Classes began in 1971 with two certificate programs consisting of twelve semester hours of study in theology and the Old and New Testaments. On the first night, 329 students enrolled. By 1973 a three-year diploma program had been established, and by 1977 both a bachelor’s and master’s program were instituted. 

Since Criswell moved to its home in Dallas, Texas, in 1991, the college has created and maintained a governing board independent from First Baptist Church Dallas, and developed other undergraduate and graduate programs, diversifying its curriculum to include various majors in addition to the biblical studies major. The college has also established several online graduate degree programs.