10 Best Christian Grad Schools

With a little over 5,000 universities available within the United States, it can be tough to narrow down the options to the school that’s right for you. If you are looking into graduate school programs, you’ll most likely want to find a university that matches your professional goals and career path, while also still aligns with your personal values.

That’s why we’re here to give you a list of the Top 10 Best Christian Grad Schools in the US (Click to see more information about each school):

1. Bethel University (Saint Paul, Minnesota)

Looking to getting into the education field? Bethel University is an accredited Baptist institution that has been a forerunner in Christian higher education since 1871. Originally from Saint Paul, Minnesota, they now have several campuses in MN and TN, as well as an online program.

They have several Master’s Degree options, including a well-respected Special Education program. And if you’re really getting serious about your graduate studies, they also have doctoral programs for Higher Education Leadership and K-12 Administration. So for anyone looking into getting into the education field (or continuing their education), Bethel University is a Christian college certainly worth looking into.

2. Colorado Christian University (Lakewood, Colorado)

Have you always dreamed of living in the mile-high city? Colorado Christian University is located in the suburbs outside of beautiful Denver, Colorado. It’s one of the fastest-growing universities and has a great graduate studies program.

They offer over 32 Master’s Degree programs as well as a doctoral program for Nursing Practice. They also offer a great campus experience, offering students many opportunities to grow spiritually. So whether you want to live in- or off-campus, they’ll have programs to help enrich your academic and personal life.

3. Texas Christian University (Fort Worth, Texas)

For those of you looking to have a small college experience, Texas Christian University might be the right fit for you. They have an average of 1 teacher for every 17 students, so even though the campus is large, they have an intimate teacher-student ratio.

With over 65 Master’s Programs, this Forth Worth university is bound to have a program that is the right fit for you. Their mission is to “educate individuals to think and act as ethical leaders”, placing a heavy emphasis on personal values within their educational programs. They are currently the largest institution within the Disciples of Christ association, advocating for faith in intellect.

4. Southern Methodist University (Dallas, Texas)

Within the Southern Methodist University is the Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies, offering numerous doctoral and Master’s programs. They are a Methodist research university that is currently ranked 66th according to the 2021 U.S. News & World Report with their M.B.A program being number 27 in the nation.

So with such prestigious rankings, SMU is certainly one of the most reputable Christian universities available within the US. They offer over 32 doctoral programs and 120 Master’s programs, with their MBA programs truly standing out.

5. Emory University (Atlanta, Georgia)

Emory is one of the most well-recognized names within the academic community is named in honor of the Methodist bishop John Emory. Anyone from the South East knows that Emory University is a prestigious university and those of you from Georgia are probably aware that Emory Healthcare is the largest healthcare provider in the state.

They’ve been rated 21st among national universities in the US and boast a large number of high-profile alumni, including two Nobel prize winners, a Vice President, six Pulitzer Prize winners, and even two Prime Ministers. So by going to Emory, you’ll certainly be following insome important footsteps.

6. Brigham Young University (Provo, Utah)

Brigham Young University is the most well-known university associated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They are a private research university that is known for its low-cost, high-quality education.

They offer 64 different Master’s Programs, as well as 26 doctoral programs. Their School of Accountancy graduate program ranked number 4 in the country according to the 2020 U.S. World & News Report.

7. Regent University (Virginia Beach, Virginia)

If you’re looking for another prestigious university with a strong Christian history, then look no further. Regent University was founded in 1977 by Pat Robertson and quickly received full accreditation in 1984.

Regent’s online programs continue to spark innovation, as their online MBA program ranked first in the nation in 2013. While they offer excellent traditional learning experiences, their online programs are a great opportunity for those of you who need or prefer quality distance learning.

8. Pepperdine University (Malibu, California)

Pepperdine University is another private research university that specializes in graduate programs, having four different graduate schools. Although most of their campuses are located in southern California, they also have a campus in D.C. as well as in Buenos Aires, London, Heidelburg, Florence, and Lausanne. So this is certainly a good option for any of you with your eyes set on an international experience.

They are well-known for their MBA program, graduate ministry programs, and a School of Law fully recognized by the American Bar Association. Whatever your educational ambitions are, they have you covered.

9. Wheaton College (Wheaton, Illinois)

Founded in 1860 by evangelical abolitionists, Wheaton College remains to be one of America’s most prestigious Christian universities. Their graduate schools offer 14 Master’s Degrees and 2 Ph.D. options, with their graduate school being founded with the purpose to provide further theological training and ministry skills.

In addition to the academic quality, many of their programs also offer flexible schedules that facilitate the process of going back to school. For example, two graduate programs are summer-only and their Biblical Studies program can be taken part-time or as an evening cohort model. This means that for those of you who are looking to dive back into academia can still do so without interrupting your normal adult life.

10. Grand Canyon University (Phoenix, Arizona)

Looking to jump into a huge American university experience? Grand Canyon University was ranked as the largest Christian university in the world in 2018, so you’ll certainly be able to join part of a big community by applying here. They were founded by the Southern Baptist Convention in 1949, so even though they don’t have as long of a history as some of the other universities on the list, they have the spirit to make up for it.

This is one of the best universities to choose from if a great campus life is on your checklist. In 2017, the Phoenix location was ranked as one of the Top 10 campuses across the US by Town & Country. Their campus stands out with a huge number of installations and facilities that all aid in your educational experience. After all, going to a graduate school isn’t 100% about studying, it’s also about growing and connecting with the community around you.

Still Not Sure Which Christian Grad School is Right For You?

Whether you’ve graduated high school and are getting a head start looking into graduate programs or you’re a busy adult with an established life, choosing the right university for you can be difficult. It’s even more difficult when trying to find the right educational program that aligns with your personal values.

Check out Liberty University and Houston Christian University. These Christian universities provide a wide range of degree options and are firmly dedicated to upholding Christian values and providing a Christian-based education.