A Breakdown of Florida’s Top Online Christian College.
If you’re a prospective student interested in pursuing a faith-based education at a renowned Christian University, then Saint Thomas University deserves to be at the top of your list. This scenic Florida university sits in Miami Gardens, FL nestled between downtown Miami and the Atlantic Ocean, making it the perfect destination for a Christian student. Additionally, Saint Thomas features multiple flagship degree programs, including online options for working adults pursuing a degree, and it is the only Catholic Archdiocesan-sponsored university in the State of Florida.
Read on to learn more about why Saint Thomas University is the perfect choice for you!
Saint Thomas University – A Brief History
Saint Thomas began as Biscayne College in 1963 when a group of Augustinian priests, who had previously been educators at Universidad de Santo Tomas de Villanueva (founded in Havana in 1946) were expelled from Cuba.
This group of Augustinians settled in what is now Miami Gardens Florida and opened up a school for Catholics wishing to pursue higher education. When University status was attained in 1984, the name of the institution was changed to Saint Thomas University as an homage to Universidad de Santo Tomas de Villanueva, and to reflect the school’s original Cuban heritage.
Saint Thomas University is now divided into four main colleges: Biscayne College, Gus Machado College of Business, the Benjamin L. Crump College of Law, and the College of Health Sciences and Technology.
Is Saint Thomas a Christian University?
A Christ-centric identity and a definitive vocation-based mission are two of the foundational core values that affirm Saint Thomas University’s Christian identity. Cultivating faith-focused individuals determined to fulfill Christ’s mission through their own vocational callings is the foundational principle on which Saint Thomas has established its curriculum.
This Catholic university is proud of its heritage and identity and is eager to help students reach the full potential of God’s unique calling for them. Saint Thomas’ dedication to Christian ideals and values throughout the process of higher education is perfectly summed up in its mission statement:
Saint Thomas is a Catholic university with rich cultural and international diversity committed to the academic and professional success of its students who become ethical leaders in our global community.
What Kind of Programs Does Saint Thomas University Offer?
Whether you are interested in attending Saint Thomas as an undergrad or applying to one of its stellar graduate programs, Saint Thomas University offers a multitude of majors, minors, degrees, and certifications across a variety of academic fields.
Saint Thomas University features four distinct colleges wherein you will find degree programs ranging from psychology, and theology, to accounting, nursing, and computer science. Whatever your academic passions, professional goals, or deep-seated interests, Saint Thomas University has a field of study unique to your needs.
Biscayne College – home to the Social Sciences and Humanities and responsible for the undergraduate education of all Saint Thomas University students.
Gus Machado College of Business – home to those in pursuit of an undergraduate or graduate business degree. A highlight is STU’s Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Sports Administration which blends liberal arts, business, and sports administration courses in a curriculum designed to prepare students for management positions in the sports industry. This particular degree was the first of its kind in the nation and continues to be a selling point for Saint Thomas.
Benjamin L. Crump College of Law – home to Saint Thomas University’s undergraduate, and graduate, law programs, where students can earn a law degree accredited by the American Bar Association.
College of Health Sciences and Technology – home to Saint Thomas University’s famous nursing program, this college also features programs for mathematics, computer science, and biology.
Is Saint Thomas University Accredited?
Saint Thomas University is an accredited institution by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate, master’s, law, and doctorate degrees.
Saint Thomas has been accredited since it was accepted as a member of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools by the Commission on Colleges in 1968 while it was still Biscayne College.
Biscayne College earned “university” status in 1984 (thanks to the addition of 10 Masters degree programs and the addition of the Law School). In 1988, Saint Thomas University received the sponsorship of the Archdiocese of Miami making it the only Catholic
Archdiocesan-sponsored university in the State of Florida!
For those interested in Saint Thomas’ nursing programs, both the Baccalaureate degree program and Master’s degree program are both accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
For those interested in pursuing a degree in law, Saint Thomas University College of Law has been fully accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) since 1988. Additionally, the Saint Thomas College of Law is also a member of the Association of American Law Schools and is
one of only two accredited Catholic law schools south of Georgetown University’s School of Law in Washington, DC.
Can I Attend Saint Thomas Online?
Saint Thomas University currently only offers online programs for graduates but their programs offer a flexible and convenient learning experience making it easy to fulfill even your loftiest educational goals.
