Top 30 Online Christian Colleges for a BA or BS Degree in Education

By TED Staff

Students enroll in Christian colleges for a number of reasons. If you’re a young Christian who grew up in the faith, you may wish to continue to be surrounded by those who are strong believers, so you’ll have support when you need it and feel comforted by the spirituality of your classmates and professors. Perhaps you wish to grow in knowledge about the Christian faith, to become more grounded in the Bible. You may sense that your career plans need a sure anchor in order to endure. In addition, according to well-established research, the smaller, private Christian colleges maintain a high quality of academic achievement.

Whatever your reasons for choosing to attend a Christian college, you have a large pool of excellent schools from which to choose. As a first-time freshman or as a transfer student, you may opt for online classes. The virtual classroom is already a proven fixture of modern Christian college life. Here, you can often set your own schedule, tailoring your courses around your personal obligations, such as job or family or both. Your professors are most often the same ones who teach the same subjects in traditional, brick-and-mortar institutions. The diploma you’ll be awarded when you graduate will look the same as the ones given to traditional students, and nowhere on the diploma will be the words “online” or “virtual classroom.”

The thirty schools reviewed here have been researched and ranked according to the charts shown below. Where a tie occurs, weight is given on the side of lower tuition cost.
Student to Faculty Ratio:

10:1 and under – 5 points
15:1 and under – 4 points
20:1 and under – 3 points
30:1 and under – 2 points
40:1 and under – 1 point

Hourly Tuition Rate:

$300 and under – 5 points
$400 and under – 4 points
$500 and under – 3 points
$900 and under – 2 points
$901 and above – 1 point

Regional or National Accreditation: 5 points

#1 – The Baptist College of Florida

Graceville, Florida

Online BA in History and Social Studies Secondary Education Major

Regional Accreditation: Yes
Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Hourly Tuition Rate: $200
Points: 15
Website

The Baptist College of Florida has a well-established online bachelor of arts in history and social studies secondary education major degree that is a 123 credit hour program. To apply, submit a signed lifestyle agreement and affirmation of faith, transcripts, immunization record, ACT/SAT scores and a $25 fee. A short list demonstrates the wide range of coursework available in The Baptist College of Florida’s online BA in history and social studies secondary education degree: Philosophy of the Christian School Movement; Survey of Special Education; Concepts and Methods for Teaching Social Studies; History of Economic Thought; Geography; and History of the Middle East.

#2 – Central Methodist University

Fayette, Missouri

BSE in Elementary Education Online

Regional Accreditation: Yes
Student to Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Hourly Tuition Rate: $260
Points: 14
Website

Central Methodist University charges no fee to apply for their online, 120 credit hour Bachelor of Secondary Education in Elementary Education degree. The curriculum is available in an 8 or 16 week format, depending on the courses you take. The 19 credit hour, General Education segment of the program includes the following courses: Humanities or Fine Arts; Social Sciences-World Geography; and Mathematics for Elementary and Middle School Teachers. Application to Central Methodist University’s online BSE in elementary education requires a 2.5 GPA, ACT or SAT scores, as well as Missouri General Education Assessment scores. Transfer students need 60 or more hours.

#3 – Arizona Christian University

Phoenix, Arizona

Online BS in Elementary Education

Regional Accreditation: Yes
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Hourly Tuition Rate: $290
Points: 14
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Website
At Arizona Christian University, all students will graduate with a minor in Bible Studies, regardless of their major. If you are working toward an online bachelor of science in elementary education degree, you will be eligible to teach right after graduation, having earned Arizona state certification (for Arizona residents only) as well as Association of Christian Schools International certification. The 120 credit hour program consists of Liberal Arts Core (35 hours), Bible Minor (18), Basic and Advanced Core Requirements (12), Academic Major (52), and Electives (3). Admission to Arizona Christian University’s online BS in elementary education calls for transcripts and a $30 application fee.

