Minor Available
125 credits
125 credits
required for program
Minor Available
PSEO/Early college online classes
Department of Christian Ministries
Ministry
Department of Christian Ministries
Ministry
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Arts
- Undergraduate
Prepare for a career in the church, mission field, and world. This degree lays the foundation for you to pursue graduate study.
Ministry may be the right degree for you if you
- want to serve and disciple others in a professional setting
- are a good communicator
- have a desire to learn more about scripture
Why study ministry at Northwestern?
Northwestern has been training the next generation of church leaders, missionaries, nonprofit leaders, and other ministers for over 100 years. With our small class sizes, you'll get hands-on attention from ministry professionals with years of experience in the field. Focus your passion for ministry by choosing a concentration in camp administration, children and family ministry, nonprofit leadership, social justice, worship and creative arts, or youth and adult ministry.
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What degree concentrations are offered in Ministry?
Accelerated M.A. in Ministry Leadership
Students may apply through the Ministry department 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 on site or through online learning. This pathway saves students time and tuition expense as they add a graduate degree to their portfolio.
Careers in ministry
There are a variety of career and academic pathways that begin with a degree in ministry.
What types of work are related to this degree?
- Campus ministry
- Christian education
- Curriculum development (church/para-church)
- Ministry support or coordination
- Pastoral roles
- Para-church ministry worker
- Social/human services worker or case manager
- Camp administrator
- Fund development
- Disaster/aid relief worker
- Program administration or development
- Dorm parent/international school or residential treatment facility
- Missions or tent making ministry
- Residence life or student development
- Job development or life skills coaching
Who employs people with this degree?
- Christian colleges
- Local churches and denominational offices
- Mission agencies
- Parachurch organizations
- Social and human services organizations
- Educational programs (non-licensure)
- Curriculum publishing companies
- Residential treatment programs
- Parks and recreation programs
- Community services agencies/programs (financial, family planning, health and wellness, marriage, vocational, food/housing assistance, military family support)
- National and international humanitarian aid organizations
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.
- Early in your career, you may need to supplement ministry income with other work.
93%
of Northwestern ministry graduates had professional employment within 6 months
Students
complete 200 hours of ministry experience during internships
90%
of seniors grew in their relationship with God during their time at Northwestern
What will I learn?
You will learn how to engage non-believers and develop effective communication skills.
Still have questions about this program or how to apply?
Our team is ready with answers!
Discover the Department of Christian Ministries
Professors at Northwestern are focused on their students first. Our faculty include experts in their respective fields who want to help you grow in your faith while you earn your degree.
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