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What is Youth Ministry?

Youth Ministry is a field of study defined as an age-specific religious ministry that provides support, ministry, and spiritual guidance to young adults, adolescents, and children.  Youth ministry is a defined faith group or religious organization designed to minister and engage with the youth in a community and to youth that attend a specific place of worship.

Youth ministers encourage & support young people in a variety of ways and organize activities for the common good.  Most youth ministry degree programs will help students become proficient in the following areas: religious education, psychology, communication, counseling, small group leadership, activity planning, event management, family studies, and youth evangelism.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$47,640

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

22.18%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

28,380

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Youth Ministry Courses

Emory University's Youth Theological Initiative firmly believes that youth can do important theological work, the church, and society need them to do this work. The program is dedicated to serving students interested in focusing on ministries with youth. Offering a Master of Religious Leadership specializing in ministries with youth. Many of the graduates with Youth Theological Initiative on research, which explores the theological perspectives and practices of youth and young adults.

Acceptance Rate

15.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Baptist Bible College and Seminary students learn from exceptional professors who have dedicated their lives to the pursuit of biblical truth. They will emerge with a firm foundation they can trust, equipping them to teach the Word, preach the gospel, and influence hearts and minds in faithful service to the Lord. Individuals who are a follower of Jesus Christ are called to serve in ministry, their understanding of sound theology is important to the growth and stability of the local and global Church. Deepen their faith and enhance their ministry skills by enrolling in the program.

Acceptance Rate

40.58

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Geneva College's Student Ministry offers students essential knowledge that will prepare them to serve as ministers to youth in church or para-church settings. The program will deliver the foundation, ministry skills, and attitudes to succeed in the field. Students have the freedom to choose to specialize in Urban Ministry, Children's Ministry, Outdoor/Experiential Education, or College Ministry. During the student's final year in the program, they must complete an internship, equipping them with hands-on experience. The faculty who instruct this course combines education with church experience, delivering to students an enriched learning context.

Acceptance Rate

53.23

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

LeTourneau University's Biblical Studies and Ministry equips students for effective ministry both philosophically and practically. The program has an emphasis on the Christian Youth Ministry course while also providing essential frameworks for biblical and theological formation. Offering excellent preparation for students considering vocational ministry in the church, parachurch, and missional settings. This course offers fewer general education courses and more general electives.

Acceptance Rate

44.51

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

North Park University's top ranked Youth Ministry degree provides a solid foundation in the realities of youth culture, the theory, and practices of youth ministry, and relevant biblical and theological topics. Students have the opportunity to gain experience connecting with and mentoring teens. They will be ready to engage in fun and challenging ministry opportunities with youth everywhere. Students complete two supervised field experiences with youth from a variety of cultures and backgrounds.

Acceptance Rate

47.64

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Johnson University's degree in Youth Ministry prepares students to become leaders to serve in churches and other youth-focused ministries. The church requires leaders who evangelize, nurture, and equip to help them make an eternal impact on their churches, communities, and the world. Youths serve as a vital part of today's church and will extend their ministries and leadership into future decades. Graduates with this degree often serve as student pastors, youth and children's ministry leaders, and parachurch youth leaders.

Acceptance Rate

53.27

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Judson University's Christian Ministries Department provides students an option to choose from one of four majors. Every major is built around a common set of courses focused on practical ministry leadership. Students have the opportunity to pursue a specific ministry of their interest. They may also add a Christian Youth Ministries minor to any of their existing major.

Acceptance Rate

38.53

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

Harding University's Master of Arts in Christian Youth Ministry degree is designed to equip students for leadership in some form of specialized ministry in churches or other settings. The institution offers three graduate degrees and a doctoral degree. Requirements for academic programs are determined by the catalog that is in effect at the time of the student's enrollment in the program. Students who are interested to change programs may change only to programs offered in the catalog.

