Best Youth Ministry Bachelor Degree Programs

1. Boise Bible College

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$12920	95%	49%	89%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

2. Moody Bible Institute

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$13290	94%	67%	93%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

3. Emmaus Bible College

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$18950	94%	67%	100%	No	Yes	AP Credits

4. Johnson University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$16920	53%	63%	97%	No	Yes	AP / ACE Credits

5. Cairn University-Langhorne

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$28668	83%	60%	96%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

6. Lincoln Christian University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$13590	No Available Data (2019-2020)	58%	97%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

7. Huntington University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$26846	75%	70%	95%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

8. Lubbock Christian University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$23330	91%	50%	99%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

9. Lee University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$18770	82%	60%	98%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

10. University of Sioux Falls

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$18910	91%	64%	99%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

11. Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$27296	67%	71%	100%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

12. King University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$30616	62%	59%	92%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

13. Faulkner University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$22310	78%	33%	99%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

14. Liberty University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$16118	51%	47%	99%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit Study.com's ranking methodology page.

Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

It is highly unlikely that you will find a bachelor's degree in youth ministry that also offers concentrations. More often, you'll find youth ministry as a concentration within a larger bachelor's degree program in ministry. If you want to expand the scope of your studies, you might think about pursuing another major or a minor in conjunction with a youth ministry degree, which may help you to focus your education more.

Although youth ministry programs are almost exclusively offered at religious schools, students must usually take many of the same general arts courses that those at a secular college must pass. In terms of core classes, youth ministry students often focus on topics that will help them develop as Christians along with those that will help them as leaders and speakers. A practicum or internship is also frequently a feature of these programs, perhaps as a capstone. Other possible classes include:

• Introduction to the Bible
• Foundations of ministry
• Christian theology
• Old Testament and New Testament studies
• History of Christianity
• Systematic theology
• Biblical interpretation

It normally takes approximately four years to earn a bachelor's degree in youth ministry. Most programs require students to complete 120 credit hours to graduate and recommend taking 15 credit hours per semester. You may be able to accelerate this program by taking classes in other times besides the fall and winter, though some programs' degree plans are set. The internship or practicum requirements may make this difficult, as well.

When choosing a youth ministry school and program, you should consider a few factors. For many students, one of the foremost considerations when picking any religious institution will be how well the school's beliefs align with their own. Denominations within Christianity vary to different degrees, so prospective learners should research potential schools' statements of faith and core beliefs to ensure they align. Otherwise, a student may find himself or herself learning at a place that teaches a doctrine in which they do not believe.

In terms of concerns more specific to youth ministries, a key consideration is the opportunities for professional experience for students. Some programs may offer or require internships that involve partnerships with a local church or religious organization. This type of hands-on exposure can be extremely beneficial when searching for a job and developing your skills. Another crucial factor is the faculty of a school. Research the professors and instructors at a particular college or university to determine their reputation on the field and their history, as this can be indicative of how they will help you succeed while under their tutelage.

Regional accrediting bodies recognized by the Council for Higher Education (CHEA) ensure that an institution or program provides quality education. It also makes students eligible to get financial aid and makes transferring credits to other institutions easier. Some regional accrediting bodies include the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

There are also accreditation associations specifically designed for religious schools that offer these types of degrees. These are the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) and the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS) and the Association of Theological Schools The Commission on Accrediting (ATS); all of which accredit undergraduate programs and schools. The International Association of Bible Colleges and Seminaries (IABCS) is another notable accrediting body because religious schools will often tout as evidence of their quality, especially in regards to religious training.

Licensure and certification requirements for those who earn a bachelor's degree in youth ministry depend upon what career those individuals pursue. Generally speaking, a license is not one of the requirements for becoming a youth minister. That may vary depending on the job, church, and denomination, as some may require even those who work in youth ministry to be ordained.

The process of becoming a licensed minister varies for each denomination, so research yours to see what you may need to do.

Another reason a youth ministry graduate may need to obtain some sort of license or certification is if they work in a related field. For example, with more training and education, a biblical studies graduate could become a counselor. In this case, certification may be required by the state government, or it may be voluntary. A graduate of these programs may also work in Christian education, and as part of that, they might seek certification by a group like the Association of Christian Schools International. This is a voluntary certification, but some employers may require (or prefer) employees to earn it.

Earning a bachelor's degree in youth ministry can prepare individuals for a career in a number of different areas. Graduates may find work in ministry, nonprofit organizations, non-governmental organizations, community groups, camp programs, counseling, social work, and their own ministry. Jobs in these industries can be administrative or hands-on, depending on what direction you would like to take your career. Students may also focus on leadership roles, helping to run an organization or program of some sort. For some of the positions within these sectors, further education, a double major, or a minor in addition to a bachelor's in youth ministry may be beneficial. Common job titles include:

• Youth pastor
• Youth worker
• Missionary
• Associate pastor
• Children's minister
• Camp director
• Christian education teacher
• Social worker
• Counselor
• Therapist

How to Become a Youth Pastor

A youth pastor is responsible for leading and organizing an effective youth ministry. That may involve creating or implementing a fellowship, biblical teaching, worship, evangelism, and discipleship program in an effort to make disciples of youth. More specifically, duties may include maintaining working relationships with other community institutions like schools, collaborating with other church employees, providing counseling to youth on an individual level, participating in staff meetings and, preparing the youth ministry budget.

