If you have a passion for shaping the spiritual transformation of children, the BS in Youth Ministries at Indiana Wesleyan University can help you learn the knowledge and skills to become a youth pastor at your local church. With the curriculum of this BS in Youth Ministries degree program, you can learn age-appropriate teaching and leadership methods for diverse youth ministry audiences. As a Christian university, teaching ministry-focused degree programs comes naturally to our faculty, who have extensive experience as leaders in church and para-church organizations. As with the Christian Ministries degree, students who complete this program will fulfill many requirements for ordination in The Wesleyan Church and numerous other denominations.
Why Pursue My Bachelor’s in Youth Ministries at IWU?
There are several benefits to pursuing your BS in Youth Ministries at IWU. This accredited degree program is taught by faculty with experience leading church youth programs. They provide all students 1:1 support throughout the program. We also provide comprehensive student services, from tutoring to career guidance so you can succeed in this BS in Youth Ministries program. Students learn from expert faculty who will become mentors in the faith, integrating classroom learning with biblical truths for a Christ-centered environment that encourages personal spiritual growth.
What Will I Learn in this BS in Youth Ministries Program?
The courses in this bachelor’s in youth ministries are designed to help students become effective leaders in youth ministries and church youth programs. The student experience combines traditional classroom learning with experience working in a real local youth ministry. Course topics introduction to ministry, systematic theology, pastoral counseling, and more.
What Makes IWU Different?
IWU has provided on-campus education for more than 100 years.
Faith-integrated curriculum and a commitment to changing the world.
Center for Student Success for counseling, tutoring, and more!
Coursework for this BS in Youth Ministries program covers how to:
Admission to Professional Majors
Admission to the majors within the Division of Practical Theology may require a formal screening process separate from the initial declaration of intent. The process includes the successful completion of the prescribed courses designated by each major. Students need to have a GPA of 2.25 cumulative and 2.5 in the coursework required for the major. Students must also file application forms including a written essay and references. In some cases a personal interview with school faculty may also be required. Enrollment in some advanced courses in the division is restricted to those admitted to these majors. A student needs to start the application to the major process by the end of their sophomore year (60 credit hours) and after the successful completion of the designated courses in his or her respective majors. Delay on this process will prohibit students from enrolling in advanced courses in their professional major.
Continuation in Professional Majors
Students must maintain a cumulative 2.25 GPA and a 2.50 academic GPA in coursework required for the major. Failure to do so may necessitate repeating courses or withdrawal from the major. The School of Theology and Ministry faculty reserves the right to request the withdrawal of any student who in its judgment fails to satisfy the standards of Christian character, moral integrity, and social fitness required for a professional minister.
Wesleyan Students
Students anticipating future service in The Wesleyan Church should include Wesleyan Church History/Discipline (REL-431) among their elective courses. The Christian Ministries and Pastoral Ministries majors are specifically designed to meet all the academic requirements for ordination in The Wesleyan Church. Any deviation from the course requirements should be approved in writing by both the Dean and the Executive Director of Education and Clergy Development for The Wesleyan Church. Students who are members of The Wesleyan Church should be in contact with their District Board of Ministerial Development (DBMD) prior to applying for admission to the professional majors.
Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), www.hlcommission.org, 312-263-0456. Other accreditations and associations of Indiana Wesleyan University are available at www.indwes.edu/about/iwu-profile/accreditation.
