Youth and Family Ministry (BS) + MA Religion Dual-Level Program
Gain the biblical knowledge and ministry philosophy of a youth and family ministry degree alongside a Master of Arts (Religion) in as few as five years.
Why Youth and Family Ministry (BS) + MAR?
A Youth and Family Ministry degree gives you a deep knowledge of the Bible and church leadership with a particular focus on ministry to young people and their families. Additionally, a Master of Arts (Religion) provides you with further biblical and theological instruction to aid you in your ministry. This program focuses on understanding the needs, culture, and developmental issues of adolescents laying the foundation for forward-thinking ministry models.
How it Works
Cairn University’s Youth and Family Ministry (BS) + MAR dual-level program allows you to condense what would be eight years of study (four-year bachelor’s + four-year master’s) into just five years by starting master-level courses as early as your sophomore year. You’ll be able to complete all requirements for both degrees in as few as five years without taking summer courses.
You will also continue to receive your undergraduate scholarships and tuition aid for all five years of study, which will save you thousands of dollars.
Youth and Family Ministry (BS) + MAR at Cairn
Biblical Integration
Study the Bible cover to cover, taking courses that range from surveys of the Old Testament to exegetical studies of Revelation.
Academic Opportunity
Engage with practical, up-to-date strategies of youth ministry.
Career Preparation
Develop the skills of pastoral ministry.
Personalized Education
Deeply explore each branch of systematic theology and the history of theology.
Graduate School Preparation
Take graduate courses on campus or online.
Hands-On Education
Receive hands-on training through ministry involvement and interaction with a ministry mentor.
Ministry Opportunity
Understand youth ministry from a global perspective and take opportunities to experience various missional contexts
more Details
Get an inside look at our Youth and Family Ministry + MA in Religion Program
There are over 70 unique programs at Cairn to choose from! Not sure if this is the best program for you? Here are some more details to help you decide.
Required Credits: 150
Curriculum Highlights:
- YTH 322 Comp Tech for Youth/Fam Min
- YTH 222 Effective Bible Teaching
- BIB 441 The Corinthian Epistles
- BIB 472 Exegesis/Theol of Romans
- BIB 442 The Pastoral Epistles
Children’s Ministry Director
Youth Pastor/Director
Parachurch ministry leader
Camp Director
Connect With Us
An Affordable Education
While the cost of a Cairn University education is competitive with similar institutions, we realize you may need financial assistance to take this journey. You are not alone. 97% of our full-time undergraduate students receive some form of financial assistance.
Meet Our Faculty
Matt McAlack
Director, Youth and Family Ministry; Professor, School of Divinity
Dr. Matt McAlack teaches Bible, theology, psychology, and youth and family ministry.
Since 1996, Dr. McAlack has also directed JAM (Junior High Adventures in Ministry), a ministry and evangelism training event for middle schoolers at Cairn University.
In addition to serving at Cairn, Dr. McAlack has also served as a youth pastor and pastor of English ministry, as well as a speaker at conferences and retreats. Currently, he and his wife Michele lead the Youth Ministry and Outreach at Calvary Baptist Church in Bristol Pennsylvania.
Brian Luther
Professor of Old Testament, School of Divinity
Dr. Brian Luther teaches various Bible classes, including Pentateuch, Old Testament, wisdom literature, and the Gospels. His research interests include ancient Jewish and Christian biblical interpretation, as well as interpreting and applying biblical narrative today.
Before pursuing biblical studies, Dr. Luther earned his doctorate in electrical engineering. Among more serious pursuits, this background prepared him to coach a high school robotics team, an opportunity that he looks forward to having again someday.
What Our Students Have To Say
Caleb Esteban De Jesus
I can confidently say that the Youth and Family Ministries program at Cairn has prepared me well for discipling young people effectively. I am grateful for the quality professors I have and the great friends I made during my time here. This program challenges me, equips me, and pushes me out of my comfort zone in the best ways!
