An online college degree should prepare one for the career they have chosen to pursue. Education, however, for many people is not only about getting training for a future job. For people like this, education is viewed in a more integral manner, a manner that engages the whole person and touches upon every aspect of life. An online Christian college or university offers opportunities for both Christians and non-Christians to earn a degree in a learning context that upholds and presents Christian beliefs and values as an integral part of the college experience.
In our pluralistic society, many different value-systems and ways of approaching life exist side by side. Often the values of a given school or college are conveyed through their curriculum. Many Christians (and some non-Christians) want to be in a learning environment where Christian beliefs are values are part of the college experience. The 25 online Christian colleges and universities in this list offer outstanding degrees and a Christian outlook on life.
There are many types of religious-based colleges to choose from; some are interdenominational, meaning they accept students from all walks of life and all religious affiliations. Others adhere to specific teachings, such as Jewish, Catholic, Latter-day Saints, or Protestant. Without a doubt, most religious-based colleges and universities accept students from any faith with welcome arms.
METHODOLOOGY: Onlineschoolscenter.com has chosen to list these Top 25 Online Christian Colleges and Universities in random order for your viewing pleasure. Each one offers their own unique degree programs sure to adhere to your Christian values and will allow you to interact with other like-minded students and faculty, as well. The following components were considered:
- Offers each student a degree program through a 100% online format; for convenience and flexibility,
- Adheres to all Accreditation requirements,
- Focuses on low student-to-faculty ratios,
- Displays overall satisfaction rates among graduates, as well as, by reputable academic journals and websites,
- Provides a wide variety of degree programs designed to fit every student’s educational needs,
- Observes Christian values and incorporates Christian teachings in each degree program,
- Promotes community involvement, as well as, volunteer and charity work,
- Establishes a meaningful and robust learning experience, developed to provide a life-changing and positive growth in one’s faith walk,
- Financial Aid opportunities,
- Available to students of all faiths and affiliations.
To learn more about our school selection process, please see our Methodology page!
LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
Liberty University has been a pioneer in the distance education industry since 1985, and today it is replete with multiple accolades and rewards. It is also a prominent Evangelical Christian school that provides all of its online degrees and certificates with a strong foundation in the principles of theology and ministry. Associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certificate programs range a vast number of topics, from accounting to aviation to law. Graduates—or, Champions of Christ—enter their chosen profession with a firm understanding of the mores and tenets of evangelical Christianity as it applies to their individual pursuits.
At Liberty, there are over 450 online programs available to students across the entire globe. Many offer accelerated curricula in which courses are completed in eight-week terms. Transfer students can utilize over 75% of their credits earned at another accredited institution of higher education, allowing them to earn their entire degree in a mere matter of months! Liberty University is also an affordable online school with various affordable tuition rates for its multitude of programs.
Program Sample:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
- Master of Divinity (M.Div.)
- Doctor of Strategic Leadership (DSL)
Campus Location: Lynchburg, VA
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Association of Christian Schools International
- Association of Theological Schools
LEARN MORE ABOUT LIBERTY UNIVERSITY ONLINE
MISSISSIPPI COLLEGE
At nearly 200 years old, Mississippi College is the oldest institution of higher education in the state. It strives under a vision to be recognized for its exceptional academics and “commitment to the cause of Christ.” This school and its programs are affiliated with the Baptist Church, and its online degrees were explicitly designed for working adults. There are numerous opportunities for teachers and educators in the bachelor’s, master’s, and Educational Specialist programs available at Mississippi College, as well as a whole host of majors in business and communications!
Students who are looking to enter and exit their degree as quickly as possible can take advantage of Mississippi College’s accelerated programs, such as the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration listed below. This degree includes six exciting concentration options, for example, Entrepreneurship and Business Communications, and students complete eight-week-long courses while still maintaining a flexible curriculum schedule.
Program Sample:
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
- Master of Social Science in Homeland Security
- Graduate/Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
Campus Location: Clinton, MS
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
LEARN MORE ABOUT MISSISSIPPI COLLEGE
BAPTIST MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
This online Christian school is explicitly geared toward individuals who are seeking education and certification in divinity and theology. Students can earn an associate’s through a master’s at Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary, a Christocentric online school of theology. The affordable curricula offered at $220 per semester hour include a strong emphasis on preaching and discipleship. The latter is often experienced as intensive ministerial experiences completed in students’ home communities under close observation and instruction from expert faculty members. Despite their program of choice, graduates exit BMA Seminary Online with a keen understanding of Christian service, theological ideology, and biblical text. The programs listed below represent all of the online theology degrees offered at this seminary.
