Best Online Ministry Programs

Most learners pursue bachelor’s in ministry programs because they feel certain of their calling to perform mission-driven work. A bachelor’s in ministry can lead to entry-level careers at churches and nonprofit organizations and further study in master of divinity programs.

Most on-campus and online bachelor’s in ministry programs take four years to complete. Learners delve into biblical study, church administration, and leadership skills. Some programs focus on general ministry, while others focus on specific fields like youth ministry. After graduating, learners can pursue further education or careers in churches, the nonprofit sector, and Christian education.

Read on to learn more about coursework, careers, and admission requirements for online bachelor’s in ministry programs. You can also find answers to your most pressing questions about these programs.

Ministry is service to God and service to people in God’s name. We most commonly associate ministry with ordained ministers, pastors, and preachers, who perform acts of ministry for a living, but anyone is capable of engaging in ministry activities. Other types of ministers include nonordained youth pastors, volunteer missionaries, faith-based nonprofit workers, owners of faith-based businesses, and individual Christians who look for everyday opportunities to help others.

Ministry serves several important purposes in the Christian faith. In a broad context, ministry seeks to bring more people into the religion by sharing information about God, Jesus Christ, and other biblical teachings. Within the context of individual churches, ministry goals include increasing membership, attendance, active participation, and spirituality. Ministry also includes acts of service — such as those completed by global missionaries — that help meet the physical, emotional, mental, vocational, or financial needs of others, regardless of their personal faith.

A bachelor’s degree in ministry engages students in rigorous study of the Bible, theology, and leadership methods. Visit the program page to learn more.

An online bachelor’s in ministry offers a good fit for students who know they want to dedicate their professional lives to the church. However, this degree can also lead to fulfilling service-oriented careers in nonprofits and other mission-driven organizations, administration, and education.

Nevertheless, all ministry students should feel a strong calling to service. While graduates with a bachelor’s in ministry can earn solid salaries, they are unlikely to grow rich unless they change careers. Ministry students must also be good communicators who are comfortable with frequent public speaking. They also need strong leadership skills, which they can develop during their studies through courses like Christian leadership.

Most bachelor’s in ministry programs require about 120 credits. Most full-time students graduate in approximately four years. However, online accelerated programs can sometimes shorten this timeline. Students who take courses during summer semesters can also graduate more quickly.

Some programs focus on general ministry, while others allow students to specialize in ministering to a specific population. Possible concentrations include urban ministry, youth ministry, church administration, and pastoral studies.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

This survey course covers historical, theological, and biblical topics to help students develop a basis for their preaching. This course helps learners shape their own personal philosophy as ministers.

Ministers are leaders of their churches. To help prepare them, this course delves into leadership in both secular and Christian contexts, delving into historical, biblical, and theological examples of leadership.

This course prepares students to become church administrators. Covered topics may include budgets, programs, strategic planning, and human resources.

This course may cover different skills and services that ministers need to provide, including counseling, funerals, marriage officiation, and hospital chaplaincy.

This course examines the role of teachers and students in the ministry. Covered topics may include curriculum development, lesson planning, teaching philosophy, and evaluation methods.

Since ministry is a relatively specialized field and major, there are a limited number of positions available. As such, competition for ministry and pastor positions can prove fierce.

Nevertheless, there is demand for professionals in adjacent fields. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 8% job growth for social and community services managers between 2023 and 2033. These professionals earned a median annual salary of $77,030 as of May 2023, and those who work for religious organizations earned a median of $76,180 annually.

Graduates with a bachelor’s in ministry can often find employment working for faith-based organizations. Even if they don’t work directly for a church, ministry graduates can still make a significant difference in their communities.

See where a bachelor’s in ministry can take you. Learn more about ministry and theology careers.

Youth ministers lead Sunday school, mission trips, and other activities for church members who are under 18. They must plan lessons and trips and manage parent volunteers. They must also be willing to work nights and weekends. Different denominations maintain different requirements for youth ministers, so research each church position before applying.

Average Annual Salary (As of October 2021): $37,240

Pastors lead a church’s congregation in service, worship, and often music. Requirements for these positions vary by denomination. They usually need to gain official ordination from their denomination before they can practice.

Keep in mind that many ordained ministers hold a master of divinity degree, although an advanced degree is not always required. Pastors usually also need experience at the associate pastor level.

Average Annual Salary (As of October 2021): $50,070

Graduates with a bachelor’s in ministry can often pursue careers as high school teachers in religious schools. Since these schools are often private schools, prospective teachers usually do not need to earn state licensure or take the Praxis exam. Private school teachers plan lessons in their content area and may mentor a group of students as an advisory or devotional.

Median Annual Salary (As of May 2023): $65,220

Church administrators manage day-to-day operations and budgets for the churches where they work. They allocate donations and income to fund church programming, services, and outreach efforts. You can qualify for some church administrator positions with an associate degree in ministry, but a bachelor’s degree gives you an advantage during the job search.

Average Annual Salary (As of October 2021): $39,300

If they don’t want to work directly for a church, graduates with a bachelor’s in ministry can often find work at faith-based nonprofits. Executive directors are the CEOs of nonprofit organizations. They manage budgets, hiring, and operations. They also report to a board of directors. Graduates usually need significant professional experience before they can qualify for these roles.

Average Annual Salary (As of October 2021): $67,990

Ministry professionals should complete continuing education to make sure they provide their congregation with the best possible worship services. Ministers can complete individual donation-based courses through the Christian Leaders Institute. Methodist pastors can complete professional certification through the United Methodist Church’s General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.

However, the most common continuing education route for graduates with a bachelor’s in ministry is pursuing a master’s degree in theology or divinity. These advanced degrees can lead to senior pastor positions and ordination within several denominations.