Degree Overview: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Degree in Youth Christian Studies
Majors Overview March 13, 2015Get information about a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree program in Youth Christian Studies and its coursework, job and wage outlook, and continuing education choices.
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Degree Programs in Youth Christian Studies
Students enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree program in Youth Christian Studies gain an academic framework for the principles of youth ministry, theology, and Christian study. The program is not much different from other degree programs in Christian studies, but with a concentration option, or focus, in youth ministry.
Core coursework, which covers youth theory, practical ministry, Christianity, and biblical studies, is devised to equip students with the organizational skills, leadership skills, and knowledge needed for effective Christian youth ministry.
Students who wish to develop their Christian faith further while they simultaneously engage young people with the Christian church’s message would benefit from earning a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Youth Christian Studies.
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a GED certificate or a high school diploma.
Coursework
Coursework of a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) program in Youth Christian Studies offers students the opportunity to develop their Christian practice further while they acquire the skills needed for youth ministry.
Graduates from a Youth Christian Studies B.A. program gain a good grasp of the dynamics of interpersonal relationships needed for youth ministry and counseling and are taught about personal spiritual growth and patterns of devotional practice that facilitate spiritual leadership. They also gain understanding about the Christian church’s fundamental mission and message and gain the skills required for effectively communicating the Christian message to a youth audience.
While they prepare for work in youth ministry, students enrolled in a bachelor’s programs are taught pertinent and religious social subject areas in order to equip them with a background in social support and leadership. Core coursework may include topic areas such as the following:
•Mission, ministry, and vision
•Historical theology
•Ethical Christian living
•Youth and family ministry
•Contemporary theology
•Christian marriage and the family
•Christian spiritual formation
•Preaching
•Introduction to ministry
•Counseling families
•Institutional and organizational skills
Job and Wage Outlook
Respective job growth rates of 10% and 8% have been predicted for clergy and spiritual leaders over the 2012 – 2022 decade (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In 2012, directors of religious activities and education brought home an average annual wage of $37,280, while clergy banked $44,060 on average (BLS).
Continuing Education Choices
Those who successfully graduate from the B.A. program may opt for continuing education by earning a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) along with other similar degree programs before going on to become clergy. Clergy in many denominations are required to hold an M.Div. as the most essential qualification.
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