125 credits
required for program
- On Campus
- Minor Available
- PSEO/Early College Online Classes
As a Youth Studies major you’ll learn how to connect with adolescents and emerging adults, share the truth that they can be part of God’s family, and remind them they are never alone. The Youth Studies major equips you to work in ministry alongside youth, emerging adults, and families in local church, parachurch, nonprofit, and community organizations. You’ll also be prepared for seminary or further graduate study in related fields like social work, counseling, psychology, or public service.
Youth Studies may be the right degree for you if you
- Feel called to work with young adults in a local church or community organization
- Want to lead the next generation to Christ
- Are interested in developing your leadership and relational skills
Why do Youth Studies at Northwestern?
You have the opportunity to spread the gospel to the next generation of young people. You will have the privilege of making an impact in local churches and communities.
There are many concentrations available in youth studies ministry including:
- social engagement
- non-profit leadership
- next gen ministry
The concentration track in this major is flexible and designed for students hoping to double major. You’ll be equipped for a career in youth ministry, non-profit, parachurch, or community engagement work with youth when you graduate. As a part of the Youth Studies degree, you’ll gain 200+ hours of practical experience during required internships.
Considering a double major?
A degree in Youth Studies works well as a double major with a variety of other degrees. Some common combinations include Youth Studies and Bible, Communication, Intercultural Studies, Music, or Psychology. See the Chair of the Department of Christian Ministries for details and advising.
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Accelerated Masters of Arts in Ministry Leadership (MAML)
An accelerated program, sometimes referred to as 3+2 or 4+1, allows students to complete their bachelors and masters in 5 years, saving students time and tuition.
The department of Christian Ministries offers an accelerated pathway from all five undergraduate majors into the to a Master of Arts in Ministry Leadership (MAML). While completing their undergraduate degree, students will complete 12-16 credits of graduate coursework, and an additional 20-24 graduate credits online after graduating.
What degree concentrations are offered in Youth Studies?
Students will complete a minimum of 12 credits of interrelated courses in consultation with the academic advisor including any combination of courses with the prefix ACL, BIA, BIB, ICS, MIN, YOU, or select ACC2015, FIN2025, DES2111, or MEP1013 courses. Students are recommended to take MIN1643-1644. Other courses may be approved by the department chair.
Students seeking to double major may want to consider declaring a General Concentration.
Students will complete 12 credits specific to Media Ministry. Students will take Story Structure, may choose between Audio Production and Video Production, and may select two courses with the prefix COM, ICS, MEP, MIN, PRL, or YOU, or select MEP3626-3628, ACC2015, DES2111, ENG3249, ENG3316, or FIN2025 courses.
Students will complete 12 credits specific to Ministry. Students will take Ministry Foundations, Digital Ministry, Teaching Methods in Ministry, and may select courses with the prefix CFD, ICS, MIN, PYS, or SOC, or select ACC2015, CRJ3228, CRJ4325, DES2111, LDR3135, MEP1012 or MEP1013 courses.
Students will complete 12 credits specific to Next Generation Ministry. Students can take Spiritual Lives of Children or Spiritual Lives of Youth, in addition to Leading Children and Families, Serving Youth and Emerging Adults, and select courses with the prefix CFD, ICS, MIN, PSY, or SOC, or select CRJ3228, CRJ4325, DES2111, LDR3135, MEP1012, or MEP1013 courses.
Students will complete 12 credits specific to ministry in Nonprofit Leadership. Students will take Business as a Mission, and Foundations of Nonprofit Leadership, fulfilling their remaining credits with select courses, including, Principles of Financial Accounting, Grant Writing, Management, Human Resource Management, Principles of Marketing, or Nonprofit PR. Students also have the option to take courses with the prefix ACC, BUS, COM, ECO, FIN, HCM, ICS, LDR, MGT, MIN, MKT, POS, PRL, and YOU or DES2111 or ENG3248 courses to fulfill concentration requirements.
Students will complete 12 credits specific to ministry in Social Engagement. Students will take Human Global Migration, Race and Ethnicity in America, Social Justice, and select courses with the prefix ICS, MIN, PHI, POS, PSY, SOC, or YOU, or select ACC2015, DES2111, FIN2025, or MEP1013 courses. Students are encouraged to take MIN3205.
median pay in 2025
jobs in 2025
degree required
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for Social Workers. Retrieved August 2026..
Our students are the future leaders of the Church. It is a joy to teach them not only what they need to know, but more importantly, to inspire them to be faithful Christ followers in their calling to a ministry vocation.
UNW gave me an unmatched experience by preparing me, not only for ministry in a church or nonprofit setting, but the constant ministry each individual has with others. Through consistent encouragement from professors, a community that pointed me to Christ, and academics that pushed me to become a critical thinker, UNW has helped me become the man of Christ I am today and deeply know the importance of loving God and loving others.
Careers in youth studies
There are a variety of career and academic pathways that begin with a degree in youth studies.
What types of work are related to this degree?
- Campus ministry
- Christian education
- Curriculum development (church/para-church)
- Early adult ministry coordinator
- Pastoral roles to young adults
- Parachurch ministry worker
- Social/human services worker or case manager
- Fund development
- Disaster/aid relief worker
- Program administration or development
- Dorm parent/international school or residential treatment facility
- Missions or tent making ministry
- Residence life or student development
- Job development or life skills coaching
What will I learn?
You will learn to communicate effectively, counsel youth, and minister to them in various situations.
MIN3205
Human Sexuality
This course will examine biblical and theological foundations, as well as social science research, for human sexuality. A holistic view of human sexuality will be explored through the examination of sociological, biological, psychological, cultural, and spiritual aspects of human nature and behavior. Biblical principles will be evaluated regarding healthy sexuality across the lifespan within various ministry contexts.
MIN3206
Relationships
This course will examine biblical and theological foundations, social science research and relationship models for healthy relationships. Focus will be given to the process of relationships: identity formation, friendship, dating, courtship, engagement and marriage. Additional issues including singleness, intimacy, forgiveness, gender issues, communication skills, conflict resolution, relational integrity, cultural awareness and financial planning will be addressed. Research projects and other assignments will include exegetical work in relevant scriptural passages.
YOU3207
Spiritual Lives of Youth
This course examines healthy youth faith formation from biblical, theoretical, and practical lenses. The role faith formation plays in the overall development of youth is emphasized alongside effective models and typical challenges youth face related to faith formation. An emphasis on the impact of familial, peer, and faith community influence is emphasized.
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