Cultivate a legacy of faith
Youth Ministry Degree
Be a mentor, be a leader. Gain a biblical, theological, and pastoral Christian education through field courses and experiences central to preparing Christian leaders. Be a light for the next generation, and gain skills to serve with a youth ministry degree.
Future leaders are getting prepared right here.
Answer the call to serve. Prepare for a life of purpose. Become a beacon of hope. Start with a youth ministry degree.
The youth ministry degree program at Anderson University prepares students for ministry to youth, including church-based youth and children’s ministries, youth camps, urban ministries, or other settings.
We recognize that church families need passionate leaders who can appreciate the developmental changes in the lives of their children and teens, and who care about the variety of contexts in which they live. The youth ministry degree program is strongly rooted in Bible and ministry courses, which prepares students not only for immediate ministry work, but also further graduate theological education.
Fulfill your calling, lead with compassion.
Learn why Amanda loves AU and why relationships have been the key to why she is thriving as a ministry major.
EXPLORE A YOUTH MINISTRY DEGREE
A youth ministry degree equips you to guide and mentor young people during a crucial stage of their development. This program helps you develop essential leadership qualities such as communication, empathy, and organizational skills. You’ll learn how to inspire and lead, plan meaningful activities, and create supportive environments.
Degree Options
- Graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Youth Ministries in three years.
- Graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Youth Ministries in four years.
- 4 + 1 BA in Youth Ministry plus an MDiv in 5 years.
Classes
Among the classes in the 48-hour major are:
- Church Ministry
- Christian Ethics
- Methods in Biblical Exegesis
- Ministry Seminar
- Theology in a Ministry Context
- View the courses required for the youth ministries major.
Careers Pathways
Our graduates serve in church ministry, social agencies, the missionary field, teaching at the collegiate level, or para-church organizations (such as Youth For Christ and Young Life).
Many of our students transition into graduate programs at the Anderson University School of Theology and Christian Ministry, but others have attended Claremont School of Theology, Duke Divinity School, Union Theological Seminary, Vanderbilt University, Fuller Theological Seminary, and Asbury Theological Seminary.
Service in Action
- 80% of AU Christian ministry students specialize in Christian ministry.
- 30 students a year complete internships in churches and related agencies.
- Experiential learning is stressed through urban studies courses in Chicago, New York City, and Washington, D.C.
- The AU Department of Christian Ministry stresses the Bible as the basis of ministry training.
Experiential Learning
Along with classroom-based instruction, students in the youth ministry degree program will complete a practicum, gaining ministry experience in a setting appropriate to their future work. Internships are customized according to each student’s interests and ministry goals. These are typically done in local churches, but internships have also included work in summer youth camps, national parks, inner-city ministries, national church agencies, and other settings.
Meet our faculty during your campus visit.
_ School of Theology and Christian Ministry
Joshua Alley
Assistant Director of the Massey Center for Compelling Preaching
Dr. Rustin Brian
Adjunct Professor of Theology
Jaymie Dieterle
Administrative and Grants Coordinator
Dr. Jeffrey W. Frymire
Director of the James Earl Massey Center for Compelling Preaching
Dr. Stephen (Randy) Gooder
Adjunct Faculty, PACT
Dr. Leanne Ketcham
Assistant Professor of Preaching and Practical Theology
Rodney A. Kilgore
Assistant Professor of New Testament
Dr. Sarah LaRose
Adjunct Faculty, SOTCM
Dr. Gilbert Lozano
Professor of Biblical Studies and Hebrew
Dr. Carron Odokara
Adjunct Professor
Dr. G. Alan Overstreet
Academic Director, School of Theology and Christian Ministry
Dr. Bart Riggins
Adjunct Faculty, SOTCM
Ramon Rivera
Director of Ministry Education in Spanish
Dr. Jason Varner
Director of the Peace and Conflict Transformation (PACT) Program; Associate Professor of the History of Christianity
Dr. Nathan J. Willowby
Dean, College of Christian Ministry, and Music, Theatre, & Dance
The Anderson You
You have unique interests and skills that set you apart. Explore the free My College Career Quiz to receive a personalized list of majors selected just for you. We’ve taken out the guessing work. Come find the Anderson you.