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Online General Studies Associate Degree for Columbus Working Adults

Flexible online Associate of Arts in General Studies degree designed for working adults in Columbus ready to continue their education

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If you work in Columbus, you have likely experienced how busy this city is. There are so many things vying for your attention, and going to school feels like a daunting mountain to climb.

MVNU’s Associate of Arts in General Studies is entirely online, made specifically for the working adult who wants an accredited degree, but does not want to leave their job, their family, or the life they have built over the years.

A Degree That Works Around Columbus Life

Regardless of whether you’re working in a downtown office, managing employees on different shifts, or trying to find a few minutes each day to have some quiet time, the reality of returning to school as a working adult in Columbus is that it must accommodate your schedule.

MVNU’s online general studies program for Columbus adults provides you with a supportive structure to earn an Associate Degree without rearranging your lifestyle. You set the pace within a clear framework, backed by advisors who understand that your time is already spoken for.

About MVNU Online's General Education

Built for Adults Who Are Ready to Move Forward

Many people think of general education qualifications as “undecided.” However, for most adult learners, this is a great option.

It provides a broad academic base (critical thinking, communication, research, quantitative skills) that can be transferred into many different roles and industries.

You will also not get a standard general education degree at MVNU; instead, you will develop a custom degree plan with your academic advisor based on your prior credit hours and future plans. Nothing you have worked hard to earn previously will go to waste.

Associate’s Degree Highlights

MVNU Online creates a stimulating and supportive learning environment, whether on campus or online, and bases course subject matters on relevant, professional experience that prepares you for today’s marketplace. Our online General Studies courses establish a foundation for whichever degree program you pursue, be it in education, social work, business, or ministry, and introduce essential skills and concepts that set you up for success at MVNU.

  • Arts and Humanities (15 Credit Hours): All students must complete three (3) credit hours of English composition with a research and writing component and three (3) credit hours in Bible studies and theology.
  • Natural and Social Sciences and Mathematics (15 Credit Hours): Students must complete at least three (3) credit hours of mathematics, three (3) credit hours in social science, and three (3) credit hours in a natural science course with a laboratory component.
  • Liberal Arts Electives (9 Credit Hours for Bachelor’s Degrees/6 Credit Hours for Associate Degrees): Students have the freedom to explore a range of liberal arts courses, selecting subjects that pique their interest.

Our online General Studies courses are offered year-round on a rotating basis.

tuition

Tuition & Cost

$265 per credit hour

program-length

Program Length

30 months*

credit-hours

Total Credit Hours

60

Curriculum

BBA 101

Personal Finance

A broad coverage of personal financial decisions, including basic financial planning, tax issues, managing savings, buying a house, credit, insurance, investments, and saving for retirement.

BBA 101

Introduction to Mathematical Systems

A study of number systems. Special emphasis is given to logic, axioms, and applications from groups and non-Euclidean geometry.

BBA 101

General Psychology

An introductory course that explores psychology as a science of human behavior and mental processes in biological and social contexts, with an emphasis on promoting human wellness.

Curriculum stats/highlights

Students in the online General Studies degree program are encouraged to develop as a well-rounded student and person through a comprehensive curriculum that integrates a variety of cross-disciplinary knowledge and skills. This curriculum includes the following 60 credit hours:

Ideal for working adults, our General Studies’ online delivery provides convenience, promotes flexibility, increases a candidate's personal marketability, and opens doors to job opportunities.

Our online General Studies courses are fully accredited by The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and Higher Learning Commission and are approved by the Ohio Department of Higher Education.

All online general education courses are facilitated by supportive, expert faculty with relevant teaching experience.

View complete course descriptions in our academic course catalog.

Courses

Core Courses
Credit Hours
Student Success Strategies 1
Public Speaking 3
Computer Applications 3
College Writing 3
General Psychology 3
Critical Thinking 3
Art and Music in the Western Tradition 3
Biblical Perspectives 3
Literature in the Western Tradition 3
Earth Science w/Lab 4
Intro to Business Communication 3
The Western Tradition in World Context 3
Impact of Technology on Society 3
Introduction to Sociology 3
Introduction to Mathematical Systems 3
Health and Wellness 3
Personal Finance 3
American Politics and Government 3
Social Problems 3
Human Biology 4
Total Program Hours 60

 

Career Opportunities in Columbus for General Studies Graduates

The city of Columbus is among the top of all of Ohio’s major metropolitan areas as far as diversity of employment opportunities. The economy in Columbus is growing from both private and public sectors, which include education, healthcare, financial services, and many others.

