Youth Ministry
A program that prepares the ordained clergy and other religious professionals to provide spiritual, counseling, and leadership services to children, adolescents, and young adults. Includes instruction in child and adolescent psychology, human growth and development, family studies, communication skills, religious education, youth counseling, small group leadership, planning and organizing youth activities, volunteer supervision, and youth evangelism and worship.
- Schools offering
- 82
- Annual completions
- 223
- Typical degree level
- Associate's + Bachelor's
- Median earnings (5yr)
- $42k
About this major
A program that prepares the ordained clergy and other religious professionals to provide spiritual, counseling, and leadership services to children, adolescents, and young adults. Includes instruction in child and adolescent psychology, human growth and development, family studies, communication skills, religious education, youth counseling, small group leadership, planning and organizing youth activities, volunteer supervision, and youth evangelism and worship.
Examples of specialized tracks: Youth and Family Ministries.
Where this major leads
Occupations most often associated with this major, from the federal BLS+O*NET crosswalk. Job-growth projections and median wages are national.
| Occupation | Median wage | Job growth | Typical education |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clergy | $61k | +1.0% | Bachelor's degree |
| Directors, religious activities and education | $55k | +2.1% | Bachelor's degree |
Earnings at a glance
Median graduate earnings from the federal College Scorecard, 5 and 10 years out.
Median 5-year earnings
$42k
Associate's vs Bachelor's — early-career earnings
Associate's
$36k
Bachelor's
$43k
Top colleges for Youth Ministry
Ranked by annual completions at the associate's or bachelor's level — a proxy for program scale.
| College | Location | Assoc. | Bach. | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty University | Lynchburg, VA | 0 | 24 | 24 |
| Gordon College | Wenham, MA | 0 | 14 | 14 |
| Ozark Christian College | Joplin, MO | 0 | 14 | 14 |
| Lee University | Cleveland, TN | 0 | 12 | 12 |
| PENSACOLA CHRISTIAN COLLEGE | Pensacola, FL | 0 | 12 | 12 |
| Moody Bible Institute | Chicago, IL | 0 | 11 | 11 |
| Cornerstone University | Grand Rapids, MI | 0 | 9 | 9 |
| Grace College and Theological Seminary | Winona Lake, IN | 0 | 8 | 8 |
| Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion | Marion, IN | 0 | 7 | 7 |
| Charleston Southern University | Charleston, SC | 0 | 6 | 6 |