Location
Online
Curriculum
60 credit hours
Program Length
as few as 24 months
Accreditation
Regionally Accredited by SACSCOC
The Associate of Arts in Ministry Leadership degree provides you with the biblically based knowledge and practical tools needed to disciple and lead others. By pursuing a degree in Ministry Leadership, you’ll be putting yourself at the heart of God’s plan to minister to people of all ages. With a focus on practical, hands-on learning, you’ll be prepared for entry-level ministry positions in the local church or other ministry organizations. This program also allows you to transfer into a Bachelor’s degree program. Join us at CIU and make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals and families in your community.
What You’ll Learn
You will learn biblically based ministry skills and how to effectively communicate the Bible to individuals in different ministry contexts and cultures.
You will learn effective leadership, ministry management and administration skills.
You will learn the skills needed to disciple individuals, fostering life transformation and ministry impact.
Why Earn This Degree at CIU?
The Associate of Arts in Ministry Leadership program at Columbia International University trains you in the knowledge and strategic skills needed to serve effectively as ministry leaders inside and outside of the local church.
You can do your studies from home as you continue to serve/volunteer in your current ministry, providing an opportunity to put into practice what you are learning in real-time.
Courses are taught by experienced and dedicated faculty with extensive education and experience who are actively involved in ministry. These professors bring their real-world experience to each class, providing you with valuable insights, guidance and training on how to navigate the challenges and opportunities of ministry.
You will experience a supportive learning community that includes a combination of engaging instruction and practical experiences.
What Can I Do With This Degree?
Graduates with an Associate of Arts in Ministry Leadership are equipped with skills and biblically based ministry knowledge necessary to pursue a variety of entry-level positions in the local church or other ministry organizations, including:
- Ministry Leader
- Youth/Student Ministry Staff
- Children’s Ministry Staff
- International Youth/Children Staff
- Para-Church Youth Worker (Young Life, Youth for Christ, FCA)
- Camp/Retreat Staff
- Community Outreach Center Staff
- Ministry-focused staff for Nonprofit Organizations
- Inner City or Urban Ministry Worker
- Preparation for continuing your studies
Featured Faculty
What Will I Study?
- MIN 3100 Communicating for Life Change
You will explore various models and guides for effective communication and teaching of Scripture that connect with a variety of age groups. You will read books, write messages, and participate in discussion and lectures. You will practice speaking in class to experience the methods.
3.00 credit hours
- MIN 4500 Introduction to Cross-Cultural Ministry
In this course, you will be exposed to a variety of ministry approaches needed for different cultures. You will explore the cross-cultural ministry principles and skills most essential to ministry. You will discover your own cultural biases and how those biases affect your ministry. You will have the opportunity to develop a culture-specific ministry vision and strategy to reach a people group God has placed on your heart.
3.00 credit hours
- MIN 4536 Management Essentials for Christian Ministries
In this course, you will learn basic ministry management principles for the local church and para-church ministries. You will learn how to build and lead a ministry team; plan, organize, and market events and programs; conduct effective meetings; budget and evaluate financial issues; manage risk and legal issues; evaluate and follow up on ministry activities.
3.00 credit hours
- MIN 4538 Strategic Ministry Leadership
In this course, you will examine the character qualities essential to effective Christian leadership in a variety of settings; discuss a definition of leadership which discloses its basic functions; explore relational skills and issues integral to leadership roles; and identify competencies for tasks essential for excellent leadership.
3.00 credit hours
Admission Requirements
- Online application
- Official high school transcript or successful completion of General Education Development (GED) Testing Program
- Applicants who have attempted 12 or more college credits post-high school must provide official college transcripts of all work completed or in progress. Recommended college grade point average (GPA) is 2.0 on a 4.0 scale (those with a GPA under 2.0 may be admitted on a provisional basis)
Accreditation and Accolades
