Explore all Undergraduate Programs

Missions & Ministry

Using your understanding about the Lord and practical knowledge in ministry work to impact others for the sake of Christ.  

Young woman greeting students at a campus event
Young woman greeting students at a campus event

Types

Associate
Bachelor
Certificate
Minor

Location

On-Campus
Online

Credits

52*

Cost

$220/credit hour
$9,875

Answer God’s call on your life, no matter where you are. 

If you feel a calling to help others while spreading the word of God, then an online program for an associate or bachelor's degree in missions and ministry might be the right fit for you. As a student in University of the Cumberlands’ online missions and ministry degree program, you’ll gain an understanding of biblical literature, history, theology, and ethics to help you apply the Christian faith to daily life in word and deed. This degree in missionary studies will also help you develop the skills needed to engage in effective Christian missions and ministry in the 21st century. 

Anchor: Stats

By the Numbers

$39,370 

Average Salary

5% 

Industry Growth

#1

Christian College in KY

#1

in KY, Affordability
Anchor: Programs & Requirements
Programs & Requirements

Programs & Requirements

* The credit hours listed on this page only reference the specific program requirements and is not reflective of the total hours necessary to receive your degree. Cumberlands requires all students obtain a minimum of 60 hours for an associate’s degree and a total of 120 hours for a bachelor’s degree. Transfer and prior learning credits may be counted toward those totals.

To learn more about our General Education Requirements, please visit the page referenced below or explore our Academic Catalog. 

General Education Requirements

Bachelor of Science

An bachelor’s degree in missions from University of the Cumberlands is more than classes about Bible interpretation, church history, evangelism, Christian theology, and the various aspects of ministry. Though it includes all those things, professors at Cumberlands are most concerned with something else: your heart. The tough questions raised during class discussions, along with the critical thinking skills and deeper understanding of Scripture you gain throughout this degree program, will help you grow in your relationship with the Lord and reach others for the sake of Christ. At the end of the day, it’s all about being a living example of the Gospel.  

By the conclusion of the program, you will have the tools to analyze, interpret, and apply the Bible in the church and the world. You’ll also develop an understanding of other faiths and worldviews while developing skills for effective Christian ministry in the contemporary world and preparing for a lifetime of learning and responsible service and leadership. Let’s face it: The world needs Christ. It’s time to impact other people’s lives for His sake.  

Course Requirements

Students will choose one of the Missions and Ministry -B.A., B.S., B.A.S., Emphasis Requirements listed.

*Students may enroll in one emphasis area to complete the major or two emphasis areas to complete the major and satisfy the graduation requirement of a minor. Some courses will overlap, but students must complete at least 53 credit hours in MSMN courses to meet the major + minor requirement.

Associate of Science

This online associate degree program helps you dig deeper into your faith and the Bible, covering the essentials about scripture, church history, evangelism, and more. If you’ve been looking for an online program centered on the Bible that meets your needs as a student, University of the Cumberlands is here for you. From our founding by an assembly of Baptist ministers in 1888, we’ve been focused on providing the knowledge of biblical and historical studies, theology, ethics, missions, and church planting you can rely on as you answer God’s call. 

Courses are designed to give the student a strong view of the applicable areas a missions and ministry online degree can be used. By the conclusion of the program, you will have the tools to analyze, interpret, and apply the Bible in the church and the world. You’ll also develop an understanding of other faiths and worldviews while developing skills for effective Christian ministry in the contemporary world and preparing for a lifetime of learning and responsible service and leadership. 

Course Requirements

This 12-hour certificate will coordinate classes with the Music department to provide students with  training in music and theology, as well as providing experience in worship ministry through the completion. of a practicum or internship. 

At least one of each (3 Credit Hours Total) 

  • MUAV 013 - Applied Voice
  • MUAG 013 - Applied Guitar -Students may request from the Music Dept Chair to take MUAP 013 - Applied Piano instead.
Anchor: Mission & Goals

Mission & Goals

The mission of the University of the Cumberlands Department of Missions and Ministry is to provide students with the best possible training for missions and ministry work.

