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2025 Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools in California

6 Colleges in California
1,107 Theology Degrees Awarded
$49,215 Avg Early-Career Salary
If you plan on majoring in theological & ministerial studies, you won't be alone since the degree program is ranked #63 in the country in terms of popularity. This means you won't have too much trouble finding schools that offer the degree.

College Factual looked at 6 colleges and universities when compiling its 2025 Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools in California ranking. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 1,107 degrees in theological & ministerial studies annually.

What's on this page: * Degree-Level Rankings

Choosing a Great Theological & Ministerial Studies School

Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools in California The theology program you select can have a big impact on your future. That's why we developed our collection of Best Schools for Theological & Ministerial Studies rankings. We derive our Best Overall Theological & Ministerial Studies School rankings by rolling up our degree-level rankings after weighting them by the number of degrees awarded at each school.

In order to find the schools that are the best fit for you, you may want to filter to one of the degree levels below.

Theological & Ministerial Studies Rankings by Degree Level

Bachelor's Degrees in Theology
Master's Degrees in Theology
Doctor's Degrees in Theology

The theology school you choose to invest your time and money in matters. To help you make the decision that is right for you, we've developed a number of major-specific rankings, including this list of the Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools in California. You can also filter this list by location to find schools closer to you.

In addition to College Factual's rankings, you may want to take a look at College Combat, our unique tool that lets you pit your favorite schools head-to-head and compare how they rate on factors that most interest you. When you have some time, check it out - you may want to bookmark the link so you don't forget it.

More information on how we come up with our rankings can be found here: College Factual's Data Methodology.

Best Schools for Theological & Ministerial Studies in California

The schools below may not offer all types of theology degrees so you may want to filter by degree level first. However, they are great for the degree levels they do offer.

Top California Schools in Theology

1
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
101 Theology Degrees Awarded
$54,596 Median Starting Salary

It's difficult to beat The Master's University and Seminary if you want to pursue a degree in theological & ministerial studies. Located in the suburb of Santa Clarita, The Master's University is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population. A Best Colleges rank of #383 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means The Master's University is a great university overall.

There were approximately 101 theological & ministerial studies students who graduated with this degree at The Master's University in the most recent data year. Theological & Ministerial Studies degree recipients from The Master's University and Seminary earn a boost of approximately $5,380 above the average income of theological & ministerial studies graduates.

More information about a degree in theological & ministerial studies from The Master’s University and Seminary

2
Biola crest
Biola University
La Mirada, CA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
98 Theology Degrees Awarded
5.1% Growth in Graduates

Biola University is one of the finest schools in the United States for getting a degree in theological & ministerial studies. Biola is a medium-sized private not-for-profit university located in the large suburb of La Mirada. This university ranks 86th out of 161 schools for overall quality in the state of California.

There were approximately 98 theological & ministerial studies students who graduated with this degree at Biola in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the theology program report average early career income of $42,625.

More information about a degree in theological & ministerial studies from Biola University

3
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
33 Theology Degrees Awarded
$50,661 Median Starting Salary

Hope International University is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in theological & ministerial studies. Located in the large suburb of Fullerton, Hope is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population. This university ranks 144th out of 161 colleges for overall quality in the state of California.

There were about 33 theological & ministerial studies students who graduated with this degree at Hope in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the theology program report average early career earnings of $50,661.

More information about a degree in theological & ministerial studies from Hope International University

4
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
7th Most Popular In CA
43 Theology Degrees Awarded

Every student who is interested in theological & ministerial studies has to look into SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary. School of Urban Missions is a small private not-for-profit college located in the large suburb of El Dorado Hills.

There were approximately 43 theological & ministerial studies students who graduated with this degree at School of Urban Missions in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in theological & ministerial studies from SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary

5
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
6th Most Popular In CA
42 Theology Degrees Awarded

Located in the large suburb of Azusa, Azusa Pacific is a private not-for-profit university with a moderately-sized student population. A Best Colleges rank of #143 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Azusa Pacific is a great university overall.

There were approximately 42 theological & ministerial studies students who graduated with this degree at Azusa Pacific in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in theological & ministerial studies from Azusa Pacific University

6
LIFE Bible College crest
Life Pacific College
San Dimas, CA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
40th Most Popular In CA

Located in the large suburb of San Dimas, LIFE Bible College is a private not-for-profit college with a small student population. This college ranks 118th out of 161 colleges for overall quality in the state of California.

There were approximately 11 theological & ministerial studies students who graduated with this degree at LIFE Bible College in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in theological & ministerial studies from Life Pacific College

Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Colleges in the Far Western US Region

Explore all the Best Theological & Ministerial Studies Colleges in the Far Western US Area or other specific states within that region.

State Colleges Degrees Awarded
Washington 300 197
Oregon 266 196
Hawaii 164 11
Alaska 119 4

View All Rankings >

One of 7 majors within the Theology & Religious Vocations area of study, Theological & Ministerial Studies has other similar majors worth exploring.

Theology Concentrations

Major Annual Graduates
Theology 440
Divinity/Ministry 411
Other Theological & Ministerial Studies 242
Rabbinical Studies 11
Pre-Theology/Pre-Ministerial Studies 3

View All Theology Focus Areas >

Related Major Annual Graduates
Biblical Studies 241
Pastoral Counseling & Specialized Ministries 233
Theology & Religious Vocations (Other) 106
Missionary Studies 78
Religious Education 56
Sacred Music 34

View All Theology Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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