Narrative Studies

Bachelor of Arts

Narrative Studies prepares students to create and evaluate stories across literature, film, performing arts, and ministry.

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Fast Facts

Meets on-site in Olathe

126 credit hours*

We Prepare You

The Narrative Studies degree prepares students to serve and to lead with compassion, integrity, and purpose in diverse settings through the human activity of storytelling. By learning to understand the underlying assumptions latent in our cultural mythologies, and to create narratives that expose flawed presuppositions or re-connect the aimless and distracted to a life of purpose and meaning, graduates of this program are equipped to heal, restore, and transform lives in their various communities.

Program Overview

By studying the universal language of story, graduates will be prepared to engage the culture in many different contexts (novels, graphic arts, sermons, streaming videos, podcasts, vlogs, etc.) and empowered to impact the world for Jesus Christ in ways that reflect excellence, integrity, and spiritual vitality.

Program outcomes:

Develop Narrative Skills
Integrate Christian Faith in Narrative Creation
Influence Community/Culture through Story Analysis and Creation
Cultivate Spiritual Resilience/Restoration by “Re-Storying” Culture
Demonstrate Compassionate and Ethical Leadership

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Cost & Value

A degree from MNU is a competitively priced, affordable option designed for students with a busy schedule. We’re here to help you find the best options to assist you as you work toward earning your degree.

Credit Hours:

General Education: 42-48

Required Courses: 39

Major Electives: 6

Electives: 33-39

Total: 126

Financial Aid Available

The Federal Direct Student Loan Program is an additional payment option. MNU School Code: 007032. Information and applications may be obtained from the Student Financial Aid Services Office at 913.971.3298 or finaid@mnu.edu.

Pioneer Pledge

Concern about paying back student loans is common. That’s why we provide the Pioneer Pledge, our loan repayment assistance program. If your income is modest after graduation, Pioneer Pledge assists with your educational loan repayments. Learn more on our financial aid pages.

MNU Scholarships

Your education is one of the most important investments you will ever make. At MNU nearly 100% of new students qualify for financial assistance that greatly reduces the actual cost of an MNU education.

Payment Options

Your degree is an investment in your future. We have a variety of different payment options available, so you can choose the option or combination of options, that best fits your situation. The total cost will be calculated based on your program and can be divided into multiple payments.

Application Process

Fall 2025 Start

Now accepting applications from seniors in high school or college transfers who are interested in starting at MNU in Fall of 2025.

APPLY FOR FALL 2025 NOW

Fall 2026 Start

Now accepting early action application from juniors in high school! Applicants with a cumulative high school GPA of 3.75 (weighted or unweighted) will be considered for provisional admission with priority consideration for our honors program and performing arts scholarships.

APPLY FOR FALL 2026 NOW

*Some exceptions made on case by case basis

Prospective students will need to provide:

Complete an MNU application

Submit all transcripts

Complete a FAFSA. MNU code: 007032

Navigate Your Admissions Journey

Find the program that’s right for you. Talk to your MNU team to customize your journey.

Dr. Abby Hodges

Vice President for Academic Affairs

PhD; Organic Chemistry, Yale University
MS; Organic Chemistry, Yale University
BS; Chemistry, Denison University

Dr. Hodges began her career in higher education at Azusa Pacific University as a chemistry professor from 2008 to 2014. She then moved to MNU where she taught and in 2018 was appointed Chair of the Department of Natural, Health, and Mathematical Sciences. From 2022-2023, before accepting the Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Hodges was the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Dr. Hodges’ career research has focused on protein folding and protein engineering, and she has mentored over twenty students in these research projects. She has also furthered the MNU first-year experience program and chaired the General Education committee for five years. Dr. Hodges was recognized as the MNU Faculty of the Year in 2021.

Dr. Hodges lives in Olathe with her husband Ryan and two boys.

University Cooperative Program

Advantages of the MNU & K-State Cooperative Program:

Exposure to graduate-level courses not offered at MNU
Opportunity for an accelerated pathway for a master’s degree from K-State Olathe
Access to additional professional development resources offered through K-State

To qualify for program entry at MNU students must:

Be a junior or senior at MidAmerica Nazarene University
Be majoring in biology or similar field
Maintain a 3.5 GPA or higher
Have the recommendation of MNU faculty

To qualify for program entry at K-State students must:

Complete a minimum of 75 hours of undergraduate degree prior to applying for program
Complete a minimum of 90 hours of undergraduate degree prior to attending K-State classes
Provide a short essay detailing why the student wants to participate in the advanced sciences program
Complete the application process

Other restrictions and qualifications may apply. For more information visit https://olathe.k-state.edu

For additional information, contact Jill Speicher at jspeicher@mnu.edu

University Cooperative Program

Advantages of the MNU & Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences partnership program:

Students spend 3 years at MNU and 4 years at KCU
Requirement for Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is waived
Students graduate with a degree from both institutions (B.S. from MNU and D.O. from KCU)
The Program is available at both Kansas City and Joplin campuses

To qualify for entry into the program at MNU students must:

Enter the program at MNU at the beginning of the freshman year through the application process
Have a minimum ACT score of 28
Participate in community service
Have a dedication to the field of osteopathic medicine
Meet regularly with the MNU pre-professional committee

To qualify for program completion at KCU students must:

Complete all General Education requirements at MNU
Complete a minimum of 99 hours of course work at MNU
Maintain an overall GPA of 3.25
Maintain a science coursework GPA of 3.5
Participate in KCU-Com’s weeklong Summer Learning Enhancement Program
Complete the following course with a grade of “C” or higher at MNU:
- Biological Sciences 12 hours
- Chemistry 13 hours
- Biochemistry 3 hours
- Physics 8 hours
- English Composition 6 hours

Other restrictions and qualifications may apply.

For additional information, contact Rion Taylor at rgtaylor@mnu.ed