The Youth Ministries major is designed to prepare women and men for service in the local church, offering a comprehensive youth ministry degree with a focus on ministry with teens and their families. If you have a passion for sharing the love of Christ with teenagers and helping the next generation grow in faith, this could be the major for you. You’ll bring together deep study of Scripture and theology with a contemporary understanding of spiritual development, and the practical skills you need to lead an effective youth ministry in a church or other organization.
Why pursue my Bachelor’s Degree in Youth Ministries at IWU?
Faculty in the School of Theology and Ministry love to connect with students and invest in their spiritual, academic, and personal growth. As a Youth Ministries major in our bachelor's degree program, you’ll find professors who really care about you and want to partner with you in your education and your faith. You’ll have an academic advisor to help you understand your life calling, make the best choices for your college life, and discern your next steps after graduation. You’ll also have access to the academic, spiritual, and emotional support you need to thrive.
We grow most when we grow together. That’s why the School of Theology and Ministry makes community a priority through monthly community-building events, the Follow the Call first-year student retreat, the all-STM Deeper Life retreat, small groups, mentoring, and more. Build lifelong friendships through a transformational experience of Christian community.
Your Youth Ministries courses emphasize practical application and experience. Youth Ministries faculty have dozens of years of combined experience leading youth ministry in churches of all sizes across the country. Take what you’re learning in the classroom into the church through theory and practice courses like Ministry in Context and Methods for Teaching the Bible. Complete internships under the guidance of seasoned practitioners and partner with local churches to gain the experience you need to become an effective and faith-driven youth pastor.
Credential up with the Pastoral Ministries second major! Add the Pastoral Ministries second major to your specialized first major in Youth Ministries. Courses in the Pastoral Ministries second major provide a broad foundation for ministry, equipping you to serve the church in many ways. By joining the Pastoral Ministries (Kern) Program you’ll have access to additional scholarships and professional development opportunities. In this “3+2” program, you can complete your bachelor’s degree in 3 years and Masters of Practical Theology (MDiv equivalent) in 2 years. Pastoral Ministries second majors also fulfill requirements for ordination in The Wesleyan Church and receive advanced standing in master’s programs.
STM students take the lead for Fusion and Never Too Young, two events that bring thousands of high school and middle school students to campus to encounter Jesus Christ and grow in faith. Every summer dozens of students hit the road with our Summer Ministry Teams, leading youth camps across the United States. At IWU, you aren’t just learning about ministry; you’re doing ministry. STM students are serving in churches around Grant County during the school year, and around the country in the summer. Whether as a volunteer, intern, or staff member, you’ll have opportunities to serve in youth ministry.
The School of Theology and Ministry is the home of the Imaginarium, a hub for generating new ways of experiencing the Christian life with children, teenagers, and young adults. You’ll have opportunities to participate in the innovative work of the Imaginarium, under the leadership of executive director Dr. Amanda Drury.
What will I learn in this Youth Ministry Degree Program?
All majors in the School of Theology and Ministry are built on a foundation of spiritual formation, practical ministry, and biblical and theological studies, leading to an undergraduate degree. Specialized Youth Ministries courses include Programming for Youth and Family Ministries, Methods for Teaching the Bible, Theological Foundations of Youth and Family Ministries, Pastoral Counseling and Care of Children and Youth, 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!
With a bachelor’s degree in Youth Ministries, you will be able 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.
