Religion, Youth Ministry Concentration (BA)

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Federal CIP: 38.0201 Religion/Religious Studies

Learning Outcomes

The learning outcome objectives for those obtaining the BA in Religion are that students will:

demonstrate spiritual growth and accountability,
demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the Bible,
demonstrate knowledge of basic theological concepts,
be able to communicate God’s truth in order to make disciples, and
understand human development (physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual) and grow in the ability to minister in ways that are developmentally and contextually appropriate.

Ordination

Those preparing for ordination or other ministry credentialing in The Wesleyan Church should consult with their academic advisor to make sure they complete all of the academic requirements for those credentials.

Religion BA Requirements with a Concentration in Youth Ministry

Specified Core Curriculum

Students earning a bachelor’s degree must complete all Core Curriculum requirements. The following specific core curriculum course(s) is required.

BIBL 1053 Old Testament 3 credits
BIBL 1063 New Testament 3 credits
PSYC 2003 General Psychology 3 credits
RELG 3383 Theology for Ministry I 3 credits (in place of RELG 2403 )

Major Courses

Completion of major courses requires a minimum grade of C-.

BIBL 2373 Bible Study for Ministry 3 credits
BIBL 3XX3 or 4XX3 Upper Division Bible Electives (one in each Testament) 6 credits
RELG 2551 Ministry Practicum I 1 credit
RELG 2703 Launching your Ministry 3 credits
RELG 3013 Missional Outreach in Ministry 3 credits
RELG 3393 Theology for Ministry II 3 credits
RELG 3713 History of The Wesleyan Church 3 credits
or
RELG 3203 Survey of Christian Denominations 3 credits
RELG 3753 History of Christianity 3 credits
RELG 4203 The Ministry of Preaching 3 credits
RELG 4463 Theology of Holiness 3 credits
RELG 4551 Ministry Practicum III 1 credit
SOSC 1003 Introduction to Sociology 3 credits
or
RELG 3043 Ministry in Cultural Context 3 credits
SPFD 2153 Spiritual Formation and Discipleship Ministry 3 credits
SPFD 3013 Teaching for Spiritual Impact 3 credits
SPFD 3551 Spiritual Formation and Discipleship Practicum 1 credit
SPFD 4403 Family Life Ministry 3 credits
SPFD 4491 Spiritual Formation & Discipleship Seminar 1 credit
WORS 4223 The Ministry of Worship 3 credits
YMIN 2103 Foundations for Youth Ministry 3 credits
YMIN 3103 Camps and Retreats Leadership 3 credits
YMIN 4423 Administration of Youth Ministry 3 credits
YMIN 4433 Adolescent Care 3 credits

Electives

In addition to core curriculum (40-44 credit hours) and major course requirements, students must complete elective coursework appropriate to their degree. A minimum of 120 credit hours is required for most bachelor’s degrees, including elective coursework. Students are strongly encouraged to work with their advisor to identify courses that complement their program area.

Note: It is recommended that students in the Youth Ministry concentration elect to take additional Bible and religion courses.

Ordination Requirements for the Wesleyan Church

Students who are pursuing ordination in the Wesleyan Church and who complete the Youth Ministry concentration in the Division of Religion will also need to find ways to complete the following courses as electives in order to fulfill the Wesleyan Church’s academic requirement for ordination:

PHIL 3003 Introduction to Philosophy 3 credits
or
PHIL 3013 Ethics 3 credits
RELG 3422 Faith & Practice in The Wesleyan Church 2 credits

Summary


Core Curriculum Requirements	40-44 hrs.

Major Requirements	58 hrs.

Electives	18-22 hrs.

Total: 120 hrs.

Optional 3+1 Residency Program

The optional 3+1 residency program provides an opportunity for Christian ministry majors who are seeking a preparatory, three-year, academic experience and a participatory, one-year ministry residency. Students will receive three years of important traditional and foundational training in classes held at the Central campus that may include enrollment in summer semesters. In addition to completion of four online course requirements during their final year of the program, students will gain valuable residential training through immersion in a 12-credit hour ministry residency under the mentorship of experienced practitioners during their final year of the program. Completion of the 12-credit hour residency will reduce the required number of general electives by 9 credit hours.