Guide to Bachelor of Ministry Programs: Find All Ministry Degrees

Students pursuing a Bachelor of Ministry degree often express the desire to spread the Word of God. A Bachelor of Ministry degree serves as a step toward a graduate degree in divinity or theology, or as a path to entry-level work in churches, schools, or businesses.

This practical Bachelor of Ministry guide is designed just for you. We cover everything you need to know, such as program costs, the admissions process, coursework, online degrees, and potential career paths. And don’t forget to begin your research with our state-by-state list of colleges and universities that offer these degrees.

What Are Bachelor of Ministry Degree Programs?

Bachelor of Ministry degrees are generally designed either to direct students toward a further graduate degree or to work immediately in a church setting.

These degrees can often appear in the form of a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS), or Bachelor of Ministry (BMin) degree with a ministry, theology, or religious studies concentration. Many universities offering these degrees are faith-based, although numerous secular schools offer ministry degrees as well.

Bachelor of Ministry programs teach all the general education requirements for a bachelor’s degree (English composition, math, social sciences, and history) in addition to the major’s requirements. Some schools may also ask for an internship or a capstone project to complete the student’s studies.

Regent University’s BA in Christian Ministry, for example, teaches courses in the Old and New Testaments with historical and cultural context. The program also focuses on leadership to develop communication and mentoring skills. Students gain practical strategies to minister to the community in several ways, such as pastoral work, teaching, counseling, missionary service, or even coaching, depending on the student’s particular interests.

Types of Ministry Degrees

A BA in Ministry generally focuses on liberal arts, psychology, and philosophy. Earning a BA allows students to pursue diverse subjects through the required general education courses and a field of specialization. Students in a BA of Ministry program learn about theology, ethics, and how to work with other people in a church setting. The bachelor’s degree also enables students to concentrate on their spiritual growth and learn how to counsel others in faith.

A BS in Ministry generally focuses on foundational knowledge of the Scriptures and real-world training that’s needed to conduct a church, community, or organization ministry. Core courses at Liberty University, for instance, include Apologetics, the History of Christianity, and Global Studies. Courses also cover an in-depth study of Acts and Romans, serving as the foundation for Christian ministry. Additionally, students learn research methods, have a mix-and-match approach to courses, and address different methods for teaching the Gospel.

The BM/BMin is designed to prepare students for a graduate program, leading to a Master of Theology or Divinity, and potentially a Doctor of Divinity degree. The Bachelor of Ministry degree focuses on systematically studying the Scriptures, extensive reading, and practical ministry techniques. In most programs, a student must choose a specialization within the ministry program.

Specializations

No matter which degree a student chooses, they can select from several specializations such as Christian ministry, pastoral ministry, youth ministry, multigenerational ministry, and music ministry.

One of the most common specializations is Christian ministry. Programs offering this specialization provide a well-rounded theological education, enabling them to discern their calling and establish a ministerial identity. These programs equip students with the necessary tools to apply biblical truths in their personal lives and ministries. Christian ministry programs, like Grand Canyon University’s, emphasize context and a variety of diverse situations that allow graduates to minister successfully throughout their communities.

Youth ministry is also a popular specialization. As the name implies, youth ministry focuses on engaging young people in a relationship with God. Along with the requisite study of biblical text, Christian doctrine, and the history of theology, YM also emphasizes the study of adolescent development and faith formation, and includes courses in youth ministry programming. Classes also examine common adolescence issues and problems, how to intervene and prevent disorders, and referring adolescents to the proper resources for help.

Pastoral ministry generally revolves around the role of the pastor in the local church or community. Most programs focus on teaching, counseling, research, critical thinking skills, and developing the mindset of a church shepherd. Pastoral ministry often has a strong background in psychology. For example, at Ozark Christian College, the BA in Counseling and Pastoral Care prepares students to integrate biblical teachings into different psychological models, such as crisis intervention, and prepares students for graduate-level work or licensure.

For even greater specialization, music ministry focuses on music in worship and the community, whether as a choir, solo, or small groups. At Kentucky Mountain Bible College, the music ministry degree falls under the music department, rather than the religion or theology department. A music ministry degree allows for two paths: (1) worship pastor, a path toward more traditional church and worship leadership, or (2) music ministry, for students who want to minister to others but perhaps not in a conventional environment. Music ministry programs combine theology courses of other ministry programs and liturgical theology, worship leading, and music theory.

