The associate’s degree in Youth Ministries is designed to prepare individuals for service in the local church, with a focus on ministry with teens and their families. A degree in Youth Ministries provides the perfect program for students who have a passion for sharing the love of Christ with teenagers and helping the next generation grow in faith. This degree will bring together Scripture and theology with the practical skills you need to lead an effective youth ministry in a church or other organization.
Graduates will be equipped to serve in a variety of pastoral and youth leadership roles, with the option to continue on to a bachelor’s degree program. Associate degree graduates will be prepared for youth ministry, further education, or other forms of ministry.
Why Pursue My Associate’s in Youth Ministries at IWU?
We grow most when we grow together. That’s why IWU prioritizes fostering a Christ-centered environment where students can build lifelong friendships and experience spiritual transformation. Through monthly events, small groups, mentoring, and retreats like the Follow the Call first-year retreat and the all-STM Deeper Life retreat, you’ll find meaningful opportunities to connect, grow, and deepen your faith.
At IWU, you’ll be supported by faculty who go beyond teaching—they’re mentors who genuinely care about your spiritual, academic, and personal growth. If you’re a Youth Ministry student, you’ll benefit from one-on-one advising tailored to help you clarify your calling, make sound academic decisions, and prepare for your future. With access to spiritual, academic, and emotional support, you’ll have everything you need to thrive during your time at IWU.
We believe that hands-on experience is essential for equipping future leaders. Our associate’s degree program emphasizes practical application and critical thinking skills to prepare you for real-world ministry. Students in the School of Theology and Ministry lead transformational events like Fusion and Never Too Young, which bring thousands of youth to campus to encounter Jesus Christ and strengthen their faith. Additionally, every summer, dozens of STM students serve on our Summer Ministry Teams, traveling across the U.S. to lead youth camps and make an eternal impact.
Choosing IWU means stepping into a community where your professors genuinely invest in your education, faith, and future. With a supportive network and opportunities for meaningful ministry experience, you’ll be prepared to follow your calling and serve the next generation of Christlike leaders.
What will I Learn in this Associate’s in Youth Ministries Program?
All majors in the School of Theology and Ministry are built on a foundation of spiritual formation, practical ministry, and biblical and theological studies. Throughout this program, students will take specialized youth ministry classes such as Programming for Youth and Family Ministries, Methods for Teaching the Bible, Theological Foundations of Youth and Family Ministries, and Care of Children and Youth, and more.
What Makes IWU Different?
IWU has provided education for more than 100 years.
Faith-integrated curriculum and a commitment to changing the world.
Center for Student Success for counseling, tutoring, and more!
IWU surpasses the national averages in a number of important educational benchmarks, including, but not limited to: higher than average graduation and career outcome rates. Plus, compared to the national average, IWU students receive their education with lower than average student debt!
With an associate's degree in Youth Ministries, you will be able to:
These courses contain the program-specific knowledge. Upon completion, you should have the tools to conquer your new career with confidence. For a full list of courses required to complete your degree, please visit the course catalog. Click on a course below to view the description.
CED-201,CED-202,CED-303,YTH-325,CED-240,CED-340,REL-370,YTH-471,REL-365,YTH-366,REL-366P,YTH-330,YTH-380,PSY-250,REL-200,REL-270,BIL-202,THE-233,REL-240
General Education Requirements
Students in these majors meet the general education competencies by taking the approved standard courses or meeting competencies except as otherwise noted.
Admission to Professional Majors
Admission to the majors within the Division of Practical Theology may require a formal screening process separate from the initial declaration of intent. The process includes the successful completion of the prescribed courses designated by each major. Students need to have a GPA of 2.25 cumulative and 2.5 in the coursework required for the major. Students must also file application forms including a written essay and references. In some cases a personal interview with school faculty may also be required. Enrollment in some advanced courses in the division is restricted to those admitted to these majors. A student needs to start the application to the major process by the end of their sophomore year (60 credit hours) and after the successful completion of the designated courses in his or her respective majors. Delay on this process will prohibit students from enrolling in advanced courses in their professional major.
Continuation in Professional Majors
Students must maintain a cumulative 2.25 GPA and a 2.50 academic GPA in coursework required for the major. Failure to do so may necessitate repeating courses or withdrawal from the major. The School of Theology and Ministry faculty reserves the right to request the withdrawal of any student who in its judgment fails to satisfy the standards of Christian character, moral integrity, and social fitness required for a professional minister.
Wesleyan Students
Students anticipating future service in The Wesleyan Church should include Wesleyan Church History/Discipline (REL-431) among their elective courses. The Christian Ministries and Pastoral Ministries majors are specifically designed to meet all the academic requirements for ordination in The Wesleyan Church. Any deviation from the course requirements should be approved in writing by both the Dean and the Executive Director of Education and Clergy Development for The Wesleyan Church. Students who are members of The Wesleyan Church should be in contact with their District Board of Ministerial Development (DBMD) prior to applying for admission to the professional majors.
Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), www.hlcommission.org, 312-263-0456. Other accreditations and associations of Indiana Wesleyan University are available at www.indwes.edu/about/iwu-profile/accreditation.