#4 – University of the Cumberlands

Williamsburg, Kentucky

Online BS in Elementary Education

Regional Accreditation: Yes
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Hourly Tuition Rate: $315
Points: 13
Website

The University of the Cumberlands was founded in 1899 as the Williamsburg Institute by the Baptist church. The school’s online bachelor of science in elementary education includes the courses Basic Concepts Concerning Education, Effective Teaching Practices, Classroom Management and Behavior, Concepts of Mathematics for the Elementary and Middle School Teacher, and The Middle School. The online format allows you to maintain constant contact with your instructors. To apply to the University of the Cumberlands for their online bachelor of science in elementary education, submit three letters of recommendation, transcripts, and ACT scores. If you are 23 or older, no ACT score is needed.

#5 – William Peace University

Raleigh, North Carolina

Online BA in Elementary Education

Regional Accreditation: Yes
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Hourly Tuition Rate: $350
Points: 13
Website

The closing words of the Mission Statement of William Peace University emphasize the noble desire that “the student develops an appreciation for life-long learning, a focus on meaningful careers, and skills for ethical citizenship.” The school tailors the 120 credit hour BA in elementary education to lead to teacher certification. The application fee is $25, and transcripts and ACT/SAT scores are required. Courses for the online BA in elementary education from William Peace University include the following: Foundations in Elementary Math I & II; Exceptionalities in Education; Classroom Organization and Management; Literacy Methods; Instructional Technology; and 21st Century Teacher Leadership.

#6 – Bluefield College

Bluefield, Virginia

BS in Early Childhood Education Online

Regional Accreditation: Yes
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Hourly Tuition Rate: $365
Points: 13
Website

Bluefield College, affiliated with the Baptist Church, was founded in 1922. The school’s online bachelor of science in early childhood education degree is a non-licensure program, focused on graduates seeking career opportunities outside the public school system, as in non-profit organizations, churches, child care programs, or social service. The 100% online format includes the following courses: Safe and Healthy Settings for the Young Child; Guiding Young Children; Family, School, and Community Involvement; and Early Childhood Practicum. Admission to Bluefield College’s online BS in early childhood education requires transcripts from high school and/or college, a minimum GPA of 2.4, and ACT/SAT scores but no application fee.

#7 – Shasta Bible College and Graduate School

Redding, California

Online BA in Education

Regional Accreditation: Yes
Student to Faculty Ratio: 3:1
Hourly Tuition Rate: $375
Points: 14
Website

Shasta Bible College and Graduate School affords 24/7 access to students in their online classes. The school’s online BA in education is a 129 credit hour program with 15-week courses that are congruent with those taught on-campus, and students may conduct research through the college’s online library. The following courses are part of the curriculum: Human Growth and Development; Models of Curriculum; US History; Theory, Observation, and Assessment; The Exceptional Child; Student Teaching (12 credit hours). To apply to Shasta Bible College and Graduate School for the BA in education, submit transcripts, references, and a $50 fee.

#8 – Indiana Wesleyan University

Marion, Indiana

BS in Early Childhood Education Online

Regional Accreditation: Yes
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Hourly Tuition Rate: $384
Points: 13
Website

Earning your online BS in Early Childhood Education from Indiana Wesleyan University also gains you an initial teaching license in Indiana. The 120 credit hour program should take about 24 months, and five courses must be completed prior to enrollment in the ECE program. Core professional courses are Early Childhood Special Education, Literacy in the Primary Grades, Classroom Management in the Primary Grades, and Student Teaching. You will earn a minor in Reading. When you apply to their online BS in early childhood education program, Indiana Wesleyan University asks for a transcript showing a minimum 2.6 GPA and SAT/ACT scores, but no fee and no essay.

