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Children and Family Ministry

Bachelor of Arts

You’ll learn the bonds Christian Ministry and Education share as they relate to education in Christian and public arenas.
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Fast Facts

Meets on-site in Olathe
126 credit hours
Children in close up to the camera

We Prepare You

The children & family ministry program is an interdisciplinary program between our ministry and education departments. You’ll learn the common bonds these two important callings share as they relate to children’s education in both the Christian and public arenas.

Program Overview

With the addition of two classes, this program meets all educational requirements to become ordained in the Church of the Nazarene and prepares you for ordination in many other denominations as well. This major also enhances opportunities as a substitute teacher and para educator positions in public schools as well as work in Christian K-6 schools.

Visit our Catalog to view all courses

Create a sample schedule

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: 42-50

Major Requirements: 71-72

Electives: 6-13

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.

There are many scholarship opportunities for Children & Family Ministry majors. Ministry students have the potential of receiving roughly $20,000 in financial assistance over four years, significantly minimizing debt and easing the transition into ministry.

  • All freshmen receive $1250 their first semester and another $1250 scholarship once they pass the Introduction to Ministry course
  • Sophomores, juniors, and seniors can apply for the Ministry Student Internship Program ($4500-$7500/year)
  • Sophomores, juniors, and seniors can apply for the General Ministry Scholarships ($500-$3000/year)

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.

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.

*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 Calling to Ministry

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 & 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