B.S. in Ministry | Cornerstone University

Bachelor of Science in
Ministry
On-Campus

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Wall Street Journal ranks Cornerstone University as one of America's best colleges 2025.

Accepting Applications for Fall 2025

Transfer Friendly
Transfer up to 75% of your program credits

Lead Lasting Impact with a Ministry Bachelor’s Degree

Fulfill your calling with a Cornerstone University B.S. in Ministry. Cultivate strong biblical foundations and practical training for ministry in churches, nonprofits, and global missions. Our Christian worldview scholars and faculty — many of whom are active pastors — equip you to preach, disciple, counsel, and lead with wisdom and compassion. You may specialize through concentrations in pastoral, discipleship and formation, student and family, children and family and cross-cultural ministries. At Cornerstone, you will deepen your walk with Christ, so you can lead others spiritually.

Develop Ministry-Ready Skills with a Ministry Bachelor's Degree

Cultivate highly sought-after professional skills through Cornerstone’s Biblically grounded curriculum, which also offers five concentrations in pastoral, discipleship & formation, student & family, children & family and cross-cultural ministries:

Biblical Interpretation – Study and apply biblically faithful Old and New Testament Scripture with historical, theological, and practical understanding.

Teaching – Communicate biblical truths clearly and effectively.

Pastoral Care – Provide spiritual guidance and emotional support.

Discipleship & Spiritual Formation – Equip and mentor others in their faith journey.

Leadership & Ministry Management – Oversee church and nonprofit operations, including administration, budgeting and fundraising.

Missions, Cross-Cultural Ministry & Community Outreach – Engage diverse communities with the Gospel, develop outreach programs and serve those in need.

Ethical & Servant Leadership – Lead with integrity, humility and Christ-centered formation.

Conflict Resolution – Navigate challenges and foster unity within churches and ministries.

Courses

Cornerstone is ready to help you excel in your chosen field. The courses below reflect just a few of the general education and industry-focused courses you will experience to achieve your degree.

Featured Courses General Education

Featured Courses

MIN-151: Foundations of Christian Spirituality

Examine the nature and process of spiritual growth, the centrality of God’s love in the Gospel, and the role of Scripture to deepen our spiritual lives and develop ministries that meet spiritual and societal needs.

MIN-310: Leading Volunteer-Based Ministry

Learn to recruit, train, and manage volunteers in church and parachurch settings, emphasizing leadership development and discipleship.

MIN-334: Spiritual Formation

Explore the significance of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and deepen your life with God through prayer, Scripture, spiritual disciplines, and spiritual community.

MIN-441: Nonprofit Ministry & Leadership

Explore structure, finances, governance, and communications of churches and nonprofits, including 501(c)(3) operations, budgeting, and board management.

View all of the courses for your academic program.

Academic Catalog

General Education

A Christian Worldview of Liberal Arts and the G.O.O.D. Life

The humanities are integral to Cornerstone’s liberal arts approach, exploring culture, literature, history, and philosophy through a Christian worldview. Developed by our renowned Christian worldview scholars, students consider how to apply G.O.O.D. Life Biblical principles to inspire their spiritual growth and to profoundly influence society, industry and ministry for Jesus Christ. Our G.O.O.D. Life foundations guide students to answer life’s biggest questions from a rich Biblical perspective to shape Christ-centered moral leaders.

God: Who is God? What is His beauty, goodness and greatness?
Others: What does it mean to live in a community with responsibility and grace?
Ourselves: Who am I? What is the beauty and frailty of being human?
Dual Citizenship: What is my role as a citizen of heaven and earth?
Life: How do we live, know, and love the good life, valuing truth, beauty, and goodness?

Ministry Concentrations

Expand your career opportunities and gain specialized skills with concentrations in pastoral ministries, discipleship & formation, student & family ministries, children & family ministries or cross-cultural ministries. You must choose one concentration from the list below.

Pastoral Ministries Discipleship & Formation Student & Family Ministries Children & Family Ministries Cross-Cultural Ministries

Pastoral Ministries

Pastoral Ministries Concentration

Prepare to lead and serve congregations through biblical preaching, shepherding and administration. Courses may include:

MIN-375: Church in Transition – Explore the theological identity of the Church, its role in society, and evolving ministry models in response to cultural and societal shifts.
MIN-381: Internship I: Career Development – Explore and refine your calling to ministry and identify areas of ministry gifting through practical experience in an internship context as well as class reading, reflection, and discussion.
MIN-382: Internship II – Teacher and Teaching Task – Develop leadership and communication skills through practical ministry experience in an internship context, small group leadership, and guided self-reflection.
MIN-451: Soul Care in Ministry – Develop a theological and practical approach to spiritual care, exploring models of soul care for church and parachurch ministry.
MIN-453: Homiletics – Study and practice the art of crafting and delivering biblical messages, including devotionals, homilies, teachings, and sermons for diverse ministry settings.

