ODP.AAYM - AA Youth Ministry (online)

Program Purpose and Student Learning Objectives

Purpose. The Associate of Arts in Youth Ministry equips students with a broad grounding in the Liberal Arts, along with foundational competencies for Christian ministry to young people.

The A.A. in Youth Ministry builds on Point University’s mission, values, and Core Curriculum (General Studies and Character Formation) to accomplish the following student learning objectives:

Objective 1: Students demonstrate understanding of biblical concepts of ministry and servant leadership, along with the ability to apply those principles in ministry environments.

Objective 2: Students apply the central theological themes of the Old and New Testaments to current issues for teaching and preaching.

Objective 3: Students assess contemporary approaches to youth ministry in a variety of contexts from theological, philosophical, and practical viewpoints.

Objective 4: Students apply a basic working knowledge of human development to the task of helping young people grow to maturity in Christ.

Objective 5: Students demonstrate practical skills for ministry, such as assessing needs, planning, organizing, and implementing ministry programming.

Objective 6: Students apply interpersonal skills important for ministry, such as volunteer mobilization and classroom management.

Objective 7: Students utilize tools and resources appropriate for their ministry goals.

Objective 8: Students articulate principles for effective leadership and service in multi-cultural ministry environments.

Choosing a Character Core Track. Online students who continue past the associate degree to earn a baccalaureate degree must complete the 15-credit Character Core. The Character Formation courses listed above can fulfil Core requirements. Students must complete one course in each numbered category in sequence. In other words, they must complete one course labeled [1], and then one course labeled [2], and then one course labeled [3]. For details, see the “Character Core” described under the “Biblical Studies Department.”

Recommended Course Sequence. As online students prepare to enter their program, academic advisors prepare a customized course schedule, or “plan of study,” mapping out which courses students should complete in which sessions from start to graduation. These customized plans take into account degree requirements, transfer credits, pace of study, and other factors toward the goal of speeding students to the finish line in the shortest time possible.