School Details
Lee University is a four-year private school located in Cleveland, Tennessee. The school was established in 1918 as a Bible Training School until 1947, when the name was changed to Lee College. Granted university status in 1997, Lee has become one of Tennessee’s largest Christ-centered private institutions.
Lee University offers bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and post-master certificates. The school also offers doctoral research and professional practice programs.
At the same time, Lee University online degrees are available 100% online in a flexible, asynchronous format. They provide the same rigor as on-campus programs and are a faster, more affordable option. Consider an associate’s or bachelor’s degree as an undergraduate or online master’s and certificate programs with LU online.
More qualities of LU online degrees:
- Veteran benefits
- Undergraduate and graduate ministry discounts
- Opportunity to transfer credits from an accredited institution
Accreditation & Licensing
Lee University is accredited by:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
All Programs
Art & Liberal Arts
Lee University offers the online BA in Liberal Studies, a liberal arts degree. With this liberal studies major, you will complete a flexible, liberal arts-based program of study. Students utilize previous college work, building upon that foundation, to create a personalized Christian liberal arts degree. The curriculum helps students recognize and understand diverse points of view within the context of their own worldview.
Coursework also teaches students the following:
- The capability to utilize proficient written and oral communication skills
- The capability to utilize technology-based skills
- The ability to research using primary and secondary sources in the field
- The ability to think, discuss, and write in a critical manner
This degree is also offered as a Bachelor of Science.
Education
Prepare to teach from a distinctly Christian approach with this online education degree. Gain a strong foundation in the education process as you prepare to enter the classroom as an educator. Courses provide a greater understanding of a variety of teaching techniques and methods. Learn to use technology in the classroom, about the importance of classroom management, and the philosophy of Christian education. In addition to teaching, this online education degree benefits students who want to become pastors, youth leaders, and ministry leaders.
Psychology & Human Services
The Master of Science in Marriage & Family Studies from Lee University is an online Marriage & Family Therapy degree program. Rather than being designed for students seeking licensure, this program is intended for individuals interested in administrative roles in family service agencies or in family ministries at a church. The curriculum prepares students to provide families with support in a wide variety of community service settings. You will learn to collect data about individuals, couples and families using interviews, case histories, psychometric instruments, observational techniques, and relational methods. Courses help students learn to communicate with diverse cultural groups and those with special needs, including persons in poverty, physical abuse victims, substance abusers, and juvenile offenders. Above all, graduates will be sensitive to, and appreciative of, the spiritual needs of individuals, couples, and families.
Religion & Philosophy
Lee University offers the online Bachelor of Arts in Bible & Theology. The purpose of this degree is to give students a foundational understanding of biblical and theological knowledge. It is designed to deliver general, biblical, and theological fundamentals to those persons desiring to continue on in further theological study. This degree encompasses a variety of courses to ensure students have an adequate understanding of the Bible as well as progressive history of God revealing Himself to humanity following the fall and throughout the Old Testament and New Testament. It particularly focuses on the epochs of the Old Testament in order to understand how each part of it ultimately points forward to fulfillment in the life mission of Jesus Christ.
The following courses make up the Religion Core part of the program:
- Biblical / Theological Foundation
- Doctrine of the Holy Spirit
- Intro. to Christian Ethics
- Methods of Bible Study
- Old Testament Survey
- New Testament Survey
- Systematic Theology
Lee University offers the online BA in Christian Studies. This degree is intended for students interested in pursuing a career as a religion teacher or an administrator of a church. The program encompasses a wide variety of courses to ensure adequate understanding of the bible as well as the history of Christianity. You will learn to collect, analyze, organize, and evaluate information on a broad range of topics from a wide range of sources on theological and selected ministry issues while also learning to utilize the inductive study method when analyzing biblical passages. Graduates are able to think and communicate critically and research using primary and secondary field sources. Students can study topics relevant to their specific interests in pre-determined Christian disciplines and must complete six hours of a foreign language at the intermediate level or higher.
The online Bachelor of Arts in Ministry Leadership with an emphasis in Business is available from Lee University. This program prepares students for involvement in church ministry by exploring and developing leadership potential based on biblical principles. Within the Business emphasis, students learn to articulate strategies for sound business practices in the church or in other types of Christian organizations such as missions and will demonstrate an understanding of the role of business in church life. In addition to Business knowledge and skills, students in this program will learn to demonstrate leadership skills through the understanding of group and individual interaction and will formulate strategies to direct Christians to apply leadership skills in life contexts. Unlike the Bachelor of Science degree, the Bachelor of Arts degree requires courses in a foreign language at the intermediate level.
