Bachelor of Science in Youth Ministries

At Liberty University, our Bachelor of Science (BS) in Youth Ministry is more than just an academic program — it’s a calling. This comprehensive degree is designed for those passionate about impacting young people’s lives through Jesus Christ’s teachings. By enrolling in this program, you’re taking a step towards becoming a guiding light in youth’s spiritual and personal development in churches, communities, and beyond.

Young people have a unique set of physical, mental, and spiritual needs. And we want to help equip you to meet those needs and positively affect their lives. Inspiring young people to serve God and live their best lives is one of the most impactful ways to influence the future.

Our curriculum combines rigorous academic training with real-world practical experience, helping to ensure that you graduate with a variety of tools to meet some of the challenges of modern youth ministry. You can delve into the essentials of biblical studies, understand the complexities of adolescent development, and study effective strategies for youth counseling and mentorship. This blend of theory and practice can help enable you to connect deeply with young people, helping them navigate the intricacies of their faith journey.

At Liberty, we’re dedicated to providing an education that can help prepare you to make a meaningful impact in the world for Christ. Join us in our mission to train leaders who are committed to serving youth with integrity, compassion, and a deep understanding of the Christian faith. Enroll as a youth ministry major today and take the first step toward a rewarding and fulfilling career that improves lives.

We believe that the future lies in the hands of young people. So, we want to help give you the tools you need to change the future by influencing our youth. Our unique youth ministries degree is designed to give you the resources and experience you need to work toward this goal.

We are a teaching university. This means our professors — who have education and years of experience in ministry — are in the classroom with you every week, teaching, mentoring, and supporting you in your academic journey.

One of the most valuable resources when working with young people is experience. That’s why we’ve partnered with churches, para churches, and nonprofit organizations to make sure you are able to find the right internship for you — the internship that can propel you into a life of ministry.

Finally, at the heart of our Youth Ministries program is a steadfast commitment to advancing the gospel of Jesus Christ. This commitment will permeate every aspect of your youth ministry education, from coursework to practical training. By choosing Liberty, you are not just gaining an education; you are joining a mission to impact the world positively through faith and service.

As you study with the John W. Rawlings School of Divinity, you can receive the training you need to enter into youth ministry. Your journey begins with a solid foundation in biblical studies. You will delve into the scriptures, studying how to interpret and understand the Bible’s teachings critically.

This deep exploration can help enhance your biblical knowledge and strengthen your ability to apply these teachings in a modern context. Your studies will cover various aspects of theology and church history, helping to ensure that you have a well-rounded understanding of Christian doctrine.

In addition to theological knowledge, you can gain practical skills essential for youth ministry. Courses in adolescent crisis can help you understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with ministering to young people.

You can study how to create engaging programs and activities that resonate with today’s youth, fostering an environment where they can grow in their faith. Communication skills, discipleship techniques, and leadership training are integral to the curriculum, helping to equip you with the skills to connect with and guide young people.

As you progress through your journey, the required practicums and internships integrated into your youth ministry education program are invaluable in shaping your path to becoming a youth minister. In these hands-on courses, you’ll be immersed in real-world scenarios where the theoretical knowledge you’ve acquired in the classroom comes to life and gives you hands-on ministry experience.

You can study the nuances of engaging with young people from diverse backgrounds and developing communication and leadership skills. These experiences provide a unique opportunity to observe and participate in the day-to-day operations of youth ministry, allowing you to hone your leadership abilities and understand the practical challenges and triumphs of this vocation. Through this direct exposure, you can gain insights that are crucial in shaping your approach and style as an aspiring youth minister, helping to prepare you for a career in this rewarding field.

Review the Degree Completion Plan, and check out our featured courses below to learn more about what you’ll be studying!