#9 – North Greenville University

Greer, South Carolina

BA in English Language Arts Secondary Education Online

Regional Accreditation: Yes
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Hourly Tuition Rate: $395
Points: 13
Website

The bachelor of arts in English language arts secondary education degree provided by North Greenville University has two options. Students may choose the BA in English or the BA in English Language Arts Secondary Education. The first qualifies graduates for writing jobs, such as copy-writing and editing. The second allows students to teach high school English. English education majors have 10 hours of field experience. Typical courses include Studies in Appalachian Literature, Christian Themes in Literature, Chaucer and the Medieval Period, and Introduction to Linguistics. To apply to the BA in English language arts secondary education program at North Greenville University, send transcripts, SAT/ACT scores, and $30.

#10 – Mount Vernon Nazarene University

Mount Vernon, Ohio

Online BA in Elementary Education

Regional Accreditation: Yes
Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Hourly Tuition Rate: $398
Points: 13
Website

Mount Vernon Nazarene University has an online bachelor of arts in elementary education degree that calls for 54 hours of program courses, which include Basics of Phonics Instruction, Urban/Diverse Field Experience, Student Teaching, and courses in social studies, math, and science. A total of 14 courses are prerequisites and include these classes: Art, Music, and Movement; Children’s Literature; and Observation, Assessment, and Documentation. First-time freshmen applying to Mount Vernon Nazarene University for the BA in elementary education must submit transcripts and ACT scores (if taken). Transfer students need a 2.5 GPA for all college work. The application fee is $25.

#11 – William Carey University

Hattiesburg, Mississippi

BA in Physical Education Online

Regional Accreditation: Yes
Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Hourly Tuition Rate: $400
Points: 13
Website

William Carey University was named for the British Christian missionary to India. The school has an online BA in physical education degree that requires 36 credit hours devoted to any theory courses in health or physical education. This degree must have a minor, which may be Coaching (21 hours), Recreation (18 hours), or Special Education (18 hours). The Special Education minor is available to all but teacher education majors. The admissions process to the online BA in physical education major at William Carey University asks for ACT/SAT scores, high school and/or college transcripts, immunization records, and a $40 application fee.

#12 – Judson College

Marion, Alabama

Online BA in Secondary Language Arts

Regional Accreditation: Yes
Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Hourly Tuition Rate: $495
Points: 13
Website

Judson College has a 128 credit hour, online BA in secondary language arts that leads to a teaching certificate. Only Alabama candidates can be certified, and all practicum placements are in Alabama. The instructors travel all over the state in supervising students for field experiences and clinical practice observations. Among the 16 courses in the major are Independent Study and Study Abroad. To apply, submit transcripts showing a minimum 2.0 GPA and a copy of your Alabama driver’s license or other government-issued identification card. Judson College allows 2-4 months for completion of each course in their online BA in secondary language arts degree program.

#13 – Saint Mary of the Woods College

Saint Mary of the Woods, Indiana

BS in Education K-6/K-6 Special Education (Mild Intervention) Online

Regional Accreditation: Yes
Student to Faculty Ratio: 7:1
Hourly Tuition Rate: $496
Points: 13
Website

Saint Mary of the Woods College online BS in education K-6/K-6 special education (mild intervention) degree is a dual licensure program. The 120 credit hour curriculum includes the following: Growth and Development; Introduction to eLearning and Technology in Education; Special Education Law and Procedures; Real World Applications in the Social Studies; Methods of Teaching Mathematics; Integrative Science I & II; and Clinical Experiences (19 hours).
The admission process for Saint Mary of the Woods College’s online BS in education K-6/K-6 special education (mild intervention) degree calls for transcripts, ACT/SAT scores, 500-word essay, resume, letter of recommendation, and no application fee.

#14 – Park University

Parkville, Missouri

BS in Early Childhood Education Online

Regional Accreditation:Yes
Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Hourly Tuition Rate: $385
Points: 12
Website

Park University’s motto is “Fides et Labor,” Latin for “Faith and Work.” The school has designed an online bachelor of science in early childhood education, which does not lead to licensure. The 57-credit hour major includes the following courses in its professional curriculum: Early Childhood Principles; Development and Learning Through Play; The Study of the Family; and Early Childhood Program Management. Education courses include Social and Emotional Learning in ECE and Internship in EC Leadership. The admission requirements for Park University’s online BS in early childhood education are the completion of background and fingerprinting check, ACT scores, transcripts showing a minimum 2.75 GPA; and $35 fee.

