Online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Christian Ministry for Cincinnati, OH
For individuals in Cincinnati who feel called to serve in ministry, finding a degree program that fits around everyday responsibilities can make all the difference. Whether you are already involved in your church or exploring a new direction, having access to flexible, faith-based education allows you to move forward with confidence and purpose.
Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU) offers an online Christian ministry degree designed for students in Cincinnati. This allows students to complete their degree from home, without needing to relocate or pause their current commitments. While MVNU is based in Ohio, this fully online program is designed specifically for working adults who want a local, trusted university experience delivered in a flexible format.
About MVNU’s Online BA in Christian Ministry
MVNU’s Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry is designed to support both physical and professional growth. The curriculum brings together biblical studies, ministry practice, and leadership development, helping students apply what they learn in real-world contexts.
Throughout the program, you will explore topics such as spiritual formation, church leadership, and community engagement. The focus is on equipping you with practical tools that can be used immediately, whether in a church setting or a broader ministry environment. To find out more details of the full program outline, you can visit the BA in Christian Ministry program
Why Choose an Online Christian Ministry Degree in Cincinnati?
Pursuing a degree in ministry is often about more than just academic achievement. It is about developing knowledge, character, and leadership skills needed to serve others effectively. For those in Cincinnati, online learning provides a practical path forward without stepping away from your existing commitments like work, family, or church involvement.
With an online format, you can study at times that suit your schedule, whether that means early in the morning before work, during a lunch break, or in the evening after your day winds down. This flexibility makes it easier to stay consistent without disrupting your existing responsibilities.
This approach allows you to remain actively involved in your local ministry while building a deeper understanding of scripture, theology, and leadership, so what you are learning can be applied in real time.
Designed for Working Adults in Cincinnati
Many students considering this degree are already balancing multiple responsibilities. MVNU recognizes this and has structured the program to be both accessible and manageable.
As a Cincinnati-based learner, you can complete coursework online while continuing to serve in your local church or community. This means your education becomes part of your daily life, rather than something separate from it.
The flexibility of the program makes it particularly well suited to those who need to study around work schedules, family commitments or ministry involvements.
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 Opportunities in Christian Ministry
Graduates of MVNU’s online BA in Christian Ministry are prepared for a range of roles within both church and community settings. The degree develops transferable skills that can be applied across different types of ministry work.
Career paths may include:
- Youth ministry leadership
- Pastoral support roles
- Church administration and operations
- Outreach and community engagement
- Discipleship and small group leadership
- Missions and faith based nonprofit work
In a city like Cincinnati, there are diverse opportunities to serve across churches, charities, and community organizations. This degree helps position graduates to step into roles where they can make an impact that carries true meaning.
Continue Your Education in Cincinnati
For those who wish to pursue further study, this degree also provides a strong academic foundation. Graduates may choose to continue into postgraduate programs in ministry, theology, or other related fields.
Building on this foundation can open additional pathways, particularly for those considering advanced leadership roles or specialized areas of ministry.
Learn from Experienced Ministry Leaders
One of the strengths of this program is the faculty within it. The courses are taught by individuals who bring both academic knowledge and practical ministry experience to their teaching.
This combination ensures that what you learn is grounded in real-life application. Faculty members understand the challenges and opportunities within ministry, and their guidance helps students connect theory with practice in meaningful ways.
A Local Connection With Online Flexibility
Although MVNU is not located directly in Cincinnati, it maintains a strong presence across Ohio. This means students can benefit from a program that feels both local and accessible, even when studying online.
Being able to learn from an Ohio-based university while remaining in your own community creates a balanced experience. You gain the advantages of structured academic study without losing connection to the environment you are already serving.
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
Taking the Next Step
If you are based in Cincinnati and considering how to grow in your ministry journey, an online degree can provide a clear and manageable path forward. With flexible learning, practical teaching, and a strong faith-based foundation, MVNU’s BA in Christian Ministry program is designed to support you every step of the way.
By choosing to study in a way that fits your lifestyle, you can also continue to serve where you are while preparing for what comes next.
Steps for Applying to MVNU Online
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