An online associates degree in ministry can provide a firm foundation for pursuing higher education in theology, divinity, religious studies, and related fields.
It can also help you qualify for an entry-level job at a church, nonprofit, or other religious organization. If you feel called to work in ministry, this may be a beneficial first step.
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Online associate in ministry degree programs can develop your knowledge of the Bible, religious traditions, and the interpersonal aspects of ministry.
Online Associates Degrees in Ministry
An online associate degree in ministry can help prepare you for a variety of careers in religious organizations.
Here are some subjects you may study while earning your associate’s degree in Christian ministry:
- Biblical analysis and interpretation
- Church history
- Philosophy
- Theology
- Christian leadership
- Counseling
A number of associate programs also offer degree concentrations, such as biblical studies, counseling, or pastoral ministry. Some associate’s degree programs do meet licensing or ordination requirements for their respective denominations, but this is not always the case.
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If you do become ordained, your first position will likely be as an assistant pastor. Becoming a head pastor of a church often involves getting at least a bachelors degree and often a masters degree. Earning an associate’s degree can also enable you to pursue further education. You might also pursue various jobs at a religious organization, such as working in an administrative position.
Skills learned in a ministry associate’s degree program can also be useful at secular nonprofits and in other nonreligious contexts. Credits from an Associate of Ministry degree online program can usually be transferred into a bachelor’s program if you choose to follow that route.
At some colleges, the associate’s degree program uses some of the same course requirements as the equivalent bachelor’s degree program, making it easier to continue your education later on.
Ministry Careers & Salaries
Most graduates of ministry associate’s degree programs work in personal care or community and social service. Many are employed by religious organizations, either as clergy, administrators, or educators. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are some occupations related to ministry and social service.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $69,600 |
| Clergy | $51,940 |
| Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners | $51,560 |
| Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other | $46,770 |
| Religious Activities and Education Directors | $45,110 |
| Secretaries and Administrative Assistants | $40,990 |
| Social and Human Service Assistants | $35,960 |
| Religious Workers | $33,530 |
| Teacher Assistants | $28,900 |
| Childcare Workers | $25,460 |
A ministry degree can equip you for jobs that are focused on serving and educating others. An associate’s degree can often help prepare you for entry-level or supporting roles. Further education may be a prerequisite for leadership positions in churches or other organizations.
A.A. in Ministry Curriculum & Courses
Here are examples of courses you might take while earning your Associate of Arts in Ministry:
- Old Testament Studies: You’ll read, analyze, and discuss the different books of the Old Testament and learn about their historical context.
- New Testament Studies: You’ll read, analyze, and discuss the different books of the New Testament and learn about their historical context.
- Church History: You’ll learn about significant events and movements in the church’s past, such as the Reformation.
- History of Christian Thought: You’ll learn how Christian perspectives have changed since the founding of the church.
- Biblical Counseling: You’ll learn about basic counseling techniques and how to use Scripture appropriately within the context of a counseling session.
- Christian Ethics: You’ll learn to think about moral decisions and defining right and wrong through a Christian worldview.
- Ministerial Ethics: You’ll study ethical dilemmas and temptations ministers may face.
- Biblical Interpretation: You’ll study different methods for analyzing and understanding Scripture.
- Systematic Theology: You’ll learn to analyze different theological beliefs and perspectives.
- Exegetical Methods: You’ll practice reading Scripture objectively, deconstructing preconceived beliefs or assumptions.
Exact course titles and requirements will vary at different colleges.
How to Know If an Online Associates Degree in Ministry Is Right for You
Here are some questions to consider if you are trying to decide whether an associates degree in ministry is right for you:
- Do you enjoy reading, writing, and studying history? Most associate’s degree programs in ministry include core courses in the liberal arts and humanities. You’ll also study how these subjects specifically apply to religious and spiritual thought.
- Do you aspire to a career in ministry? An associate’s in ministry can be useful if your long-term goal is to become a minister or to work for a church, parachurch organization, or charity.
- Are you compassionate and motivated to serve others? These personal qualities are essential in most ministry or ministry-related careers.
Only you can determine if this is a fitting degree for you.
Ministry Degree Paths
Once you have completed your associate’s degree, you may want to continue your education with a bachelor’s degree program. Credits from an accredited associate’s degree can often be transferred toward a bachelor’s degree.