Acceptance Rate

61.34

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Olivet Nazarene University's online degree in Youth Ministry has been approved by the Course of Study Advisory Committee to meet educational requirements for ordination as an elder/deacon in the Church of the Nazarene. The program is ideal for those who wish to influence the next generation for Jesus Christ. The need for youth ministry continues to increase. Students also take classes on campus and complete a final project. Students in the program are creative thinkers who are able to operate within the boundaries of rules and requirements.

Acceptance Rate

57.76

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Vanguard University's Theology is a learning community committed to the church and the academy. The Division of Theology houses both the biblical studies and leadership disciplines as part of the college. The curriculum for the religion major is administered through concentrations in biblical studies. Christian studies allow students to choose any theology electives for the major without having to select a particular concentration.

Acceptance Rate

49.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

The online youth ministry degree offered at Ohio Northern University is known for it's rigorous academics, covering religion, sociology, psychology, and education. The program is designed in collaboration with the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church. From the moment students arrive on campus, they become part of a close-knit family. The faculty will guide them as they grow intellectually, spiritually, and professionally. Graduates will have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to follow their calling.

Acceptance Rate

70.15

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Indiana Wesleyan University's Associate of Science with a major in Christian Ministries is offered in an online format and may also be offered onsite at locations in Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky. The course provides a foundational basis for students desiring to continue their education at the institution to complete a bachelor's degree in the discipline. It meets many academic and practicum requirements for licensing and/or ordination in many denominations. Graduates will have the skills to demonstrate entry-level ministry skills for a local church and parachurch organizations.

Acceptance Rate

67

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Asbury University's Youth Ministry Program prepares students for leadership roles in ministry with adolescents in church and parachurch settings. The program equips students for evaluating various models of ministry. It focuses on teaching and mentoring youth supported by study and practice in evangelism, discipleship, counseling, recreation, and assessment of cultural systems. The department has strong connections with youth ministry leaders from around the world.

Acceptance Rate

64.41

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

The Master's College and Seminary's Bachelor of Arts in Youth Ministry is a comprehensive program of training for ministry, with courses in theology, Bible, practical ministry, and general studies. Completing the program will help students understand the role of the church in community life and the student ministries leader as an adolescent and family resource person. Students have the opportunity to experience the innovative educational approach of the first-year program. They can get connected with local Pentecostal pastors, leaders from their district, and their excellent faculty.

Acceptance Rate

67.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Hope International University's Youth & Family Ministry degree is designed to allow students to focus on youth ministry courses while pursuing another major. Training students to effectively minister to youth and families in today's rapidly changing culture. The course teaches students to be students of cultural, technological, psychosocial, and developmental trends. It will aid them in developing an effective ministry in any setting. Graduates will have a solid foundation for ministry in the local church, para-church ministries, as well as preparation for graduate studies in a variety of theological and ministry-related fields.

Acceptance Rate

36.79

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Lipscomb University's Theology and Ministry students learn from devoted theologians who will train them to step into Kingdom service. They will have an array of vocational options like foreign missions, urban ministry, campus ministry, just to name a few. They will provide the foundation of knowledge, tools, and skills you need. Through deep formation in the Christian faith, students will be prepared to equip others to be faithful participants in God's Mission. Graduates are serving in traditional and nontraditional ministry settings today.

Acceptance Rate

63.11

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Point Loma Nazarene University offers qualified students a robust  Youth and Family Ministries degree to help students expand their understanding of intergenerational ministry, developmentalism, counseling youth, and adolescent behavior. Through that knowledge, it will prepare them to navigate with invaluable practical skills in interpersonal and group communication. Preparing them to navigate any number of social contexts, whether their dreams lie in ministry, psychology, teaching, social work, or any number of other careers. The program delves into the complex landscape of multigenerational ministry, learning to competently engage a wide variety of situations, individuals, and family units

Acceptance Rate

73.66

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Seton Hall University offers a Campus Ministry program that is deeply committed to providing Christian education and developing a community. The program's mission is to be a pastoral presence of the Catholic Church on campus. They are dedicated to evangelize and empower all, by the prompting of the Spirit, to become passionate members of God's family. The institution creates an environment that allows for spiritual, moral, liturgical, and sacramental development, as well as intellectual, social, and physical growth.

