Christian higher education takes many forms, some of which are designed to prepare students for church-related careers and others which provide a Christian perspective on liberal arts education. Bible institutes, Bible colleges, and seminaries are examples of Christian higher education institutions. Each type of institution focuses on a different aspect of education and prepares students for a variety of careers and opportunities.
Bible institutes and Bible colleges are Christian higher education institutions that prepare students for ministry and church careers. Their major courses of study are typically limited to those that directly relate to Christian and ministry training. Although the terms Bible college and Bible institute are sometimes used interchangeably, the two types of schools can have significant differences. A Bible institute is typically a non-degree program that offers students a Bible, theology, and ministry skills curriculum. The student usually receives a diploma upon completion of the program. Bible colleges, on the other hand, usually offer some liberal arts coursework and allow students to earn an undergraduate academic degree.
Bible colleges and Bible institutes take a different approach to Christian higher education than Christian liberal arts colleges and universities. These schools offer a wide range of majors, including business, music, and communications, that are similar to those offered at secular schools. While students may be required to take some religion classes or attend chapel services, much of their coursework may be devoid of religious content. Undergraduate and graduate degrees are available to students.
A theological seminary or graduate school may be of interest to students who want to be trained for ordained ministry or specialized graduate education. Seminaries are graduate schools that award the Master of Divinity degree to students who want to become ministers or priests, at least in the United States. Other types of specialized graduate degrees, such as a master’s degree in Christian education, counseling, or various types of academic studies, may be offered by seminaries. A Christian graduate school, which may or may not be affiliated with a Christian liberal arts college, is an alternative to seminary. These graduate schools may not provide training for future clergy, but they do specialize in graduate-level academic or professional degrees for students who want to enter academia or supplement their current career with more in-depth knowledge of a specific discipline.