School Details
Olivet Nazarene University was founded in 1907 by several families in east central Illinois who were committed to providing a Christian education for their children. In 1909, after the land was acquired, the school became a liberal arts college that operated under the name Illinois Holiness University. In 1912, the school became associated with the Church of the Nazarene. Over the next few decades, the school grew in size, was renamed to what it is known as today, Olivet Nazarene University, and moved its campus to Bourbonnais, Illinois. The stated mission of Olivet Nazarene University is “to provide high-quality academic instruction for the purpose of personal development, career, and professional readiness, and the preparation of individuals for lives of service to God and humanity.”
Olivet Nazarene University awards associate’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees. Olivet Online offers online degrees in business, nursing, education, and ministry. Using the cohort model, programs are completed entirely online in an accelerated format in approximately two years or less.
Accreditation & Licensing
Olivet Nazarene University is accredited by:
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
All Programs
Business
A Bachelor of Science in Business is a broad-based degree option for students who dream of becoming entrepreneurs and starting their own companies. From business basics to in-depth studies, you will learn about finances, leadership skills, communication, and more to help your business succeed.
Courses are offered entirely online in an accelerated format, with classes starting every six weeks. The school offers a generous transfer policy, with up to 82 credits able to be transferred to this degree program.
In this online Business degree, you will study topics including:
- Business law
- Information technology
- Marketing management
- Organizational behavior
- Human resource management
Whether you want to take on a management role for the first time or are looking to update and enhance your leadership abilities, the Bachelor of Science in Leadership can provide the skills you are looking for. In this online organizational leadership degree program, you will learn important concepts in communication and motivation, as well as how to apply leadership and management principles and use your leadership position as an act of service.
Coursework focuses more on the human aspect of business, rather than finances. Classes provide you with a greater understanding of relationships, teamwork, behavior, communication, and ethics. The curriculum is offered in an online accelerated format, with new classes starting every six weeks. You can also transfer in up to 82 hours from another college with the school’s generous transfer policy.
Effective communication can help enhance and strengthen your leadership abilities. The graduate-level Certificate in Corporate Communications enables you to work better with employees, clients, media, and the general public. Students in this online Communications program examine real-world scenarios to practice hands-on applications of theories and techniques learned in the classroom. The program can be completed in just 24 weeks, allowing you to immediately apply your knowledge to the workplace.
Courses explore topics related to:
- Writing for news and public relations
- Public relations research
- Corporate communications and media strategy
The online Certificate in Leadership can help you excel in your career, no matter the industry or setting. Students in this graduate-level program learn how to create an organizational vision, manage conflict, and lead your team to success. Coursework examines the ways in which leaders shape and influence their organizations. Graduates will have the skills necessary to help bring out the best in every employee.
The curriculum includes studies of:
- Applied leadership
- Understanding and creating effective organizations
- Managing change
If you want to affect change in organizations focused on service and support, consider pursuing a Certificate in Nonprofit Management online. This graduate-level program provides insights into the complexities of running an effective nonprofit organization.
You will learn how to measure success, work with volunteers, and write grant proposals. Classes also explore operational issues related to governance, volunteerism, and hiring. Graduates of this program will possess key skills in public relations, fundraising, and financial reporting. The certificate can be completed entirely online in just 24 weeks.
The online Certificate in Salesforce Management prepares you with the skills you need to use Salesforce to meet your company’s goals. Courses focus on data acquisition and analysis, as well as key leadership skills such as managing change.
Students learn how to creatively apply concepts through hands-on experiences. You will examine various sources to determine quality of data and the ways in which ethics and bias can affect data interpretation. Graduates will understand the foundations of effective leadership and proactively anticipating the needs of their organization in the short-term, intermediate, and long-term.
The Ed.D. in Ethical Leadership offers a model for ways that you can lead change, transform society, and apply strategic decisions. Coursework explores leadership paradigms and how ethics, values, and cultural influences create social change.
