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Bachelor's Degree in Missions

Start Your Service Journey with a Missionary degree!

Do you have a heart for reaching the lost – the ones who have never heard the Word? You may be feeling the call of the mission field. Get the skills you need to pursue your ministry with the missions and ministry program at University of the Cumberlands.

 

Mission and Goals

Whether you plan to serve in the United States or abroad, the Department of Missions and Ministry at Cumberlands is dedicated to providing the best possible training to Christian missions major students who hope to pursue missions and ministry careers. Experienced ministers and accomplished scholars will guide you as you mature in your Christian faith and help hone the skills needed to pursue a seminary degree or effectively share the Gospel in the 21st century.

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Do you need a college degree to be a missionary?

A Christian degree in missionary studies is not required for service abroad or at home. But if you feel called to service in missions, the right degree from one of the best colleges for missionaries can help you feel even more confident as you fulfill God’s purpose in your life.

Whether you plan to pursue a seminary or theology degree immediately after completing your university studies or you plan to move directly into Christian ministry, UC’s program will prepare you to take your place in Christian service. We offer a number of college majors for missionaries and aspiring clergy. You can earn a B.S. in one of five majors (Missions, Church Planting, Youth and Family Ministry, Christian Studies, or Christian Ministries) or you can earn a B.A. by studying a biblical or modern foreign language in addition to your major. Minors are available in Missions, Church Planting, Youth and Family Ministry, and Missions and Ministry.

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WHAT CAN I DO WITH A MISSIONARY DEGREE?

With your education in missions and ministry, you could enroll in a seminary degree program. You could also take your place in Christian service immediately, applying to recognized organizations or denominational agencies that take the Gospel to people who have never heard it. You could also serve bi-vocationally as well, working at a job that uses skills developed through a second major while serving a church.

Wherever you are eventually led – and being in God’s service might take you anywhere – the key is to be ready when He calls!

Here are some careers you can pursue with a Missions degree:

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 Church Pastor
  • Youth Pastor
  • Collegiate 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

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

1Director, Religious Activities and Education
2Postsecondary Teachers

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Requirements for a Missions Degree

Bachelor of Science with a Concentration in Missions and Ministry 

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE WITH A CONCENTRATION IN MISSIONS AND MINISTRY – 52 
CREDIT HOURS Note: Students completing a concentration in Missions and Ministry do not need to complete a minor in order to graduate. 
Required Core Courses (31 semester hours) 

*Requires a prerequisite
Missions and Ministry Electives (21 semester hours – 12 semester hours MUST be from courses with the MSMN prefix) 

Bachelor of Science with a Major in Missions 

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

Additional Required Courses (9 semester hours)

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

Bachelor of Arts in Missions

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

Minor in Missions and Ministry 

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MINOR IN MISSIONS AND MINISTRY – 21 SEMESTER HOURS 
 
Required courses (12 semester hours) 

Electives (9 semester hours) 
Electives are to be selected from the courses available in the six majors within the Department of Missions and Ministry. Six of the elective hours must be from 300 or 400 level courses. Courses should be selected with the assistance of one of the professors in the Department of Missions and Ministry. 

Minor in Missions 

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MINOR IN MISSIONS – 21 SEMESTER HOURS 
 
Required courses (12 semester hours) 

Electives (9 semester hours) 
Electives are to be selected from the courses available in the six majors within the Department of Missions and Ministry. Three of the elective hours must be from 300 or 400 level courses. Courses should be selected with the assistance of one of the professors in the Department of Missions and Ministry. 

Associate of Science with a Major in Missions and Ministry 

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE WITH A MAJOR IN MISSIONS AND MINISTRY – 18 SEMESTER HOURS

Required courses (18 semester hours)

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Is a degree in Missionary Studies worth it?

If your focus is on doing God’s work in foreign fields, than earning a missionary degree from University of the Cumberlands can help you reach your goals spiritually while taking care of your material needs. Your missionary service degree can help you pursue a number of mission-related roles here and abroad. In 2020, religious workers averaged around $40,000 annually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Members of the clergy averaged $56,000 and leaders of religious activities and education earned $45,000 per year.

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More Information on Missions 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. 

Faculty

Receive the guidance you need to learn how to spread the Gospel from distant lands to lost neighborhoods with a missionary service degree. Our experienced ministers and accomplished scholars will help you develop the real-world skills you need to serve in the mission fields of evangelism, church planting, and discipleship, providing personal, compassionate ministry to all people.

Learn more about faculty-led missions trips! 

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Let UC’s missions and ministry degree programs prepare you for service. Fill out the form on this page for more information. Let’s talk about our test-optional college admissions process, scholarship opportunities, and more!

Admissions Office

Contact Us

Phone:  606.539.4240
Toll-Free:  877.713.8767
Fax:  606.539.4303
Email:  admissions@ucumberlands.edu

Visit Us In Person

6178 College Station Drive
Williamsburg, KY 40769

Career Path

A University of the Cumberlands degree prepares you for the rigors of the professional world.  Click the button to learn more about the exciting career opportunities you can pursue with this program.