Youth Ministry Program

Asbury University’s Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Youth Ministry degree program elevates the study of how various models of ministry and mentorship influence the developmental journey of youth.

With a balanced curriculum rooted in theological reflection, our youth ministry degree encourages undergraduates to be sympathetic to cultural systems affecting the next generation. As a youth ministry major, you’ll develop a consistent and holistic approach to evangelism, discipleship, recreation and counseling that empowers you to guide youth throughout their journey of faith, maturity and participation in the Church.

If you feel called to assist young people to grow into fully committed followers of Jesus Christ and seek a college degree that will challenge you to think critically, solve problems and be creative in your vocation, Asbury’s youth ministry program could be your home.

What Can You Do With a Youth Ministry Degree?

A bachelor’s degree in ministry specializing in youth populations can launch career opportunities inside and outside of church and parachurch organizations as well as provide a foundation for further study and work in ministry and youth organizations.

Graduates of Asbury’s youth ministry major have found rewarding vocations in settings such as:

Youth mission organizations
Community service organizations
Faith-based educational institutions
Parachurch organizations
Coaching and sports environments
Youth ministry programming
Middle school, high school and college-age ministries
Urban or rural community youth ministries

Youth ministry students are also prepared to pursue pathways to advanced ministry leadership and youth pastor roles through earning graduate degrees in ministry at accredited seminaries or divinity schools.

B.A. in Youth Ministry Degree Requirements

Students earning the youth ministry bachelor’s degree take courses in their major in addition to a general education curriculum. Introducing a range of core concepts in youth development, teaching and mentoring practices and organizational leadership strategies, core youth ministry courses include:

Instructional Bible Study
Teaching in the Church
Youth and Culture
Pastoral Care of Youth
Dynamics of Spiritual Growth

Bachelor’s degrees require a minimum of 124-course credits. Youth ministry majors complete:

51 credits in core major courses, including a practicum and internship
56 credits in Foundations requirements
Electives to fulfill 124 credit minimum for bachelor’s degree

The curriculum offers flexibility for students to choose the courses they take in some focus areas as well as implement the skills they learn in actual ministry settings. Review complete youth ministry degree requirements on the major sheet and explore course descriptions and Foundations requirements in the Asbury catalog.

Why Major in Youth Ministry at Asbury University?

Asbury uplifts an adaptable approach to youth ministry where students actively engage with, observe and participate in youth ministry settings through practicums and internship opportunities.

Create Real Ministry Connections

Christian Ministries #3 The School of Christian Studies nurtures strong partnerships with youth ministry leaders and employers from around the world and most denominations, including:

Youth for Christ
Urban Youth Workers Institute
Local church youth ministries in rural, urban and international communities
Youth Specialties Academic Support Network

Along with benefits such as reduced fees for national and regional youth ministry conferences, Asbury youth ministry majors can access unique networking, travel abroad and mission opportunities that build a valuable portfolio of experience to assist them in their endeavors to follow God’s call after graduation.

Study and Practice Youth Ministry In Your Community and Beyond

A dedication to experiential learning allows students pursuing the youth ministry degree the facilities and room to help others through teaching and mentoring in professional settings while earning internship and course credits.

If you’re moved to create connections in your community or continue evolving the ministries you have bonds to, Asbury is the place to do it.

Explore Asbury’s opportunities for leadership and service, including community outreach.

If you’re interested in studying and engaging with youth ministries abroad, learn about our Cross-Cultural Engagement programs and global initiatives.

Tailor Your Education to Your Calling

One size does not fit all youth ministries. Asbury University’s uniquely adaptable youth ministry curriculum allows you to choose Biblical Theology, Educational Ministries, Youth Ministries and Christian Ministries courses that serve your interests and the varying needs of young people.

We recognize the rapidly changing and globalized youth environment of today. Students in the youth ministry program are supplied with the tools to create and progress ministries that fit any context.

Other Christian Studies Programs

Your youth leadership and ministry training at Asbury highlights why youth ministry is important and ventures to explore new ways to shepherd the Church into the future. It’s backed by Asbury’s philosophical history and the intellectual diversity of the School of Christian Studies. The School offers bachelor’s degrees in:

Learn more about the mission and students of the School of Christian Studies.

Youth Ministry Degree Program Admissions and Aid

Review admissions requirements for Asbury undergraduates, application deadlines and more information. We’re here to assist you on your college search journey. Contact the Admissions team to chat in person or virtually.

Trailblazing a new path by earning a flexible youth ministry degree can also be affordable. Discover what’s possible and how Asbury students manage the cost of their education through financial aid and scholarships.

Apply to the B.A. in Youth Ministry at Asbury University

Asbury’s Bachelor of Arts in Youth Ministry program positions graduates to discover fruitful career paths in youth faith organizations and to extend their education to graduate ministry or pastoral education.

Ready to learn how best to guide the next generation in their spiritual life? Apply to the youth ministry degree.