Ministry (AA)
Prepare yourself for a life in service of God.
Why Study Ministry?
If you’re looking for a career where you can fully integrate faith into action, a degree in ministry is an excellent option. You’ll develop a foundation in theology and build practical ministry skills that will help you guide and teach others as they explore their own faith.
Enrich Your Career
You may also wish to study ministry as a complement to your major or current profession; this background is especially beneficial in the social work and human services fields.
Find a New Path
Many people are called to serve the church as a second career, often as a way to share their lived experiences with others. Formal training in ministry can help you pursue a faith-based career.
Take the first step:
Request InformationCareer Outlook & Success
5.4%
Expected growth in demand for religious workers (BLS, 2019)
$32,980
Average median salary for religious workers in Indiana (BLS, 2019)
1890
year USF was founded by Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration
Why Earn Your Ministry Degree at USF?
The University of Saint Francis was founded upon the Catholic and Franciscan traditions of faith and reason. When you study ministry at USF, you’re doing so at an institution deeply committed to respect for creation and reverence of each person.
Professional Exploration
You’ll explore a variety of professional and volunteer ministry settings and, through these practical learning experiences, you’ll begin to discover which path to pursue after graduation.
Career-Ready Skills
Through your coursework and enriching class discussions, you’ll develop a strong foundation in theology and learn how to call upon scripture as a resource for your ministry work.
Flexible Electives
With a wide variety of electives, you can tailor your studies to fit your interests and goals.
Formation Workshops
Learn, build and practice your ministry skills with your peers during co-curricular faith formation workshops.
Your Ministry Degree as Stepping Stone
It’s not uncommon for USF students to complete an associate degree in ministry before pursuing a bachelor’s degree in theology or social work.
Real-World Learning with a Purpose
As part of your USF experience you will learn more about faith-based careers through field experiences and internships with organizations such as:
- Catholic High School Campus Ministry
- Local Church Youth Ministry
- Redeemer Radio
- Catholic Campaign for Human Development
- Parkview Hospital
- YWCA
You can also help, heal and explore the world through service work and mission trips. Opportunities might include:
- Visiting the Vatican during a Pilgrimage to Assisi and Rome
- Volunteering in Kentucky over Spring Break with the Christian Appalachia Project
- Traveling to Haiti with our Formula for Life mission trip
Our Theology & Ministry Faculty
Our ministry and theology faculty comprises expert scholars, passionate teachers and active members of the faith community, including:
Sister Jacinta Krecek, director of the ministry program, has been recognized for teaching excellence and service-learning, including her 2019 trip to Dominican Republic.
Dr. John P. Bequette specializes in saints and early medieval texts; his most recent book is Christian Friendship: Engaging the Tradition, Transforming the Culture.
Dr. Adam A.J. DeVille’s teaching and research interests include eastern Christianity in all forms, Christian-Muslim relations and ecclesiology.
Dr. T. Alexander Gilter’s work revolves around the relationship between God and creation and the human soul, as well as the dialogue between faith and reason.
Campus & Community Involvement
Fellowship is a big part of student life at USF. You’ll worship and celebrate your faith with fellow Cougars through Campus Ministry and a range of campus traditions.
Faith-Based Careers: What You Can Do With a Ministry Degree
The associate degree in ministry can prepare you to become a pastoral associate and many other faith-based positions:
- Church or diocese minister
- Campus minister
- Youth or music minister
- Hospital chaplain
- Director of religious education
- Religious education catechist
Earning your associate degree in ministry at USF can also be a stepping stone toward a bachelor’s in theology or a related area.
Where You’ll Find Our Graduates
Whether their goal was to become a pastoral associate or youth minister, USF alumni are proudly serving God and their communities in many ways with organizations like:
- Bishop Luers Campus Ministry
- DePaul Christo Rey High School
- St. Charles Parish Youth Ministry
Ready to start?
Apply Now
Your first step to becoming a USF Cougar is applying for admission. Our online application makes the process as convenient as possible.
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