The requirements for becoming a pastor vary depending on the type of pastor, but, generally, at least a bachelor's degree in a subject related to ministry or theology is needed. That also holds true for youth positions For more senior positions, advanced degrees are often required. Some on-the-job training may also be needed. Payscale reported that the average annual salary of youth pastors was $38,906 as of 2021. Employment in this field was also projected to grow about 3 percent from 2019 to 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics data about general clergy members.

How to Become a Director of Religious Activities and Education

Those who take a different approach with their career after getting a bachelor's in youth ministry may find employment as a director of religious activities and education. These professionals coordinate or design programs designed to educate, promote, or spread the message of a particular religious group. They may also provide some forms of counseling or advice to individuals. Job responsibilities may include recruiting volunteers, creating courses of study or lessons, promoting programs or education opportunities, and training and supervising volunteers and staff.

This is a slightly more senior position than some others in the field, but a bachelor's degree may still qualify individuals for it. But you may need a little more work experience to have a chance to get a job in this type of role. The BLS reported in 2019 that these professionals had a median annual salary of $43,850. The growth rate is about as fast as average at 3 percent.

Career advancement in youth ministry takes various forms depending on the career avenue you pursue. For those who pursue a more secular or traditional direction such as education or social work, career advancement will look much different compared to youth ministry graduates who choose a career in ministry. For example, if you decide to become a teacher with your youth ministry degree, you may start out as a substitute or full-time educator before transitioning to more of a leadership role, perhaps as an administrator in a school or school district. Along the way, you will gain experience and may earn further degrees.

On the other hand, a career in ministry has various pathways that differ for each church or religious organization. For instance, after graduating with your bachelor's in youth ministry you may become a staff member or entry-level pastor at a church. If you want to move up the pastoral ranks, at least a master's is normally required, so you may need to return to school to earn a graduate degree of some sort. These degrees and more are described below.

Degrees in youth ministry may not be offered at all levels of academia, but that does not mean it is not possible to attain whatever level of education you desire in this field. At the highest levels, in particular, it may be extremely difficult to find a degree program specifically focused on youth ministry. Instead, it may be best to choose a program in a related ministry topic. Any of the levels of degrees listed below may help with finding employment or excelling in your current job.

Associate Degrees in Youth Ministry

An associate degree in youth ministry may take the form of an Associate of Art (AA) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Youth Ministries degree. These programs typically aim to give students the basic theological and doctrinal knowledge needed to pursue a career in ministry, in addition to the required fundamental skills someone in this field needs. It normally takes around two years to earn this degree, with students completing approximately 60 credit hours worth of classes to graduate at most schools.

Master's Degrees in Youth Ministry

At the post-graduate level, a youth ministry degree often has other words in its title such as family or children's ministry. These programs normally confer a Master of Arts (MA) upon graduation (such as a Master of Arts in Youth and Young Adult Ministry). They are usually designed to equip graduates with the skills needed to serve youths in churches, nonprofits, religious organizations, and similar employers. Students typically dive deeper into religious topics in these programs and may be able to be ordained after graduation. Most universities require students to complete about 36 credit hours to graduate, with students doing so in 18 months or more in many cases.

Doctoral Degrees in Youth Ministry

It becomes much more difficult to find a doctoral degree in youth ministry compared to any of the degrees discussed above. There may be a few Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degrees that offer a concentration in youth or family ministry, but it is more likely that you will find a general DMin program that can help you further your career in youth ministry. These programs normally delve extremely deep into theological aspects of the job and may focus on becoming a published author, teacher or researcher. It normally takes at least three years to earn this degree.

Certificates in Youth Ministry

Most commonly, certificates in youth ministry are offered at the undergraduate level. These standalone programs generally teach students the most basic skills needed to serve or work in youth ministry. This may include a cursory overview of some of the topics common in a bachelor's degree curriculum, with an emphasis on foundational religious subjects. It is often possible to earn this certification in a few months, as most schools require 18 or fewer credit hours to obtain certification.

The first step in searching for financial aid for students is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This shows students what federal loans, grants, or work-study programs for which they may qualify. Completing the FAFSA may require numerous documents such as the applicant's driver's license number, social security number, parents' social security numbers, and federal tax information.

Schools often offer scholarships to students earning these degrees, so check with your chosen college or university to see what you may qualify for. In addition, some churches or religious organizations may help pay for your education like an employer might. One great resource for finding scholarships is the CareerOneStop Scholarship Finder, which is run by the U.S. Department of Labor.