Whether students are seeking to serve local churches, or Christian camps, work as advocates in social work for community organizations, teach religion, or are planning to continue their education in graduate school, the Religious Studies department at John Melvin University seeks to prepare students in both majors and minors programs with a faith-filled future in life and ministry. John Melvin University’s Religious Studies programs are enriched with a deep understanding of the Bible and promote Christian goals that foster Christian faith and knowledge that are incorporated in all areas of life, learning, and service. Students are encouraged to grow in their relationship with the Lord by increasing their knowledge and understanding of the Scripture. Our college offers an Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies and a major in Theology, Biblical Studies, Christian Education, Christian Coaching, Christian Leadership and Management, and Christian Counseling. John Melvin University provides a Master’s degree of Arts in Ministry, Theology, Christian Counseling, and Christian Leadership and Management. Students earning a Biblical Studies degree can take courses that focus on preparing for Christian ministry, interpreting Scripture, understanding the Bible in both the Old and New Testament, tracing church history, and preparing for spiritual warfare and divine healing. Other courses will focus on the Biblical History of Israel, Christian Living, and Systematic Theology. John Melvin University’s Religious studies courses will be taught by certified religious instructors with years of teaching and local church experience. The Religious Studies faculty and John Melvin University’s church pastor help students discern God’s calling upon their lives in course study, motivational programs, and on-campus church services. In addition, the goal of the religious studies program is to assist students in determining how their skills and passions prepare them to understand the implication of the student’s faith and life mission.

The Biblical Studies degree program offers Associate and Bachelor'sdegrees.  The major includes Bible and Theology courses which prepare students to minister in a local church, church-related context, or other ministry-related fields. This degree provides the necessary foundation for continued studies in graduate school or seminary.

Teacher Education program helps future teachers model Christian ethics through positive relationships and effective pedagogy in today’s classrooms. The program prepares students for teaching in parochial elementary, middle, or high schools parochial. JM University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Education with two areas of emphasis from which to choose: Elementary Education and Physical Education (Non-Teaching)

If you like to help others tap into their full potentials, grow spiritually, build their confidence, have a more meaningful life, and hold them accountable to achieve what they really want to do or be in life, then coaching is for you. Jesus was a Coach to His disciples; He taught them, guided them, encouraged and directed them on how to fulfill the goal of God’s Kingdom and be overcomers despite all the adversities they faced. This program offers 2 areas of emphasis (Life Coaching Emphasis or Sports & Fitness Emphasis) that will help you to identify your niche in coaching in order to be able to help others in their journey to success and the fulfillment of their goals and God’s plan for their lives. JM University students in the Christian Coaching Degree Program will receive hands-on training with the Gulf-Atlantic Christian Athletic Alliance and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. 

The B.A. in Leadership and Management offers two areas of emphasis from which to choose:

1. Business Management Emphasis: If God is calling you to be a light for him in the business world, we are ready to help equip you to be all that God wants for you. When you graduate from JM University with a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Leadership and Management, you will be able to explain, integrate, and apply foundational business knowledge in a Christian work environment. The curriculum equips the student with business and administration skills, while also providing a solid biblical foundation for Christian influence in the workplace.

2. Sport Management Emphasis: If God is calling you to be a leader or manager in the area of sports and athletics, JM University offers the Bachelor of Arts in Leadership and Management with a Sport Management Emphasis. You will study the worldwide appeal and importance of a Faith-Based sports management field, as well as the moral and ethical implications of sports policy and strategies. Your courses will include Sports Leadership, Sports Ethics, Sports Marketing, Facilities Management, and hands-on training with the Gulf-Atlantic Christian Athletic Alliance and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

There is also a Master’s degree in Leadership and Management. Students completing the B.A. in Leadership and Management may continue on to pursue the M.A. . The M.A. degree program also has two degree emphasis options, (Business Management Emphasis or Sport Management Emphasis.)

The Counseling degree opens doors to a diverse group of social service fields focused on improving the quality of life for individuals, families, and communities. Counseling helps individuals understand human behavior and enhances interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills. JM University’s program integrates social and behavioral science with the Christian faith. Graduates from this program are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for entry-level jobs in social services. This degree also prepares students for graduate training in mental health and social service fields, including the M.S. in Christian Counseling at JM University.

The B.S. in Christian Counseling offers several emphasis options including: General Psychology, Organizational Psychology, and Sports Psychology.

The M.A. in Practical Ministry is a degree  program for the adult student (21 years of age or older). Student have 3 paths to choose from (Pastoral Ministries Emphasis, Youth Ministries Emphasis, Sports & Recreational Ministries Emphasis)

Adult students have great potential to lead churches and other Christian ministries for the advancement of Christ’s kingdom. The Practical Ministry degree equips students with sound training in Bible, theology, and the leadership of Christian ministries.

Ministry Internships

We believe that practical, hands-on field experience is an essential part of ministry preparation. Each student in the online Ministry Leadership degree is required to complete an internship. This internship is 14 weeks during the fall, spring, or summer sessions with a requirement of eight hours a week at the church and one hour a week with a mentor at the church.