125 credits
required for program
- Minor Available
- PSEO/Early college online classes
Ignite a fire inside the hearts of young people for Jesus Christ. Learn how to connect with them and share the truth that they are part of God’s family and will never be alone. The youth and emerging adult studies major equips you to work in ministry for youth and emerging adults in local church, parachurch, and community organizations. You’ll also be prepared for seminary or further graduate study.
Youth Studies may be the right degree for you if you
- feel called to work with young adults in a local church or community organization
- want to lead the next generation to Christ
- are interested in developing your leadership and relational skills
Why do youth studies at Northwestern?
You have the opportunity to spread the Gospel to the next generation of young people. You will have the privilege of making an impact in local churches and communities.
There are many concentrations available in youth studies ministry including:
- social justice
- non-profit leadership
- camp and conference center administration
The concentration track in this major is flexible and designed for students hoping to double major. You’ll be equipped for a career in youth ministry or non-profit youth work when you graduate, because you’ll spend 200 hours ministering during required internships.
You can also train as a ministry leader at the Forest Springs Camp & Conference Center. Since its founding in 1958, Forest Springs has been committed to developing Christian leaders. The camp’s Leadership, Training, and Development (LTD) program equips leaders for global ministry.
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What degree concentrations are offered in Youth Studies?
Students will complete 12 credits specific to Media Ministry.
- Story Structure
- Audio Production
- Video Production
Students will complete 12 credits specific to Next Generation Ministry.
- Spiritual Lives of Children
- Spiritual Lives of Youth
- Family Studies
- Leading Children and Families
- Serving Youth and Emerging Adults
Students will gain essential skills in relational leadership, managerial leadership, and missional leadership to work in either local church or nonprofit contexts. Classes include Management, Introduction to Entrepreneurship, and Principles of Marketing.
Students will be prepared with the theological and practical understandings needed to act mercifully and love justly in a broken world. Required classes include Theology for Social Engagement, Social Justice, Race and Ethnicity in America, and Urban Community Development.
Students will be prepared for ministry with youth and emerging adults in the local church or nonprofit settings. Required courses include Everyday Lives of Adolescents and Youth, Spiritual Lives of Adolescents and Youth, and Practices of Youth and Emerging Adult Ministry. Some of these courses are taken in the Youth and Emerging Adult Studies major core.
Complete an individualized group of interrelated courses in consultation with the academic advisor and approved by the department chairperson. A group of courses may include any minor, other than Bible.
Accelerated M.A. in Ministry Leadership
Students can apply through the ministry department to combine an undergraduate degree in Youth Studies with an accelerated M.A. degree in Ministry Leadership. Youth Studies majors complete up to 16 credits of the M.A. 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 option saves students time and expenses as they add a graduate degree.
Considering a double major?
A degree in Youth Studies works well as a double major with a Music degree. See the Chair of the Department of Christian Ministries for details and advising.
Careers in youth studies
There are a variety of career and academic pathways that begin with a degree in youth studies.
What types of work are related to this degree?
- Campus ministry
- Christian education
- Curriculum development (church/para-church)
- Early adult ministry coordinator
- Pastoral roles to young adults
- Parachurch ministry worker
- Social/human services worker or case manager
- 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
What will I learn?
You will learn to communicate effectively, counsel youth, and minister to them in various situations.
MIN 3231
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.
YOU 3206
Everyday lives of Adolescents and Youth
Young people’s participation in and understanding of subcultures, lifestyles and event cultures. Place of these in young people’s identity, family and friendships. Use of life experience, news and popular media to explore everyday realities of being a young person, as it varies by social class, race/ethnicity, geography, time period and capacity.
MIN 3205
Human Sexuality
This course will examine biblical and theological foundations, as well as social science research, for human sexuality. A holistic view of human sexuality will be explored through the examination of sociological, biological, psychological and spiritual aspects of human nature and behavior. Biblical principles are discovered and applied to the development of individual sexual values and sexual discipline. The role of the church in supporting healthy sexuality will be considered.
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.
YOU 3207
Spiritual Lives of Adolescents and Youth
Adolescent and youth spirituality, its relation to working with young people and the world in which they live. Faith and spirituality are understood with depth and creativity as necessary aspects of healthy youth development.
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.