Professionals from a variety of fields can benefit from this organizational leadership degree online, including those working in both for-profit and nonprofit organizations, public service, education, business, ministry, healthcare, and military. In addition to standard coursework, students will complete 12 credit hours of dissertation. The program can be completed in as little as 32 months with no on-campus requirements.
Some of the topics discussed in this doctoral program include:
- Intrapersonal and interpersonal leadership
- Policy, politics, and social action
- Leading change
- Covenant leadership
- Research methods and techniques
This Master of Business Administration degree program is available to the online student. Learn to effect change in today’s challenging industry through this flexible program. Students will hone critical skills including team management, comprehension of fast-paced marketplace standards, and more. Courses are offered at an accelerated rate and cover topics including:
- Communication in a digital workplace
- Ethics
- Leadership
- Financial analysis
- Nonprofit management
The school offers a global immersion opportunity, providing individuals with a heightened international perspective in today’s marketplace. Obtain the ability to strategically lead, define solutions to problems, and other core business skills through an online MBA degree.
If you want to take your career to the next level and learn how to lead effectively, consider the online Master of Organizational Leadership degree program. Coursework explores the power of communication and teamwork, the importance of decision-making skills, and the role of innovation in the workplace.
This online Organizational Leadership degree prepares you to take on leadership roles and help shape the future of your organization. Elective coursework allows you to focus your studies on the areas that interest you the most, such as healthcare leadership, corporate communications, or nonprofit management. A Global Immersion course includes an optional trip for interested students to visit and study culture and business in another part of the world.
The curriculum includes studies of:
- Coaching, mentoring, and resolving conflicts
- Organizational culture and ethics
- Power, politics, and leadership
- Performance metrics
Education
In this Information Age change is constant. Learn ways to help your students in grades PreK-12 adapt to the rapid social and economic changes with this online masters in curriculum and instruction. The curriculum teaches strategies that will allow you to create a classroom that facilitates critical thinking skills, analysis, and reflective thinking.
This online curriculum and instruction degree is designed for adult learners. The convenience of online learning allows you to further your education while studying from your home.
Enroll in this master’s in literacy online degree and advance professional opportunities. Reading is an important building block that most other education is built upon. Prepare to help elementary and secondary school level students strengthen their literacy skills while becoming a specialist in reading.
The curriculum teaches you how to design assessments, differentiate instruction, and design instructional approaches to improve literacy in K-12th grades, regardless of the learner’s age, ability, and ethnic background. Courses cover strategies for improving:
- Reading comprehension
- Fluency
- Vocabulary
- Phonics
- Phonemic awareness
This online literacy degree is designed for practicing teachers. As such, you will appreciate the flexibility that allows you to study from the convenience of your own home.
Nursing
The online RN to BSN degree completion program from Olivet Nazarene University is designed for current registered nurses who have earned either a diploma or an associate's degree in nursing and desire to advance their personal, professional, and educational goals. Coursework explores topics such as:
- Transcultural Nursing
- Community Health Nursing
- Global Health Care
- Leadership/Management in Nursing
- Issues in Health Care, Law, and Ethics
Registered Nurses with an associate’s degree or diploma can pursue both their Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing in one continuous program with this online RN to MSN degree. Students gain the opportunity to broaden their career possibilities in a variety of healthcare settings.
In addition to online coursework, students are able to select a preceptor and site in their local area for clinical practicum hours. Most faculty members are adjunct professors still working in the field and able to bring real life examples and knowledge to class interactions. Graduates will be able to find employment in a wide variety of healthcare settings, including academic institutions, hospitals, independent practice, and home health care.
Students can choose from three specialty tracks:
- Education
- Leadership/Management
- Family Nurse Practitioner
The online Master of Science in Nursing degree focusing on Education helps nurses prepare for teaching roles or doctoral studies. Students in this program will develop, test, and evaluate ideas relevant to nurse educator core competencies.
