Associate Degree in Sports Ministry Hesston College

A major in recreation and sports ministry prepares students to plan, direct and initiate church-based or community recreation programs and equips students to use recreation and sports as a tool for outreach in the community. It provides a biblical and theological foundation for ministry through sports, as well as helping students nurture their own spiritual development.

Majoring in sports management

Hesston College is a wonderful place to start a sports ministry major! Students have the opportunity to combine sports and ministry in several classes and campus-wide activities. In the Recreational Leadership class, students help create a two-mile fun run for the wider community. In Faith and Discipleship class, students take a weekend spiritual retreat. Students can also serve as ministry assistants or lead as part of the Campus Activities Board (CAB). Other opportunities include things like an internship at a summer church camp.

The sports ministry curriculum will provide you with the strong educational foundation you will need for upper-level studies and a baccalaureate degree in a wide variety of fields. Academic advisors work one on one with students to ensure requirements are met for a seamless transition to continuing education and professional careers.

First Year

Fall Program courses

• Biblical Literature
• physical education course 1*
• Conflict Resolution

Recommended courses

• First-Year Experience
• College Writing I
• Speech Communication
• Lifetime Fitness and Wellness

Spring Program courses

• Bible and ministry course 1**
• physical education course 2*
• Anatomy and Physiology

Recommended courses

• College Writing II
• General Psychology

Second Year

Fall Program courses

• Recreational Leadership
• Bible and ministry course 2**

Recommended courses

• College Algebra
• social science course
• humanities course

Spring Program courses

• Bible and ministry course 3**
• physical education course 3*

Recommended courses

• second natural science course
• second humanities course
• elective or responsibility course

*Physical Education course options include: PhEd 215 Intro to Health, Physical Education and Recreation, PhEd 217 Intro to Sports Management, PhEd 231 Personal and Community Health, PhEd 262 Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries and Nutr 210 Principles of Nutrition.

**Bible and Ministry course options include: Relg 121 Intro to Youth Ministry, Relg 202 Psalms and Epistles or Relg 208 Prophets and Revelation, and one additional Relg course.

Students who want to make an impact in the lives of young adults, who are passionate about the Lord and who love recreation and sports will thrive as sports ministry majors. These students are interested in either working within a church-based organization or doing ministry in a secular setting.

Students in this major will find open doors to careers in recreation, youth ministry, camp leadership, game development, coaching, YMCA and recreational ministry.