Why Major in Ministry?
Our world is changing, and you may discover your place in it is changing, too. If you find yourself called to serve, a ministry degree from Belmont can help you follow that calling.
Designed to meet the needs of adult students currently involved in ministry work or career changers looking to answer God's call, this degree prepares you to lead, care and serve from a strong biblical and theological foundation.
Ministry graduates are employed in a variety of settings, including churches, social service agencies, educational institutions and corporations concerned with ethical issues. The Bachelor's Degree in Ministry also provides a strong foundation for graduate-level coursework.
Am I an Adult Student?
Adult Degree applicants should be 24 years or older. However, exceptions for those under the age of 24 might include evidence of two years or more of military service, marriage or having a family of your own.
Want to transfer previous college credits?
Request a free transfer credit analysis and see how your courses will transfer to Belmont University.
What makes Adult Degree Programs special?
Education Designed to Elevate Your Career: Whatever adult degree program option you choose, a career-focused curriculum will help you elevate your current career or prepare you for new professional or personal opportunities.
Unique Tuition Discount for Adult Degree Program Students: Belmont is dedicated to offering access to high-quality education for busy adults. Students in Belmont’s Adult Degree Program receive more than a 40% discount off of the tuition cost that traditional Belmont students pay for the very same quality, private school education.
What You'll Learn
In addition to traditional courses in religion and church history, other innovative classes in the ministry degree focus on practical ministry, pastoral care, spiritual formation, leadership and more.
As you delve deep into your vocation, you will be equipped with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed for ministry work in today's world.
Program Details
Curriculum
The ministry major leads to either a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science and requires 128 hours of coursework.
- BELL Core requirements: 53 hours
- Religion major tool courses: 6 hours
- Ministry major courses: 36 hours
- General electives: 33 hours
Courses You'll Take
- REL 1250, Introduction to New Testament and Exegetical Methods
An advanced Biblical studies course for religion majors which focuses upon the interpretation of the New Testament and introduces the methodology of biblical exegesis. - REL 2350, Christian Doctrine
A study of the basic doctrines of the Christian faith. - REL 1410, Vocation and the Christian Life
An introduction to the study of religion with emphasis on research skills, writing, and personal development. - REL 2410, Spiritual Formation
An emphasis upon using an entire lifetime to be formed by God. The course focuses upon personal discipline, spiritual reading, journal keeping, and dream interpretation as means of being attentive to God. - REL 2510, Christian Ethics
An introduction to Christian Ethics, with attention given to methodology, biblical foundations, types of ethical thought, and Christian responsibility in relation to current social problems. - REL 4015, Colloquium for Religion Majors
A colloquium designed as a capstone experience for majors which integrates biblical, theological, historical, and practical studies. The course focuses on the student as a practicing theologian. - World Religions (choose one course)
- REL 3090 Spirituality in World Religions
Does not count toward a major or minor in religion. A comparative exploration of spirituality in the major world religions and select indigenous peoples, examining how these traditions perceive the purpose of human life and ultimate concerns in relation to the divine. This course fulfills the Human Experience category B requirement of the BELL Core. It should be taken in the junior year, or as close to the junior year as possible. - REL 3095 Ethics in World Religions
This course is an exploration of ethics and choice in the major world religions, examining how these traditions perceive the purpose of human life and ultimate concerns in relations to the Divine. This course explores the frameworks of Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, and Islam. - REL 4590 World Religions
A phenomenological study of the major world religions with emphasis on the attempts of each to deal with the problems which confront humans. - Any REL 3000 level Study Abroad course
- REL 3090 Spirituality in World Religions
- REL 2310, Understanding Church History
A general survey of the history of Christianity from its inception to the present. Particular attention given to significant ideas, persons, movements, and institutions. - REL 2450, Dynamics of the Local Church: Practice of Ministry
A course designed to develop practical leadership skills for Christian ministry including time and money management, interpersonal relationships, decision making, leadership style, planning, organizing, and directing. - REL 2460, Education in the Church
The study of the historical development of educational theory and expression with emphasis placed upon emerging educational theories and practices that influence Christian education. Emphasis is placed upon the development of Christian education. - REL 3430, Pastoral Care: Practice of Ministry
The course will introduce students to the ministry of pastoral care, its history, traditions, and necessary skills within a variety of ministry settings. The course is designed to allow students to develop practical skills such as active listening and appropriate responses in light of pastoral care traditions, the meaning and formation of the pastoral relationship, the art of theological reflection in human situations, and exploration of a personal pastoral identity in context of ministry. - REL 3450, Missions and Church Development
Course explores historic approaches to the missionary emphasis and development of the Christian church. Particular emphasis given to emerging strategies for missions and church development. - REL 3460, Worship and Preaching: Practice of Ministry
A study of worship as the rehearsal of the acts of God by a believing community. Attention is given to the principles of preaching as part of worship. - REL 4410, Servant Leadership
Exploration of current leadership theories and their application to the Christian Leadership environment. Particular attention given to the transformational aspects of servant leadership.
Who you are today is different than the person you were when you graduated from high school.
We recognize the student you are now: a working professional with extensive work and life experience. Our adult degree application process does not require the SAT or ACT, and we consider your professional experience and personal accomplishments as we review your application materials.
Career Possibilities
A ministry degree from Belmont can open the door to a wide range of opportunities. You may choose to serve in a church or other religious setting or use your faith-based skills to serve as a leader in a professional or non-profit setting.
Here are just a few career paths that you can consider pursuing as you follow your call to serve:
- Lead or Assistant Pastor
- Non-Profit Leader
- Children's Pastor
- Mission-Driven Business Leader
- Pastoral Care
- Missionary
- Chaplain
- Devotional Writer
- Counselor
Student Testimonial
“Finishing my degree at Belmont placed me in a position to apply for and qualify for jobs I would not otherwise have qualified for, and I have received two promotions since I graduated. It was also a platform to say, “Yes, I can do this” and continue on to earn my master's degree and my Ph.D. In my current job as Assistant Director of School Nutrition for Metro Nashville Public Schools, my ministry degree equipped me with the tools to tie other people into resources and allows me the opportunity to minister and show compassion every day.”
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Kim Powell
Admissions Coordinator
615.460.6850
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