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Here are some different types of bachelor’s degrees that may be relevant for someone interested in the field of ministry:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Studies. A biblical studies major focuses on knowledge and understanding of Scripture. You can learn about methods of interpreting Scripture and how scholars arrive at such different interpretations. You’ll also learn about the historical context of different books of the Bible. You may even study ancient biblical languages.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Leadership and Ministry. A leadership and ministry major focuses on the interpersonal aspects of ministry. You can also learn the administrative skills involved in keeping a church running, and you can study how to overcome various challenges that ministers face in their jobs. This type of degree is helpful for gaining practical, real-world knowledge.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Theology. A theology major focuses on abstract concepts in religion, such as the nature of God and the Trinity. This type of degree can develop your critical thinking skills and help you understand the deeper spiritual meanings behind traditional religious practices and sacraments.
Earning a bachelor’s degree can typically open up more career opportunities.
Associate Degrees in Ministry Admissions Requirements
Here are some common admissions requirements for associate degree programs in ministry:
- High school diploma or GED
- Summary of church activities, volunteer work, and mission experience
- Letter of recommendation from pastor or church leader
- Statement of faith or personal testimony
Admissions requirements can vary greatly at different colleges and universities. Some schools may also ask for SAT or ACT scores, but a growing number of schools are no longer requiring standardized test scores. You can learn about your prospective school’s specific admissions requirements by visiting their website or calling their admissions office.
Accreditation
To earn the status of regional accreditation, colleges and universities are evaluated by outside agencies to verify that they meet certain minimal standards. Accrediting agencies look at the quality of a school’s curriculum, instructors, facilities, and resources.
Before enrolling in a degree program, you may want to find out if your chosen school is regionally accredited. Attending an accredited school can help ensure that you receive a quality education. It can also be a precondition for securing financial aid and transferring course credits.
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To learn more about regional accreditation, you can visit the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Financial Aid and Scholarships
There are many types of financial aid and scholarship opportunities available to help make education more affordable and accessible to students who qualify.
You might be eligible for state or federal financial aid, for employer programs, or for need-based or merit-based scholarships from your college or university. Churches and religious organizations may have scholarships available specifically for students of ministry.
You can take your first step toward applying for financial aid by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Ministry Professional Organizations
Ministry professional organizations support ministers in developing their skills and meeting the spiritual needs of their communities. Some also host live and virtual events for members.
Here are some professional organizations for those who work in ministry:
- Academy of Parish Clergy (APC)
- International Association of Women Ministers (IAWM)
- Academy of Preachers (AoP)
Joining a professional organization can provide opportunities for networking and continuing education. You can become part of a community of people who share similar experiences and challenges in their daily work.
Can You Get a Degree in Ministry?
Yes, you can get a degree in ministry, even at the associate’s level. These types of degree programs can help you acquire theological knowledge as well as learn practical skills for running a church. For many people, completing a degree in ministry is the first step toward pursuing full-time employment in the field. Those who want to become ordained ministers typically go on to earn graduate degrees.
There are many different avenues for pursuing ministry degrees, including online, on-campus, and hybrid degree programs. There are also degree options available in a variety of related subjects, such as biblical studies and theology.
What Types of Ministry Degrees Are Available?
There are many types of ministry degrees and ministry specializations available. Here are just a few examples of ministry degree concentrations:
- Biblical counseling
- Youth ministry
- Worship ministry
- Children’s ministry
- Church leadership
- Intercultural studies
In addition to associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in ministry, you could also consider a degree in theology or religious studies with a faith-based specialization. There are also degrees available in biblical studies, but these tend to focus on the Bible and might not teach as much about counseling, church administration, homiletics, and other ministerial skills.
Plus, a growing number of universities now offer online worship ministry degree programs for those interested in this specialty of ministry.
What Can You Do with an Associate’s Degree in Ministry?
An associate’s degree in ministry can qualify you to either pursue further education in ministry or take on an entry-level job in a church or community organization.
Depending on the requirements of your denomination and local church, it may be possible to become an ordained minister. Some graduates take on administrative roles in the church, such as directing educational programming and other activities.
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Knowledge from an associate’s degree program in ministry could also be useful to you on a personal level, especially if you lead Bible studies or volunteer in a religious setting.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Associate’s Degree in Ministry Online?
An associate’s degree program is traditionally 60 credit hours and takes 2 years to complete if you take classes full-time. It could take longer if you only take classes part-time. Online Christian ministry degree programs often provide a higher level of flexibility, so there may be more variance.