Program Sample:
- Associate of Divinity
- Bachelor of Arts in Religion
- Master of Arts in Pastoral Theology
- Master of Arts in Religion
Campus Location: Jacksonville, TX
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Association of Theological School in the United States and Canada
LEARN MORE ABOUT BMA SEMINARY ONLINE
DALLAS CHRISTIAN COLLEGE
Dallas Christian College is an excellent school with a strong mission and vision that is deeply rooted in the Restoration Movement churches in the Southwest. It is a church-centered educational institution that strives to make discipleship and ministry an integral part of all students’ academic pursuits, despite their major of choice, of which there are numerous exciting options.
Offered through the FLEXCampus®, students can earn associate’s degrees and bachelor’s degrees, many of which include further in-depth concentration options. The Bachelor of Science in Business and Bible, for example, provides tracks in either Business Administration and Ethics or Nonprofit Management. Programs at DCC are flexible and accelerated with six-week classes that span a wide range of disciplines. Many students finish their degree in as little as two years.
Program Sample:
- Associate of Arts in Humanities
- Associate of Applied Science in Business
- Bachelor of Science in Business and Bible
Campus Location: Dallas, TX
Accreditation:
- Association for Biblical Higher Education
5850 T.G. Lee Blvd, Ste 130
Orlando, Florida 32822
www.abhe.org, (407) 207-0808
LEARN MORE ABOUT DALLAS CHRISTIAN COLLEGE
GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY
Grand Canyon University is another of the nation’s most popular online schools that also operates under a Christian mission. Founded in 1949, GCU was originally a Baptist university. Today, it identifies as an interdenominational educational institution that is welcoming to students of all Christian upbringings. This school is often found on rankings of the most affordable online degree programs and offers undergraduate and graduate programs at low tuition rates for both in-state and out-of-state learners. It is an excellent choice for active-duty members of the United States Military, for whom degrees are even more affordable.
There are a huge number of programs available at Grand Canyon. Some of the most popular majors include business, special education, teaching, and business. A small student-to-faculty ratio of about 20:1 means small classes in which online students form strong relationships with professors and classmates, and have a powerful voice as an individual. Past and current students have only the most wonderful things to say about GCU, its professors, and the positive and Godly atmosphere that it offers.
Program Sample:
- Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and Graphic Design
- Master of Arts in Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Doctor of Business Administration: Management
Campus Location: Phoenix, AZ
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
LEARN MORE ABOUT GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY ONLINE
BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY-IDAHO
Brigham Young University-Idaho is an institution of higher education affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All of its online degree and certificate programs, of which there over forty, provide an education that is focused on personal integrity, honor, and commitment to the gospel of Christ. The program structure follows a unique trajectory that has students complete a First, Second, and Third Certificate in place of general education credits. This way, students have a more significant focus on their major, while also earning three certificates, an associate’s degree, and a bachelor’s degree at once! Coursework is highly affordable at BYU-Idaho Online. Students who are members of the Mormon Church pay a standard tuition rate of about $128 per credit hour. Those who are still struggling to afford college can count on the PathwayConnect program, which assists students with tuition, textbooks, course materials, and resources throughout their entire online experience.
Program Sample:
- Associate of Applied Business Management
- Bachelor of Marriage and Family Studies
- Bachelor’s of Applied Technology
Campus Location: Rexburg, ID
Accreditation:
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
LEARN MORE ABOUT BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY-IDAHO
CALVARY UNIVERSITY
Calvary University has numerous online pathways for students of faith who have pursuits in Christian-focused education. There are also excellent options in areas such as education, business administration, and information technology, or students can take part in unique college experiences, such as the Warrior’s Choice concentrations. These refined curricula are designed to engage students in multi-vocational ministry opportunities that broaden their perspective and sharpen varied skills. This online Christian school provides a robust and faith-based learning environment with degrees of all kinds that are “built on the bible.”
