Youth Work
Free
About this course
Columbia’s Youth Work program prepares students with the education, experience, and confidence they need to help transform the lives of young people. Through strategic leadership within the field of youth ministry, students take concepts from the classroom and integrate them into ministry opportunities as they serve in local ministries. With a number of church and community partners, Columbia’s intensive 10-month internship component allows students to apply their education and gain valuable experience in the youth work field.
Diploma in Youth Work
The two-year diploma in Youth Work is designed to equip students for youth ministry, often alongside another vocation. Students receive a strong biblical foundation alongside the practical skills necessary for youth ministry in numerous contexts. Graduates from the two year diploma often work in churches or parachurch organizations as gifted, committed and passionate youth workers. Others have continued on with studies in social services with a youth emphasis. Wherever they go, Columbia Youth Work graduates are prepared to use their gifts to influence and impact teenagers for the gospel.
Bachelor of Arts in Practical Theology, Major in Youth Work
The Youth Work degree program prepares students for strategic leadership within the field of youth ministry. The program is designed to combine in-class education and hands-on practicums in order to provide the very best experiential education possible. To enhance class lectures, students are introduced to vocational youth workers who share their expertise, giftedness and passion. In their third year, students will have the opportunity to apply for a 10-month internship in either a church or parachurch organization where they learn under the mentorship of a veteran youth worker. This emphasis on study and application offers the students a program that is intentionally holistic and integrative in its scope. Graduates from the degree program better understand youth culture and are able to employ new skills in the area of youth ministry.
Youth Work Minors
Each degree student at Columbia has the option to select a minor in a variety of fields. Typically, minors are chosen in a student’s third year of study and will inform the type of internship placement they choose. Learn more about available minors.
Practical, hands-on experience is an integral part of education. That’s why Columbia requires all degree students to complete an internship in their third or fourth year. Youth Work students have the unique opportunity to participate in an intensive 10-month internship in their third year. The internship places students in a youth ministry setting where they acquire valuable hands-on experience working in vocational ministry. The internship program is designed to provide a rich learning experience with practical skill development. For more information about Columbia’s internship program, including application forms and placement options, visit Service Learning.
Supervisor Evaluations (3rd Year Internship)
Download the off-site supervisor evaluation forms for the Youth Work 3rd Year Internship:
Student Stories
Sarah T.
“Being at CBC over the past four years has been such a beautiful space of challenging growth and gentle encouragement. I think the biggest area of growth for myself has been learning to see my life as not something that I need to control but as something to be given freely into the hands of the Father to be used for his purposes, whatever and wherever those purposes may be.”
Jack M.
“The most important thing I learned about the Bible at CBC is that God transforms the reader through studying it. It’s more than just a collection of letters and laws. It’s convicting, raw and beautiful. Wrestling with it is okay. Most importantly, we learn about and worship our King Jesus through it.
I discovered my passion for youth and kids at Columbia! I’ve already started my first job as a youth pastor, and I am living the dream! The future of the church lies with kids and youth, and if I can have a role to play in walking alongside these kids in their everyday lives, I would argue that is the biggest privilege of any vocation. I love talking about God and life with kids, and just hanging out with them, it’s the best!”
To view the Program Objectives for both the Diploma and the Degree in Youth Work, click here.
This program does not require approval by the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training. As such, PTIB did not review this program.
Syllabus
Prepare to impact the future as you dip into the Bible and gain solid skills for mentoring today’s youth.
Heart & Soul 0/2
Mind & Worldview 0/3
Strength & Skills 0/2
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. Love your neighbour as yourself." -Jesus