Arts & Humanities

Bachelor of Arts in Youth Ministry

The Bachelor of Arts in Youth Ministry is a four-year degree programme offered at Tangaza University through the Institute of Youth Studies. The programme prepares students to work with young people in church and community contexts, equipping them to impart Christian faith and facilitate experiences that enhance the sense of belonging to the Church.

The curriculum covers youth ministry foundations, catechesis, youth pastoral studies, adolescent psychology, Christian theology, biblical studies, youth counselling, faith formation, social communication, and community development. Students explore two focus areas: catechesis and youth pastoral studies.

Students develop competencies in youth engagement, faith formation, catechetical instruction, pastoral counselling, programme planning, communication skills, and community outreach. The programme combines lectures, practical ministry assignments, field attachment, and blended online and face-to-face learning.

Graduates pursue careers as youth ministers, catechists, pastoral assistants, chaplains, community youth workers, and Christian educators. They find employment in churches, dioceses, schools, faith-based NGOs, youth organisations, and community development programmes across Kenya and the wider East African region.

The programme is offered at Tangaza University (private, KSH 109,000 per year) at the main campus in Karen, Nairobi, with blended online and face-to-face learning modes. Intakes are in January, May, and September. The programme includes two semesters of field attachment.

Accreditation is provided by the Commission for University Education (CUE), the statutory body responsible for quality assurance and regulation of university education in Kenya. Admission requires a KCSE mean grade of C+ or equivalent, or a recognised diploma in youth ministry for the completion path programme.

Duration: 4 Years
Public, up to: Ksh 189,004
Private, up to: Ksh 140,000
Job market: Low

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 6 months
Average class: 15 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Youth Ministry Foundations
Catechesis
Youth Pastoral Studies
Adolescent Psychology
Christian Theology
Biblical Studies
Youth Counselling
Faith Formation
Social Communication
Community Development

Modules

12 in the programme

Foundations of Youth Ministry
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Foundations of Youth Ministry: Introduction to the theological and practical foundations of youth ministry. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Introduction to Catechesis
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduction to Catechesis: Principles and methods of catechetical instruction and faith formation. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Adolescent Psychology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Psychological development and challenges of adolescence. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests...
Biblical Studies for Youth Ministry
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Biblical foundations for engaging young people in faith. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests...
Youth Counselling
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Counselling skills for working with youth facing personal and social challenges.
Youth Pastoral Studies
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Youth Pastoral Studies: Pastoral approaches to ministering to young people in church contexts. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Christian Theology
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Christian Theology: Systematic theology foundational to youth ministry practice. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Social Communication
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Social Communication: Communication skills for engaging youth in contemporary media contexts. Develops practical skills for academic and professional contexts.
Community Development
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Community Development: Principles of community development and youth participation. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Field Attachment I
Year 4Semester 16 creditsCore
Field Attachment I: Supervised practical ministry experience in a parish or youth organisation. Provides hands-on industry experience, mentorship, and professional skills development.
Faith Formation and Spirituality
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Faith Formation and Spirituality: Spiritual development and faith formation practices for young people. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Research Project in Youth Ministry
Year 4Semester 26 creditsCore
Final-year research project on a youth ministry topic. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, ...

Specialisations

Catechesis
Focus on catechetical instruction and faith formation for young people. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Youth Pastoral Studies
Focus on pastoral ministry and counselling for youth in church contexts. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Youth Counselling
Focus on providing counselling and guidance to young people. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Community Youth Work
Focus on youth development and outreach in community settings. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Christian Education
Focus on teaching Christian faith to youth in educational settings. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Youth Programme Coordination
Focus on planning and coordinating youth ministry programmes. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.

A day as a student

A typical day combines lectures, practical ministry exercises, and community engagement. Morning sessions cover theology, biblical studies, and adolescent psychology, while afternoons focus on youth ministry skills, counselling practice, and catechetical training. Students participate in field attachment, parish ministry, and youth outreach projects.

