. A life devoted to God will be the heart and core of who you are. This is why love for others is a complementary love for God. Christian education at Harding aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of life consistent with Christian ideals. 

A high proportion of National Merit Scholars is admitted each year to Harding University, which has received national recognition for excellence in academics. This university provides academic opportunities of the highest quality that encourage intellectual and personal development.

Many Harding students have attended universities abroad, including in France, Italy, Greece, and Zambia.

Loras College

Located in Dubuque, Iowa, Loras College is a Catholic liberal arts school that works hard to offer students a supportive environment that keeps them faithful to Catholic intellectual tradition.

At both the Father Ray Herman Peace and Justice Center and the Archbishop Kucera Center for Catholic Studies, students can participate in daily mass, music, and liturgical ministries and attend workshops and action gatherings. Religious studies and peace and justice are just a few of the academic programs offered at Loras College.

Commitment to Catholic Intellectual Tradition

With a heritage that stretches for a century or more, Loras College is a tiny group of diocesan Catholic colleges rooted in a particular region of the country. Loras College maintains a vibrant and diverse community influenced by Catholic Identity.

Their professional and interactive service to communities of all sizes and compositions is all guided by the vision of French emigrant bishop Mathias Loras, who initiated the educational mission.

LeTourneau University

Among the top Christian polytechnic schools in the nation is LeTourneau University. It is a highly respected, nondenominational, faith-based university. East Texas is home to this private campus on hills covered in pine forests.

LeTourneau offers both traditional and online courses, helping students build their futures at their convenience. The mission of the school is to find innovative solutions for global problems through faith and innovation.

Faith-Bound

LeTourneau remains steadfast in its Christian values, combining faith, learning, and living. They offer academic excellence and spiritual growth for all of the students at LeTourneau. Students are encouraged to know Jesus through the faculty and staff, who are actively involved in their lives.

Each person’s mind, body, and spirit are shaped through spiritual formation. The institution provides graduate students with opportunities to share God’s redemptive story through chapel services, life groups, local and global missions, dorm life, mentorship, and more, as well as equip them to live their faith.

Students at LeTourneau will be free to grow spiritually and challenge others to grow their faith by changing the world through their lives and those of others. Graduates of LeTourneau University will be innovators and have a spirit of service that will impact the world. Their mission is to create leaders who utilize their talents to advance world culture and faith. 

Elmhurst University

In Elmhurst, Illinois, Elmhurst College is grounded in the United Church of Christ’s traditions. In addition to traditional degree programs, the college offers religious studies and church music programs for students with faith-based academic pursuits.

Committed to providing a spiritual environment, Elmhurst also has a Chaplaincy office, Niebuhr Center for Engagement and Reflection, Spiritual Life Council, and student organizations that can contribute to their nurturing of spiritualities.

Focusing On Values

Elmhurst University offers radical hospitality in the spirit of the charismatic UCC. Their goal is to prepare students from all backgrounds to examine their values, confront moral questions, and live meaningful and purposeful lives.

Theology and religion are required courses at Elmhurst. Religious lectures at the University encourage members of the community to engage with questions of faith regularly. The Muslim Student Association, the Catholic Student Association, and the Spiritual Life Council are just a few student organizations promoting religious or spiritual values.

Spiritual guidance and worship opportunities are available for those of all faiths at their chaplaincy office. Volunteering outside the classroom encourages students to make a positive impact on the community.

Immaculata University

The Sisters of Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary founded Immaculate Heart University, which takes pride in its Catholic intellectual tradition and dedication to its founders. Whatever field of study you’re eyeing to pursue in graduate school, they offer a wide variety of choices.

From education and health care to fashion or nursing, their programs are diverse. In addition to weekday and Sunday masses, Immaculate Heart University students are encouraged to participate in church services each week. Students may also join in Sacraments of Initiation and Reconciliation.

Knowledge for Better

Their culture of benevolence has been rooted for over 100 years. Class sizes are small, while their course offerings are wide-ranging. Christian values are offered alongside state-of-the-art technology. Immaculata University prepares students of any religion for that world’s variety and complexity.

It’s not just about becoming better; it’s about creating better. This has been the consistent belief of the institution. Value is the measure of success for them. This occurs when you serve those around you, the community, and the world.

As they develop new insights and outcomes, they’re proud of the positive results of such beliefs. Knowledge at Immaculata knows no bounds, and it’s unstoppable.

Pepperdine University

Established as a Christian, private, four-year institution in 1937, Pepperdine University began offering degree programs in 1958. New Testament principles underpin the university code of ethics, as well as the Church of Christ doctrine. Numerous auxiliary campuses provide graduate studies in Los Angeles. 

Students in their first and second years live in residential dorms with on-campus spiritual advisors. Studying abroad is available to approximately 60% of enrolled students. The international programs at Pepperdine have earned national acclaim and praise worldwide.

Sense of Belongingness

As part of Pepperdine, faculty and students are cognizant of the importance of living their Christian heritage. Justice requires treating each human being fairly, respectfully, and compassionately. Loving-kindness is caring for other people, valuing them for their God-given gifts, and treating them with empathy, respect, and love.

Putting others before yourselves exemplifies the truth of walking humbly, which means as God’s beneficiaries, you should demonstrate that love and grace toward each other. To grow, you must be humble enough to acknowledge the importance of hearing and reflecting on viewpoints, academic disciplines, and cultural traditions different from your own.