Saint Thomas University is proud of its option for students to work toward a degree in an asynchronous format. This format means that students can attend class and complete assignments on their schedule making the online programs of Saint Thomas is an excellent option for busy working professionals.
Those who choose to attend Saint Thomas University online can choose from the following programs:
- Business
- Criminal Justice
- Education
- Ethical Leadership
- Healthcare
- Organizational Leadership
- Psychology
- Theology
Where Is Saint Thomas Located?
This incredible not-for-profit, private, Catholic University is located in beautiful Miami Gardens, Florida.
Miami Gardens is just 16 miles north of downtown Miami and it features a wide array of attractions and opportunities including Hard Rock Stadium (home of the Miami Dolphins) and the Miami International Auto Dome.
The serene and scenic campus features on-campus housing, sporting facilities, academic buildings, and multi-use facilities.
Saint Thomas highly encourages incoming freshmen to live on campus in order to familiarize themselves with campus life, fellow students, and the enriched faith-based educational system Saint Thomas provides.
Are There Athletics at Saint Thomas?
Saint Thomas University offers athletes the opportunity to compete at the collegiate level in 28 different varsity sports. Saint Thomas University proudly features 11 Men’s varsity sports (Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Rugby, Soccer, Swimming and Diving,
Tennis, Track & Field, Wrestling) and 14 Women’s varsity sports (Beach Volleyball, Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Golf, Flag Football, Lacrosse, Rugby, Soccer, Softball, Swimming and Diving, Tennis, Track & Field, Volleyball) and 3 Co-ed varsity sports (Cheerleading, Dance, eSports).
Saint Thomas belongs to the NAIA (The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletes) and is a proud member of The Sun Conference. The exceptions to this are e-Sports, which belongs to the Mid-South Conference; Men’s Wrestling, which belongs to the Appalachian Conference; and Cheerleading, Dance, Women’s Bowling, and Men & Women’s Rugby which do not belong to any conference but still compete against other schools and are still considered varsity sports by the Saint Thomas Athletic Department.
Is Saint Thomas a Good School?
We don’t want to spoil anything about our new official 100 Best Christian Colleges (2023) rankings but we can tell you that Saint Thomas university is our new #1 ranked Christian school in the state of Florida!
Saint Thomas is an excellent school with a longstanding history of combining academic excellence and Christian values. Saint Thomas offers their students a well-rounded faith-based education, emphasizing the need for students to change the world by first changing themselves in order to develop “leaders for life.”
The numerous accolades and achievements of Saint Thomas University, its students, and its faculty range in scope and magnitude reminding us that it is not the achievement by which we measure ourselves but rather the measure of character which we used to accomplish our goals.
Some notable Saint Thomas University graduates include Alex Penelas, the former Mayor of Miami-Dade County, Andy Elisburg, Vice President of Operations for the Miami Heat; Christina Fernandez, Chief Marshall for the Southern Region U.S. Marshals Service; and John Dooner, CEO of Interpublic Group of Companies.
Make Saint Thomas A Part of Your Academic Future
For more information about Saint Thomas University, we encourage you to go straight to the source!
David A. Armstrong, J.D., President of Saint Thomas University, has this to say about STU: “Saint Thomas University is a Catholic university. The word catholic means all-embracing, and at STU, we strive to make every student feel valued, regardless of faith, ideology, politics, or race.
Thomas University is all about building bridges between our divisions to strengthen us as individuals, and as people of faith. This vision transforms our graduates who go on to become ethical leaders in our communities. We invite you to visit our campus and learn how Saint Thomas University can prepare you for an exceptional life.”
Saint Thomas University is an excellent choice for any student who wishes to attend a Christian college and pursue a faith-based education. The Saint Thomas University mission of fostering a rich cultural diversity committed to the academic and professional success of its students is realized in their graduates who become ethical leaders in the global community.
While we are certain that Saint Thomas University would be an excellent selection for you as a student, we encourage you to use Bible College Online to explore your options! If you are a student who’s interested in pursuing a Christian-based higher learning experience, contact us for help in choosing the perfect university. Likewise, if you are an institution that is interested in partnering with us, we can help you grow by increasing awareness about your school and its offerings.
Bible College Online is the perfect way to connect with those who are connected to the Christian faith through education. We are all called to some kind of vocation, and everyone’s discernment process is a little different. For those in need of assistance and for all who believe in the benefits of a Christian education, Bible College Online is here to help you understand and fulfill God’s plan for you.
