CU’s affordable online bachelor’s degree in pastoral ministries gives you a strong biblical foundation to help impact other people’s lives while constructing a healthy church environment.
Program Details
Next Start Date:
7/3/2025
Estimated Length:
4 Years
Credit Hours:
120
Cost Per Credit:
$440Program Benefits
- Accepts up to 72 transfer credits
- Expert faculty
- Beneficial for all ministry positions
- No application fee
B.S. Pastoral Ministries Overview
Campbellsville University has a long history of producing competent ministers for the church and for the world. The online pastoral ministries bachelor’s degree from CU Online provides you with a broad and deep understanding of ministry study and works to help you become a future leader in Christ. The program examines subjects like biblical study, missiology, church history, evangelism and pastoral care in depth. Through this combination of courses, you will obtain the knowledge necessary to grow and maintain a healthy church.
Throughout the program, you will be exposed to both the Old Testament and New Testament, spiritual formation, philosophy, world religions, contemporary theology, educational ministries and the ministry of proclamation. Additionally, our online pastoral degree’s Christian studies internship supplies you with real-world experience through involvement in a local church. In the internship, experienced ministers carefully supervise and support you while you complete fieldwork, allowing you to serve in a ministry position and become educated about ministry.
Whether you enjoy preaching, teaching, leading or counseling, this online ministry degree gives you the skills you need to pursue a ministry career. As a graduate, you can answer the call to ministry and take on roles in traditional pastoral ministry, religious and biblical education, missionary work, religious nonprofit management and social justice outreach.
Faculty members have real-world Christian ministry experience, and the program is offered in a convenient and flexible format so that you can complete your coursework during your own time.
Campbellsville University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
“I couldn’t have done it if I had to go back to campus. Being able to get it online is the only way I would’ve been able to get my degree.”
– David Harris
Ranked in the top 50 Most Affordable Christian Colleges in the U.S.
Course Map
The online pastoral degree includes 120 credit hours, which involves 41 credit hours of general education requirements, 57 credit hours within the degree area and 22 free electives. The degree explores theology and the fundamentals of pastoral ministries. Depending on the number of credits transferred, you can compete the program in as little as two years.
The General Education component of undergraduate degrees provides the student with a basic understanding of a broad range of subjects. This supports the liberal arts emphasis of the University’s academic mission.
These courses must be included in your General Education component:
- CHS 111: Introduction to Old Testament
- CHS 121: Introduction to New Testament
Take all of the following:
- CHS 211: Art of Reading the Bible
- CHS 230: Spiritual Formation
- CHS 365: Christian Studies Internship
- CHS 432: Christian Theology
- CHS 471: Church History
- CHS : Upper Level Old or New Testament Course
Take all of the following:
- CHS 352: Pastoral Ministries
- CHS 353: Ministry of Proclamation
- CHS 355: Introduction to Pastoral Care and Counseling
- CHS 356: Ministry of Christian Leadership
Choose one of the following:
- CHS 354: Christian Evangelism
- CHS 451: Growing a Healthy Church
Choose four courses from the following:
- CHS : Christian Studies Upper Division Course
- CHS 234: World Religions
- CHS 350: Introduction to Sports Ministry
- CHS 368: Marriage and Singlehood
- CHS 369: Parent and Child
- CHS 456: Soul Care in Family
- PSY 321: Lifespan Development
- PSY 333: Group Dynamics
- PSY 452: Psychology of Religious Experience
- SOC 331: Marriage and Family
Choose one course from the following:
- CHS 271: Biblical Studies in the Holy Land
- CHS 311: Wisdom and Poetic Lit. of the Old Testament
- CHS 312: Studies in Old Testament Prophets
- CHS 323: Studies in Gospels
- CHS 324: Studies in Paul
- CHS 325: Studies in John
- CHS 328: General Studies (Hebrews-Jude)
- CHS 338: The Bible and the Environment
- CHS 411: Studies in the Pentateuch
- CHS 412: Intertestamental Period
- GRK 221: Beginning Greek I
- GRK 222: Beginning Greek II
- GRK 321: Intermediate Greek Exegesis I
- GRK 322: Intermediate Greek Exegesis II
- HEB 221: Beginning Hebrew I
- HEB 222: Beginning Hebrew II
- HEB 321: Intermediate Hebrew Exegesis I
- HEB 322: Intermediate Hebrew Exegesis II
Choose two courses from the following:
- CHS 130: Christ and Culture
- CHS 361: Introduction to Educational Ministries
- CHS 362: Teaching for Life Change
- CHS 363: Introduction to Children’s Ministry
- CHS 364: Introduction to Youth Ministry
- CHS 380/480: Special Topics in Christian Studies
- CHS 462: Intergenerational Ministries
- CHS 463: Innovative Educational Ministries
Choose one course from the following:
- CHS 234: World Religions
- CHS 354: Introduction to Christ Evangelism
- CHS 376: History of Christian Ministries
- CHS 378: Missions Methods and Strategies
- CHS 436: Ethical Teachings of Jesus
- PHI 241: Introduction to Philosophy
- PHI 345: Philosophy of Religion
- PHI 361: Ethics
Students must take courses totaling 22 credit hours to complete the 120 credit hours requirement for a bachelor’s degree. In conjunction with the online ministry degree, students may pursue a minor in another discipline but are not required to do so.