There are three certificates, five associates, twenty-eight bachelors, eleven Warrior’s Choice, and twenty-one collaborative bachelors degrees at Calvary University, as well as exciting early college opportunities for high schoolers! All of the coursework is highly affordable at $402 per credit hour regularly or $250 per credit hour for members of the military and ministry workers. Online high school students pay $54 per credit hour.
Program Sample:
- One-Year Certificate in Worship Arts
- Associate of Arts in Children’s Ministry
- Bachelor of Science in Biblical Counseling
Campus Location: Kansas City, MO
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Association for Biblical Higher Education
LEARN MORE ABOUT CALVARY UNIVERSITY ONLINE
PIEDMONT INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
All of the vast numbers of degree programs are available online at Piedmont International University except for the Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Christian students who are seeking an education in a biblically-focused degree program will be delighted with the opportunities available at this online school. For example, the 5-Year BA to MDiv program is offered entirely at a distance and is available at very few other online schools. Individuals who are looking for education outside the realm of ministry and the church will find exciting degrees in a multitude of different areas, such as Deaf Studies, Financial Planning, and Nursing. The minors available at PIU represent some additional unique educational opportunities, such as the concentration in American Sign Language. Piedmont International is an affordable online Christian school with a tuition rate of $375 per credit hour for part-time learners.
Program Sample:
- Bachelor of Arts in Bible with Selected Minor
- 5-Year Bachelor of Arts to Master of Divinity
- Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership
Campus Location: Winston-Salem, NC
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
LEARN MORE ABOUT PIEDMONT INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
SOUTHWESTERN ASSEMBLIES OF GOD UNIVERSITY
Southwestern Assemblies of God University has been recognized on many rankings for its excellence in distance education. Students at SAGU have a wide range of degree options, many of which are church, bible, or ministry-focused, and all of which have a strong foundation in Christian principles. The bachelor’s degree in Church Leadership includes distinctive specialization opportunities in such areas as Church Planting and Church Revitalization, Spiritual Formation, Pastoral Leadership, and more.
There are online associate’s and bachelor’s programs in the areas of Behavioral Science and Community Services, Bible and Ministry, Business, Education, English and Language Arts, General Studies, History, Interdisciplinary Studies, and Occupational Leadership. SAGU’s curricula delve deeply into the role of faith, the bible, and ministry as it applies to all disciplines. Christian students will find an invigorating and lively community of learners at this online school.
Program Sample:
- Associate of Science in Addictions Counseling
- Bachelor of Arts in Ancient Studies
- Bachelor of Arts in Church Leadership, various specializations
Campus Location: Waxahachie, TX
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
LEARN MORE ABOUT SOUTHWESTERN ASSEMBLIES OF GOD UNIVERSITY
SAINT LEO UNIVERSITY
There are over seventy online degrees available at Saint Leo University. The Program Sample below supplies an accurate portrayal of the massive range in topics offered at this great institution of distance education. Saint Leo has been recognized as such on innumerable lists and rankings of the best online schools and the best online programs in the United States. It is the oldest Catholic university in the state of Florida and has been educating students for over a century. SLU is a highly diverse virtual community with over 13,000 students from all fifty states and more than eighty countries! While it is firmly rooted in generations of “1,500-year-old Benedictine tradition” and well-accredited by Catholic consortiums in academia, Saint Leo University is home to students of all faiths and ideals. It is the institution’s faith, rather than the student’s, that compels the school to educate.
Program Sample:
- Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice
- Bachelor of Arts in Sociology – Diversity and Equality
- Master of Arts in Creative Writing
- Doctor of Business Administration
Campus Location: St. Leo, FL
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities
- National Catholic Education Association
LEARN MORE ABOUT SAINT LEO UNIVERSITY
MOUNT VERNON NAZARENE UNIVERSITY
Exciting opportunities in an interdisciplinary combination of Christian studies and major professional coursework at Mount Vernon Nazarene University take students of faith to outstanding heights in their careers. There is an excellent range of educational opportunity at this fabulous online Christian university in areas inside and outside the ministry discipline. Students seeking licensure will find in-depth training at MVNU in education, nursing, and business.