Geneva College

Geneva College’s primary goal is to prepare students for a world of service and compete academically while becoming resilient. This school in Beaver Falls offers students a Christ-centered community rooted in the Bible, in addition to academic programs like Aviation and Missions.

In addition to Student Ministries, students can participate in other programs. Geneva students have the opportunity to support each other’s spiritual development through organizations and clubs like the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Catholics at Geneva.

For Christ and Country

The Geneva College offers students a Christ-centered education that equips them to serve God and their neighbor in faithful and fruitful ways. Student-centered, Geneva College emphasizes comprehensive education and serving God and society. Geneva’s historical motto: “For Christ and Country,” is consistent with the college’s charter, bylaws, and Foundational Concepts of Christian Education.

John Brown University

The mission of John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, is to provide a Christ-centered education that prepares students for service to others by developing their spiritual, intellectual, and professional lives.

While there are many religious studies graduate programs available, there are also other fields of studies that you can choose from. Student Ministries, Growth Groups, and chapel services can help students develop stronger ties to their faith.

Christ-Centered Education

As a Christ-centered university, John Brown University prepares people for successful academic, professional, and spiritual lives through God-centered education. This higher education institution promotes holistic spiritual formation, multidisciplinary education, and training for serving Christ in all areas of life concerning faith and learning.

La Salle University

The La Salle University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, offers an array of opportunities for students to participate in music ministries, chapel services, and academic programs relevant to their faith. Students can attend retreats, liturgical services with the De La Salle Chapel Choir, and evensongs held in the De La Salle Chapel.

At La Salle University, students can choose from a plethora of academic programs, including religious studies.

Christian Brothers

The Christian Brothers shape every aspect of La Salle. With faith, service, and community as guiding principles, these Christian Brothers are embraced by a global network of teachers and scholars dedicated to serving others through Catholic education.

If you’re curious as to what Christian brothers are, they’re not priests exactly. They don’t receive Holy Orders or have sacramental responsibilities. According to De La Salle University, teaching was the best way to fulfill that purpose and their Brothers.

You can live on campus with your Brothers. Perhaps you could see them wandering inside the campus or in nearby establishments. Some wear traditional clothing, while others wear less formal attire. Each brother represents different walks of life with enlightening and humorous tales, quirky personalities, and infectious smiles.

University of St. Thomas

St. Thomas University, located in Minnesota’s Twin Cities, offers over 160 undergraduate and graduate programs. The university offers a wide range of educational programs, including arts and sciences, law, engineering, education, business, social work, divinity, and professional psychology.

Additionally, the school offers academic, professional, religious, and unique interest groups and clubs. It also provides study-abroad opportunities, including those at its Rome campus. Student faith-based services include weekly Mass, musical and liturgical programs, and community service opportunities.

All for the Common Good

They unite faith and reason to explore the world, a practice dating back more than two thousand years. As a Catholic university, they train future leaders of all religious backgrounds to make positive contributions to society. 

In addition, they are the only university in Minnesota to be designated as a “Changemaker Campus,” a designation that signifies we place a high priority on social entrepreneurship and community service. They have three campuses situated in Minneapolis, Rome, and St. Paul. The St. Thomas Foundation educates students to serve the common good by learning to think critically, act wisely, and work effectively.

In their community, they uphold many convictions: integrity, academic rigor, faith, reason, dignity, diversity, personal care, gratitude, and attention to detail.

Martin Luther College

Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) owns and operates Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota. With the supportive mentorship of faculty and a host of activities, the college prepares students for successful pastoral and ministry careers.

Students are offered various academic programs, including the Seminary Program, the Parish Music Program, the Staff Ministry Program, and Theological Studies. The college offers students a variety of faith-based study opportunities in addition to a Christ-centered atmosphere in which students, faculty, and the campus pastor participate in morning and evening chapel services.

Combining Degree and Ministry

The online coursework at Martin Luther College, a recognized ministry partner, enables professional growth for Christian educators and educational leaders. A graduate diploma from MLC prepares students to impact their communities, schools, and churches positively.

Prepare for new ministry opportunities today that will affect your current area of service. Earn a graduate degree in the comforts of your home through their distance learning programs.

Biola University

Biola University is in La Mirada, California, and offers Bible and theology courses required for all undergraduate majors. The university is dedicated to teaching ethical and Christian values to its students.

A foundation of the school’s culture includes all races and ethnicities in every aspect of campus activities, including student clubs, sports, events, and ministries. Students participate in regular chapel services, campus activities, local and global ministries, and various sports. 

Biola Values

In carrying out its mission, Biola University’s values serve as the guiding principles. In three words, it can be summarized as follows: Truth, Transformation, and Testimony.

For each value, they aim to instill a lifelong pattern in their students. The Bible and the created order reveal the truth in Jesus Christ’s person and the Bible. The pursuit of truth is also essential to the school. An education at Biola University centers on the quest for truth. 

An all-encompassing Biola education is committed to transforming lives in Christ. Students are expected to develop a value system firmly anchored in truth, integration, global, and compassion that will influence their attitudes, behaviors, and decisions for the rest of their lives. Evangelism is the mission of Biola University.

Their graduates share wisdom, demonstrate professional and personal competencies, show compassion, and act with courage to serve others to fulfill this mission. The focus of their program is to prepare students to lead in the face of unscripted problems for the good of society and to do this through the power of the Spirit.