Ministry Education

With a Christian ministry degree, you will acquire knowledge and skills to perform various religious tasks or missionary work.  Both traditional and online programs are offered in the field and students can select a degree level according to their needs and career goals. Although, the requirements for clergy and Christian ministers vary, most candidates require a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in a relevant field. Following are some of the major degree levels offered in the field of Christian ministry.

If you are interested in working in a Christian ministry or a similar setting, you may select an associate degree in Christian ministry. The degree will give you a basic understanding of Christian life and you will learn to provide Christian-centered services to people. With this degree you may acquire entry level positions in a Christian church. You can further transfer to a four year degree program in the same field.  Some associate degrees also allow students to select specializations in different areas, such as music ministries, Christian educational ministries, or church ministries. The degree also enables students to learn about Christian values and Biblical morals, leading to success in the career as well as personal life. Admission requirements for the degree may differ depending on the institute you apply to, but most programs require students to have completed a high school diploma or GED.  The curriculum will  focus on the basics of Bible studies, principles of ministry, and theology. The coursework may differ but some major courses offered in the field include:

• Biblical interpretation
• Christian thought
• Urban ministry
• Christian doctrine
• Worship, preaching and teaching the Bible
• Evangelism and global outreach

If you are looking for bachelor’s degree programs in Christian ministry, you will find out that these degree programs are available in various formats. While some programs are traditional, campus-based programs, others offer hybrid or online education in the field. Besides, most bachelor’s degrees in Christian ministry require you to complete internships or supervised experience before you graduate from the program. The bachelor’s degree also enables you to acquire admission in a seminary school or continue further education in other graduate programs. In order to get admission in a bachelor’s degree, you will normally need a high school diploma or GED. However, some programs may require applicants to submit reference letters and have a certain GPA. Students can also select a concentration in the degree program such as urban ministry, pastoral ministry, children and family, and sports ministry. Students also acquire practical experience and work under the supervision of a religious leader. Although coursework can vary depending on the institute, some major courses offered in the program include:

• Old and New Testament
• Church history
• Christian philosophy
• Evangelism
• Christian theology
• Christian leadership
• World religions

The master’s degree usually focuses on a particular area of ministry. Students may study ministry areas such as evangelism, counseling, or youth ministry leadership. Applicants are normally required to have a bachelor’s degree and some meaningful work experience in Christian ministry. Students not only spend time in Biblical studies, they are also required to conduct a significant amount of research in Christian faith. The coursework may vary depending on the institute offering it, but some major courses covered in the degree program include:

• Religion and church history
• Leadership roles
• Theology and biblical interpretation
• Societal influences on Christian faith
• Child and adolescent counseling
• Communication strategies
• Professional leadership

Career options in Christian ministry depend on your degree level and experience. If you have graduated with an associate degree, you are likely to find entry level positions within a Christian organization or church. Some common professions that you can acquire after completing an associate degree include worship leader, youth ministry leader, Evangelist, Christian field minister, and associate pastor.

If you continue your education and acquire a bachelor’s degree in the field, you are likely to boost your career opportunities. You may find job opportunities in religious organizations, medical facilities, churches, social service agencies, and schools. Some potential careers after acquiring a bachelor’s degree in the field include pastor, church administrator, missionary, youth pastor, and teacher.

If you want to be qualified for advanced ministry positions, leadership roles, and military chaplaincy, you will need a master’s degree in the field.  If you also acquire administrative experience with a master’s degree, you may also be eligible for executive positions within churches or religious organizations.