Academia at Mount Vernon Nazarene is rooted in the Wesleyan-Arminian holiness theology and is intently focused on developing Christ-likeness in every aspect of life. Students of considerable faith will be welcomed into a committed community of Christian learners who are dedicated to both their professional pursuits and ministry leadership. Graduates exit this online school as servant leaders, devoted disciples, and skilled experts in their individual fields.
Program Sample:
- Associate of Arts in General Studies
- Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry
- Fast-Track Master of Business Administration
- Master of Ministry + MBA Dual Degree
Campus Location: Mount Vernon, OH
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - East Central Educational Region of the Church of the Nazarene
- Council for Christian Colleges and Universities
- National Christian College Athletic Association
LEARN MORE ABOUT MOUNT VERNON NAZARENE UNIVERSITY
CLARKS SUMMIT UNIVERSITY
At Clarks Summit University, degrees and coursework are available online at undergraduate, graduate, doctorate, and seminary levels. Online high school students can take advantage of the high school dual enrollment opportunities, which gives them a big jump start on college! All of the coursework is offered at an accelerated rate, and classes are completed in eight-week terms.
Clarks Summit is an excellent school for students interested in the counseling and mental health professions, as there are many pathways to approach such a complex subject. The Baptist Bible Seminary is a well-respected theological institution that provides some of the best online theology degrees in America. CSU has been included on a great many lists of the best distance education schools in the nation and is highly recognized for its achievements in faith-based academia.
Program Sample:
- Associate of Science in Addictions Counseling
- Accelerated Master of Arts in Divinity (BS to MDiv)
- Master of Arts in Literature
Campus Location: Clarks Summit, PA
Accreditation:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
3624 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
www.msche.org, (267) 284-5000 - Association for Biblical Higher Education
LEARN MORE ABOUT CLARKS SUMMIT UNIVERSITY
WARNER UNIVERSITY
Warner University was founded in 1968 by pastors of the Church of God as Warner Southern College, a small liberal arts school. Having become Warner University in 2008, today, it provides a nurturing online Christian learning community where students can earn associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in a range of subjects, all of which include a foundation in religious principles that apply to the Church of God. Newcomers to Warner enter a diverse and vibrant atmosphere that takes their professional careers and faith-based education to new levels of excellence.
Warner is an excellent Christian school for adult online learners who are just beginning their educational journey. The Associate of Arts in General Studies degree, for example, provides a pathway to explore various areas. It concludes in an exciting opportunity to enter either an online Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration or an online Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies!
Program Sample:
- Associate of Science in General Studies
- Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration
- Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies
Campus Location: Lake Wales, FL
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
LEARN MORE ABOUT WARNER UNIVERSITY ADULT ONLINE
CENTRAL CHRISTIAN COLLEGE OF THE BIBLE
The Central Christian College of the Bible provides intensive and accelerated online associate’s, bachelor’s, and certificate programs in Christian Leadership and Biblical Studies. It is an excellent choice for Christian students who want to earn their degree and start making a difference in their ministry and church leadership as quickly as possible. Coursework at Central Christian is offered asynchronously and in eight-week terms. The average student completes about fifteen to twenty hours of classes and assignments each week.
This online school is dedicated to the provision of curricula rooted in the teachings of Christ in an effort to develop “servant-leaders for the church.” It has been named the Best Bible College of 2020 in the United States by numerous academic resources. Other accolades for CCCB include high rankings on the Best Online Christian Schools of 2019, Best Online Theology Degrees of 2019, and, now, the Top 25 Online Christian Schools and Universities from OnlineSchoolsCenter.com!
Program Sample:
- Certificate of Bible and Ministry
- Associate of Biblical Studies
- Bachelor of Religious Studies (Christian Leadership)
Campus Location: Moberly, MO
Accreditation:
- Association for Biblical Higher Education
5850 T.G. Lee Blvd, Ste 130
Orlando, Florida 32822
www.abhe.org, (407) 207-0808
LEARN MORE ABOUT CENTRAL CHRISTIAN COLLEGE OF THE BIBLE
OHIO CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
Ohio Christian University is an exceptional online school that is often recognized for its distance education programs. It was founded in 1948 by clergy of the Churches of Christ in Christian Union, and, today, is well accredited as both an institution of higher education and as a Christian school. OCU is a perfect match for adult learners who are entering college for the first time. There are a wide range of associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and certificate programs in the fields of Business, General Studies, Government, Ministry, Religion, and Technology. For example, future graduate students who have a goal to become business leaders in Christian Ministry will find an excellent education in Ohio Christian’s online Master of Ministry/Master of Business Administration dual degree. All curricula are designed with the working adult learner in mind, who completes courses one at a time in an asynchronous format.