#15 – Southern Nazarene University

Bethany, Oklahoma

Bachelor’s in Social Studies Education Online

Regional Accreditation: Yes
Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Hourly Tuition Rate: $387
Points: 12
Website

Southern Nazarene University was founded in 1899 as an outreach of the Church of the Nazarene, committed to educating people to conduct lives of service to God, leadership, and reconciliation to each other. The school’s online bachelor’s in social studies education requires 60 hours of classroom observation and 120 hours of student teaching. Sample courses include US History I & II, World Civilization, Introduction to Historical Methods, World Regional Geography, Oklahoma History, and Foundations of Christian Beliefs. Admission to Southern Nazarene University’s online bachelor’s in social studies education calls for transcripts, SAT/ACT scores, interview, and a $150 deposit for enrollment.

#16 – Liberty University

Lynchburg, Virginia

BS in Special Education Interdisciplinary Studies Online

Regional Accreditation: Yes
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Hourly Tuition Rate: $390
Points: 12
Website

The 100% online bachelor’s degree in special education interdisciplinary studies degree offered by Liberty University is a 120 credit hour program with 8-week courses. Up to 75% of the degree’s total hours may be transferred in. The curriculum features the following courses: Learning and Behavior Problems; Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders; Intervention for Students with Intellectual Disabilities; and Autism Education and Theoretical Approaches. To apply to Liberty University’s BS in special education degree program, send transcripts showing a minimum 2.0 GPA. A $50 fee will be assessed during financial check-in after acceptance.

#17 – Midway University

Midway, Kentucky

BS in Middle School Education Online

Regional Accreditation: Yes
Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Hourly Tuition Rate: $395
Points: 12
Website

Online students in Midway University’s BS in middle school education degree receive in-person assistance from faculty and advisors just like their classroom counterparts. The 120 credit hour program allots 34-40 hours to General Education requirements, 48 hours to Major Course requirements, and 5-11 hours to Electives. First-time applicants must send transcripts and ACT/SAT scores, but transfer students submit standardized test scores only if needed. The BS in middle school education online courses at Midway University include The Exceptional Child and Legal Aspects of Special Education, General Biology and General Biology Lab (I and II), and General Chemistry and General Chemistry Lab (I and II).

#18 – Grand Canyon University

Phoenix, Arizona

BS in Elementary Education and Special Education Online

Regional Accreditation: Yes
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Hourly Tuition Rate: $440
Points: 12
Website

The 120 credit hour, online BS in elementary education and special education offered by Grand Canyon University leads to initial teacher licensure. Areas of study include the following: assessment; developmentally appropriate pedagogy; accommodation and modification strategies; classroom management; collaboration with general education teachers; adapting learning for the least restrictive environment; and personalized learning strategies for student achievement. Grand Canyon University’s dual-degree, online BS in elementary education and special education program is geared toward meeting the demand for high-quality special education teachers and requires transcripts for admission, as detailed on the online application.

#19 – Notre Dame College

South Euclid, Ohio

Online BA in Education

Regional Accreditation: Yes
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Hourly Tuition Rate: $445
Points: 12
Website

Notre Dame College was founded in 1922 by the Sisters of Notre Dame and promotes the Sisters’ belief in “teaching students not only how to make a good living, but how to make a good life.” The school’s 122 credit hour, online BA in education is especially friendly to transfer students, both adult and online, stipulating that at least 32 credit hours must be earned at NDC. The program is also aimed at post-baccalaureate candidates. The 15-week student teaching experience is scheduled for fall or spring semesters. There is no application fee. Courses in Notre Dame College’s online BA in education include Integrating Technology Across the Curriculum.

