125 credits
required for program
- Available Online
- Minor Available
Cost
$480 + $25 tech fee per credit
Timeframe
22–26 months
Prepare for a transformative career in Christian ministry with an online ministry degree. Engage with critical leadership training and graduate prepared for work in the church, mission field, and around the world.
Our online ministry degree—known as our bachelor’s in ministry—may be the right fit if you…
- Seek to serve and disciple others in a professional setting
- Are a good communicator
- Desire to learn more about scripture
- Value faith-infused curriculum that interlocks faith and purpose
- Appreciate an accelerated, online ministry degree format that fits your busy life and allows you to finish your degree in less time
- Crave an interactive and supportive virtual community
Why study Ministry at Northwestern?
If you’re looking for an online ministry degree, our ministry degree is intentionally designed to be both realistically attainable and undeniably valuable. In other words, we’ve created an online program that fits your busy life and equips you to join the next generation of church leaders, missionaries, nonprofit leaders, and other ministers—something we’ve been doing for over 100 years!
Through this major, you will develop skills in teaching, counseling, and leadership so that you can make an impact in the world. Our ministry curriculum was developed by faculty with years of practical ministry experience. With the embedded Christian Studies concentration, you will establish a foundational understanding of the Bible, theology, and apologetics.
Experience it all within a supportive Christian community to encourage you as you live out your calling.
Program Features
- Practical ministry coursework immediately applicable to your current work or ministry
- Embedded concentration in Christian Studies
- Expert faculty who are active in ministry
- Optional virtual meetings to connect with your professor and classmates
- Faith-infused curriculum
- Courses optimized for quality and user experience
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Accelerated M.A. in Ministry Leadership
Students may apply to combine an undergraduate degree in Ministry with an accelerated Master of Arts in Ministry Leadership. Ministry majors complete up to 16 credits of the MA degree during their undergraduate program and the remaining 20 credits during a fifth year of study. The fifth year can be completed through online learning. This pathway saves students time and tuition expense as they add a graduate degree to their portfolio.
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FAQ | Bachelor’s in Ministry
Still have questions about earning an online ministry degree? Check out a few of our most frequently asked questions!
Definitely. We know it can be nerve-wracking to take the next step toward your ministry goals, especially as you consider how pursuing a degree will fit into your busy life.
That’s why we’ve created a value-packed online program in ministry that provides a manageable workload for a busy adult. Experience flexible education and student-friendly courses all within a convenient online format—so you can complete coursework when it’s convenient for you.
Yes! It is a top priority to make quality education affordable so that you can fulfill your calling right here at UNW. You can expect competitive tuition that’s actually less than the cost of most state undergraduate programs.
More than our commitment to an affordable education, though, is our commitment to a valuable one. Invest in an education at UNW that offers faith-infused learning, a highly interactive online community, courses taught by actively practicing faculty, and student-friendly course design.
Absolutely. We believe students of all ages thrive in a learning environment where they feel known, supported, and encouraged. Our online ministry program, firmly rooted in biblical principles, offers access to free tutoring and coaching resources, personal academic advising, optional live-learning sessions, and—of course—our highly interactive virtual community.
Our online curriculum is designed to provide you with a foundation for success in the real world. Whether you’ve served in ministry for years or are considering a mid-career transition, a ministry degree can open doors to many careers in a variety of settings.
UNW alumni have taken on roles in pastoral ministry, church leadership, mission work, church planting, bi-vocational ministry, chaplaincy, church administration, counseling, nonprofit work, substance abuse counseling, and more.
We recognize that faith is central to ministry. Experience an online B.S. in Ministry that combines biblically based, evangelical theology with Christian ministry skills to fully prepare you to step into your unique calling.
Grow in your spiritual walk and develop strategies for effective ministry work locally or around the world. Wherever you feel led in ministry, graduate with a deepened level of confidence as a faithful servant leader in the Kingdom of God.
Northwestern has a really good mission and purpose to educate us in the ways of God, but also offers education that focuses on the profession you are going into, whether that's ministries or communications or business. We have an opportunity and a platform to preach Jesus through our lives.
The Ministry Program gave me a foundation of Bible understanding, critically examining ministry practices in the 21st century, spiritual development, and effective teaching practices. The professors were amazing, answering questions, and providing meaningful teaching all with a Christian focus.
Program Highlights
View highlights, career paths and courses related to the Ministries degree.
What types of work are related to this degree?
- Camp administrator
- Campus ministry professional
- Christian education professional
- Curriculum writer (church/para-church)
- Disaster/aid relief worker
- Life skills coach
- Ministry support or coordination specialist
- Missionary
- Para-church ministry worker
- Pastoral roles
- Program administration or development specialist
- Social/human services worker or case manager
Note: Roles in some settings may require additional education or training.
What will I learn?
As you pursue a bachelor’s in ministry at UNW, you will learn how to engage non-believers and develop effective communication skills. You will also explore specific knowledge, skills, and personal values that prepare leaders biblically, relationally, and practically for wise service in church, nonprofit, or cross-cultural roles.
MIN 3231A
Care and Counseling in Ministry
This course provides a foundation and overview of counseling techniques, practices, and typical counseling situations which are faced in both church and parachurch ministry settings. Emphasis is placed on methods and techniques for effectively counseling people in crisis from all age groups. Guidance is given in the counseling of lay leadership, families in crisis, and the handling of abuse cases. Consideration is given to the legal, ethical, and practical implications of Christian counseling.
MIN 1007
Ministry Foundations
This course addresses theological, philosophical, and historic foundations for Christian ministry. Students will be introduced to various fields of ministry, explore giftedness and call, discover the purpose of the church, and wrestle with cultural implications for ministry practice. The student will connect with a local ministry and begin to formulate a personal theology and philosophy of ministry during the context of this course.
MIN 3207A
Ministry in a Globalized World
This course prepares students to understand the impact of globalization on present day ministry. Students will be equipped to investigate diverse social and cultural contexts and develop strategies to minister effectively in an era of cultural, religious, and ethical diversity.
MIN 3206
Relationships
This course will examine biblical and theological foundations, social science research and relationship models for healthy relationships. Focus will be given to the process of relationships: identity formation, friendship, dating, courtship, engagement and marriage. Additional issues including singleness, intimacy, forgiveness, gender issues, communication skills, conflict resolution, relational integrity, cultural awareness and financial planning will be addressed.
MIN 3218
Teaching Methods in Ministry
A theoretical and practical approach to giving students experience in the development and practice- teaching of biblical lessons. The course will address contemporary methods, scope and sequence and curriculum analysis and evaluation, with special attention to the effect of gender and culture on the teaching/ learning process.
Still have questions about this program or how to apply?
Our team is ready with answers!
Discover the School of Theology and Ministry
Professors at Northwestern are focused on their students first. Our online ministry program faculty include experts in their respective fields who want to help you grow in your knowledge, skills, and faith while you earn your degree.
