Pursuing a degree in youth ministry can be a deeply fulfilling path for individuals looking to serve and guide the next generation in their Christian faith.
While many Christian colleges offer online degree programs in youth ministry, a select few programs are especially remarkable.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 online Christian college youth ministry degree programs, highlighting their unique features and offerings to help you make the best decision in choosing the right program!
Top 10 Online Christian College Youth Ministry Degree Programs
1) Liberty University – Bachelor of Science in Youth Ministries
Liberty University, one of the largest Christian universities in the world, offers a renowned online Bachelor of Science in Youth Ministries. This extensive youth ministry program covers biblical studies, leadership development, and practical ministry skills needed to be an effective youth minister. Students can choose from various specializations, such as youth ministry leadership or evangelism and discipleship.
Liberty University has a robust online learning platform and numerous resources for students. Additionally, they have received accolades for their Youth Ministry Degree program. Liberty’s dedication to providing students access to a vast digital library and connecting current students with a strong alumni network makes this youth ministry degree our top choice.
2) Azusa Pacific University – Bachelor of Arts in Youth and Family Ministries
Azusa Pacific University’s online Bachelor of Arts in Youth and Family Ministries is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a vibrant career. Azusa’s program teaches theology, counseling, and leadership for leading others in faith formation in a ministry context.
Not only is Azusa Pacific University known for its strong commitment to faith integration and holistic education, but they’re also one of the nation’s top destination Christian Universities. What makes this particular youth ministry program unique is that it’s one of Azusa Pacific’s select online degrees, making it an excellent choice for those seeking to pursue their faith degree totally online.
3) Bethel University – Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministries with a Youth Ministry Focus
While this is a rare appearance for Bethel University on one of our lists, we would be remiss not to mention their incredible Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministries with a Youth Ministry Focus degree. This program emphasizes practical ministry experience in order to prepare students for leadership roles. Bethel’s emphasis on real-world ministry and evangelizing through everyday leadership makes this online degree incredibly enticing.
While Bethel University is recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, its mission to develop spiritually grounded graduates is what makes this Christian University so distinct. Bethel’s desire to develop and prepare its students for a spiritually driven professional life is no more evident than in the way it prepares its students for a career in youth ministry.
4) Crown College – Bachelor of Science in Christian Ministry – Youth Ministry
Crown College’s Bachelor of Science in Christian Ministry with a specialization in Youth Ministry seamlessly integrates biblical studies, theology, and practical ministry skills. Not only does this online degree prepare students for youth ministry roles, but it also serves as a foundational springboard for other ministry endeavors.
Crown College understands that ministry needs and desires change based on personal circumstances, job opportunities, and the needs of specific faith communities. By offering a more generalized ministry degree with a focus on youth ministry, Crown College is able to train the next generation of youth ministers without cutting ties to future ministry opportunities.
5) Grand Canyon University – Bachelor of Science in Youth Ministry
Grand Canyon University’s online Bachelor of Science in Youth Ministry is rooted in the formation of leadership skills. This extensive program provides a comprehensive education in youth ministry principles and biblical studies, allowing students to gain practical experience through internships and ministry practicums.
With its strong Christian identity and extensive resources, Grand Canyon University offers students a well-rounded education in youth ministry rooted in a strong Christian foundation. Grand Canyon’s commitment to equipping students for ministry through personal faith formation makes it a valuable choice for those pursuing a degree in youth ministry.
6) Southeastern University – Bachelor of Science in Ministerial Leadership – Youth Ministries
Southeastern University may not be one of the more well-known Christian Universities, but their online Bachelor of Science in Ministerial Leadership with a focus on Youth Ministries is generating a lot of buzz. This incredible leadership degree equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively lead youth and evangelize to the next generation of young Christians.
With a special focus on theology and counseling, this flagship youth ministry program mirrors Southeastern University’s commitment to spiritual formation. The practical ministry training offered by Southeastern makes it a top choice for aspiring youth ministers.
