Online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Christian Ministry for Columbus, OH
For those living and working in Columbus, Ohio, pursuing a future in ministry often comes with practical challenges. Balancing a career, family responsibilities, and involvement in church life can make it difficult to commit to traditional, campus-based study. At the same time, the desire to grow in faith, knowledge, and leadership remains strong.
Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU) offers an online Christian ministry degree for those in Columbus, with coursework that can be completed from anywhere. This makes it possible to continue serving in your current role while gaining a recognized qualification. This program is designed for individuals who want to deepen their understanding of ministry in a way that fits realistically into their lives.
About MVNU’s Online BA in Christian Ministry
The online BA in Christian Ministry at MVNU is structured to support both spiritual development and practical ministry skills. The program brings together key areas such as biblical studies, theology, leadership, and ministry practice.
Throughout the program, you will explore topics like biblical interpretation, pastoral care, discipleship, and ministry leadership, helping you build both a strong theological foundation and practical skills you can apply in real-life settings.
Rather than focusing solely on academic content, the program encourages you to think about how your learning connects to real-life situations. This approach helps build confidence and prepares you to serve effectively in a variety of ministry and community settings.
To review the full program structure, modules, and entry requirements, explore the Online BA in Christian Ministry program.
Why Study Christian Ministry Online?
Choosing to study online offers a level of flexibility that is particularly valuable for working adults. Instead of adjusting your life around a rigid class schedule, you can complete coursework at times that suit you, whether that’s before work, over your lunch break, or in the evening after your day winds down.
For many in the Columbus area, this means being able to stay active in local churches, community outreach, or employment while studying. The online format allows learning to become part of your everyday routine, rather than something that disrupts it.
It also creates an opportunity to immediately apply what you’re learning, helping concepts move from theory into practice more naturally.
Built for Columbus Adults Managing Commitments
Many students considering this degree are already managing full schedules. MVNU has designed the program to recognize these demands, offering a format that is both structured and adaptable.
As a Columbus-based student, you can study without relocating or reducing your current responsibilities. Whether you are working full-time, raising a family, or serving in a church, ministry, or nonprofit setting, the flexibility of online learning allows you to progress at a steady and manageable pace.
This makes it easier to stay consistent and complete your degree without unnecessary disruption.
Christian Ministry Degree Highlights
A degree in Christian ministry can take you to minister in the far corners of the kingdom or in your own backyard. Our accelerated online program can be completed anytime, anywhere.
Tuition & Cost
$398 per credit hour**
Program Length
23 months*
Total Credit Hours
37***
*Ministry core only, does not include ordination concentration or total credit hour graduation requirements.
**MVNU’s Ministry Scholarship, at a rate of $400 per class, is automatically applied toward the tuition costs for the online BA in Christian Ministry major core and the ordination concentration. The scholarship amounts to $4,800 for the core courses and $2,800 for all concentration courses. The scholarship does not go toward credit for general education courses. A separate discount is available for MVNU Online Connect students, for whom this scholarship does not apply.
***30 credit hours of the program must be completed through MVNU. Other restrictions apply. Please contact our Enrollment Team for additional information.
Curriculum
BBA 101
Biblical Interpretation
Dig deeper than ever before into a study of the assumptions and principles underlying the interpretation of various types of literature found in the Bible. Special emphasis is given to exegesis of biblical passages and how to apply God’s truth as you study to teach and learn.
MINS 3033
Mission & Evangelism
Enjoy an overview of the biblical and theological bases for mission and evangelism, including the biblical mandate, theological framework, and practical outworking of the Missio Dei as well as anthropological and ethnic factors in the expansion of the mission church.
MINS 4053
Pastoral Theology & Practice
A study of pastoral theology and its specific expression through pastoral care and leadership. The course addresses the core values shaping the pastoral task and explores how these values shape the work of the pastor as a shepherd leader.