#20 – Gardner Webb University

Boiling Springs, North Carolina

Online BS in Elementary Education

Regional Accreditation: Yes
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Hourly Tuition Rate: $448
Points: 12

Gardner Webb University has an online BS in elementary education degree that requires 43 major hours and 30 minor hours, with 31 hours devoted to achieving licensure. Graduates will be fully equipped to teach K-6 in North Carolina “in a learning environment that supports Christian values in the classroom.” The university partners with 16 community colleges in the state for the Pathways program to enhance students’ transfer opportunities. Check the transfer equivalency database to learn which courses will transfer to GWU. Application for the online BS in elementary education degree at Gardner Webb University calls for transcripts and SAT/ACT scores but no fee.

#21 – Maranatha Baptist University

Watertown, Wisconsin

Online BS in Educational Studies

Regional Accreditation: Yes
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Hourly Tuition Rate: $465
Points: 12
Website

Maranatha Baptist University has an online BS in educational studies degree that is a non-licensure program. Key courses include Biblical Perspectives in Human Relations and Counseling, Classroom Teaching Methods, Educational Assessment, Freshman, Sophomore Fieldwork, and Drugs, Society, and Human Behavior. You may wish to consider Maranatha Baptist University’s Bachelor’s-Master’s Pathway, which means that you can enroll in graduate classes as an undergraduate and simultaneously meet requirements for both this BS in educational studies and a future graduate degree. Application calls for transcripts, character references, ACT scores, a 200-word autobiographical essay, and $50.

#22 – Prescott College

Prescott, Arizona

Online BA in Education and Professional Educator Preparation

Regional Accreditation: Yes
Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Hourly Tuition Rate: $598
Points: 12
Website

Prescott College began in the 1960s in Prescott, Arizona, in Congregationalist traditions and has maintained its commitment to the liberal arts, the environment, and social justice. Their 120 credit hour, online bachelor of arts in education and professional educator preparation degree meets the requirements of licensure for the state of Arizona. The minimum 60 required course credits in education include the following: Core Seminar: Educating for the future–Multicultural and Environmental Issues; and Positive Child Guidance and Inclusive Classroom Management. On-campus orientation is required. To apply to the online BA in education and professional educator preparation program at Prescott College, send personal essay and transcripts. No fee.

#23 – Pacific Oaks College

Pasadena, California

BA in Human Development: Elementary Education Online

Regional Accreditation: Yes
Student to Faculty Ratio: 2:1
Hourly Tuition Rate: $845
Points: 12
Website

Pacific Oaks College has designed a 120 credit hour, online BA in Human Development: Elementary Education degree, which prepares students for the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, qualifying them to teach all subjects in a self-contained classroom. To apply, submit evidence of a background check and TB test, a resume showing at least 3 years of professional or life experience, or transcripts showing at least 24 transferable credits, a letter of recommendation, essay, and $55 fee. Coursework in Pacific Oaks College’s online BA in Human Development: Elementary Education includes Healthy Children and Classroom Communities, Community as Context for Development, and Play Across the Lifespan.

#24 – Regent University

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Online BS in Professional Studies – Teacher Education

Regional Accreditation: Yes
Student to Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Hourly Tuition Rate: $395
Points: 11
Website

Regent University touts its BS in Professional Studies – Teacher Education degree as one designed to prepare students to teach a wide range of students, from those who are gifted to those who have disabling conditions. The 120 credit hour program is fully online with 8-week course systems. Admission requires transcripts, copy of a government-issued ID card, completed questionnaire, and $50 fee. Regent University includes the following coursework in their online BS in professional studies – teacher education: Introduction to Earth Science with Laboratory; Introduction to Economics; Research and Academic Writing; Art and Culture; World Geography; The Making of a Christian Leader; and Western Civilization.

