Real Support, Real Impact. How MVNU’s Online Social Work Program Changes Lives.

Dr. Rachel Young didn’t always plan to be a professor, but her path to teaching social work at Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU) was shaped by a deep passion for serving others.

“I like to say that God made me a social worker years ago,” she says. “I grew up as a missionary kid, and one of the most pivotal moments of my life was working with children in need. That experience shaped my understanding of service—of meeting people where they are.”

That same heart for service is what makes MVNU’s online social work programs different. Students aren’t just logging into a faceless system—they’re learning from real people who care about their success.

A Different Kind of Online Education

Many online students worry about feeling disconnected from professors and classmates. Dr. Young works hard to make sure that’s never the case at MVNU.

“We build relationships,” she explains. “We know our students by name. We support them when life happens.”

Her students feel that difference. One wrote, “You saw me as a person first and a student second. I want to be a social worker like you.”

Another said, “One thing that has been constant is how much you care for your students. You’ve empowered me, challenged me, and most importantly, you’ve believed in me.”

The personal connection is what sets MVNU apart from other online social work programs.

Real-World Experience, Built Into the Program

MVNU’s social work degrees aren’t just about theory—they prepare students for real jobs in the field.

“We place a big emphasis on field experience,” Dr. Young explains. “Even though the program is online, students get hands-on training in their own communities, working with real clients and real agencies.”

At the bachelor’s level, students gain broad skills to work with individuals, families, and communities. At the master’s level, they can specialize in behavioral health or school social work—two growing fields with high demand.

“Many people enter social work because they feel called to help others, especially in mental health,” Dr. Young says. “An MSW opens so many doors, and our program is designed to help students take that next step.”

A Community That Cares

Dr. Young isn’t the only professor at MVNU who takes this approach—she’s just one example of what makes the university’s online programs so different from other options.

“MVNU’s faculty truly care,” one student shared. “I knew that when I enrolled, but I couldn’t have imagined how much that would mean. You gave me the space to find my confidence.”

For students balancing work, family, and education, knowing that their professors see them as real people—not just names on a screen—makes all the difference.

“Ask yourself—what do you want out of your education?” Dr. Young says. “If you’re looking for a place where professors truly care, where faith and service intersect, and where you’ll be prepared to make a difference—this is it.”

Start Your Journey in Social Work

MVNU’s online BSW and MSW programs are designed for students who want a flexible, Christ-centered education that prepares them for real-world service. With professors like Dr. Young, students don’t just get a degree—they get mentors, a supportive community, and the skills to change lives.

➡️ Learn more about MVNU’s online social work programs:

• Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Online
• Master of Social Work (MSW) Online