Overview

The seven-course interdisciplinary minor in youth ministry combines courses in psychology, education, religion and more to give you a well-rounded perspective on faith and leadership. As a youth ministry student, you'll also have the opportunity to complete a semester long internship in the Grand Rapids community.

Careers in Youth Ministry Leadership

• Elementary or High School Teacher
• Youth Pastor
• Camp Counselor or Director
• Program Coordinator
• Relief Worker

See job placement rates for Calvin grads.

Student involvement

Volunteer at local churches and schools; become a big brother or big sister; spend a summer as a camp counselor; participate in Young Life.

Course Requirements 2012-13

Youth Ministries

• CMS-374 Models of Ministry to Youth
• CMS-380 Youth Ministry Internship
• PSYC-202 Youth Faith Development and Spiritual Formation
• EDUC-309 Teach Religion to Children and Adolescents
• One course from:
  • REL-211 Pentateuch
  • REL-212 Old Testament Historical Books
  • REL-213 Psalms and Wisdom Literature
  • REL-214 Prophets
  • REL-221 Synoptic Gospels and Acts
  • REL-222 Johannine Literature
  • REL-223 Paul's Letters
  • REL-224 Revelation and General Letters
• One course from:
  • REL-230 The Doctrine of Revelation
  • REL-231 The Doctrine of God
  • REL-232 The Doctrine of Creation
  • REL-233 The Doctrine of Christ and Reconciliation
  • REL-234 The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit and Church
  • REL-235 Eschatology
  • REL-237 Christian Worship
  • REL-241 General Church History
  • REL-242 Christianity in America
  • REL-243 History of Christian Theology I
  • REL-244 History of Christian Theology II
  • REL-251 Christianity and Religious Plurality
  • REL-295 Christianity and Culture
• One course from:
  • BUS-380 Marketing
  • CAS-101 Oral Rhetoric
  • CAS-140 Communication and Culture
  • CAS-240 Group Communication
  • CAS-253 Intercultural Communication
  • CAS-260 Interpersonal Communication
  • RECR-203 Leadership in Recreation Programs
  • RECR-305 Program Planning and Development
  • RECR-312 Recreation and Youth Development
  • IDIS-205 Societal Structures and Education as Social Enterprise
  • PSYC-220 Psychological Perspectives on Marriage and the Family
  • PSYC-222 Human Sexuality and Gender
  • PSYC-301 Industrial and Organizational Psychology
  • SOWK-350 Human Behaviorr and the Social Environment
  • SOC-250 Diversity and Inequality in the U.S.
  • SOC-302 Urban Sociology
  • SOC-304 The Family
  • an approved elective alternative

The amount of overlap between majors and minors will follow the standards outlined in the college catalog. Youth Ministry Minor programs must be approved by the director who confers with the supervising committee for the minor.

Scholarships

Dollar amounts reflect awards given for the 2012-13 academic year.

Jerry and Judy Cooper Family Scholarship

• award amount: $2,500
• first-year
• GPA 3.0+
• financial need considered; express an interest in pursuing studies that will lead to youth ministry in a church, community or school setting; demonstrate commitment to impacting youth with the gospel, Christian values and discernment skills; preference given to an international student (not from North America)
• automatic consideration

Elizabeth and Wesley DeYoung Scholarship

• award amount: $2,400
• sophomore, junior or senior; currently doing youth ministry
• GPA 2.5+
• financial need required
• apply through the Calvin Portal

View all scholarship opportunities

Faculty