Bachelor's Degree in Youth & Family Ministry

Serve your faith community better with a degree in Christian Ministry

There’s a reason the Lord calls us to child-like faith. If reaching our youth and children with God’s word – if introducing them to a saving faith – is on your heart, this Youth and Family Ministry program is for you. As a youth ministry major, you will hone your skills in the field and develop strategies for serving Christ in the United States and around the world through youth evangelism, church planting, and discipleship, leading personal, compassionate ministry to all people.

• Mission and Goals
• What can I do with a Family and Youth Ministry Degree?
• Degree Requirements for a Family and Youth Ministry Degree
• Is a Family and Student Ministry Degree Worth it?
• More Information on Family and Student Ministry Degree

Mission and Goals 

The Department of Missions and Ministry at Cumberlands is dedicated to providing the best possible training to students interested in youth and family ministry degree. Whether you plan to pursue seminary school or not, you will receive guidance as you follow a career ministering to families and youth. Experienced ministers and scholars will be there to guide you and help you develop skills, mature in your Christian faith, and grow in your Christian service commitment to effectively share Christ with others in the 21st century.

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WHAT CAN I DO WITH A FAMILY & YOUTH MINISTRY DEGREE?

Wherever God calls you to go, as a youth ministry major at one of the best colleges that offer youth ministry degree programs around, you’ll be prepared to pursue any number of Christian ministry opportunities. From mission opportunities in far-away countries to the youth group at the church down the street, your youth ministry major provides the skills and education you need to serve 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 Church Pastor
• Youth Pastor
• Youth Minister
• Collegiate Minister
• International Missionary
• Church Planter
• Worship Minister
• Director of Religious Activities and Education
• Adult Ministries Director
• Christian Education Director
• Religious Education Coordinator
• Religious Studies Professor
• Ministry Instructor
• Children's Minister
• Adjunct Professor of Biblical Studies

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

¹Director, Religious Activities and Education
²Postsecondary Teachers

Or use your church ministry degree education as a stepping stone to further education, such as a Christian teaching degree or a church ministry degree program at a relevant seminary. The opportunities are endless.

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Degree Requirements for a Family and Youth Ministry Degree 

Bachelor of Science with a Major in Youth and Family Ministry

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE WITH A YOUTH AND FAMILY MINISTRY 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 237     Examining Marriage and Family 
• MSMN 336     Ministering to Youth 
• MSMN 337     Ministering to Individuals and Families 

Biblical Studies (3 semester hours from the following)

• MSMN 331 Focusing on the Old Testament 
• MSMN 332 Focusing on the New Testament 

Electives (6 semester hours) – from any other MSMN courses 

Bachelor of Arts in Youth and Family Ministry  

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

Minor in Youth and Family Ministry 

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MINOR IN YOUTH AND FAMILY MINISTRY – 21 semester hours 
 
Required Courses (15 semester hours) 

• MSMN 236     Introducing Christian Theology 
• MSMN 237     Examining Marriage and Family 
• MSMN 239     Exploring World Religions 
• MSMN 336     Ministering to Youth 
• MSMN 337     Ministering to Individuals and Families 

Electives (6 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. 

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Is a Family and Student Ministry Degree Worth it?

God loves people. Young and old, wealthy and poor, of every demographic and nationality, he loves them all. Serving others may be what you’re called to do. Earning a family and youth ministry degree prepares you for service, giving you the tools you need to confidently fulfill God’s purpose for your life.

The right degree from the an established youth ministry college, which is what you’ll find at University of the Cumberlands, can help prepare you for any number of career opportunities, from Christian education to youth ministries and, perhaps with further study, a career in 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.

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More Information on the Youth 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.

Faculty

In the Department of Missions and Ministry at University of the Cumberlands, our faculty members are dedicated to helping you learn what it takes to earn your bachelor’s degree in youth and family ministry.

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Remember, serving God might take you anywhere, and by earning your bachelor’s degree in youth and family ministry, UC can help you follow God's call! Let’s talk about our test-optional college admissions process, scholarship opportunities, and more! Fill out the form on this page and get more information.