4 Christian universities creating bright futures

A faith-based education is enduring. Learning fosters reverence for God, respect for learning, and responsibility for the shared experiences of living in communities. From all ages and Christian backgrounds, graduates speak — and are grateful — of their education, enthusing how it shaped their personality, lives and worldviews.

Experiences, within and beyond the walls of the classrooms, are some of the most effective ways to forge grit and character. Whether it’s taking on the great outdoors or learning through a well-crafted curriculum, learners reap the benefits once they start amassing them under the guidance of trained teachers.

The best Christian schools are well aware of this — especially when such experiences are made within a diverse community of friends, teachers and clergy with the same moral base. If you seek an experiential education that merges the best of theology with issues of the contemporary world, here are four Christian universities across the globe that do just that:

University of Divinity

As one of the smallest universities in Australia, students at the University of Divinity benefit from personalised academic support with lecturers who are leaders in their field. Source: University of Divinity

At the University of Divinity, students thrive academically, socially, and spiritually. Ranked #1 for quality student experience, this Christian-informed university operates across Australia, preparing its graduates for theology, ministry, leadership and community service through a robust curriculum and with the help of dedicated educators.

From certificate through to doctorate, all students join the University through one of its colleges and schools, offering a chance to be informed by broad spiritual perspectives. Through the Bachelor of Counselling, students become competent practitioners ready to tackle 21st-century challenges — picture learning about artificial intelligence in mental health or basic business skills. On top of this, the course focuses on values such as hope, courage, and compassion.

Mature students reap similar benefits. Master of Leadership students pursue an interactive curriculum with real-world case studies — suitable for professionals interested in applying what they learn while working at various faith-based agencies and organisations. Blended learning and customised studies through micro-credential units offer more flexibility.

The best part? As one of the smallest universities in the country, students have full support throughout their journey here and beyond, including pastoral care and academic advice. They even have direct access to the Program Directors. For a university education with a unique engagement with Christian theological traditions, click here to learn more about how you can get started.

Pepperdine University

Graziadio Business School’s students are actively involved outside the classroom, participating in events, business organisations, clubs and activities. Source: Pepperdine University Facebook

Pepperdine University is where you’re inspired to learn as you learn to inspire. Located in the beautiful coastal community of Malibu, California, this faith-based university is committed to academic excellence and Christian values. 

Take Pepperdine’s Graziadio Business School, for example. They offer a wide continuum of full-time and part-time MBA programmes and executive doctorate, master’s, bachelor’s, and joint degree programmes both online and across five California campuses, including Malibu and Silicon Beach.

The full-time MBA programme is ideal for aspiring leaders seeking to build their business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit to make a positive impact in the world. Students can choose from the following concentrations: Business Analytics, Digital Innovation and Information Systems, Dispute Resolution, Entertainment, Media, and Sports Management, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Leadership and Managing Organizational Change, and Marketing. 

Here, students study in small class sizes of no more than 30. There are also a number of clubs and activities that Graziadio’s students can engage in to enhance their overall learning experience. This includes the Graziadio Women’s Business Association (GWBA), a professional club that supports and empowers women to thrive in the business world, and the Finance Club, which connects students to organisations and individuals within the various fields of finance. 

London School of Theology

London School of Theology has been committed to offering the highest standard of theological education for 75 years. Source: London School of Theology/Facebook

Since its inception, London School of Theology (LST) has focused on providing an education that exposes students to the highest level of evangelical theology. Here, students thrive in a close-knit community and are empowered to reach their full potential.

This is evident through the high academic standards laid in LST’s undergraduate, postgraduate and distance learning studies. Graduates create impact by joining mission trips, serving in worship ministries, taking on leadership roles at church, and many more. 

As one of Europe’s largest evangelical theological colleges, LST has a strong academic reputation for theology studies that are linked with unique electives, such as counselling, music, creative musicianship, and worship studies. 

Outside the classroom, student life revolves around worship and prayer. LST firmly believes that spiritual formation should be the core of which academic life is built. At the start of the academic year, the whole community participates in an away day, setting the tone for the year ahead. It is an opportunity for the community to worship, meditate on God and prepare for the year, united and together.

Chang Jung Christian University

Chang Jung Christian University (CJCU) was established with the traditions and cultural features of Taiwan’s Presbyterian Church. Source: Chang Jung Christian University/Facebook

For more than a century, Chang Jung Christian University (CJCU) has been offering students a chance to better themselves and the world around them. In line with Presbyterian beliefs, CJCU is committed to developing each young learner’s God-given gifts and abilities with love, respect, and service. 

CJCU offers 62 bachelor’s and 17 master’s programmes as well as one doctoral programme on campus. Each is designed to empower students to discover their talent and find their purpose. What sets them apart is their Christ-centred ethos and excellent teaching — the kind that equips students with the skills, integrity and a sense of purpose that glorifies God and distinguishes them in the workplace and the world.

The comprehensive academic programme is complemented by a beautiful, well-resourced campus located near the Erren River and a supportive community atmosphere. It is also a genuinely international institution, with CJCU having 164 international partner schools, making it easy for students who want to participate in various global opportunities.   

While academics are highly valued at CJCU, they are considered just one part of student life, so students also heavily engage in artistic, athletic and moral pursuits.

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International