Acceptance Rate

73.63

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Dordt College has a top-tier Youth Ministry degree that is a professional program within the context of comprehensive Christian education. Completing the course, the student's perspective in Biblical Theology Discernment for Ministry students may apply for entrance into the youth ministry program. The goal of the program is to equip pastoral caregivers to bring theological and biblical insight into the relational and cultural world of young people. They help students combine practical experience with reflection and mentoring relationships.

Acceptance Rate

75.46

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

William Jessup University has curated a Youth Ministry degree program that espouses a vision to reach the next generation by preparing students to evangelize and disciple youth and their families. The program is committed to preparing students to be dynamic leaders and facilitators that inspire youth to the Christian life. The program aims to demonstrate Christian leadership and professional competence. They also help students communicate a Christian worldview within a biblical context in a global society.

Acceptance Rate

65.03

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

John Brown University's Christian Ministry and Formation help students develop their understanding of their spiritual and vocational calling. They have the opportunity to learn the most effective ways to minister to and discipline all people. Students learn to explain and apply biblical passages to cultivate their leadership skills and explore biblical and theoretical solutions to specific ministry problems. The program's vision is to develop graduates who are qualified to work with children, youth, adults, and families.

Acceptance Rate

75.77

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Gordon College's Youth Ministries program prepares students to effectively work with young people faithfully and effectively in churches, Christian schools, para-church organizations, and other youth agencies. The course will challenge individuals to think critically, creatively, and strategically. They will equip students with relevant theory and expertise in ministering to adolescents throughout their second decade of life and faith formation. The institution is deeply committed to ensuring that their students not only study ministry during their time but also engage in ministry throughout their college career.

Acceptance Rate

74.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Columbia International University offers a renown Youth Ministry, Family, and Culture degree program actively work in youth and family ministry. The program teaches from personal experience, not just from the textbook. Sharing the knowledge and skills needed to reach the next generation and their families for Christ and guide them in understanding how contemporary issues affect family life and culture. Students can specialize in advanced youth communication, adventure education, at-risk education, camp and retreat ministry, cross-cultural youth ministry, family-based ministry, and general youth ministry.

Acceptance Rate

47.92

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

The youth ministry degree at Eastern University provides students with a quality Christian liberal arts education that equips its students to take 'the whole gospel to the whole world'. They are dedicated to developing a youth ministry curriculum and training that will meet the evolving needs of a rapidly changing global community. The program developed a full academic department and degree program to meet the unique challenges of reaching the 1.2 billion between the ages of 13-20 who inhabit the world. Their mission involves training disciples of Jesus Christ to raise up fellow disciples of Christ.

Acceptance Rate

61.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Multnomah University's Youth and Educational Ministries combines the best of educational methodology with the social science disciplines. Students learn how to counsel and care for today's families as they develop programs, teach lessons, and evaluate innovative ways to minister to the next generation. Experienced faculty will guide them in leadership, communication, and spiritual formation. The program offers yearly mission trips to Europe or Asia where they partner with alumni working in international contexts.

Acceptance Rate

52.63

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Top Youth Ministry Degrees

Prospective students contemplating a degree in youth ministry, it is vital to understand the programs available.  Accredited colleges and universities offering youth ministry degrees can include both post-graduate, graduate, certificate, and undergraduate programs.

Additionally, learning modalities can include traditional classroom-based programs, online degrees, and hybrid formats.  A hybrid degree program blends the best of distance learning with a set schedule for students to meet in a classroom setting.  To help you determine which degree program is best for you, we have summarized the most popular degree tracks below.