#25 – Southwestern Assemblies of God University

Waxahachie, Texas

Online Bachelor’s in History and Social Studies Education

Regional Accreditation: Yes
Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Hourly Tuition Rate: $499
Points: 11
Website

Southwestern Assemblies of God University’s 100% online bachelor’s in history and social studies education focuses on developing the teacher as a whole person, spiritually and academically. The curriculum deals with multiple aspects of social studies research, such as economic history, world civilizations, early America, medieval and modern history, and the Near East, in addition to emphasizing how to create ideal classrooms for learning and student behavior. To apply to Southwestern Assemblies of God University for their bachelor’s in history and social studies education degree, send high school and/or college transcripts, ACT/SAT scores, and $35 fee.

#26 – Chaminade University of Honolulu

Honolulu, Hawaii

Online BS in Elementary Education

Regional Accreditation: Yes
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Hourly Tuition Rate: $550
Points: 11
Website

The Chaminade University of Honolulu, the only Catholic university in Hawaii, was named for Father Chaminade, the founder of the Society of Mary. One characteristic of a Marianist education is “education for the formation of faith.” The school’s online bachelor of science in elementary education lists 7 pre-major course requirements that include Contemporary Peoples of Hawaii. A total of 72 hours of observation and practicum teaching plus field experience is needed for the degree. To apply to Chaminade University of Honolulu for their online BS in elementary education, submit transcripts (high school and/or college) showing a minimum 2.5 GPA, ACT/SAT scores, and $50 fee.

#27 – Colorado Christian University

Lakewood, Colorado

Online BA in Elementary Education

Regional Accreditation: Yes
Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Hourly Tuition Rate: $883
Points: 10
Website

Colorado Christian University’s online bachelor of arts in elementary education that is a non-licensure program, which allows you to teach in some public charter schools, private schools, and international schools. You may choose to earn Colorado licensure later. The 120 credit degree allots 37 hours to an elementary education professional core, 26 hours to liberal arts, 22 in general education, and 36 in electives. Colorado Christian University’s online BA in elementary education requires a 2.8 GPA, ACT/SAT scores, essay, letters of recommendation, and $50 fee.

#28 – Bellevue University

Bellevue, Nebraska

BS in History Online

Regional Accreditation: Yes
Student to Faculty Ratio: 40:1
Hourly Tuition Rate: $425
Points: 9
Website

Bellevue University has designed a 127 credit hour, online bachelor of science in history that can be the core of a secondary education teaching endorsement. Completion of the professional teacher education course sequence (35 credits) leads to certification. Education courses include Human Relations and Instructional Technology for Teachers. Some courses in the history curriculum are History of Nebraska, Civil War and Reconstruction, Foundations of Eastern Civilization, and Freedom and Responsibility. To apply to Bellevue University for their online BS in history, submit high school and/or college transcripts or proof of GED and a $50 application fee.

#29 – Concordia University Portland

Portland, Oregon

BS in Early Childhood Education Online

Regional Accreditation: Yes
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Hourly Tuition Rate: $1,051
Points: 9
Website

Concordia University Portland offers a 124 credit, online BS in early childhood education which does not lead to licensure. The classes are in an 8-week format. Two courses must be taken on-campus. The curriculum includes Well-being of the Child, Children as Scientists, and Character and Ethics of the ECE Leader. To apply, submit transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, two letters of recommendation, and a written essay but no fee. First-time freshmen are not eligible for Concordia University Portland’s BS in ECE, but transfer students must have at least 12 semester credits or 18 quarter credits completed.

#30 – California Baptist University

Riverside, California

Online BA in Early Childhood Studies

Regional Accreditation: Yes
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Hourly Tuition Rate: $1,171
Points: 9
Website

The online bachelor of arts in Early Childhood Studies degree offered by California Baptist University can lead to a teaching certificate when combined with credential requirements. The degree prepares graduates to work with disabled and non-disabled children ages 0-8 years in diverse learning environments. Coursework includes EC Curriculum, Perceptual Motor Development in Infancy and EC, Assessment of Young Children including Children with Disabilities, and Administration of EC. Admission to California Baptist University’s online BA in early childhood studies program calls for 24 transferable units (minimum) or high school diploma or equivalent showing at least a 2.0 GPA and $45 application fee.