Admissions Requirements
To apply to Campbellsville’s bachelor’s in pastoral ministries program, prospective students must submit or complete the following:
- Online application.
- Official copies of transcripts from each college or university previously or currently attended, along with a complete record of all courses attempted.
- If transferring fewer than 24 credit hours, an official high school transcript.
Costs & Financial Aid
The online bachelor’s in pastoral ministries costs $440 per credit hour. Campbellsville University’s staff is available to work with students to discover available financial aid options to make their education even more affordable.
Students can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to find out what scholarships, grants, loans and payment plans are available for them. There are numerous options available, and not all financial aid is based on need.
A maximum of 72 credits can be transferred from a regionally accredited institution. Students wishing to transfer credits from an associate degree can easily do so through Campbellsville University’s Transfer Scholarship.
The $1,500 transfer scholarship is available to students seeking a bachelor’s degree online at Campbellsville University after transferring from any of the 70-plus campuses in the Kentucky Community & Technical System (KCTCS). CU further honors your educational journey by offering KCTCS students priority admission to degree programs and seamless transfer of previously earned credits.
Campbellsville University is a military-friendly school and a proud member of the Yellow Ribbon program. Students who are currently serving at home or abroad or are veterans can further their education in a conducive online environment.
Careers in Pastoral Ministries
Those who graduate from Campbellsville University’s online bachelor’s in pastoral ministries program can advance in their career with the following potential career outcomes:
Why Choose CU?
Campbellsville University Online seeks to provide an affordable faith-based education that fosters personal and professional growth for its students. Learning in small, 100% online classes, you'll have opportunities to connect one-on-one with expert professors who prioritize your success and value the experience you bring to the table. From day one, you'll also benefit from Campbellsville's student services, including a personal online academic advisor who will provide tailored assistance on your journey toward graduation. Access further support in the areas of mental health, career and finance, life management, technical resources and more. Finish strong with CU.
Learn MoreBenefits of Learning Online
Choosing to finish your degree 100% online means having the flexibility to study at the times and places that are most convenient for you. You'll learn from supportive, expert faculty members who are experienced in their fields and deliver the well-rounded education you need to take the next step in your career. Campbellsville is committed to the quality of its online courses and offers a dynamic selection of degree programs that are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? We’re here to help. Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information.
- Yes, you can. CU honors your educational journey with a generous transfer credit policy that empowers you to make the most of your earned credits. Upon your admission to Campbellsville University, we'll complete a transfer credit evaluation to find out how many of your credits will apply toward your degree. For more information, visit our transfer students page.
- Yes. Your first step is to complete the FAFSA form, and then we will determine your eligibility for any financial aid. Our school code is 001959. Visit our financial aid page to learn more about your options, which include scholarships and grants.
- You can apply to our 100% online degree programs through the online application form. Remember to submit official copies of your high school and/or college transcripts, along with any other required documentation that is specific to your degree program. You can visit the admissions process page to learn more about what to expect throughout the process.