Youth Ministry Certificate Programs

On-site or online certificate programs in youth ministry can be earned a the graduate or undergraduate level.  Undergraduate certificates provide students with foundational, essential knowledge within the ministry learning domain.  An undergraduate certificate can be used by students to upskill, obtain entry-level positions in the field, or as a segue to a formal degree.

Graduate certificates, on the other hand, are credentials used by experienced professionals and qualifying students to add additional skills in ministry or to prepare for a career transition.  A certificate can be issued for general areas of ministry or specific areas such as:

  • School Leadership
  • Communication Studies
  • Worship Studies
  • Biblical Studies
  • Human Services
  • Public Policy
  • Global Studies
  • Christian Leadership
  • Pastoral Counseling
  • Theological Studies
  • Christian Ministries

Youth Ministry Bachelor’s Degree

Youth ministry online bachelor degrees or their on-campus equivalent can be conferred as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS).  Students can expect a bachelor’s degree to take about four-years to complete based on full-time study.  Courses in a youth ministry program will blend a traditional liberal arts education with theology curriculum.  Ultimately the goal providing both pedagogies is to offer students a well-rounded educational experience.

Liberal arts classes may include creative writing, communication, economics, philosophy, psychology, math, and history.   Core curriculum will vary by college and may include a variety of the following courses: biblical studies, transformational leadership, children’s ministry, worship, music studies, pastoral leadership, contemporary issues in youth development, theatre ministries, women’s leadership, and worship technology.

Youth Ministry Master’s Degree

Master’s degrees in youth ministry can be completed in one to two years of full time matriculation.  A master’s degree can be conferred as a Master in Divinity (MDiv), Master of Science (MS), or Master of Arts (MA).  Students in a graduate-level program will be required to take a series of upper-level classes along with the successful completion of a thesis project.

Youth ministry graduate degrees will tend to focus on understanding contextual issues, adolescent culture, intergenerational issues, and youth ministry principles.  Students will learn the importance of spiritual health and advanced counseling methodologies.

Youth Ministry Doctorate Degree

Doctorate degrees in youth ministry will be conferred in one of five ways: 1) DWS, 2) PhD, 3) DMin, 4) DBA, or 5) EdD.  Such degree options in ministry provide choice and professional alternatives.  Take the time to investigate the differences at specific colleges and how that fits with your professional aspirations.  For example, a PhD in counseling and supervision could be ideal for graduate students seeking to perform research or teach in a secondary education setting.

Conversely, a DMin in expository preaching may be a perfect fit for you given your unique skills and knowledge.  Doctorate degrees will typically take between three to five years to complete as the dissertation project will encompass a large portion of the overall time in the program.

Educational Requirements in Youth Ministry

In terms of educational requirements, Youth Ministry degree holders will have typically studied the following courses while in college:

Employment Specializations for Youth Ministers

For students considering a future in youth ministry, it stands to reason to think beyond college. Does it make sense for you to work towards leading a series of small groups or take on other responsibilities? Specializations that may be available to qualified youth ministers include a broad range of careers in ministry and secular jobs.

Examples that may be worth considering include becoming a public speaker, pastor, high school teachers, theologian, research scholar, Christian curriculum designer, author, blogger, psychologist, marriage counselor, substance abuse counselor, career counselor, or behavior disorder counselor. To learn more about possible career tracks supported by the Association of Youth Ministry Educators (AYME), simply visit their landing page.

Youth Ministry Job Growth

Employment growth in youth ministry and affiliated fields are above average according to the BLS data repository. To illustrate, the estimated growth for members of the clergy in the United States is currently estimated to grow as fast as the national average. Meanwhile associated jobs for youth ministers are poised to grow faster than the national average. Examples include careers as a substance abuse counselor which is set to vault 22% and a high school teacher at 7% over the next ten year reporting period. Compensation for youth ministers will be determined by your job capacity, areas of responsibility, organization, location, and experience in the field.

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