The online Bachelor of Arts in Ministry Leadership with an emphasis in Children’s Ministry program is available from Lee University. This program prepares adult learners for involvement in the church ministry, especially for involvement with children in the church. You will learn to articulate strategies for Children’s Ministry and to demonstrate an understanding of the role of a Children’s Minister in this emphasis. In addition, students explore and develop leadership potential based on biblical principles in Children’s Ministry settings, including demonstrating leadership skills through the understanding of group and individual interactions. Students completing this program as a Bachelor of Arts degree will need to complete courses in a modern foreign language at the intermediate level; this is not required for the Bachelor of Science degree option.
Lee University offers the online BA in Ministry Leadership with a concentration in Church Administration. This degree allows students to get involved in the Christian community. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the role of leadership within the church and identify methods for developing leadership within the church. In addition, you will learn to formulate strategies to direct Christians to apply leadership skills in life contexts, gain critical thinking and communication skills, and be able to use primary and secondary sources for research in the field.
The following courses are offered in the Church Administration emphasis:
- Legal Foundations for Church Leaders
- Developing Local Church Leadership
- Educational Ministry of the Church
- Leadership and Administration
- Cross-Cultural Leadership
- Theology of Leadership
- Value-Based Leadership
- Leadership and Groups
Lee University offers the online BA in Ministry Leadership with an emphasis in Counseling. This degree allows students to get involved in the Christian community. Students will articulate an understanding of the role of ministry counseling in the church and identify various theories and methods in church counseling.
The following courses are offered in the Counseling emphasis:
- Psychology of Human Sexuality
- Crisis Intervention Counseling
- Theories of Counseling
- Methods of Counseling
- Abnormal Psychology
- The Christian Family
The BA version of this degree requires modern foreign language courses at the intermediate level.
Lee University offers the online BA in Ministry Leadership with an emphasis in Discipleship. This degree allows students to get involved in the Christian community. Students will demonstrate an understanding of educational ministry and discipleship in the church and display an understanding of the importance of small group ministry within the church.
The following courses are offered in the Discipleship emphasis:
- Principles of Teaching in Christian Education
- Introduction to Small Group Ministry
- Legal Foundations for Church Leaders
- Introduction to Adolescent Ministry
- Christian Education of Children
- Christian Education of Adults
The BA degree requires courses in a modern foreign language at an intermediate level.
Lee University offers the online BA in Ministry Leadership with a concentration in Music and Worship. This degree allows students to get involved in the Christian community. Students will articulate an understanding of the importance of music and worship in the church and demonstrate a foundational technical understanding of music theory and practice.
The following courses are offered in the Music and Worship emphasis:
- Introduction to Music Ministry
- Music Ministry Leadership
- Congregational Song
- Aspects of Leading Music for Worship
- Special Topics in Church Music
- Concepts and Models of Music in Worship
This degree is also offered as a Bachelor of Science but those taking the Bachelor of Arts program must complete courses in a modern language at the intermediate level.
Lee University offers the online BA in Ministry Leadership with a concentration in Pastoral Ministry. This degree allows students to get involved in the Christian community. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the call to vocational ministry and identify fundamentals and techniques of pastoral preaching.
The following courses are offered in the Pastoral Ministry emphasis:
- Legal Foundations for Church Leaders
- Marriage and the Family Credit
- Contemporary World Religions
- Fundamentals of Preaching
- Techniques of Preaching
- The Pastoral Ministry
- Pastoral Counseling
This degree is also offered as a Bachelor of Science for those that do not want to complete courses in modern foreign language.
Lee University offers the online BA in Ministry Leadership with an emphasis in Youth Ministry. This degree allows students to get involved in the Christian community by working with youth in various ministry settings. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the role of a youth minister and articulate strategies for youth ministry. In addition, this degree program prepares students for leadership based on the Bible and theology and teaches leadership skills.
The following courses are offered in the Pastoral Ministry emphasis:
- Introduction to Adolescent Ministry
- Creative Communication for Ministry
- Models of Youth Ministry
- Strategies for Youth Ministry
- Outdoor Youth Ministries
- Contemporary Issues in Youth Ministry
This degree is also offered as a Bachelor of Science; the Bachelor of Arts degree requires courses in a modern foreign language at the intermediate level.