The trade offs

In its favour

Programme uniquely combines theological foundations with practical youth ministry skills.
Tangaza University offers blended learning with online and face-to-face options.
Programme includes two semesters of supervised field attachment for practical experience.
Completion path option allows diploma holders to complete the degree in two years.

Against it

Programme is only offered at one private university, limiting institutional choice.
Job market demand is limited primarily to religious and youth development sectors.
Private university fees are higher than government-subsidised public university rates.
Youth ministry careers in churches often rely on denominational support rather than conventional employment.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 188 arts & humanities courses

Public153k to 189k

153k at Kenyatta University189k at University of Nairobi

Private140k to 140k

140k at Tangaza University140k at Tangaza University

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

KU 153K, UoN 189K/yr. Tangaza 70K/sem=140K/yr. MKU unverified.

Tangaza University offers scholarships to qualifying students. HELB loans are available for eligible Kenyan students. Church and diocesan sponsorships may also be available for students preparing for ministry.

Funding options

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
Tangaza University Scholarships

Scholarships

5 recorded

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
Government loanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities. Must demonstrate financial need.
Tangaza University Scholarship
University scholarshipKenyan
Qualifying students based on academic merit and financial need.
Church and Denominational Scholarships
Church sponsorshipKenyan
Students sponsored by Catholic dioceses for ministry preparation may receive financial support.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
BursaryKenyan
Kenyan undergraduate students placed by KUCCPS in public universities
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Residents of respective counties pursuing undergraduate studies

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+ (Plus)
Alternative entry: KCSE mean grade C+ or equivalent; OR KACE with two principal passes and one subsidiary pass; OR a recognised diploma in youth ministry from an accredited institution for the completion path programme (2 years).

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment Tests
Coursework30% of the mark
Written tests, theological essays, and ministry assignments.
Practical Ministry Assignments
Practical30% of the mark
Catechetical exercises, counselling simulations, and youth programme planning.
End of Semester Examinations
Examination40% of the mark
Written examinations covering theology, youth ministry, and pastoral studies.
Field Attachment Assessment
Project100% of the mark
Evaluation of supervised field attachment including report, supervisor assessment, and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE), the statutory body responsible for quality assurance and regulation of university education in Kenya.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
CUE is the statutory body responsible for the accreditation and quality assurance of university programmes in Kenya.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Youth Minister
Low demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 90,000
Leads youth ministry programmes in churches and parishes.
Catechist
Moderate demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 70,000
Provides catechetical instruction and faith formation in parishes and schools.
Pastoral Assistant
Low demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 80,000
Assists in pastoral ministry including youth, family, and community outreach.
Chaplain
Low demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 100,000
Provides spiritual care and youth guidance in schools and institutions.
Community Youth Worker
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 85,000
Coordinates youth development programmes in community organisations.
Christian Educator
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 90,000
Teaches Christian religious education in schools and theological colleges.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as youth ministers, catechists, and pastoral assistants in churches, dioceses, and faith-based organisations. Demand is primarily in religious and community youth development sectors.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Logos Bible Software
Biblical studiesPrimary
Digital library and Bible study platform for sermon and lesson preparation.
Microsoft Office
ProductivityPrimary
Productivity suite for reports, presentations, and programme documentation.
Google Workspace
Collaboration
Collaboration tools for youth ministry team coordination.
Canva
Design
Design tool for creating youth ministry materials and social media content.
Zoom
Communication
Video conferencing for online youth meetings and counselling sessions.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Youth ministry is just about organising youth events.
The programme covers theology, counselling, adolescent psychology, catechesis, and community development.
Youth ministry graduates can only work in churches.
Graduates also work in schools, NGOs, community organisations, and youth development programmes.
Youth ministry is not a serious academic discipline.
The programme is CUE-accredited and combines rigorous theological study with practical ministry training.
A degree in youth ministry is only for Catholics.
While Tangaza is a Catholic institution, the programme is open to students from all Christian backgrounds.