The Best Schools for Studying the Bible

Established in 1636, Harvard now enrolls more than 23,700 students on an annual basis. The university also provides free online courses through the HarvardX online platform.

The Harvard Divinity School offers five degree programs, including the master of theological studies, master of divinity, master of theology, master of religion and public life, and doctor of philosophy. Students typically finish their master's degrees within one to three years, while doctorate students finish their courses within five to seven years.

Applicants must submit official transcripts of records, three letters of recommendation, an updated resume, and a statement of purpose.

Since its founding in 1701, Yale blossomed into a large research university, recognized nationally and internationally. About 4,660 undergraduate students and 7,400 graduate students attend Yale every year.

Yale Divinity School offers master's degrees in divinity, religion, and sacred theology, along with certificate programs in black church studies, educational leadership ministry, Lutheran studies, and united methodist studies. Yale allows students to cross enroll in courses and allows students the opportunity to complete dual degrees.

Interested applicants must send over a completed application form, an academic writing sample, letters of recommendation, and official transcripts of records.

Founded in 1890, UChicago ranks among the top urban research universities in the country. UChicago offers 52 majors at the undergraduate level and six professional schools for graduate study.

The University of Chicago Divinity School also offers areas of study in constructive studies, Buddhist studies, religion and the human sciences, Islamic studies, and religions in the Americas. UChicago's students take different classes across these areas of study and can pursue special courses.

UChicago does not require domestic students to submit official academic records. However, all applicants must meet the minimum score requirements for the TOEFL and IELTS and submit letters of recommendation and a writing sample.

Emory was founded in 1836 and now consists of two campuses in the city of Atlanta. The university enrolls more than 14,000 students in the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Emory's Graduate Division of Religion offers nine courses of study, including American religious cultures, ethics and society, Hebrew Bible, historical studies in theology and religion, person, community and religious life, and theological studies. All students participate in the Teaching Assistant Training and Teaching Opportunity (TATTO) program as part of their study plan.

Emory requires interested applicants to submit transcripts, a statement of purpose, an updated resume, and three letters of recommendation.

Established in 1860, Wheaton now offers more than 40 undergraduate degrees and 18 graduate programs. Wheaton integrates a 10:1 student-faculty ratio and an average class size of 23 students.

Wheaton's School of Biblical and Theological Studies provides students with degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Wheaton offers bachelor's degrees in biblical and theological studies and biblical archaeology, master's degrees in biblical exegesis, Christianity, and theology.

Interested applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution and a minimum GPA of 3.0.

With two campuses across the state of Minnesota, SJU offers more than 60 areas of study. All classes at SJU are taught by credentialed faculty members, as opposed to graduate assistants.

The Department of Theology and Religious Studies at SJU offers a bachelor's degree, a master's degree, and an advanced certificate in theology. SJU also provides students with the option to take an accelerated dual degree program and complete bachelor's and master's degrees in five years of full-time study.

SJU requires all applicants to fill out the online application and submit all official transcripts of records from an accredited college or university.

Sewanee rolls out 38 majors, 44 minors, and 15 special programs in its academic line-up. The university also implements an excellent student-faculty ratio of 11:1, providing a welcoming environment for the teaching-learning process.

Sewanee's School of Theology offers a major and a minor in religious studies. Students of this program learn intensive courses, including philosophy of religion, introduction to the Bible, introduction to Asian religions, gender and sex in the new testament, and methodologies in religious studies.

All applicants must submit their official transcripts of records, two letters of recommendation, and a completed application form.

Since its inception in 1847, Earlham consistently ranks among the best liberal arts institutions in the country. Earlham provides top-quality education through an excellent student-faculty ratio of 9:1.

Earlham's School of Religion offers master's programs in divinity and ministry, religion, theopoetics and writing, and peace and social transformation. Earlham also offers certificate programs in spiritual exploration and formation, writing as a ministry, entrepreneurial ministry, and bi-vocational ministry.

Interested applicants must complete the online application form, submit official post-secondary transcripts, and complete the essay within the Slate application system.

For over 180 years, Erskine developed a reputation as a first-rate Christian academic community. Erskine provides students with academic success resources, including supplemental instruction, writing services, and information technology support.

Erskine's Bible and Religion program offers the Christian education track and the biblical and theological track. For students planning to continue their studies in the seminary, Erskine also offers the Accelerated Ministry Program.

Erskine requires all applicants to fill out the online application and submit all official academic transcripts of records.

Located in a 200-acre picturesque campus in Laurel Highlands, Saint Vincent enrolls more than 1,800 students every year. Saint Vincent offers 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, along with an 11:1 student-faculty ratio.

The Theology Department at Saint Vincent offers a bachelor of arts degree in technology, along with more than 40 majors and minors. Graduates of Saint Vincent's theology program now work in the youth ministry, campus ministry, parish ministry, military chaplaincy, or teach as high school theology teachers.

All applicants must complete a signed application form, submit official high school transcripts and SAT and/or ACT scores, and pay a $25 application fee.