For instance, some programs in the broad field of online Christian studies degree programs feature asynchronous classes, in which you pace yourself. Others feature accelerated classes that last 8 weeks instead of the traditional 16 weeks, which can allow you to finish faster with full-time, year-round study.
What’s the Difference Between Theology vs. Ministry?
Here are some differences between degree programs in theology and ministry.
| Theology Degree | Ministry Degree |
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There is some overlap in the coursework you would take for either a degree in theology or in ministry. Ministry students often study not only theology but also counseling, sermon writing, and budgeting and finance, depending on their concentration. If you are more interested in theology, you can pursue a degree in theology online or on campus.
What’s the Difference Between Divinity vs. Ministry?
Here are some differences between the fields of divinity and ministry.
- Divinity: The field of divinity is concerned primarily with the study of the divine, such as the special revelation of Scripture or the stories of miracles described in the Bible.
- Ministry: The field of ministry is focused on ministering to others and using spiritual knowledge to help people grow and improve their lives. Ministry degree programs are more likely to include subjects that emphasize practical and interpersonal skills.
A degree in divinity or ministry could each enable you to pursue a career as a minister. Which one would be more useful to you depends on your specific career goals and what type of minister you want to be.
What’s the Difference Between an Online Ministry Certificate vs. Associate Degree?
Here are some differences between online ministry certificates and associate’s degree programs.
| Ministry Certificate | Ministry Associate Degree |
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If you have already earned a degree and are interested in studying ministry, earning a ministry certificate might be an option for you.
Is an Associates Degree in Ministry Worth It?
Yes, an associates degree in ministry is worth it for many students. The Bureau of Labor Statistics currently projects that employment in community and social service occupations will grow 12% over the next ten years. Now could be a strategic time to prepare for employment in this type of work by earning your associate’s degree in ministry.
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Earning a ministry degree can also give you the opportunity to develop a deep understanding of Scripture and theological concepts, preparing you to live out your faith by serving or teaching others.
Universities Offering Online Associates in Ministry Degree Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Clarks Summit University offers an online program for an A.A. in Christian Ministries. It is designed to help students develop a strong foundation to further their love of God and others. Coursework includes Principles of Bible Study, The Family Life of the Ministry Leader, Bible Survey, Foundations of Ministry Leadership, and World Religions.
Clarks Summit University is accredited by The Commissions on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Crown College’s Associate of Science in Christian Ministry program is designed for students with a high school diploma or GED and little or no college experience. The coursework can be completed at anytime and anywhere through Crown’s digital learning platform. Graduates often work as associates at churches, faith-based schools, and nonprofit organizations.
Crown College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
God’s Bible School and College offers an AAS in Ministerial Education program. It includes a 9 hour preaching sequence to prepare students for the BA in Ministerial Education program. Courses include Principles of the Christian Life, Doctrine of Holiness, and Discipleship and Small Groups.
God’s Bible School and College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Grace Christian University offers an Associate of Arts in Ministry and Leadership. Classes are 100% online, and the average class size is just fourteen students. Course options include Old Testament Survey, New Testament Literature, Philosophy and Worldview, Foundations of Dispensational Theology, Issues in Christian Leadership, and more.
Grace Christian University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Indiana Wesleyan University offers an online Associate in Christian Ministry program. It is also offered onsite at locations in Indiana and Kentucky. It combines a Christian and Biblical worldview with a Wesleyan-Arminian perspective. Courses include Introduction to Old Testament, Survey of Biblical Doctrine, and Christian Spirituality.
Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Johnson University offers a 2 year associate degree in Ministry Leadership. The program is intended for those who wish to pursue careers working for churches and parachurch ministries. It is designed to prepare graduates for continuing on to bachelor’s degree programs. Courses include Encountering Cultures: City as Text, Foundations of Biblical Preaching, and Pastoral Care in Ministry.
Johnson University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Lancaster Bible College offers an Associate of Arts in Ministry Leadership. LBC’s online courses are designed to be fast and flexible. Students take just one 6 week course at a time. Students also have the option of taking classes on campus. The program provides an apprenticeship structure in which students receive mentorship from ministry leaders.
Lancaster Bible College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Lee University offers an Associate of Science in Christian Ministry through its distance education programs. The program is designed to provide students with a Christian liberal arts base and prepare them for bachelor’s level religious studies. It aims to teach students how to recognize and understand diverse points of view and think and write critically.
