Alert Lipsum Text Invades Dev site!

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book.

Bachelor of Science in

Youth Ministry, Family & Culture

Shaping the Next Generation of Disciples

If you’re passionate about making a meaningful impact on the next generation, a Bachelor of Science in Youth Ministry, Family & Culture at Columbia International University is the perfect foundation for your calling.

Our program equips students with the knowledge and tools to connect with youth, families, and communities, both churched and unchurched, while providing effective discipleship training. At CIU, you’ll learn to navigate contemporary issues affecting family life and culture. Our faculty bring years of real-world experience to prepare you for leadership in diverse settings—from local churches to global mission fields. You’ll develop practical strategies for youth outreach, family support, and cross-cultural ministry to reach the next generation for Christ.

By pursuing a degree in Youth Ministry, Family & Culture, you’ll be at the heart of God’s plan to minister to children, youth, and families worldwide. With a focus on hands-on learning, you’ll be prepared for careers in youth ministry, camp programs, inner-city organizations, or further studies in divinity or theology. Join us at CIU and make a lasting impact on the lives of young people in your community and beyond.

Location

Campus

Next Start

August 25

Credit Hours

120

College

College of Arts & Sciences

Accreditation

ABHE, SACSCOC

Quick Links

Campus Program Courses
Admission Requirements
Cost & Aid

Career Opportunities

Youth/Student Ministry Pastor or Director
Children’s Pastor/Director
College Pastor/Director
Family Pastor
Director of Christian Discipleship
International Youth Worker/Missionary (e.g., Samaritan’s Purse, Compassion International, YWAM, Josiah Venture, JAARS)
Para-Church Youth Worker (Young Life, Youth for Christ, FCA)
Camp/Retreat Director or Program Director
Staff at Residential Programs for At-Risk Youth
Community Outreach Center Director/Staff
Military Base Youth Minister
Youth Ministry Curriculum Developer
Director of a Youth-Focused Nonprofit Organization
Inner City or Urban Youth Worker
Itinerant Youth Speaker

A Comprehensive Approach

The Youth Ministry program at CIU offers a comprehensive approach to training students in the biblical knowledge and strategic skills needed to serve effectively as leaders and mentors for young people and their families.

Personalized Education

Small class sizes, practical and experiential assignments, and a focus on your passions make a degree in youth ministry at CIU the perfect fit for your unique calling.

Deeper Learning

With a deep understanding of contemporary issues affecting family life and culture, theological concepts of ministry and practical skills in youth and family services, graduates of this program are well-prepared to serve as leaders and influencers in the world of youth ministry and family services.

Meet the Faculty

David Olshine

Director and Professor of Youth Ministry, Family, and Culture

Karen Grant

Professor of Youth Ministry, Family, and Culture

Course Preview

In addition to the undergraduate core and other related courses, here is a glimpse at a few of the courses you will be taking in this program.

For a full list of courses related to this program, visit the Academic Catalog:

MIN 3715 - Counseling Children, Youth, & Families

This course will help you understand the needs of children, adolescents, and families. This course will give you a framework for utilizing individual and family systems model as well as other theories and practical techniques for counseling.

YOU 3410 - Evangelizing & Discipling Youth

This course equips you in the principles and practice of discipling a young person to know God and make Him known. It provides a specific look at adolescent Christian life as it pertains to the facilitation of maturing leaders in youth organizations. You will review various models, strategies, and programs that target teens and collegians in a ministry of disciple-making.

YOU 4310 - Strategies for Effective Youth & Family Ministry

You will explore a variety of models and strategies, past/present, for leading effective ministry to youth and their families. You will examine the challenges and opportunities of doing ministry in a post-Christian world.

Related Programs

You may also be interested in these other similar degree programs:

Take the Next Step

Request Info

Apply Now

Visit Campus

Cost & Aid