College of Graduate, Online & Adult Learning

Ministry

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College of Graduate, Online & Adult Learning

Ministry


  • Bachelor of Science
  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Adult Undergraduate

34-40 credits

required for program

Available online

Minor Available

Cost

$440 per credit

Timeframe

22–26 months

34-40 credits

34-40 credits

required for program

Available online

Minor Available

Cost

$440 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.


$440

per credit

100%
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of students receive a concentration in Christian Studies

16 credits
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able to be earned towards a graduate program

Ministry Program Handout

Find out more about the Adult Undergraduate degree in Ministry

View Program Handout

FAQ | Bachelor’s in Ministry

Still have questions about earning an online ministry degree? Check out a few of our most frequently asked questions!

Program Highlights

View highlights, career paths and courses related to the Ministries degree.

What types of work are related to this degree?

Career Opportunities

A bachelor’s in ministry provides you with a foundation for success in the real world. With an online ministry degree, you will be prepared for a variety of careers and academic pathways.

What types of work are related to a ministry 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.

Who employs people with this degree?

Who employs people with a ministry degree?

  • Christian colleges
  • Community services agencies/programs (financial, family planning, health and wellness, marriage, vocational, food/housing assistance, military family support)
  • Curriculum publishing companies
  • Educational programs (non-licensure)
  • Local churches and denominational offices
  • Mission agencies
  • National and international humanitarian aid organizations
  • Parachurch organizations
  • Residential treatment programs
  • Social and human services organizations

Strategies for success:

Strategies for Success:

  • Pursue mentoring relationships with ministry leaders you respect.
  • Subscribe to ministry publications and join ministry associations.
  • Obtain part-time, Summer, internship or volunteer experience in churches as well as hospitals, camps or overseas programs, or in advocacy or service-oriented programs addressing alcoholism, drug abuse, family violence, aging, poverty, disabilities, etc.
  • Serve as a peer mentor, resident assistant, or student advisor to cultivate leadership and program development skills.
  • Keep your finger on the pulse of pop culture, trends, and issues facing society. Know the trends that will affect your ministry.

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.


Still have questions about this program or how to apply?

Our team is ready with answers!

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Meet the Ministry Program Faculty

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.

Study under professors in our ministry program who not only have decades of past experience, but who are active in Christian ministry on a daily basis. This means you will have the opportunity to learn about potential real-world challenges (and their solutions), hone in on ministry-specific skills needed in your area of interest, and be encouraged in your faith.

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