Coordinator of the Evening Ministry Program, Terriel Byrd, Ph.D.
Coordinator of the Online Ministry Program, Karelynne Ayayo, Th.D.
Coordinator of the Orlando Ministry Program, D. Eric Lowdermilk, D.Th.
The Bachelor of Arts in Ministry program at Palm Beach Atlantic University specifically seeks to meet the education and ministry preparation needs of bi-vocational ministers, church leaders, interested adults, and other non-traditional students. Through a focus on biblical, historical, theological, and practical studies, the Bachelor of Arts in Ministry (MIN) program strives to equip men and women with the knowledge, skills, and character needed for effective Christian service in local churches, parachurch organizations, and in other ministries to family, work, and community. The on-ground Ministry program (MIN) enables local adult learners who have full-time employment or other daytime responsibilities to complete their B.A. degree primarily through evening courses. The corresponding Online Bachelor of Arts in Ministry program (EMIN) provides an entirely online setting for non-traditional students who wish to complete their B.A. degree from a geographical distance or with increased flexibility in scheduling.
Program Structure
The required curriculum for the major is composed primarily of three-credit hour courses normally offered during eight-week subterms. The accelerated program (whether on-ground or online) is designed with the expectation that students will complete 30 credits each academic year: 12 credits each fall, 12 credits each spring, and 6 credits each summer. Students who opt for a different load might encounter difficulties with their degree plans.
Students in the evening Ministry program will take the majority of their coursework on ground. These students will find that some course offerings, particularly Ministry electives, may be available only as fully online courses. Students in the EMIN program are expected to complete all coursework online. On-ground courses are taught during evening class sessions, generally four hours in duration and meeting once a week. Online courses are delivered electronically through the University’s Learning Management System. Students in the online Ministry program will complete all of their coursework entirely online. Each online course is primarily, although not entirely, asynchronous. Students view lessons and complete assignments at the time of their choosing within stated course deadlines, which typically follow a weekly rhythm. Each online course also requires students to attend several synchronous virtual class sessions through designated technology. Generally for each 8-week course, students should expect to attend two or three of these live virtual Conference meetings on designated days and times, which are published in advance. Students commit to these online Conference days and times during the course registration process.
Students enrolled in the B.A. in Ministry program take many of their General Education core requirements through the Catherine T. MacArthur School of Leadership, and they may select their free electives from the various course offerings in the Evening and Online catalog provided that they meet the course prerequisites.
To qualify for graduation, students must earn a minimum of 120 credits, including a minimum of 42 upper-level credits (courses numbered 3000 and above). The curriculum is divided between the Technology requirement, General Education requirements, Ministry major requirements, and Free Electives.
The Free Elective field is comprised of transfer credits that do not meet specific requirements, Professional Education Credits (PECs), and other elected courses. Professional Education Credits consist of credit awarded to adult students for work and life experience. Students must apply for PEC credits within their first semester of enrollment at PBA.
Courses in the Ministry major directly reflect the learning objectives stated in the mission of the School of Ministry. Theology and Ethics of Ministry is the capstone course for the program in which students formulate the theological basis and practical vision for their particular area of calling or ministry focus. This course should be taken as near as possible to the final term of study at Palm Beach Atlantic University.
Students should pay particular attention to the School of Ministry Attendance Policy.
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