Lee University offers the online Bachelor of Science in Bible & Theology. The purpose of this degree is to give students a foundational understanding of biblical and theological knowledge. It is designed to deliver general, biblical, and theological fundamentals to those persons desiring to continue on in further theological study. This degree encompasses a variety of courses to ensure students have an adequate understanding of the Bible as well as progressive history of God revealing Himself to humanity following the fall and throughout the Old Testament and New Testament. It particularly focuses on the epochs of the Old Testament in order to understand how each part of it ultimately points forward to fulfillment in the life mission of Jesus Christ.
The following courses make up the Religion Core part of the program:
- Biblical / Theological Foundation
- Doctrine of the Holy Spirit
- Intro. to Christian Ethics
- Methods of Bible Study
- Old Testament Survey
- New Testament Survey
- Systematic Theology
Lee University offers the online BS in Christian Studies. This degree is intended for students interested in pursuing a career as a religion teacher or an administrator of a church. The program encompasses a wide variety of courses to ensure adequate understanding of the bible as well as the history of Christianity. You will learn to collect, analyze, organize, and evaluate information on a broad range of topics from a wide range of sources on theological and selected ministry issues while also learning to utilize the inductive study method when analyzing biblical passages. Graduates are able to think and communicate critically and research using primary and secondary field sources. Students can study topics relevant to their specific interests in pre-determined Christian disciplines but only those in the BA program must complete six hours of a foreign language at the intermediate level or higher.
The online Bachelor of Science in Ministry Leadership with an emphasis in Business is available from Lee University. This program prepares students for involvement in church ministry by exploring and developing leadership potential based on biblical principles. Within the Business emphasis, students learn to articulate strategies for sound business practices in the church or in other types of Christian organizations such as missions and will demonstrate an understanding of the role of business in church life. In addition to Business knowledge and skills, students in this program will learn to demonstrate leadership skills through the understanding of group and individual interaction and will formulate strategies to direct Christians to apply leadership skills in life contexts.
Courses within the Business emphasis include:
- Principles of Accounting
- Principles of Business Management
- Business Finance
- Introduction to Computer Applications
- Legal Foundations for Church Leaders
The online Bachelor of Science in Ministry Leadership with an emphasis in Children’s Ministry program is available from Lee University. This program prepares adult learners for involvement in the church ministry, especially for involvement with children in the church. You will learn to articulate strategies for Children’s Ministry and to demonstrate an understanding of the role of a Children’s Minister in this emphasis. In addition, students explore and develop leadership potential based on biblical principles in Children’s Ministry settings, including demonstrating leadership skills through the understanding of group and individual interactions.
Courses in Children’s Ministry include:
- Christian Education of Children
- Ministry to the Family
- Children’s Ministry Programming
- Child Evangelism
- Pastoring Children
Lee University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Ministry Leadership with an emphasis in Church Administration. This program focuses on exploring and developing leadership potential based on biblical principles in various Christian ministry settings. With the Church Administration emphasis, students gain an understanding of the leadership role within the church while also learning to identify methods for developing leadership within the church. In addition, you will learn to formulate strategies to direct Christians to apply leadership skills in life contexts, gain critical thinking and communication skills, and be able to use primary and secondary sources for research in the field.
Church Administration courses include:
- Value-Based Leadership
- Leadership and Administration
- Developing Local Church Leadership
- Cross-Cultural Leadership
- Leadership and Groups
- Legal Foundations for Church Leaders
The online Bachelor of Science in Ministry Leadership with an emphasis in Counseling is designed for individuals interested in leadership and counseling roles in church ministry. This program provides an understanding of ministry counseling’s role in the church. Students also learn to identify various theories and methods in church counseling. In addition to the emphasis, students completing this degree will gain knowledge and skills in scripture, theology, and leadership, helping them to develop potential based on biblical principles in various Christian ministry settings.
Courses in this emphasis include:
- Personality Theory
- Psychology of Human Sexuality
- Abnormal Psychology
- Crisis Intervention Counseling
- Theories of Counseling
- Methods of Counseling
- The Christian Family
The online Bachelor of Science in Ministry Leadership with an emphasis in Discipleship is an adult degree program for those wishing to get involved in church ministry. The curriculum in Discipleship helps students understand educational ministry and discipleship in the church. You will gain an understanding of the importance of small group ministry within the church too. In addition, this degree develops leadership and critical thinking skills, preparing students for apply leadership skills in various Christian ministry settings.
