
Dallas, United States of America

Dallas, United States of America

Cost Of Living

Undergraduate Fees International Students

Post Graduate Fees International Students

Criswell College has several key unique selling points (USPs) that distinguish it from other institutions. It is strongly rooted in a Bible-centered Christian education model, with all academic programmes integrating biblical theology and ministry-focused learning. The college is known for its small class sizes and highly personalised instruction, allowing close mentoring relationships between students and faculty. Another major USP is its strong emphasis on ministry preparation and leadership training, equipping students for careers in churches, missions, counselling, and Christian organisations. Located in downtown Dallas, it provides students with direct access to a large urban environment, offering internship and ministry opportunities in one of the largest metropolitan areas in the United States. In addition, Criswell College maintains a strong confessional Baptist identity, ensuring that faith, doctrine, and academic study are closely integrated throughout the student experience.
W. A. Criswell was the founding figure of Criswell College and one of the most influential Baptist pastors in the United... View More
W. A. Criswell was the founding figure of Criswell College and one of the most influential Baptist pastors in the United States. He served as the long-time senior pastor of the First Baptist Church of Dallas for over five decades. He played a major role in shaping modern evangelical thought, biblical preaching, and Southern Baptist leadership. His legacy includes thousands of sermons, theological writings, and the establishment of Criswell College to train future Christian leaders. View Less
Ergun Caner is a well-known Baptist theologian and former seminary president. He has served in academic leadership roles... View More
Ergun Caner is a well-known Baptist theologian and former seminary president. He has served in academic leadership roles in Christian universities and is recognised for his work in apologetics and Islamic studies from a Christian theological perspective. He is also a speaker and author in evangelical circles, focusing on theology and religious dialogue. View Less
Emir Caner is an academic administrator and president of Truett McConnell University. He has co-authored several books o... View More
Emir Caner is an academic administrator and president of Truett McConnell University. He has co-authored several books on theology, Christian doctrine, and leadership. His work focuses on Christian education, leadership training, and strengthening faith-based academic institutions in the United States. View Less
K. P. Yohannan is the founder of GFA World (formerly Gospel for Asia), one of the largest Christian mission organisation... View More
K. P. Yohannan is the founder of GFA World (formerly Gospel for Asia), one of the largest Christian mission organisations focused on Asia. His work has involved large-scale evangelism, humanitarian aid, education programmes, and church planting initiatives across multiple countries. He is also an author of several Christian leadership and mission-focused books. View Less
June Hunt is a Christian counsellor, author, and founder of Hope For The Heart, a global biblical counselling organisati... View More
June Hunt is a Christian counsellor, author, and founder of Hope For The Heart, a global biblical counselling organisation. She has developed widely used counselling materials addressing emotional, psychological, and spiritual issues from a Christian worldview. Her radio programme and teaching resources are distributed internationally. View Less
Dr. Andrew Hébert is a senior pastor and theological educator known for his leadership in Baptist churches and contribu... View More
Dr. Andrew Hébert is a senior pastor and theological educator known for his leadership in Baptist churches and contributions to Christian preaching and discipleship training. He focuses on church growth, pastoral leadership, and biblical teaching in contemporary ministry contexts. View Less
Dr. Dawna Duke has worked in Christian higher education, focusing on student development, educational leadership, and fa... View More
Dr. Dawna Duke has worked in Christian higher education, focusing on student development, educational leadership, and faith-based academic training. Her contributions include curriculum development and mentoring in Christian academic environments. View Less
Criswell College has a compact but well-planned urban campus located in Old East Dallas, designed to support theological education, academic learning, and student life. The infrastructure includes modern classroom buildings, lecture halls, faculty offices, and specialised learning spaces that support programmes in theology, psychology, education, and leadership studies. A key facility is Lance’s Hall, the on-campus residence hall that provides student housing with study areas, communal spaces, and residential support services, reflecting the college’s focus on community-based living and learning. The campus also includes administrative offices, student service centres, and chapel spaces that support spiritual development and campus activities.
Criswell College offers a close-knit and faith-centered student life that emphasises spiritual growth, community involvement, and personal development. Because of its small campus and low student-to-faculty ratio, students experience a strong sense of community and receive personalised interaction with professors and staff. Campus life includes chapel services, Bible studies, discipleship groups, student organisations, ministry activities, leadership programmes, and community service opportunities that reflect the college’s Christian mission. Students also participate in recreational and intramural sports, social events, and cultural activities that encourage fellowship and teamwork. Located in Dallas, the college additionally gives students access to internships, ministries, churches, and urban experiences that enrich both academic and spiritual life outside the classroom.