Government and Public Administration

As Ohio’s state capital, Columbus houses much of the state’s government and public administration.

The analytical and communication skills that are central to the general studies education provide a foundation for professionals working in administration; providing support for constituents; supporting policies; and communicating to the public. An online associate degree can be the first credential that gets you through the door.

Healthcare and Human Services

Healthcare is also one of the most populated employment fields in Columbus. Hospitals, clinics, and other social service agencies employ thousands in the surrounding area.

A General Studies graduate from Columbus can apply their flexible, people-oriented abilities to positions such as patient coordinator, health administrator, or community outreach. In each of these roles, the credentials, along with the competencies to perform them effectively, matter.

Business and Financial Services

Columbus has a well-established financial services and corporate business community. 

Whether you are looking for work as a customer service representative or administrative assistant; whether it is in the role of project coordinator or in another business function within this industry; there will be a number of opportunities available to those who have developed their communication skills through a formal education program.

Education and Nonprofit Services

The city of Columbus is home to many schools, community colleges, educational nonprofits, and social service organizations.

In these types of environments, there is a consistent demand for individuals who possess the ability to organize effectively, articulate thoughts and ideas clearly and cross-functionally.

These environments consistently need people who are organized, articulate, and able to work across functions, qualities that an online general studies curriculum is specifically designed to develop.

How much will it all cost?

The costs shown below do not include the general education requirements and other courses outside of the AAGS core and major.

tuition

Tuition

$15,900

credit-hours

Credit Hours

60

financial-aid

Financial Aid

Apply for scholarships, loans, grants, and tuition reimbursement. 

If you’re a working adult in Columbus looking for a flexible, credible path to an associate degree, MVNU’s online General Studies program is worth a closer look.

How to Apply to MVNU Online from Columbus

Complete your application (There is no application fee!)
Request all official transcripts to be sent to MVNU from each college/university you have attended

Please have your transcripts sent to:

Mount Vernon Nazarene University
Attn: College of Adult and Professional Studies Admissions
800 Martinsburg Road
Mount Vernon, OH 43050

Official Electronic Transcripts should be sent to CAPSApplications@mvnu.edu.
*Additional materials may be required based on individual situations.

Fill out the FAFSA

Fill out the FAFSA at www.studentaid.gov if you plan to use
Federal Student Aid.
MVNU Code: 007085

Receive an admission decision

Once all transcripts have been submitted, you will receive an admission decision (typically within one week).

Review your admission decision

Review your admission decision with your Enrollment Counselor to understand transfer credits and program requirements..

Complete a Registration Agreement Form to be scheduled for classes

After acceptance, you will receive a link to complete your registration agreement form. You will complete this form to reserve your spot in your intended start date.

Receive course schedule and official Financial Aid award

We take care of all course scheduling for you — so that you can just jump into coursework stress-free! Once you are registered for classes, your financial aid counselor will reach out with your financial aid award and assist you with any financial aid questions.

Start your classes!

We are excited to have you as a part of the MVNU community!

online-education-mvnu-mount-vernon-nazarene-university

Get the Facts

20%

Lower tuition than comparable programs

For Columbus adults considering the return on investment of going back to school, a lower cost per credit hour means the financial case is stronger than you might expect.

100%

Online

No campus visits, no in-person requirements, no commute. The entire program is delivered online, around your schedule.

What Our Students Are Saying

“My MVNU education has given me the education that I was missing all my life. I never thought I would be able to take classes and succeed at them. I can’t wait to use my education to further my career.”

HAROLD WAYMAN '20

Associate of Arts in General Studies

“MVNU has given me the opportunity to go back to school while continuing to work and be able to do my school work from home.”

BRIANNA YINGLING '19

Bachelor of Business Administration

College Guide

The Ultimate Online College Guide

Online education puts personal and professional goals within reach, and online learners find the flexibility needed to complete or continue their education with financial aid support to make degrees more affordable. Learn how online degree programs can take your career to the next level with The Ultimate Online College Guide.

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