Overview
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Why Study Ministry at PBA?
Prepare to answer your calling through Palm Beach Atlantic University’s online Bachelor of Arts in Ministry. This flexible, Christ-centered program integrates biblical, theological, historical, and practical studies to prepare students for diverse ministry opportunities. Through spiritual formation, ministry training, and experienced faculty mentorship, students develop the knowledge, character, and practical skills needed to serve faithfully in churches and communities.
- Christ-Centered Formation: Build a strong foundation in Scripture, theology, Christian history, and spiritual formation.
- 100% Online: Complete primarily asynchronous courses in flexible eight-week terms designed to accommodate ministry, work, and personal commitments.
- Practical Ministry Preparation: Develop leadership and organizational skills while applying your learning through ministry practicum experiences.
- B.A. + M.Div. Pathway: Qualified students can pursue PBA’s accelerated B.A. to Master of Divinity (3+2) pathway and complete both degrees in five years.
What You’ll Learn
Students in the Ministry program learn to:
- Apply biblical, theological, and historical knowledge to ministry
- Develop practical skills for Christian leadership and service
- Navigate organizational change, conflict, crisis, and growth in ministry settings
- Integrate spiritual formation and Christian character into ministry practice
- Apply ethical and theological principles to ministry leadership
Program Details
The online Ministry program combines biblical and theological education with practical preparation for Christian leadership. Students explore Scripture, Christian history, spiritual formation, systematic theology, and ministry leadership while developing the skills needed to serve churches, nonprofits, communities, and other ministry settings.
PBA offers a variety of courses that students can choose from within this program. Take a look at what you’ll be learning while working toward your degree.
Students can customize their academic experience through elective coursework, minors, and additional majors that align with their academic and career goals. Explore the opportunities available at PBA.
As an online student, you’ll engage in a flexible virtual learning environment designed to support theological study, spiritual formation, and meaningful interaction with faculty and classmates. Primarily asynchronous eight-week courses allow students to pursue their education alongside ministry, work, and personal commitments.
Learn from dedicated faculty members who bring academic expertise, intercultural experience, ministry leadership, and a commitment to student success. Through mentorship, field experiences, and personalized guidance, PBA professors help students develop the knowledge, cultural awareness, and confidence needed for effective intercultural work and ministry.
Students apply their learning through ministry practicums, projects, and real-world ministry experiences. Practicum opportunities connected to the program’s concentrations allow students to develop skills in areas such as pastoral ministry, preaching, teaching, evangelism, worship, and ministerial care.
The program culminates in a Theology and Ethics of Ministry capstone course, where students integrate their learning while examining ecclesiology, ethical ministry practice, and their responsibilities as Christian leaders.
Career Outcomes
Ministry graduates are prepared to serve in churches, parachurch organizations, schools, healthcare settings, community organizations, correctional institutions, military settings, and other ministry environments. Through theological education, spiritual formation, and practical ministry experience, graduates develop the skills and character needed to lead and serve faithfully.
Potential career paths include:
- Lead Pastor*
- Associate Pastor*
- Executive Pastor*
- Children’s Ministry Director
- Missions Ministry Leader
- Hospital Chaplain*
- Military Chaplain*
- Community Service Director
- Ministry Program Director
- Christian Education Leader
*Some pastoral and chaplaincy positions may require additional graduate education, ordination, denominational credentials, or other qualifications.
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Student Stories
Ministry students develop biblical knowledge, practical leadership skills, and spiritual maturity through theological study, ministry experiences, and faculty mentorship. These experiences prepare students to faithfully serve churches, communities, and organizations while discerning God’s calling for their lives.
Kobi Thomas: Answering the Call to Ministry
Watch Kobi Thomas’s story below to learn how his experience studying Ministry Leadership at PBA helped him discover and pursue God’s calling on his life. Through spiritual growth, faculty mentorship, and a Christ-centered community, Kobi developed the faith, leadership skills, and commitment to service needed to minister to others.
Financial Aid
PBA’s robust scholarship program awards over $3 million every year. Invest in your learning with major-specific scholarships and other financial aid opportunities, which are awarded to 97% of our undergraduate students. Explore the resources below to learn more about tuition, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities.
