Degree Overview: Bachelor Degree Programs in Christian Ministries
Majors Overview March 13, 2015Get information about bachelor’s degree programs in Christian Ministries and their education requirements, coursework, career choices, continuing education choices, and job and wage outlook.
Bachelor’s Programs in Christian Ministries
Students enrolled in Christian ministries bachelor’s degree programs are prepared to seek professional roles as missionaries or religious workers. The degree can prove to be a stepping stone to graduate study or seminary programs.
Both Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) options are available for Christian ministries by some schools. Students may be able to choose a minor or concentration, whereby they can gain instruction on a particular aspect of Christian studies. This degree, which helps graduates absorb and analyze the Bible, primes them to educate others about the principles.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a GED certificate or a high school diploma, in addition to having to submit minimum grade point averages in some schools or reference letters and essays in others.
Coursework
Classes relevant to a particular concentration, such as sports ministry, pastoral ministry, urban ministry, or children and family ministry, augment core coursework in general Christian studies. Students enrolled in many programs are required to participate in internships or practical work, where they can gain work experience on the watch of an experienced religious leader. Core coursework may include topic areas such as:
•World religions
•Christian leadership
•Evangelism
•Ministry teaching methods
•Church history
•Philosophy
•Old and New Testament
•Theology
•Church administration
Career Choices
Those who complete a bachelor’s degree program in Christian ministries have diverse job opportunities as religious workers in community organizations, social service agencies, medical facilities, schools, religious organizations, and churches. They may seek career options such as the following:
•Evangelist
•Children’s ministries worker
•Pastor
•Missionary
•Youth pastor
•Teacher
•Church administrator
Continuing Education Choices
Those who complete a bachelor’s degree program in Christian Ministries may seek continuing education by earning a graduate degree or by choosing to attend seminary. While there are different needs associated with individual Christian denominations, those completing a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree program are usually trained to assume pastoral roles, while those graduating from a Master of Theology (Th.M.) degree program may be provided with more advanced study in concentrated areas such as:
•Bible study
•Missions
•Pastoral care
Job and Wage Outlook
Clergy members of religious organizations can expect a job growth rate of 10% over the 2012 – 2022 decade (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In 2012, clergy members and religious activities and education leaders brought home average annual wages of $44,060 and $37,280 respectively (BLS).