Boldly share the Gospel with others. 
Enroll in seminary. 
Teach others about God, scripture, and Biblical doctrine. 
Embody practical Godly living and help create a healthy church culture. 
Pursue God’s call on your life wisely, flexibly, and with unshakeable faith. 
Anchor: Career Outcomes

Missions & Ministry Careers & Outcomes

All stats from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Pastor : $60,180

Pastor : $60,180

A pastor “shepherds his flock” by studying and teaching scripture, casting vision for the church, cooperating with church leadership, praying for and serving the congregation, and assisting with tasks as they arise. 

Worship Minister: $42,950 

Worship Minister: $42,950 

Truly, our lives are meant to be continuous worship. But a talented, God-honoring musician is crucial to develop and lead worship during church services and events. 

International Missionary: $60,050 

International Missionary: $60,050 

Ministers and evangelizes in different countries around the world in a variety of ways – whatever God calls you to do, wherever He tells you to do it. 

Church Planter: $42,950 

Church Planter: $42,950 

Helps build and organize churches. A compassionate heart, bold evangelism, and a firm foundation of Scripture, especially as it relates to creating a healthy church culture, is vital for church planters. 

Director of Religious Activities and Education: $46,980 annually  

Director of Religious Activities and Education: $46,980 annually  

Creates ministry programs, provides counseling and guidance, and teaches Bible studies and classes, among other tasks. 

Religious Studies Professor: $87,100 

Religious Studies Professor: $87,100 

To inform others, you must first be informed. A religious studies professor teaches students about various foundational topics related to religion. 

Anchor: FAQs

Common Questions

Pursuing an associate or bachelor's degree in biblical studies online gives you the flexibility to pursue an accredited online religion degree while opening the door to any number of career roles with a host of service-oriented ministry programs. After graduating from your ministry degree online program, you’ll have the skills you need to serve through potential careers such as: 

  • Children’s Minister 
  • Worship Minister 
  • Youth Minister 
  • Professional Missionary 
  • And more!

The world is filled with opportunities to serve God’s will, from serving in local churches to providing leadership within a Christian ministry school. Online programs, especially the ones from accredited faith-based organizations, can help prepare you for roles. 

Classes in your missionary degree program include, but are not limited to, Church History Introduction, Exploring the New Testament, Interpreting the Bible, Psychology of Religions, Christian Theology Introduction, Exploring World Religions and Developing Spiritual Life. Courses are designed to give the student a strong view of the applicable areas a missions and ministry online degree can be used. 

You should contact the Office of the Registrar and/or the Department of Missions and Ministry if you have questions about the curriculum in this program.

Note: The Department is NOT the same as the Office of Campus Ministries. The Office is in charge of hosting campus ministry events and does not handle any coursework required for the academic program. The Department handles the academic classes.

Check out our Faith in Action magazine on our website! The articles are just a glimpse at the many ways students at Cumberlands are putting their Christian faith into action, both on campus and in the community. 

Anchor: Faculty

Faculty Experts in Ministry

See the faces behind the screens. This is your chance to learn more about your future ministry professors!

Dr. Joshua Hutchens

Dr. Joshua Hutchens

Adjunct Professor
Missions & Ministries

Dr. Joshua Hutchens

Contact Information

joshua.hutchens [at] ucumberlands.edu
Remote
Dr. Kirby Clark

Dr. Kirby Clark

Adjunct Professor
Missions & Ministries

Dr. Kirby Clark

Contact Information

kirby.clark [at] ucumberlands.edu
Remote
Ray Umphrey

Dr. Ray Umphrey

Adjunct Professor
Missions & Ministries
Christian Studies

Dr. Ray Umphrey

Contact Information

ray.umphrey [at] ucumberlands.edu
Remote
View All

Request Information

Do you have a questions about our ministry program? Let us know, and we will send you answers!

Loading...