Lee University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Maranatha Baptist University offers an Associate of Arts in Christian Ministry. The program requires the completion of 64 credits to graduate. It is designed to provide students with a biblical and theological foundation for personal ministry. Courses include Baptist Heritage, Bible Doctrine I and II, and Introduction to Missions. Maranatha also offers an associate-to-bachelor pathway.
Maranatha Baptist University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Nazarene Bible College offers an Associate of Arts in Ministry. The degree aims to provide a strong general studies component, as well as introductory studies in Bible, theology, and ministry principles. Students can take courses both online and on campus. Courses include Introduction to Christian Thought, Introduction to the New Testament, and Biblical Interpretation.
Nazarene Bible College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
New Orleans Baptist Theological College offers an Associate of Arts in Christian Ministry online program. It can be completed through semester-long asynchronous classes or online classes with set lecture times and class discussions. Online students also have options for hybrid offerings, classes at extension centers, and workshops on campus.
New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Northwest University offers an online Associate in Ministry Leadership program. Students take general education courses, as well as courses in Bible, theology, and ministry studies. Every course integrates faith, and the program is designed to help students develop biblical literacy and exegetical skills and enter bachelor’s degree programs.
Northwest University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Ohio Christian University offers an AA in Christian Ministry. The program is designed to help students learn how to apply a Christian worldview to contemporary issues and articulate the essentials of the Christian faith. Courses include Principles of Worship, Personal Stewardship, Evangelism and Discipleship, and Ministry Practices.
Ohio Christian University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Oklahoma Wesleyan University offers an AA in Wesleyan Ministry. The curriculum includes the six courses required by the Wesleyan Church to become a licensed minister, as well as liberal arts courses to provide a well-rounded perspective. The program is 100% online, with students taking one course at a time.
Oklahoma Wesleyan University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Point University offers an online Associate of Arts in Youth Ministry program. It is 100% online and features a student-to-teacher ratio of just thirteen to one. Courses are asynchronous, but Point’s course website facilitates interaction between students and instructors. Courses in this online youth ministry degree include Effective Thinking, Theological Foundations for the Christian Life, and The Practice of Christian Ministry.
Point University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
At Southeastern University, you can earn an Associate in Ministerial Leadership. Course options are flexible and designed with a busy schedule in mind. Through this program, you can acquire a strong foundation in the Bible, theology, spiritual development, leadership principles, church ministry and church operations.
Southeastern University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of the Cumberlands offers an online program for an Associate in Ministry and Missions. The curriculum covers biblical literacy, theology, history, and ethics and can help students develop an understanding of other faiths and worldviews. The program is designed to prepare graduates for service-oriented careers and to apply Christian faith in daily life.
The University of the Cumberlands is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Valley Forge has an online program for an Associate of Arts in Ministry Leadership. Courses are available in 7 week and 15 week modules. Students enrolled in the 7 week modules usually take one to three classes at a time. Students can choose a focus in Children’s Studies, Youth and Family Studies, or Pastoral Studies.
The University of Valley Forge is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Warner University offers an online Associate of Science in Church Ministry program designed for working adults. Courses include Online Church Ministry Student Seminar, Understanding the Old Testament, Biblical Literature, and Foundations in Christian Theology. Other options include Introduction to Church Ministry, Introduction to Worship, and Discipleship Ministries in the Local Church.
Warner is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Welch College offers an Associate of Science in Ministry. The program requires the completion of 62 credit hours, with coursework coming from both the arts and sciences and theological studies. Students take Introduction to Biblical Studies, Evangelism and Discipleship, Biblical Interpretation, Biblical Basis of Missions, and more.
Welch College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Getting Your Associates Degree in Ministry Online
Earning your associate’s degree in ministry could be your first step toward a career serving in a church, a parachurch organization, or a community service organization. You can also gain a solid foundation to continue your education at the bachelor’s level, if you choose to do so.
There are many online options for earning your degree, which can provide flexible scheduling and make it easier for you to balance schoolwork with other commitments. Many online programs also feature digital platforms where you can interact with classmates and instructors, offering the benefit of engaging discussions with others.
If you want to deepen your biblical knowledge and learn how to better minister to others, you can start your educational journey by exploring ministry programs from accredited universities.