Discipleship & Formation

Discipleship & Formation Concentration

Nurture spiritual growth in individuals and communities through biblical teaching, mentorship, and faith development strategies. Courses may include:

MIN-311: Evangelism & Discipleship – Develop practical skills for sharing the Gospel and guiding new believers in Bible engagement, prayer, obedience and community.
MIN-381: Internship I: Career Development – Explore and refine your calling to ministry and identify areas of ministry gifting through practical experience in an internship context as well as class reading, reflection, and discussion.
MIN-382: Internship II – Teacher and Teaching Task – Develop leadership and communication skills through practical ministry experience in an internship context, small group leadership, and guided self-reflection.
MIN-434: Spiritual Formation II – Deepen your spiritual growth through discernment, community, and response to suffering, engaging Scripture, spiritual disciplines and a formation retreat.
MIN-451: Soul Care in Ministry – Develop a theological and practical approach to spiritual care, exploring models of soul care for church and parachurch ministry.

Student & Family Ministries

Student & Family Ministries Concentration

Minister to youth and support family discipleship. Courses may include:

MIN-311: Evangelism & Discipleship – Develop practical skills for sharing the Gospel and guiding new believers in Bible engagement, prayer, obedience and community.
MIN-381: Internship I: Career Development – Explore and refine your calling to ministry and identify areas of ministry gifting through practical experience in an internship context as well as class reading, reflection, and discussion.
MIN-382: Internship II – Teacher and Teaching Task – Develop leadership and communication skills through practical ministry experience in an internship context, small group leadership, and guided self-reflection.
MIN-440: Student & Family Ministries – Learn best practices for ministering to youth and families, addressing spiritual, emotional, relational, and developmental needs in church and parachurch settings.
MIN-453: Homiletics – Study and practice the art of crafting and delivering biblical messages, including devotionals, homilies, teachings, and sermons for diverse ministry settings.

Children & Family Ministries

Children & Family Ministries Concentration

Cultivate faith in young generations through biblical teaching, discipleship and family engagement. Courses may include:

PSY-237: Child Psychology – Explore human development from conception through adolescence, examining key theories, research, and real-world applications through labs and field trips.
EDU-352: Teaching Young Children – Explore curriculum, teaching methods, and classroom strategies to support the developmental and language acquisition needs of children from birth through kindergarten.
PSY-363: Positive Psychology – Explore research on gratitude, hope, mindset, and human flourishing, applying interventions for children, adolescents, and families in various settings.
EDU-373: Teaching Infants/Toddlers & Clinical Experience – Study child development theories, assessment methods, and teaching strategies to support developmentally appropriate, holistic growth in infants and toddlers.
MIN-381: Internship I: Career Development – Explore and refine your calling to ministry and identify areas of ministry gifting through practical experience in an internship context as well as class reading, reflection, and discussion.
MIN-382: Internship II – Teacher and Teaching Task – Develop leadership and communication skills through practical ministry experience in an internship context, small group leadership, and guided self-reflection.

Cross-Cultural Ministries

Cross-Cultural Ministries Concentration

Develop skills in biblically faithful cultural intelligence, intercultural communication, and contextualized ministry to serve diverse communities and global missions. Courses may include:

COM-311: Intercultural Communication – Examine the similarities, differences, and key factors that shape communication between people and groups from diverse cultural backgrounds.
MIN-311: Evangelism & Discipleship – Develop practical skills for sharing the Gospel and guiding new believers in Bible engagement, prayer, obedience and community.
MIN-381: Internship I: Career Development – Explore and refine your calling to ministry and identify areas of ministry gifting through practical experience in an internship context as well as class reading, reflection, and discussion.
MIN-382: Internship II – Teacher and Teaching Task – Develop leadership and communication skills through practical ministry experience in an internship context, small group leadership, and guided self-reflection.

Influential Careers with a Bachelor of Science in Ministry Degree

Pastor
Youth Pastor
Children’s Ministry Director
Family Ministry Director
Discipleship Pastor
Worship Leader
Missionary
Nonprofit Ministry Director
Campus Ministry Leader
Small Group Coordinator
Church Administrator
Community Outreach Coordinator
Biblical Counselor
Evangelism Coordinator
Christian Camp Director

Tuition

On-Campus

$22,000 per year

Generous scholarship and payment options available.
Review information about student fees and housing packages on our Tuition & Fees page.

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Your Degree Starts Here

Start your degree at one of the most affordable Christian universities in the region. An admissions counselor is ready to help you begin the enrollment process.

Apply — our application is free.
Set goals — your admissions counselor is here to guide you.
Maximize your credits — you could transfer in up to 75% of your degree credits.
Discover affordability — scholarships and grants are available for qualified students.

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