Youth Ministry
Overview
Youth ministry programs prepare people to work in churches with children and young people.Youth ministry programs include topics such as:
- Child and adolescent psychology
- Human growth and development
- Family studies
- Communication skills
- Religious education
- Youth counseling
Schools
A few two-year schools offer associate degree programs in youth ministry. An associate degree program usually takes two years of full-time study.
Many colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in youth ministry. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.
Many universities offer graduate degrees in youth ministry. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Biblical Language and Literature
- Christian Studies
- Community Services
- Family Studies and Human Development
- Ministry
- Pastoral Studies and Counseling
- Religious Education
- Religious Studies
- Sacred Music
- Theology and Pre-Theology
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Community Service
- English Composition
- Psychology
- Public Speaking
- Sociology
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
A bachelor's degree program in this field typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Adolescent Psychology and Counseling
- Bible History and Literature
- Bible Study Methods
- Church History
- Creative Youth Ministries
- English Composition
- General Psychology
- Hermeneutics
- Homiletics
- Introduction to Philosophy
- Introduction to Sociology
- Ministry of Evangelism and Discipleship
- Pastoral Counseling
- Pastoral Theology
- Principles and Methods of Religious Education
- Psychology of Abnormal Behavior
- Sociology of American Youth
- Speech Communication
- Systematic Theology
- Youth Programming
Things to Know
Even if it is not required, you may want to gain experience working in settings such as these:
- Religious education at a Sunday school
- Communal service through a local religious agency serving youth
- Youth group advising
- Summer camp work
Schools
King-Snohomish Area
Northwest University
- Educational Studies--Community Programming for Children & Youth
- General Ministries--Children & Family Ministries
- General Ministries--Youth & Family Ministries
- Intercultural Studies--University Ministry
- Youth & Family Ministries
Tacoma Area
Faith International University & Seminary
- Christian Education
- Divinity
- Ministry
- Theological Studies