Bachelor's Degree in Christian Ministries

Pursue Your Calling with a Christian Ministry Major!

Hone your skills in ministry and develop strategies for serving Christ in the U.S. and around the world with a degree in Christian ministries from University of the Cumberlands. Learn what it takes to pursue a ministry in evangelism, church planting, and discipleship, leading personal, compassionate ministry for all people with a bachelor’s degree program that covers theology, biblical interpretation, spiritual development and a number of other relevant Christian ministry and Bible degree courses.

• Mission and Goals
• What is a Christian Ministries degree?
• What can I do with a Ministry Degree?
• Degree Requirements for a Christian Ministry Degree
• Is an accredited Ministry degree worth it?
• More Information on Christian Ministry Degree

Mission and Goals

The Department of Missions and Ministry at Cumberlands strives to provide the best possible training to students interested in missions and ministry education. Through this Bachelor in Christian ministry degree, you will hone your skills and develop strategies for serving Christ in the United States and around the world through evangelism; church planting; discipleship; and personal, compassionate ministry to all people.

Back to Top

What is a Christian Ministries degree?

University and college ministry programs provide you with the biblically based insights, information and credential you need to pursue any number of ministry occupations, as well as the theological basis you need to begin seminary studies. While you don’t need a church ministry degree to make an impact for the Kingdom of God, earning one through a systematic program of biblical study can help you walk closer with God as you prepare for a lifetime of service.

Your faculty in the Department of Missions and Ministry are experienced ministers and accomplished scholars. They are dedicated to providing the training and guidance you need to grow and mature in your Christian faith and commitment as you seek to minister for Christ in the 21st century.

Back to Top

What can you do with a Ministry degree?

From furthering your studies in seminary or with another graduate degree to moving directly into ministry, both our Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministries and our Bachelor of Science with a major in Christian Ministries can help you prepare for a place in Christian service.

Your ministry degree can help you pursue a career as:

DIRECTOR OF RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES¹

A degree in religion, missions or biblical studies can help you pursue a number of ministry career opportunities, serving God where He sends you, from planting churches and global missions to serving in the local church. For example, a director position in Religious Activities offers a median salary of $46,980 annually with a projected growth rate of 4-5 percent over the next decade.

POSTSECONDARY INSTRUCTOR²

A ministry-related program University of the Cumberlands can also help you pursue a postsecondary teaching position in religious studies, missions or biblical ministry. With a median annual salary of $79,640, employment opportunities as a college professor or instructor are projected to grow 12 percent by 2030.

CAREERS:

• Local ministry as a pastor
• Youth minister
• Children's minister
• Worship minister
• International Missionary
• Church Planter
• Director of Religious Activities and Education
• Adult Ministries Director
• Christian Education Director
• Religious Education Coordinator
• Religious Studies Professor
• Ministry Instructor
• Adjunct Professor of Biblical Studies
• or a number of other capacities

"12 Percent" Projected Growth Rate for Postsecondary Teachers by 2030²

¹Director, Religious Activities and Education
²Postsecondary Teachers

Or apply to regional, national, or international organizations for a position like Director of Religious Activities and Education. Or let your degree be a stepping stone toward a graduate degree, such as a Master of Arts in Christian Studies. The opportunities are endless.

If you’re looking for the right Christian ministry college for your education and discipleship, University of the Cumberlands has a long and proud history of service, beginning with our founding by a group of Baptist Ministers in 1888. Graduates of our religion-oriented degree programs have served as missionaries in the United States and around the world, assuming roles in national organizations like the Fellowship of Christian Athletes or in denominational agencies, such as the Kentucky Baptist Convention or the Southern Baptist Convention. Others teach in Christian universities and seminaries.

Back to Top

Degree Requirements for a Christian Ministry Degree

Bachelor of Science with a Major in Christian Ministries 

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE WITH A CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES MAJOR – 31 SEMESTER HOURS 
 
Core Courses (13 semester hours) 

• MSMN 138     Understanding Cultures or MSMN 239 Exploring World Religions 
• MSMN 234     Interpreting the Bible 
• MSMN 235     Developing Our Spiritual Life 
• MSMN 236     Introducing Christian Theology 
• MSMN 410     Transitioning to Christian Ministry 

 
Additional Required Courses (9 semester hours) 

• MSMN 334     Caring for Others 
• MSMN 337     Ministering to Individuals and Families
• MSMN 493     Supervised Ministry Experience

 
Electives (9 semester hours) – from any other MSMN courses 

Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministries 

Completion of the requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree plus a world language through the intermediate level.

Back to Top

Is an accredited Ministry degree worth it?

God’s call is for service to others. When you work in a way that serves others, you make a difference in their lives and your own as you fulfill God’s purpose for you. 

The right Christian ministries degree program can help by preparing you for any number of career opportunities, from leadership roles in Christian education, youth ministries, church planting, missions, counseling and even the clergy. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2020, the average wage for religious workers came in around $40,000 annually—$56,000 for members of the clergy, $45,000 for directors and leaders of religious activities and education. 

Back to Top

More Information on Christian Ministry Degree

TUITION

Costs for programs of study at University of the Cumberlands are competitive and affordable. Click here to view tuition rates and fees. 

ACCREDITATION 

Click here to view University of the Cumberlands' accreditation information. 

Back to Top

If you’re interested in a Christian ministry or biblical studies degree, fill out the form on this page for more information! Let’s talk about our test-optional college admissions process, scholarship opportunities, and more!