Program Sample:
- Certificate in Grant Writing
- Associate of Arts in Human Services
- Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and Consumer Behavior
- Master of Arts in Ministry
Campus Location: Circleville, OH
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Council for Christian Colleges and Universities
- Association for Biblical Higher Education
LEARN MORE ABOUT OHIO CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
MANHATTAN CHRISTIAN COLLEGE
There are several unique degree and certificate options available at Manhattan Christian College, all of which are provided through the Non-Traditional Campus of Distance Education. For example, the LEAD, or Leadership Education for Adult Development, Department offers an excellent bachelor’s degree completion program for adult learners in Biblical Leadership. Students who have taken classes at an accredited institution of higher education, previously, can transfer credits to MCC and complete their major in Biblical Leadership. This online Christian school has the only degree completion program on this ranking. There are several distinctive certificate options, one of which, the Church/Parachurch Teaching Certificate, is offered at very few other online Christian schools.
Program Sample:
- Bachelor of Science in Biblical Leadership
- Bachelor of Science in Management and Ethics
- Bible Certificate
Campus Location: Manhattan, KS
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Association for Biblical Higher Education
LEARN MORE ABOUT MANHATTAN CHRISTIAN COLLEGE
LINCOLN CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
There are six online degrees available at Lincoln Christian University, three of which are specifically focused on biblical and ministerial studies. LCU operates a highly successful school of theology, wherein students can feel satisfied that they are receiving a top-quality education from one of the nation’s leading online seminaries. It has been educating students in Christian and religious-focused majors since 1944 when it was first established as a Bible Institute. As of 2020, Lincoln Christian remains committed to the academic and professional training of Christian students to become more prominent and competent leaders in their local ministries, communities, and the world. Students who can travel have an additional graduate degree opportunity LCU’s MDiv, a hybrid program that requires infrequent visits to campus.
Program Sample:
- Associate of Arts in Bible
- Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration
- Master of Arts in Bible and Theology
Campus Location: Lincoln, IL
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Association of Biblical Higher Education
- Association of Theological Schools
LEARN MORE ABOUT LINCOLN CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY ONLINE
ALDERSON BROADDUS UNIVERSITY
Alderson Broaddus University has been educating students in a faith-based learning community for 150 years. As of today, ABU provides exemplary online programs in nursing and education, as well as numerous options for degree completion students. Strongly affiliated with the Baptist Church through multiple outlets, this online school intertwines biblical principles and Christ-like ideals with major coursework to provide degrees that are perfect for students of faith.
Coursework at ABU is completed at an accelerated rate with classes that span eight weeks in length. Those who attend school full-time can finish the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, for example, in about a year-and-a-half with no required visits to campus. Alderson Broaddus is also an affordable online Christian school with a tuition of $295 per credit hour, which is a highly competitive rate when compared to most colleges and universities across the country.
Program Sample:
- School Health Nurse Certificate
- RN-BSN
- Master of Education – Teacher Leader
Campus Location: Philippi, WV
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - West Virginia Baptist Convention
- American Baptist Churches USA
LEARN MORE ABOUT ALDERSON BROADDUS UNIVERSITY
HOPE INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
At Hope International University, there are five departments through which students can earn an online degree. These include the College of Arts and Science, the College of Business and Management, the College of Education, the College of Psychology and Counseling, and the Pacific Christian College of Ministry and Biblical Studies. HIU was originally founded as the Pacific Bible Seminary in 1928, and, to this day, it still provides outstanding theological and religiously-focused degrees. These and the online school’s other various programs have received national attention for their excellence—for example, the three-year Business Administration bachelor’s degree, which is accelerated, intensive, and aligned with the tenets of non-denominational Christian Churches. At one time, Hope International was affiliated with the Church of God. However, today, it identifies less with specific distinctions between sects of Christianity and more with unity among students of faith.
