Bachelor of Arts in Religion/Youth Ministry

The major in youth ministry is useful for students planning careers as directors or ministers with youth or planning to enter other forms of Christian ministry, such as Christian education or the pastorate. The spiritual formation of youth as Christian disciples requires students who would serve as youth workers to be grounded in the biblical and theological understandings of the faith and be knowledgeable about the development of young people. Mature interaction with youth requires far more than the ability to present interesting programs. Studies in the major field, along with courses in English, history, philosophy, the social sciences, and various electives, will give the student an excellent background for entrance into a theological seminary or for various service opportunities in the church and society. In addition to other courses in the General Education curriculum, all youth ministry majors will take the following: First Semester: (3) REL 2513 - Introduction to World Religions Second Semester: (3) REL 1003 - Introduction to Biblical Literature Major Requirements Credit Hours: (41) At least one upper-division course (3000-4000) must be completed in each of the following areas: biblical studies, history of Christianity, and theology. A minimum of 24 hours must be taken at the 3000-4000 level in the School of Religion. Required courses: 35 hours REL 2023 – Methods of Biblical Analysis REL 3233 – United Methodist Studies REL 4873 – Senior Paper/Project in Youth Ministry REL 3813 – Nature and Work of Christian Education REL 3913 – Ministry with Youth REL 3923 - Adolescent World REL 4603 - Leadership in Christian Education REL 4643 – The Bible in Youth Ministry REL 4663 - Theology and Youth Ministry REL 3933 – Ministry with Children and Families or REL 3943 – Ministry with Adult Biblical Studies: (3) (At least one 3000 to 4000 level course from the following) REL 3103 Psalms and Wisdom Literature REL 3203 Prophetic Literature REL 3303 Gospels and Acts REL 3403 Seminar in Hebrew Bible REL 4981 ** Internship in Religion (Two Semesters) History of Christianity: (3) (At least one 3000 to 4000 level course from the following) REL 3013 - History of Christianity (Ancient-Medieval) REL 3113 - History or Christianity (Reformation-Modern) REL 3223 - History of Christian Spirituality REL 4153 - Seminar in History of Christianity Recommended Courses Outside Major SOC 2113 – The American Family SOC 3413 – Sociology of Urban Life PSYC 3464 – Topics in Psychology: Psychology of Adolescents SOC 4103 – Sociology of Modern Music: The Role of Rock JUS 4203 – Victimology JUS 4513 – Juvenile Delinquency