BA in Christian Studies: Youth Ministry Emphasis
Relate the Gospel to Youths and Transform Teens
Prepare to inspire children and adolescents and encourage them to grow closer to God. The Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies with an Emphasis in Youth Ministry degree program at Grand Canyon University is designed to provide an avenue for a future in faith-based work.
Offered by the College of Theology, this Christian studies degree program guides you in acquiring a solid framework of knowledge in Christian doctrine, theology, biblical truths and Christian history. Graduates are expected to have the necessary communication, leadership and interpersonal skills to inspire and engage young people of diverse backgrounds.
Earn Your Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies at GCU
GCU is a modern, inclusive campus that invites students to grow spiritually, personally and professionally within our welcoming learning community. As you earn your Christian studies degree, you’ll be encouraged to reflect upon the application of biblical principles to modern situations and settings. Our youth ministry studies program is designed to help you become a positive role model for the youngest members of the church. Within our private Christian campus, you’ll have opportunities to work toward becoming a socially responsible, productive member of society who models a Christ-like character.
Reflect Upon Key Influences Shaping Modern Christianity
Your Christian studies journey begins with an intensive exploration of Christian doctrine. You will work through coursework on the Old and New Testaments. The program examines theological methodologies and the history of theology.
During your studies, you will explore the major developments of Christianity throughout its history and reflect upon the other major religions of the world. The degree is designed to teach a thorough understanding of the following topic areas:
- The developmental life stage of adolescence, with an emphasis on faith formation and spiritual needs
- The biblical, educational, theological and philosophical foundations of youth ministry
- The philosophy and principles for preaching to youths, including teaching and outreach strategies, leadership development, budgeting and evaluation
In addition, you will examine the common issues and problems of adolescence, including disorder identification, intervention and prevention, as well as referral strategies. Future youth ministers will be expected to develop a firm grasp on “pastoral first aid” for troubled, at-risk adolescents.
[Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid]
Online: $410 per credit
[Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid]
Cost of Attendance
Explore Ministry Skills Needed for Teen Outreach
As a Christian studies student, you will have opportunities to sharpen your analytical skills and practice communicating the message of God to a variety of audiences, with a focus on youths. Other skills taught this degree program include:
- Pastoral care skills appropriate to varying developmental stages
- Preaching, teaching, small group discussion and interpersonal communication skills
- Personal morality against the context of various contemporary issues
- Development of a Christ-like character, including spiritual discipline, virtues and habits
Knowledgeable faculty members will guide you in preparing for a life of service to the church. Graduates are expected to be confident ministers of God’s Word, capable of spreading the message of love and compassion to all.
Prepare for a Career Serving the Next Generation
Our Christian studies graduates are expected to be prepared to guide youths in nurturing their relationship with Jesus Christ. There are many potential applications for the communication, leadership and organizational skills you will be taught in this Christian studies program.
Churches, parachurch organizations and humanitarian organizations are just a few of the possible settings in which graduates may pursue work.1 Some graduates may potentially expand their career qualifications by pursuing an advanced degree in Christian studies. The Grand Canyon Theological Seminary is an associate member of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).
Earn Your Degree From an Accredited University
GCU is an institutionally accredited university, having been continuously accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968. The College of Theology shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.
Become a mentor in faith with a Christian studies degree focused on youth ministry.
1 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, May). Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023. Retrieved Nov. 4, 2024.
2 BestAccreditedColleges. (n.d.). Be a Youth Pastor: Step-by-Step Career Guide. Retrieved Nov. 4, 2024.
General Education Requirements
General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University’s General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.
Requirements
Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.
Course Options
- UNV-103, University Success: 4
- UNV-303, University Success: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition.
Course Options
- ENG-105, English Composition I: 4
- UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4
- ENG-106, English Composition II: 4
- COM-263, Elements of Intercultural Communication: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV-101/CWV-301.
Course Options
- CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4
- CWV-301, Christian Worldview: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments. Students are required to take 3 credits of college mathematics or higher.
Course Options
- MAT-144, College Mathematics: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, cross-cultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.