Curriculum stats/highlights
Courses
| Core Courses | Credit Hours |
| Student Success Strategies | 1 |
| Biblical Interpretation | 3 |
| Spiritual Formation and Discipleship | 3 |
| Educational and Family Ministries | 3 |
| Pentateuch | 3 |
| Life and Letters of Paul | 3 |
| Mission and Evangelism | 3 |
| Christian Heritage II | 3 |
| Preaching and Worship | 3 |
| Christian Theology I | 3 |
| Christian Theology II | 3 |
| Pastoral Theology and Practice | 3 |
| Missional Church Leadership | 3 |
| Total BA in Christian Ministry Core Hours | 37 |
| Ordination Concentration Curriculum | Credit Hours |
| Theology and Language of the Bible | 3 |
| History & Polity of the Church of the Nazarene | 2 |
| Ministry in Diverse Contexts | 2 |
| Christian Heritage I | 3 |
| Doctrine of Christian Holiness | 2 |
| Ministry Internship I | 1 |
| Ministry Internship II | 1 |
| Total Ordination Concentration Hours | 14 |
Career Paths in Christian Ministry
Graduates on this program develop a broad skill set that can be applied across a range of ministry roles. While some may feel called to traditional church leadership, others may pursue opportunities in wider community or organizational settings.
Potential career directions could include:
- Youth and family ministry roles
- Pastoral or assistant ministry positions
- Church administration and coordination
- Outreach and community program leadership
- Discipleship and mentoring roles
- Faith-based nonprofit and mission work
Within Columbus, there are numerous churches, charities, and community initiatives where these skills are valued. The degree helps prepare graduates to contribute in ways that align directly with their individual calling.
Opportunities for Further Study
For students who wish to continue their education, this degree provides a solid academic base. It supports progression into postgraduate study in areas such as ministry, theology, or leadership.
Developing both subject knowledge and study skills can make future academic goals more achievable, particularly for those returning to education after time away.
Learn from Faculty With Real Ministry Experience
Courses are led by faculty members who combine academic knowledge with practical ministry backgrounds. This means that teaching is informed by real-world experience, not just theory.
Students benefit from insights that reflect the realities of ministry, including leadership challenges, community engagement, and pastoral responsibilities. This perspective helps bridge the gap between learning and application.
Support from faculty also plays an important role in helping students to stay on track and feel confident throughout their studies.
An Ohio-Based University With Online Access
MVNU is located about 45 minutes from Columbus, making it a convenient option for students who want access to a respected Ohio-based university while still studying online. The university understands the regional context while offering the flexibility of a fully online program.
For those in the Columbus area, this means you can stay rooted in your local community without the need to commute or relocate. You can continue serving where you are while earning a qualification that supports your long-term ministry goals.
How much will it all cost?
Tuition
Online BA (37 credit hours): $8,995
Ordination concentration (14 credit hours): $2,307
Financial Aid
Apply for scholarships, loans, grants, and tuition reimbursement.
Get the Facts
The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook shows that demand for clergy professions is expected to increase 6% from 2018 through 2028.
+6%
Job Growth in ministry careers
What Our Students Are Saying
"The most rewarding part of the program has been studying God's word more deeply and gaining insight and understanding into things that I thought I knew plus learning new things that I had never been exposed to before."
JODI HOSTERMAN '27
Christian Ministry
“MVNU has taught me so many skills both in and outside the classroom that I will carry with me into the future as this chapter ends. My MVNU education has given me the knowledge and confidence needed to be a strong and Godly businesswoman.”
HANNAH HINERMAN '19
Master of Business Administration
Begin Your Next Chapter
Taking steps towards a career in ministry does not have to mean putting everything else on hold. With a flexible online program, it is possible to continue serving your community while building the knowledge and skills needed for future opportunities.
For those in Columbus, Ohio who are ready to explore what comes next, this degree offers a practical and meaningful way to move forward with purpose.
Steps for Applying to MVNU Online
Is Going Back To College Right For You?
“Should I go back to school?” It’s a big question, but it may be one worth asking. Going back to school as an adult can be one of the best decisions you make, but how can you be sure it is the right move for you right now? Weigh your options and determine if going back to college makes sense by answering these important questions.
Check these majors out, too!
Social Work (BSW)
Make helping people your profession with a bachelor’s degree in social work, 100% online.
Leadership (BA)
Become a highly qualified leader in a management role, whether you coordinate or direct teams or run the entire organization.
Business Administration (BBA)
Build a solid business foundation and choose from one of six majors to hone your skills and interests, 100% online.