Courses in Discipleship include:
- Principles of Teaching in Christian Education
- Christian Education of Children
- Christian Education of Adults
- Legal Foundations for Church Leaders
- Introduction to Small Group Ministry
- Leading Small Groups
Lee University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Ministry Leadership with an emphasis in Music & Worship. This program is for individuals who want to lead in the church and participate in church ministry using music. Students will gain an understanding of the importance of music and worship and music within worship in the church. You will also gain a foundational technical understanding of music theory and practice along with skills in leadership and knowledge of biblical and theological principles.
Courses in the Music & Worship emphasis include:
- Introduction to Music Ministry
- Music Ministry Leadership
- Congregational Song
- Aspects of Leading Music for Worship
- Special Topics in Church Music
- Concepts and Models of Music in Worship
Lee University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Ministry Leadership with an emphasis in Pastoral Ministry. This program is designed for adults who want to become involved in church ministry by developing leadership potential based on biblical principles. In the Pastoral Ministry emphasis, students gain an understanding of the call to vocational ministry and identify fundamentals and techniques used in pastoral preaching. This is in addition to the biblical and theological knowledge and leadership and research skills learned in the regular Ministry Leadership curriculum.
Courses in Pastoral Ministry include:
- Legal Foundations for Church Leaders
- Marriage and the Family
- Fundamentals of Preaching (DAL)
- Contemporary World Religions
- Techniques of Preaching (DAL)
- Pastoral Counseling
This is also available as a Bachelor of Arts degree.
The online Bachelor of Science in Ministry Leadership with an emphasis in Youth Ministry degree program is available from Lee University. The Youth Ministry emphasis prepares students for careers working with youth in various ministry settings. The curriculum offers an understanding of what is involved in the role of a youth minister and articulates strategies for youth ministry. In addition, this degree program prepares students for leadership based on the Bible and theology and teaches leadership skills.
Courses in Youth Ministry include:
- Introduction to Adolescent Ministry
- Creative Communication for Ministry
- Models of Youth Ministry
- Strategies for Youth Ministry
- Outdoor Youth Ministries
- Contemporary Issues in Youth Ministry
This program is also available in a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Lee University offers the online Undergraduate Certificate in Bible. This certificate is designed to provide a basic course of study for adults that want to learn more about the Bible but do not want to complete a bachelor’s degree in the subject. This certification will give students an opportunity to survey the entire Bible. The curriculum lays a foundation in basic doctrine, principles for Christian life and ministry, and a biblical worldview. Upon completion of this program, graduates will be ready to explore volunteer or entry-level employment opportunities for mission agencies, churches, youth ministries, para-church ministries and various service organizations.
Lee University offers the online Undergraduate Certificate of Christian Leadership. The purpose of this certificate program is to prepare men and women for Christian leadership and service. Students will come to understand the basic principles and practices of servant leadership and display the qualities of a servant leader in a congregational setting. In addition, students will be able to explain and examine theories related to marriage and family, summarize factors involved in mate selection and readiness for marriage, and articulate principles of establishing and maintaining healthy family relationships.
Lee University offers the online Undergraduate Certificate in Pastoral Studies. This program will be of interest to those who seek to deepen their understanding of what constitutes the spiritual and personal well-being of others. It also provides an opportunity for those wishing to increase their professional competence in a range of areas that minister to these needs, including service in lay-ministry, hospitals, hospices, schools and a variety of other institutional settings. Upon completion of the program, students should have developed a strong theoretical background and practical skills. You will be able to apply these skills to specific areas of pastoral care and counseling.
The online Master of Arts in Ministry Studies degree program from Lee University combines practical studies with practical ministry. This program offers a biblical and theological foundation in issues related to ministry in contemporary contexts and then implements practical skills for a successful vocational ministry program. The curriculum explores theories, methods, and models from various disciplinary perspectives and facilitates the development of characteristics and practices found in spiritually mature and ethical ministers. Graduates will be prepared to foster spiritual formation in faith communities, lead within ministry contexts, engage in theological reflection on ministry and church life, communicate the gospel to a variety of audiences, and study biblical texts using the inductive study method.
Students can choose from four tracks depending on their interests and career goals:
- Leadership Studies
- Practical Theological Studies
- Worship Studies
- Youth and Family Studies