Ministry Studies Bachelor's and Associate Degrees at a Glance
If you like to work with people and want to do it in a religious or church setting, then a ministry studies bachelor's or associate degree program could be just what you are looking for. A bachelor's degree program in ministry studies prepares you for a role in the ministry. It equips you to hold a pastoral position, be a missionary, work in a Christian school or become a youth pastor. A variety of career options are available with this bachelor's degree.
Churches, schools and religious organizations always need skilled workers. The mission field needs highly skilled workers with a bachelor's degree.
| Associate | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Who is this degree for? | Students who are interested in working in the lay ministry | Students who would like to lead a church, other spiritual organization, or a ministry in a church |
| Common Career Paths (with approximate median annual salary) | Religious worker ($26,000)* | - Clergy ($44,000)* - Directors of religious activities and education ($36,000)* |
| Time to Completion | Two years | Four years |
| Common Graduation Requirements | About 20 courses | Roughly 30-40 courses and practicum for service requirement |
| Prerequisites | U.S. high school diploma or GED | U.S. high school diploma or GED and 50 credit hours from an accredited college |
| Online Availability | Yes | Yes |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2011 figures).
Associate in Ministry Studies
An associate program in ministry studies provides the training necessary to work as a church staff member or volunteer. If you enroll in an associate degree program, you receive an introduction to theology, Bible studies and the ministry. You can specialize in an area such as church, Christian education or music ministry.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- You will develop the skills necessary to work in the lay ministry
- You will take courses that you can apply toward a bachelor's degree
- You will learn how to become more effective as a spiritual leader
Cons
- You may need to take additional courses in order to meet ordination requirements
- If you would like to become a pastor, it may be best to enroll in a bachelor's degree program
- When searching for jobs, preference may be given to students with a bachelor's degree
Common Courses and Requirements
You will be required to take a wide range of courses to develop knowledge in theology and learn practical skills such as writing and public speaking to be effective in the ministry. Some courses you'll take might include:
- Bible study methods
- Public speaking
- Biblical texts
- English composition
- Introduction to psychology
Online Degree Options
Online associate degree programs in ministry studies are available to students around the world. Students who need the convenience of online courses to accommodate their schedules can choose to enroll in an online program. Online courses are taught by faculty members and allow for communication between students and also for interaction between students and instructors.
Get Ahead with This Degree
Because you will be interacting with and helping many people in the ministry, taking courses in psychology will help you to better understand human behavior and get ahead. In order to be better able to communicate the teachings of a church to others, it will help to focus on developing your writing and speaking skills.
Bachelor's Degree in Ministry Studies
In a bachelor's degree program in ministry studies, you learn how to preach, perform rituals, lead a congregation and apply spiritual principles in making decisions. You can choose an area of concentration, such as pastoral ministry, missionary service or Christian counseling. A bachelor's degree program, which helps you learn theological knowledge, as well as practical skills, prepares you for work in the ministry or for graduate studies.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- You can develop knowledge and practical skills that enable you to serve as a pastor or do other work in the ministry
- You'll learn to integrate critical thought with teachings of your denomination
- You'll learn how to present a spiritual teaching to a group of people
Cons
- You may not make very much money as a missionary or pastor and might have to work a secular job as well
- Working in the ministry requires a lot of interaction with people, so it may not be the best career for people who like to work alone
- A career in the ministry, because it requires a lot of giving, may lead to burnout
Common Courses and Requirements
A bachelor's degree program in ministry studies offers a number of courses. Depending on what your goal is - pastor, missionary or educator - your classes may vary. Some common courses include:
- Introduction to theology
- Counseling
- Public speaking
- Theology of missions
Online Degree Options
Some ministry studies departments provide bachelor's degree programs that can be completed online to accommodate students with jobs or families. You begin your program with a group of other students and have the ability to interact with them, as well as your teachers, throughout the program.
Getting Ahead with This Degree
Since working in the ministry field usually requires a lot of public speaking, it would benefit you to take a speech course in order to hone this skill. In order to be better able to help people, taking courses in counseling also could help you get ahead. In addition, acquiring skills in administration and management could make you more competitive.
