What is it?

The Children, Youth & Family Studies degree gives you training and knowledge to work with children, youth, and adults in settings that range from churches and camps to social service agencies and non-profit organizations.

Children, Youth & Family Studies at Trinity

You will participate in a junior-year practicum and senior-year field experience that provide up to 750 hours of practical experience in your field.

You also have the opportunity to tailor the program to your unique interests, whether in church-based youth ministry, Christian education, community outreach, outdoor leadership, or other area of interest.

Learn how to apply for a $40,000 youth and family ministry scholarship

What degree will I get?

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Children, Youth & Family Studies

What can I do with it?

Become a youth ministry director in a church.  Run programs at a camp.  Obtain a position in a community agency working with children and youth.  Direct a church’s children’s ministry program.  Pursue graduate studies or attend seminary.

Program Faculty

Students in the Children, Youth & Family Studies program benefit from multiple perspectives of faculty who teach courses according to their particular skills, passion, and abilities. All have experience working in churches and nonprofit organizations that serve children, youth, and families. Professors are not only classroom teachers, but caring mentors who enjoy helping students learn and grow during their college experience. Learn more about our dynamic faculty team and department head Mark Jackson.

Resume-building internships:

• Children’s or youth ministry programs
• Non-profit or social service agencies serving youth and children
• Organizations working with family and community issues
• Camps and outdoor education programs
• International mission organizations

See examples of CYFS senior internships, full-time job placements, and graduate programs our alumni have been accepted to.

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Course Sampling

CYFS 210 Foundations for CYFS: This class explores the biblical and theological foundations for ministry with children, youth and families. You will also look into how family systems work, learn about the latest research on children and teens and study the cultural, social and global forces affecting today’s children, youth and families.

CYFS 330 Counseling Skills: By taking this class you will learn about the non-professional counseling relationship and study the current theories, practices and techniques used when counseling. You will also acquire an understanding of issues affecting the lives of kids and families, such as depression, child abuse, sexual abuse, death and dying, substance abuse and mental health disorders.

CYFS 485 Philosophy & Practice of Ministry: This is a capstone course where you will integrate everything about your education and articulate your own philosophy of working with children, youth and families. You will then take that philosophy and develop a one-year strategic program plan for a church or organization.