Wimberly School of Religion
& Graduate Theological Center

RELIGION/YOUTH MINISTRY MAJOR

The major in religion/youth ministry is useful for students planning careers as directors or ministers with youth or planning to enter other forms of Christian ministry, such as Christian education or the pastorate.

The spiritual formation of youth as Christian disciples requires students who would serve as youth workers to be grounded in the biblical and theological understandings of the faith and be knowledgeable about the development of young people. Mature interaction with youth requires far more than the ability to present interesting programs.

Studies in the major field, along with courses in English, history, philosophy, the social sciences, and various electives, will give the student an excellent background for entrance into a theological seminary or for various service opportunities in the church and society.

Religion/Youth Ministry (B.A.)

In addition to other courses in the General Education curriculum, youth ministry majors will take the following:

First Semester: (3)
REL 2513 - Introduction to World Religions or
REL 2033 - Introduction to Religion

Second Semester: (3)
REL 1003 - Introduction to Biblical Literature

Major Requirements Credit Hours: 41
At least one upper-division course (3000-4000) must be completed in each of the following areas: biblical studies, history of Christianity, and theology. A minimum of 24 hours must be taken at the 3000-4000 level in the School of Religion.

I. BIBLE

A. Required (3)

REL 2023 - Methods of Biblical Analysis

B. Biblical Studies (3)

REL 3103 - Psalms and Wisdom Literature
REL 3203 - Prophetic Literature
REL 3303 - Gospels and Acts
REL 3403 - Pauline Letters
REL 4143 - Seminar in Hebrew Bible

II. HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY (3)

REL 3013 - History of Christianity (Ancient-Medieval)
REL 3113 - History or Christianity (Reformation-Modern)
REL 3223 - History of Christian Spirituality
REL 4153 - Seminar in History of Christianity

III. JUNIOR SEMINAR (3)

REL 3953 - Junior Seminar required of all majors

IV. SENIOR PAPER (3)

REL 4873 - Senior Paper/Project in Youth Ministry

V. YOUTH MINISTRY (21)

REL 3813 - Nature and Work of Christian Education
REL 3913 - Ministry with Youth
REL 3923 - Adolescent World
REL 4603 - Leadership in Christian Education
REL 4643 - The Bible in Youth Ministry
REL 4663 - Theology and Youth Ministry
Choose one of the following:
REL 3933 - Ministry with Children and Families
REL 3943 - Ministry with Adults

VI. INTERNSHIP (2)

REL 4981 - Internship in Religion (two semesters)
(Two hours of Internship in Religion are required for a major in religion/youth ministry. It is taken either the junior or senior year. Students should take both hours in sequence during one academic year. Taken on a credit/no-credit basis.)

VII. UNITED METHODIST STUDIES (3)

REL 3233 - United Methodist Studies
(Required of all United Methodist majors. Other denominations may substitute an elective from areas IB, II, III or IV.)

Required Courses Outside the School of Religion

PSYC 3463 - Topics in Psychology:
Psychology of Adolescents
SOC 2113 - The American Family

Recommended Courses outside Major (3)

SOC 3413 - Sociology of Urban Life
SOC 4103 - Sociology of Modern Music: The Role of Rock
SOC 4203 - Victimology
SOC 4513 - Juvenile Delinquency


Additional electives outside the major must be taken to reach a total of 121 hours.