Do you have a passion for ministering to people and a desire to impact lives for Christ? This major combines the best of educational methodology with the social science disciplines of psychology, communication, sociology, and leadership theory to produce agents of change for the church and culture. As you pursue a B.A. in Youth and Educational Ministries, you will learn how to counsel and care for today’s family as you develop programs, teach lessons, and evaluate innovative ways to minister to the next generation. Experienced faculty will mentor you in leadership, communication, and spiritual formation.

Ways to study

Undergraduate (Major or Minor) | On-campus

Program concentrations

Youth Ministry | Educational Ministry | Family Ministry

Course plan

4-year

Application deadlines

Welcome to the Family

Join the hundreds of MU graduates who are serving youth and families in churches, campuses, therapy offices, and nonprofits around the world. The Youth and Educational Ministry Department offers yearly mission trips to Europe or Asia where we partner with alumni working in international contexts. These meaningful, cost-effective trips provide valuable experience for working with youth abroad and expand your network within the MU family. In the classroom and beyond, Multnomah will prepare you to raise up the next generation of world-changers.

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Example Courses

The courses listed below are some of our featured core classes that will be a part of your educational journey here at MU. Take a look at each course for a small preview.

Explore the characteristics of adolescent youth. Survey of current goals, methods, resources in youth ministry, and the development of a personal philosophy of youth ministry.

An introduction to the field of church ministries, the importance of church, and personal characteristics and disciplines requisite for long term ministry success.

An application of the principles of homiletics to the development and delivery of sermons with emphasis on relevant biblical exposition.

This course will address the topic of primary leadership in a youth ministry context and issues related to vocational tenure. Students will also create a detailed philosophy of ministry that will serve as a capstone project.

Degree Requirements

Here you will find everything you need to know about what is required to successfully complete your degree. Whether you are beginning college for the first time or are a transfer student, we’ve got you covered.

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Meet Your Professors

Faculty Headshot Rob Hildebrand
Rob Hildebrand, D.Min.
Associate Professor and Chair, Youth and Educational Ministries; Assistant Dean, School of Biblical and Theological Studies

Program Concentrations

Classes in the Youth Ministry concentration are extremely practical. The program is truly interdisciplinary in nature with classes focused on spiritual formation, discipleship, programming strategies, youth culture, sociology, psychology, education, leadership training, and communication to youth.

Drawing from the fields of education, psychology, sociology, and leadership theory, this balanced and versatile concentration will inspire you to think deeply and theologically about transformational ministry. Gain a purposeful understanding of your relationship with God, other believers, and the current culture while you develop the skills you need to effect positive change.

There is an increasing demand for Christian ministers who can serve the whole family. With options for children’s ministry, youth ministry, and spiritual formation, this concentration offers broad training to those who want to serve, counsel, teach, and care for today’s family.

Career Placement

Youth and family ministry leaders are in high demand. With your B.A. in Youth and Educational Ministry, you will be equipped and eligible for roles, such as:

• Youth Pastor • Camp Director • Children’s Pastor
• Teacher • College Pastor • Justice Ministry Worker
• Group or Adolescent Counselor • Pregnancy Resource Center Worker • Other Pastoral Roles (Senior, Lead, or Executive Pastor)

Summit Program

Are you interested in earning your M.A in Christian Leadership? You can start right now. Traditionally, it takes four years to earn a B.A. and an extra two years to gain an M.A., but you can skip a year of school and save thousands of dollars without sacrificing opportunities or experience. Through the Summit Program — an accelerated program for high-achieving students — you’ll earn these two respected degrees in only five years.

Expedite Your Academic Journey

Explore more

Small School With A Big Impact:

Multnomah Alumni Leaves His Footprint on Portland

Jake Schwein is a campus pastor at Grace Chapel in Wilsonville, OR. Jake attended Multnomah for both his undergraduate and graduate degrees, which helped prepare him for a career in ministry. At Multnomah, we connect students’ passions with the mission God is calling them toward to serve the Kingdom.