Criswell College supports campus recruitment mainly through its dedicated Job and Internship Board and Student Services Office, which connect students with employment opportunities in ministry, education, counselling, psychology, and related professional fields. Employers such as churches, ministries, and organisations regularly post job and internship openings that are accessible to both current students and alumni, helping them find roles aligned with their academic and vocational training. The college also facilitates internships, job placements, and ministry-based fieldwork, allowing students to gain practical experience during their studies. In addition, career guidance, mentoring, and application support are provided through student services, ensuring students are prepared for employment after graduation. Overall, Criswell’s campus recruitment system is strongly focused on vocational ministry and service-oriented careers, reflecting its faith-based educational mission.
The below information is required while
completing the university application :
1. International undergraduate applicants must complete an online application along with a personal essay explaining their academic goals and motivation for studying at the college.
2. They are required to submit official secondary school transcripts (high school or equivalent), and in some cases a certified transcript evaluation for international education records.
3. Applicants must also provide at least one recommendation letter, a copy of a valid photo ID or passport, and meet English language proficiency requirements, typically through TOEFL or Duolingo English Test scores (or equivalent approved proof).
4. Depending on the applicant’s academic profile, SAT, ACT, or CLT scores may also be required or considered for admission review.
5. For international students specifically, additional requirements include submission of a certified English transcript evaluation, proof of financial support to cover tuition and living expenses (minimum required funding documentation), and a copy of the passport for immigration processing.
6. After admission, students must also complete visa related steps to receive the I 20 form for studying in the United States.
Know moreCriswell College supports campus recruitment mainly through its dedicated Job and Internship Board and Student Services Office, which connect students with employment opportunities in ministry, education, counselling, psychology, and related professional fields. Employers such as churches, ministries, and organisations regularly post job and internship openings that are accessible to both current students and alumni, helping them find roles aligned with their academic and vocational training. The college also facilitates internships, job placements, and ministry-based fieldwork, allowing students to gain practical experience during their studies. In addition, career guidance, mentoring, and application support are provided through student services, ensuring students are prepared for employment after graduation. Overall, Criswell’s campus recruitment system is strongly focused on vocational ministry and service-oriented careers, reflecting its faith-based educational mission.


Criswell College has received several notable awards and achievements over the years, mainly in the areas of accreditation, academic development, and Christian higher education. In 1979, its undergraduate programmes received early accreditation from the American Association of Bible Colleges, followed by full institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) in 1985, allowing it to formally award recognised degrees. In 2001, the college strengthened its identity through affiliation with the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention. A key governance milestone came in 2010 when it established an independent governing board, improving institutional autonomy. In 2021, Criswell College gained recognition in national education rankings for selected academic strengths, and in 2025 it further expanded its scholarship and leadership award programmes supporting student excellence. Overall, the college is consistently recognised for its strong performance in Bible-centered education and ministry leadership preparation.


At the 4th Annual Legacy Awards Gala, alumni achievements were formally recognised, and prominent figures such as U.S. Senator James Lankford participated, highlighting the college’s growing national visibility.
The college received a perfect accreditation review outcome from SACSCOC, with no recommendations, confirming strong academic quality and institutional effectiveness.
Criswell College established a new independent governing board, improving institutional autonomy and strengthening academic administration.
The college formed an official affiliation with the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention (SBTC), strengthening its academic and religious identity within Baptist higher education networks.
Criswell College received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC), establishing it as a fully recognised degree-granting institution in the United States.
The college’s undergraduate programs were accredited by the American Association of Bible Colleges (AABC), marking its early academic recognition in theological education.
Criswell College has developed its academic innovation and research focus primarily around biblical education, ministry training, and leadership development. Established in 1971, the college introduced a Bible-centered higher education model that integrated theology with academic learning for Christian leadership preparation. In the 1980s, it expanded its academic scope by developing structured programmes in evangelism and missiology, strengthening applied ministry training. During the 1990s, it continued curriculum development and research into theological education methods and ministry effectiveness. In 2012, the college significantly broadened its academic offerings by adding disciplines such as philosophy, psychology, education, and political studies, marking a shift toward more interdisciplinary education. In recent years, Criswell College has focused on applied ministry research, leadership formation, and outcome-based education models designed to prepare students for modern church leadership, counselling, and service roles.
Recent development focuses on applied ministry leadership, biblical worldview integration, and graduate outcome-based learning models, aiming to prepare students for modern church leadership, counselling, education, and public engagement roles.
The college underwent governance restructuring and policy development changes, including updates in accreditation alignment and institutional independence, strengthening its administrative and academic framework.
Criswell College approved a major curriculum expansion introducing programmes in philosophy, politics & economics, education, and psychology, shifting from purely ministry-focused education to broader professional fields.
The institution carried out significant academic development studies focused on improving curriculum effectiveness and graduate outcomes, including research on theological education methods and ministry preparation systems.
During the 1980s, the college developed structured programs in evangelism and missiology, expanding curriculum beyond basic theology into mission studies and applied ministry training. This included formal program design and early academic research into mission effectiveness.

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