Program Sample:
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
- Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies: Teacher Preparation
- Bachelor of Science in Christian Ministry
Campus Location: Fullerton, CA
Accreditation:
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges
533 Airport Boulevard, Suite 200
Burlingame, CA 94010
www.acswasc.org, (650) 696-2009 - Association for Biblical Higher Education
- Association of Christian Schools International
LEARN MORE ABOUT HOPE INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
AZUSA PACIFIC UNIVERSITY
Azusa University is well-known in America’s national community of online schools. It is an evangelical institution of higher learning and a progressive leader in the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. Newly enrolled students will find the teachings of Christ built into every bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree available online. Having educated students since 1899, Azusa now operates seven locations throughout Southern California and supports a community of over 60,000 online graduates.
At this fabulous online Christian school, programs can be taken part-time or full-time, and 100% online or in a hybrid format. The curricula include excellent fieldwork experiences, and the degrees span an incredibly vast and exciting array of options, such as the M.A. in Music Entrepreneurship listed below. There are also degree completion programs available for students who have already earned significant credits at another accredited college or university.
Program Sample:
- Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
- Master of Arts in Music Entrepreneurship
- Doctor of Philosophy in Rehabilitation and Movement Science
Campus Location: Azusa, CA
Accreditation:
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges
533 Airport Boulevard, Suite 200
Burlingame, CA 94010
www.acswasc.org, (650) 696-2009 - Association of Theological Schools
- Council for Christian Colleges and Universities
LEARN MORE ABOUT AZUSA PACIFIC UNIVERSITY
ROSEMONT COLLEGE
Rosemont College is a Catholic liberal arts school in rural Pennsylvania founded by an affiliated religious congregation, the Society of the Holy Child of Jesus, in 1921. All of the on-campus and online degree offerings at Rosemont are based on the educational principles set forth by the Holy Child. These include flexibility, a foundation in Christian expressions and values, and open-mindedness.
Rosemont has received many accolades for its excellence in academia from such respectable institutions as U.S. News and World Report and the John Templeton Foundation. The administration works in partnership with other prestigious institutions in the surrounding state of Pennsylvania, such as Drexel University, Temple University, and Villanova University. Rosemont Online supplies a choice array of educational opportunities at a distance, many of which are accelerated online programs that can be completed in 18-24 months.
Program Sample:
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
- Master of Arts in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
- Graduate Certificate in Entrepreneurship
Campus Location: Rosemont, PA
Accreditation:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
3624 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
www.msche.org, (267) 284-5000
LEARN MORE ABOUT ROSEMONT ONLINE
CROWN COLLEGE
Crown College is a truly hidden gem among both Christian schools and online schools. Its sheer number of associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, certificate, training, and emphasis programs puts most other institutions of higher distance education to shame. Interested readers can even sample a course for free through one of Crown College’s Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC), all of which are available at absolutely no charge. The online graduate programs alone provide a staggering array of emphasis options that are an unmissable opportunity for ministry and church community professionals, in particular. There are also excellent bachelor’s to master’s bridge programs like the Pastoral Leadership Initiative degree, for example, that can be completed in a fraction of the time that it would take to complete each degree individually. Crown is a small, private school affiliated with the Christian and Missionary Alliance. It has been educating students for over 100 years.
Program Sample:
- Emergency Medical Training Institution Program
- Associate of Arts in Global and Cultural Studies
- Bachelor of Science in Disaster and Emergency Management
- Master of Divinity
- Graduate Certificate in Urban Ministry
Campus Location: Bonifacius, MN
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Association for Biblical Higher Education
- Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools
LEARN MORE ABOUT CROWN COLLEGE
HERITAGE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
Heritage Christian University is an educational institution of the Church of God. It has a long history that traces back to 1871 when it was initially founded as the Mars Hill Academy. The school earned university status in 2001 when it offered its first master’s degree. Today, it continues to provide prominent associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in Christian-focused disciplines.
Heritage Christian is an excellent online university for congregants of the Church of God who are want to expand their understanding of Christian thought and biblical studies. Each of the five online degrees is geared toward the bible, ministry, divinity, or theology, including the Master of Arts, which is a more general approach to graduate coursework at this online school. There is a strong focus in all HCU curricula on developing skills in service, leadership, and nurturing a healthy and engaged ministry.
