Online Master’s in Family and Youth Ministry Degree
Online Master’s in Family and Youth Ministry Degree
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At GCU, we strive to go above and beyond to make higher education accessible to all — including to those with busy schedules. An online master’s in youth ministry degree provides the same quality of instruction as our on-campus degree programs, but with the added convenience and flexibility of accessing your course materials from virtually anywhere. While you work toward your youth and family ministry degree, you’ll have opportunities to engage in discussions with your peers and instructors via our interactive learning platform, as well as take advantage of online learning resources.
GCU is an institutionally accredited university that emphasizes quality instruction across all of our degree programs, including ministry degrees. Our MA in Youth and Family Ministry program is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). ATS accredits graduate programs that hold a commitment to shared values to promote and provide a good theological education, establishing guidelines that programs must meet in order to earn and maintain accreditation. To learn more about how our accreditation reflects our commitment to education, visit our Grand Canyon Theological Seminary accreditation page.
As the world continues to present evolving challenges to families and young people, youth pastors remain a steadfast source of spiritual comfort and guidance. Those who are interested in a master’s in youth ministry might pursue opportunities in the following settings:1,2
Some specific roles that may be related to this online youth ministry master’s degree include the following:
Prepare to encourage families and youths to embrace God and biblical principles in their daily lives. Fill out the form on this page to learn more about this master’s in youth and family ministry degree online at GCU.
The Grand Canyon Theological Seminary provides a solid framework for handling the complexities of youth and family ministry. You will begin with a comprehensive survey of the biblical and theological foundations of Christian ethics, while being taught to apply biblical interpretation as you explore the basic principles of biblical language tools and exegesis. Consider analysis of the practical dimensions of systematic theology and examine connections between biblical teaching and ministry.
Future youth pastors are required to complete supervised ministry hours. This gives you a chance to reinforce concepts covered in coursework within practical contexts.
In addition, this master’s degree encompasses the following content areas:
Youths and families have unique spiritual needs. Explore ways of engaging young people and provide pastoral guidance to them by earning a Master of Arts (MA) in Youth and Family Ministry. Offered by Grand Canyon Theological Seminary, this online youth ministry master’s degree may be well-suited to future youth pastors who have a passion for changing lives through transformative ministry. While you are examining ways of leading youths and families to grow closer to God, you will also be challenged to develop your own character, personal morality and spirituality as you examine key ethical issues pertaining to the ministry.
The degree program you choose can have a significant influence on the course of your career. It’s wise to spend time reflecting upon your options before enrolling in a family ministry program. The following frequently asked questions and answers can provide a starting point for your career-related research.
Everyone is on their own unique path, and only you can determine if God has called upon you to serve as a family and youth minister. If you do feel called to serve in this capacity, you may find that you experience a sense of joy when empowering youths and families to tackle the challenges of modern life and to conduct their lives in accordance with the wisdom of the gospel. For those who desire to embrace biblical principles, you ay find serving as a youth minister to be personally fulfilling and meaningful.
Grand Canyon Theological Seminary (GCTS) is the graduate school of GCU’s College of Theology. It offers youth and family ministry programs that teach advanced theological competencies grounded in biblical truth within the context of a rich graduate culture. GCTS strives to develop leaders, ministers and scholars who embrace God’s Word, and to equip the people of God for missional service within a rapidly changing world.
Some religious organizations might hire youth pastors who do not have a ministry degree or who possess a degree in an unrelated area. However, in most cases, aspiring youth pastors do need to earn a degree in a relevant area, such as youth ministry, theology or religious studies.3 Earning a degree in family and youth ministry can provide opportunities to develop one’s own faith, as well as to explore ways of connecting with youths.
An aspiring youth minister should be someone who is committed to live by the Word of God and who desires to inspire others to follow scriptural truths. If you feel called to become a youth minister, you should plan on earning a bachelor’s degree in a related area, such as Christian ministry.
There is a general preference for ministers who also hold a graduate degree in ministry. It’s also helpful to gain practical experience, such as through an internship, practicum hours or volunteer service in a church. In addition to formal education and experience, a youth minister should be an excellent communicator and public speaker, and should possess an understanding of youth-related issues.3
GCU’s master’s in youth ministry degree program seeks to graduate students who are eager to serve their local communities and church organizations with compassion, competence and godly wisdom. Prepare to lead and inspire members of your Christian community and guide young people in staying on track to lead ethical, spiritual lives. The master’s in youth and family ministry degree meets GCU’s core domains and competencies:
Up to 12 credits or 1/3 of the total program requirements in transfer (whichever is less)
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Master's)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
* Degree must be from an accredited college or program that has been approved by GCU.
** Combined verbal/quantitative, after August 2011 (1,000 combined verbal and quantitative, prior to August 2011).
At Grand Canyon University, you will be immersed within a Christian learning environment. As a potential future leader of youth and family ministry programs, you will examine ways of addressing the challenges of modern life with the wisdom of the gospel of Jesus Christ. This family and youth ministry master’s degree examines the major stages of human development — from childhood to adulthood. As you progress through the master’s in youth ministry curriculum, your instructors will discuss how to apply theological and biblical principles in ministry services for specific groups and family members. You’ll also examine ways of providing biblical care during the often tumultuous years of adolescent growth and development.