Course Options
- PSY-102, General Psychology: 4
- INT-244, World Religions: 4
- SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4
Core Courses
Course Description
This course introduces the text of the Old Testament with emphasis on the biblical narrative, genres, major historical periods, and theological themes.
Course Description
This course introduces the text of the New Testament with emphasis on the biblical narrative, genres, major historical periods, and theological themes.
Course Description
This course is a study of theological methodology and the doctrines of revelation, God, humanity, sin, and the person of Jesus Christ with emphasis on the biblical bases for each doctrine.
Course Description
This writing-intensive course helps equip students to understand and use basic principles of biblical hermeneutics, including an introduction to the nature of Bible interpretation and the application to contemporary issues. The majority of the course focuses on developing practical procedures and step-by-step skills in exegesis of Scripture. Prerequisite: BIB-106.
Course Description
This course is an exegetical study of the first major division of the Old Testament with an emphasis on the application of hermeneutical principles. The class focuses on the interpretation of selected passages from the Pentateuch. Attention is also given to textual issues and major theological themes. Prerequisites: BIB-106 and BIB-355.
Course Description
This course is a study of theological methodology and the doctrines of the works of Jesus Christ, salvation, the Holy Spirit, the Church, and last times with emphasis on the biblical bases for each doctrine.
Course Description
This course explores the biblical, educational, theological, and philosophical foundations of youth ministry. Students assess their personal gifts and personalities in relation to ministry.
Course Description
This course examines the biblical truths, spiritual disciplines, virtues, and habits that contribute to the process of discipleship, form Christian character, and result in Christ-likeness. Special attention is given to the doctrine of sanctification and teaching related to ministerial ethics and the cultivation of Christ-like character. Prerequisites: BIB-106 and BIB-107 or BIB-100.
Course Description
This writing intensive course is a survey of global Christianity that examines the mission and purposes of God and His people among the nations. Emphasis is placed on the analysis of recent mission movements, best practices for mission strategies, and contemporary trends in global Christianity. Prerequisite: HTH-201.
Course Description
This course is an exegetical study of the initial books of the New Testament with an emphasis on the application of hermeneutical principles. The class focuses on the interpretation of selected passages from the Gospels and Acts. Attention is also given to textual issues and major theological themes. Prerequisites: BIB-107 and BIB-355.
Course Description
This course examines the developmental life stage of adolescence and the formation of faith. An emphasis is placed on the adolescent's family in its cultural setting and the developmental and spiritual needs of family members. Prerequisite: YMN-305.
Course Description
This course surveys the major developments within the history of Christianity that have shaped Christian doctrine. Emphasis is placed on key events, personalities, theological developments, and movements. Prerequisites: HTH-201 and HTH-202.
Course Description
This course is a study of the theory and methods of oral communication with emphasis on the development of speaking and listening skills for application in ministerial contexts such as preaching, teaching, small group discussion, and interpersonal communication. Prerequisites: BIB-106, BIB-107, and BIB-355.
Course Description
This course examines skills and practices of ministry to adolescents at risk. Students explore a philosophy of pastoral care from a practical theology and biblical perspective. The course addresses issues and problems that grow out of the developmental process, disorders that begin during or are unique to adolescence, as well as intervention, prevention, and referral strategies. The course serves as “pastoral first aid” where students will learn basic helping skills. Prerequisite: YMN-305.
Course Description
This writing-intensive course systematically studies the biblical, theological, and philosophical foundations of Christian ethics as compared with other ethical systems that shape public discourse on ethical issues. Emphasis is placed on personal morality and an exploration of contemporary issues relevant to the church's public witness.
Course Description
This course is an intensive examination of the philosophy and principles for youth ministry programming, including ministry purpose and goals, leadership development, teaching strategies, outreach strategies, budgeting, and evaluation. Prerequisite: YMN-305.
- GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
- Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
- Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change
Join Grand Canyon University’s vibrant and growing campus community, with daytime classes designed for traditional students. Immerse yourself in a full undergraduate experience, complete with curriculum designed within the context of our Christian worldview.
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.