Program Sample:
- Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies
- Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies
- Master of Ministry
Campus Location: Florence, AL
Accreditation:
- Association for Biblical Higher Education
5850 T.G. Lee Blvd, Ste 130
Orlando, FL 32822
www.abhe.org, (407) 207-0808
LEARN MORE ABOUT HERITAGE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
GRACELAND UNIVERSITY
Graceland University was formed in 1895 by the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (RLDS). Mormon students, as well as those affiliated with the Community of Christ, will find a warm and inviting educational community of individuals who share similar learning motives and religious beliefs. Graceland is particularly well-known for its exemplary nursing programs, all of which are impressively accredited by national nursing consortiums. It established its first nursing degree in 1910 when it was a pioneer in health care education. Today’s online students can undertake exciting bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in nursing, including the accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing – RN to BSN. There are also great business and religion programs at Graceland. Overall, students at this online Christian school can guarantee they are receiving an education rooted in the principles of the Community of Christ.
Program Sample:
- Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership
- Master of Science in Nutrition and Human Performance
- Doctor of Nursing Practice
Campus Location: Lamoni, IA
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
LEARN MORE ABOUT GRACELAND UNIVERSITY
CORBAN UNIVERSITY
Corban University is 80 years old and was established in coordination with the Baptist Church. Today, it identifies as an independent Christian university that is just as dedicated as it was in 1935 to providing Christian students an education with which they can “make a difference in the world of Jesus Christ.” The degrees listed below represent the programs at Corban that are available entirely online. The undergraduate in business includes three concentration options in accounting, marketing, or leadership and management. The interdisciplinary option allows students to design their program from the ground up!
Corban is a perfect school for adult learners with busy family and professional lives. Coursework is provided in accelerated 8-week terms, and the curricula can easily conform to individual schedules of all kinds. Working parents from across the nation profess the high-quality and flexibility of this first-rate Christian institution of distance education.
Program Sample:
- Bachelor of Science in Business
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology: Family Studies
- Interdisciplinary Online Program
Campus Location: Salem, OR
Accreditation:
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
8060 165th Avenue NE
Redmond, Washington, 98052
www.nwccu.org, (425) 558-4224 - Association of Christian Schools International
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are the advantages of attending an online Christian college?
If you have come to rely on Jesus Christ to get you through your everyday life, why not allow Him to guide you in your studies? Many Christ-centered colleges and universities were founded by Christian leaders and continue to carry on the religious beliefs that are important to today’s Christians. There are many advantages to attending an online Christian college or university.
If you choose to attend an online Christian college or university, you can expect to be surrounded by Christian faculty members that work hard to provide their students with a faith-based learning environment. Through a faith-based school, you can connect with like-minded students with Christian roots like yours. You will gain an exceptional education, as they are expected to meet the same rigorous accreditation requirements that other universities must meet. Typically, Christian colleges have fewer students; therefore, the student to faculty ratio is acceptable and, most subjects incorporate in-depth religious-based discussions into each topic, allowing for spiritual growth.
If I attend an online Christian college or university, am I expected to pursue a career in ministry?
No, it is not expected of you; however, if you decide to that is undoubtedly a great decision. Primarily, online Christian colleges offer a wide variety of degree programs, designed to fit the needs of any career you choose. Although they incorporate religious teachings in their programs, they do not force their beliefs on anyone. In fact, most Christian colleges freely discuss all secular worldviews to help every student develop their own thought process. Christian colleges are primarily designed for students who would like to combine their morality and faith with their academic learning.
If you are planning to enter into a ministry career in any capacity, perhaps attending a Bible college is best for you. Within this setting, a Bible college will help you explore the many options available in ministry. They focus upon religion and faith-based coursework designed for those interested in leadership, pastoral duties, missionary, or church administration responsibilities. General education classes are not typically required at a Bible college; however, they are required at a traditional online Christian college or university.
What makes a Christian college, “Christian?”
A Christian college is founded upon the beliefs of their character. Do they promote Christian values? Do they support the idea of spreading the Word of God? Do their administration and faculty members adhere to the Christian faith? And, do they carry on the values promoted in their faith mission statement to their students? These are all excellent questions to research before signing on to an online Christian-based college or university. Although Christian colleges may offer more faith-inspired coursework options, they also provide just as many traditional course options as their secular counterparts do, such as needed in nursing, technology, business, and many more.