7) Colorado Christian University – Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies – Youth Ministry
The Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies with a concentration in Youth Ministry offered by Colorado Christian University is one of the more niche options on this list. While this program is technically a youth ministry degree, the core emphasis of the program stems from a specific focus on biblical studies.
Colorado Christian University emphasizes the connection between a strong Christian worldview and the formation of Christian values through robust academic excellence. This program prepares students for youth ministry roles by combining biblical and theological studies with practical ministry training. It provides a strong biblical foundation for a career in teaching Christian faith.
8) Regent University – Bachelor of Science in Youth Ministry
We would be remiss not to include Regent University in our top-tier youth ministry programs list. Regent University is well known for its commitment to Christian leadership, which is why it should come as no surprise that it offers one of the strongest online youth ministry degree programs.
Like most other online youth ministry programs, Regent University’s online Bachelor of Science in Youth Ministry program focuses on biblical studies, theology, and practical youth ministry skills. Regent University is unique because it has a supportive community of alumni and faculty with ministry experience. They assist students in customizing their education to match their ministry interests.
9) Oklahoma Wesleyan University – Bachelor of Science in Ministry and Leadership – Youth Ministry
Coming in at number nine on our list is Oklahoma Wesleyan University’s online Bachelor of Science in Ministry and Leadership with a Youth Ministry concentration. This robust youth ministry degree program is an intensive collection of courses designed to prepare students for leadership roles in youth ministry.
While the program includes courses in theology, biblical studies, and practical ministry skills, the overarching theme of this program is character development. This degree is great for young people who want to become ministers. It helps them grow personally and have more faith in an academic environment.
10) Cedarville University – Bachelor of Arts in Youth Ministry Leadership
Last but certainly not least is Cedarville University’s Bachelor of Arts in Youth Ministry Leadership degree. This online youth ministry degree is unique in that it is leadership-focused, both in teaching youth ministers how to be leaders themselves and providing insight on how to train Christian youth to be the next generation of Christian leaders.
Cedarville University’s commitment to biblical truth and its strong reputation in Christian education make it a clear top choice for students pursuing a degree in youth ministry. Plus, Cedarville’s program specializes on real-world training wherein students can engage in real-world ministry experiences through internships!
Wrapping Up
Choosing the right youth ministry program can seem daunting, but with the right help, you can find your perfect match! These top 10 online Christian college youth ministry degree programs provide an excellent starting point for individuals seeking to combine their faith formation with a passion for youth ministry.
Each program has a different way of preparing for a youth ministry job. Each degree on this list has its own classes that focus on specific topics in youth ministry. Prospective students should think carefully about their goals and preferences and take extra time to choose the right program.
As you narrow your search, remember to check each school’s website for the most up-to-date information on program offerings, admission requirements, cost, and more.
If you get stuck, try using the online portal at ChrisitanDegrees.org to help you narrow down your search! With the help of ChristianDegrees.org, you can quickly and easily discover the perfect match for your faith-based academic journey and take the next steps in finding the school of your dreams and turning that dream into a reality.
Getting a faith-based degree may seem scary, but with Bible College Online, you have support for all your academic goals. Remember that you can do it no matter where you are in your faith-based education journey. You are loved, and anything is possible with God.
Interested in exploring more universities? We invite you to take a look Houston Christian University and Full Sail University.
Houston Christian University (HCU) provides a holistic education with a strong emphasis on Christian values and leadership development. It offers a wide range of undergraduate programs, graduate studies, and flexible online learning options, HCU is committed to helping students grow intellectually, spiritually, and emotionally.
Full Sail University offers many degree programs, both on-campus and online, that are tailored for the world of entertainment media and emerging technologies. With a focus on providing real-world industry experience and creative problem-solving skills, Full Sail’s programs include associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees, as well as individual courses through their online digital-centric platform, Full Sail DC3.
