From Associate to Graduate: Degrees and Programs at the MidAmerica Nazarene University

MidAmerica Nazarene University appears in our ranking of the Top 30 Most Affordable Master’s in Nursing Education Degrees Online.

This university offers 77 degree programs including associate, undergraduate, and graduate degrees through seven academic departments. They also have certificate and pre-professional programs.

In the business department, for instance, students may earn an Associate of Arts in Accounting degree. It is offered on the Olathe campus or online. The program contains 60-to-63 credits and takes 18-to-20 months to complete. Another popular associate degree is the Associate of Applied Science in Cyber Security. It is a 60 credit-hour program earned online.

The Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership is a 126-credit program that is offered in a structured sequential format. It is intended for working adults who have at least 60 hours of college credits. Students without the required credits may still be admitted by using life experience credits or by completing accelerated short-term courses. The classes are held on-site from six-to-ten p.m. one night a week.

There is also a Bachelor of Business Administration that contains 126 credits and takes 20-to-26 months to complete. It is an online program for students who have an associate degree in business administration but who don’t want to pursue a traditional bachelor’s degree.

Other undergraduate degrees at MNU include bachelor’s degrees in Bible and Theology, in Biology and in Business. The Bachelor in Business Psychology, for instance, blends business and science courses such as General Psychology, Theories of Personality, Business Communications, Organizational Leadership and more. The degree contains 126 credits and is offered on-site.

There are bachelor’s degrees in chemistry, in criminal justice, in education, intercultural studies, graphic design, music, music education and more. The school has a Bachelor’s in Children and Family Ministry that is an interdisciplinary program between the departments of Ministry and Education. All freshmen in the program receive a $1,250 grant and get another $1,250 when they pass the Introduction to Ministry course. Students who add two additional courses to the program can become ordained as ministers in the Church of the Nazarene.

The university also has pre-professional programs. These are not actually degree programs, but pathways to a degree that will enable students to enter an advanced program in actuarial sciences, art therapy, medicine, medical doctor programs, pre-med, optometry, pharmacy and more. There are 18 pre-professional programs in all. Students don’t major in pre-med, for instance, but in biology, chemistry or another program that fits into a medical discipline.

Graduate degrees at MNU include the MBA program. This degree is presented one night per week on-site or fully online. It contains 36 credits and can be completed in 24 months. There is also an MBA in Healthcare Management and a Master of Science in Management.

The Master of Arts in Counseling can be earned as an MA in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MA in Counseling, School Counseling, MA in Counseling, Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling or a Master of Arts that focuses on Christian Counseling. It is presented onsite in traditional day classes, or in the evening and contains 60 credit-hours. The programs can be completed in 33 months. Additionally, there are certificates in Play Therapy and Sexual Addictions Treatment.

Education programs at MNU include a Bachelor of Science in Education, Unified, a Master of Education in Education Technology or Reading Specialist, a Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology and a Master of Science in Elementary Education, Unified. The designation of “unified” signifies that the program includes courses in special education and allows graduates to teach in regular or special education environments.

There are several nursing programs including accelerated degrees that allow Licensed Practical Nurses to earn a BSN, Registered Nurses to earn BSN degrees or even MSN degrees, a dual degree in MSN/MBA and others.

In all, there are more than 20 programs offered online, including many certificates.

About MidAmerica Nazarene University

This private school began in 1966 as MidAmerica Nazarene College but changed its name in 1996 to MidAmerica Nazarene University. Located in Olathe, Kansas it is one of eight liberal arts colleges affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene. There are 40 undergraduate majors and seven graduate degrees in education and business.

The school has an undergraduate enrollment of 1308. Its student-to-faculty ratio is 7:1 and most classes have less than 20 students. The US News and World Report ranks this university as #88 of Regional Universities Midwest.

MidAmerica Nazarene University Accreditation Details

  • The Higher Learning Commission
  • The Kansas State Board of Education
  • The Council for Educator Preparation (CAEP)
  • The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
  • The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
  • The National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)
  • The Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE)

MidAmerica Nazarene University Application Requirements

Students entering this school declare a major, and there are specific applications. In general, however, undergraduate students apply online, submit official high school transcripts and official SAT or ACT scores and complete the FAFSA application.

Graduate students apply online to their degree program. Generally, they must submit a transcript of undergraduate coursework and any other documents required by the program.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Undergraduate tuition and fees at MNU are estimated at $29,736. Graduate tuition is $13,648. Adding living expenses and books and supply costs, a year at MidAmerica Nazarene University will cost about $46,412 for undergraduates.

Students are asked to complete the FAFSA form during application to the school. The federal government awards grants, loans and work-study opportunities based on financial need. Because MidAmerica Nazarene University is a religious organization, some programs leading to Christian ministry have financial aid for students. Kansas has several educational incentives including the Kansas Comprehensive Grant, Kansas Ethnic Minority Scholarship, Kansas Teacher Service Scholarship, Kansas Nursing Service Scholarship, and the Kansas State Scholarship.

MidAmerica Nazarene University has a number of grants and scholarships for students of academic excellence, students in specific departments and those in special activities such as athletics. There are some scholarships that are funded by private individuals and by Nazarene churches as well. These can be located on the school website. Additionally, the MNU Promise guarantees to assist students whose income after graduation is less than $43,000 in paying off their student debts.

There are many outside scholarships and grants that can be found through an Internet search. Students may also take out student loans. One of the best ways to pay for a degree program at MidAmerica Nazarene University, however, is to take a part-time job that not only pays a salary but affords valuable work experience.