Distance Degrees in Family Ministry, Youth Ministry, Student Ministry, Children's Ministry, College Ministry, & Related Majors

Caleb Kaltenbach
2 days ago
5 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Helping families grow in faith, guiding students through the challenges of adolescence, and shaping the next generation of disciples are some of the most rewarding—and complex—callings in ministry. Whether your passion lies in family ministry, children’s ministry, student ministry, or college ministry, effective leadership requires biblical depth, spiritual maturity, and a strong understanding of people and culture.

Thankfully, earning a degree to prepare for or advance in these areas has never been more accessible. Many Christian universities and seminaries now offer undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees through distance-learning formats—allowing you to study from home while continuing to serve in your local church or community.

These programs focus on helping ministry leaders:

Build a biblical and theological foundation for family and next-generation discipleship.
Develop leadership and communication skills tailored to children, teens, and young adults.
Understand family systems, developmental stages, and cultural trends affecting today’s youth.
Design and lead ministries that reach across generations and transform lives.

In recent years, the demand for flexible ministry training has grown dramatically. Christian colleges and seminaries have responded by offering robust distance-education options that combine academic excellence with hands-on ministry relevance. Whether you’re pursuing a Bachelor’s in Family Ministry, a Master of Arts in Student Ministry, or a Doctor of Ministry in Next Generation Leadership, there are fully accredited programs designed to fit your calling and your schedule.

Below is a list of schools offering accredited degrees in family, student, children’s, and college ministry that can be earned via distance learning (online, live synchronous study, etc.). Each degree program is fully accredited.

***This list will be updated regularly—check back often to explore new programs and opportunities.

Sections Below

Bachelor's Degrees

Master's Degrees

Doctoral Degrees - Professional & Research

Abbreviations- Degrees

BA: Bachelor of Arts

BS: Bachelor of Science

BAAS: Bachelor of Applied Arts & Sciences

MDiv: Master of Divinity

MA: Master of Arts

MAT: Master of Applied Theology

DMin: Doctor of Ministry

DPT: Doctor of Practical Theology

EdD: Doctor of Education

DEdMin: Doctor of Educational Ministry

PhD: Doctor of Philosophy

Bachelor's Degrees

Calvary Chapel University

BA in Biblical Studies & Youth Ministry

Concordia University- Irvine

BA in Christian Education Leadership

Dallas Christian College

BS in Practical Ministries - Youth & Family Ministry

Faith International University

BA in Religion (Children’s Ministry, Christian Education, or Youth Ministry), Leadership (Children’s Ministry, Christian Education, or Youth Ministry), or Education (Children’s Ministry, Christian Education, or Youth Ministry)

Faulkner University

BA in Biblical Studies: Youth & Family Ministry

Grand Canyon University

BA in Christian Studies & Youth Ministry

Johnson University

BS in Ministry Leadership: Children & Family Ministry, Preaching & Student Ministry, or Student & Family Ministry

Kansas Christian College

BA in Leadership and Ministry: Youth Ministry

The King’s University (The King’s Seminary)

BA in Ministry Leadership: Next Generation Ministry

Lee University

BS or BA in Ministry Leadership: Children’s Ministry or Youth Ministry

Liberty University

BS in Religion: Next Generation Ministries

Moody Bible Institute

BS in Ministry Leadership: Children & Family Ministry

Nelson University

BA in Church Leadership & Youth Ministry or Child & Family Studies

BAAS — Bachelor of Applied Arts & Sciences in Youth Ministry

North Central University

BS in Youth, Children, & Family

Oral Roberts University

BA in Ministry & Leadership — Youth & Family Ministries

Point University

BS in Youth & Family Ministries

Southeastern University

BS in Ministry Leadership & Family Ministries

South Florida Bible College & Theological Seminary

BA in Ministry & Leadership: Family Ministries

Toccoa Falls College

BS in Youth Ministry

William Jessup University

BS in Leadership & Youth Ministry

Master's Degrees

Anderson University (IN)

MA in Christian Ministry: Student Ministry

Andrews University

MA in Youth & Young Adult Ministry or Discipleship & Lifespan Education (concentrations in Children’s Ministry, Youth & Young Adult Ministry, Family Life Education, or Religious Education)

Asbury Theological Seminary

MDiv in Youth Ministry

MA in Ministry: Children & Family Ministry or Youth & Family Ministry

Bethel University (Bethel Seminary)

MA in Children’s, Youth, & Family Ministry

Concordia University- Irvine

MA in Theology & Christian Education Leadership

Dallas Baptist University

MA in Children’s Ministry or Family Ministry

Dallas Theological Seminary

MA in Christian Education in Children’s Ministry, Marriage & Family Ministry, or Youth & Young Adult Ministry

Eastern Mennonite Seminary