Multigenerational/ intergenerational ministry programs provide students with the experience and knowledge to minister to individuals of any age. Courses in these types of programs focus on discipleship among different age groups, apologetics, family dynamics, and church administration to build a successful inter/multigenerational church. Students in these programs develop essential communication skills tailored to the diverse age groups within a church community. Additionally, leadership training is provided to empower graduates to step directly into leadership roles or counseling positions.

Ministry Degree Program Overview

In many programs, a Bachelor of Ministry is not just a theology degree but also a degree in leadership and management. It overlaps many different programs, particularly in the liberal arts and business, which could help any student both within their faith and outside of their ministry. The goal of most programs is to build skills in evangelism, counseling, and liturgy, preparing students with a broad liberal arts education coupled with religious knowledge. This prepares graduates to serve in a variety of roles in the church, as well as social work, education, and more.

Bachelor of Ministry Coursework and Curriculum

While each school has a unique set of courses, most students will take general education classes, books of the Bible, theology, and leadership. For example, at Toccoa Falls College, students take classes in hermeneutics, the New and Old Testaments, counseling, and leadership, as well as an internship in their final year.

At Liberty University, courses include Biblical Worldview, Philosophy and Contemporary Ideas, Apologetics and Cultural Engagement, Intercultural Communication and Engagement, and a Practicum (or practical ministry observation).

Admission Requirements

Most admission requirements are very similar to applying to any four-year university. Although Liberty University has competitive admissions standards, their admissions process is fairly easy. You can apply online and contact them via live chat or on the phone. They also require an admissions essay (100–150 words) plus transcripts.

Other universities attempt to make the application process even easier. John Brown University’s application, for instance, can be done online; and the school is test-optional, meaning that ACT and SAT scores do not have to be submitted for consideration. Admission is ensured for students with a 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale). They do ask for transcripts and an application fee, and, if needed, references.

How Much Do Ministry Degree Programs Cost?

At Veritas Baptist College, the current tuition runs around $4500 per semester, excluding living expenses and fees, adding up to a minimum of $36,000 for a four-year degree.

At John Brown University, tuition generally runs about $41,000 per academic year, plus books, insurance, travel, etc. However, 99% of students received financial aid. The school’s average aid package is $19,000 per academic year.

Most schools average $40,000 per academic year for on-campus tuition. Remember, though, that the majority offer generous financial aid packages and are willing to help their students afford the tuition and living expenses.

Online Ministry Degrees

While some students still prefer the traditional on-campus route to a degree, others may be too busy or too distant to meet for on-campus classes. Online coursework for a ministry degree is a growing avenue for students to acquire their degree without sacrificing flexibility or a lot of money.

At Regents University, students take the same courses as their on-campus counterparts but enjoy the added flexibility. Regents also offers eight- and fifteen-week course sessions and customizable degree plans.

Ohio Christian University stands out as one of a few entirely online degree programs with no on-campus presence. Students work in a “five-week as-you-go” flexible format, with weekly assignments and forum discussions to complete their 120-credit-hour degree plan.

What Can You Do with a Bachelor of Ministry Degree?

Many students who graduate with a Bachelor of Ministry degree advance to graduate school to pursue a master’s or doctorate. However, many graduates pursue work as pastors or worship leaders in their communities. Others go on either to work at or establish nonprofit organizations, such as the Church on the Street, a homeless ministry in Atlanta, or education, such as the Head of Maranatha High School in Pasadena, California. Others may choose to become chaplains in the military or police force, like the current Chief of Chaplains of the US Navy.

In contrast, those with associate degrees have the foundations of knowledge that volunteer or lay workers could use to serve in the church. They don’t have enough knowledge to serve as pastors or be ordained but could work as staff members in particular churches.

Master’s degree holders offer valuable practical and hands-on experience, particularly beneficial for students pursuing ordination in denominations that do not mandate a Master of Divinity degree. A Master of Ministry focuses more on personal and professional development for a Christian ministry.