Ethical, moral, and spiritual concepts integrated into the curriculum allow students to better prepare for servant leadership. Courses cover topics such as teaching-learning strategies, curriculum and course development, professional issues, and the monitoring and evaluation of student achievement. The nurse educator degree online includes two practicum experiences working with professionals in the student’s community.
Graduates can pursue positions such as:
- Nursing instructor
- Professional development coordinator
- Dean of nursing
- Clinical nurse educator
- Adjunct faculty member
- Nursing training curriculum coordinator
This Master of Science in Nursing degree track is designed for nurses with a BSN degree who want to become Family Nurse Practitioners. Students are prepared to care for individuals and families in diverse healthcare settings such as clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community-based programs.
The online nurse practitioner degree program trains nurses to focus on health promotion and disease prevention. Students learn advanced skills in diagnosing and treating acute and chronic diseases. Coursework examines concepts and theories relating to health issues and nursing research, so graduates can recommend constructive change within their organization.
The curriculum includes studies of:
- Moral and ethical decision making
- Nursing informatics
- Professional role development of the advanced practice registered nurse
- Advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and physical health assessment
The Transformational Leadership concentration of ONU’s Master of Science in Nursing degree program explores best practices for developing both personally and professionally. Students learn advanced nursing practices, as well as concepts and theories in leadership.
This nursing administration degree online seeks to create professionals equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead change in the healthcare environment. Coursework prepares students to advocate for others, improve outcomes, and effectively collaborate with an interprofessional team. Graduates can fill roles such as nurse manager, clinical nurse leader, director of nursing, or chief nursing officer.
Topics covered in the curriculum include:
- Moral and ethical decision making
- Nursing informatics
- Nurse as a leader and manager of care
- Healthcare financial and resource management
The online Family Nurse Practitioner Certification from Olivet Nazarene University provides registered nurses with the opportunity to broaden their professional field as they equip themselves to serve individuals and families in a variety of health-care settings. Coursework focuses on health promotion and disease prevention beginning in childhood and continuing throughout the aging process, as well as diagnosing and developing treatment plans for acute and chronic illnesses. Graduates of the program are prepared to practice in:
- Clinics
- Community-Based Settings
- Long-Term Care Facilities
- Hospitals
Nurses with a master’s degree can prepare for a career in academia with the Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing Education online from Olivet Nazarene University. Coursework combines core nurse educator competencies with concepts and theories in nursing practice.
Students will gain experience working with teaching and learning strategies, curriculum and course development, professional issues, and the monitoring and evaluation of student learning. Classes include ethical, moral, and spiritual concepts to help develop advanced knowledge and skills. Graduates are eligible to sit for the Certified Nurse Educator exam from the National League for Nursing.
This online nurse educator degree program includes two practicum experiences in the student’s local area:
- A 30-hour advanced clinical experience
- A 120-hour hands-on experience in an academic setting
Religion & Philosophy
With the fully online Master of Arts in Christian Ministry, students can further develop their theologically-informed ministry. The curriculum emphasizes comprehensive studies of the Bible, theology, and Christian ministry practice.
Within this 36-credit hour program, students will explore vital topics in ministry while also being able to tailor their studies through elective choices. Graduates will benefit from advanced biblical and theological knowledge, personal spiritual growth, and practical applications to ministry.
Some of the courses offered in this online ministry degree program include:
- Leadership in Christian Ministry
- Pastoral Care and Counseling
- Historic Christian Thought
- Wesleyan-Holiness Theology
- Life Management and Personal Renewal
The Master of Arts in Family Ministry helps pastoral members and volunteers alike focus on the special needs of ministry aimed towards families, teens, and young children. Students are assured of a comprehensive and relevant education with insights from experts in the fields of child, youth, and family ministry.
In the first year of the program, students take traditional academic courses. Some of the topics covered in this online ministry degree program include healthy learning environments, current issues affecting the spiritual growth of students, and tools to create a culture of discipleship across all ages. In the second year of the program, students will receive weekly online mentorship with a current leader in family ministry. While engaged in full-time ministry, students will also participate in several one-week intensive courses.
The Master of Arts in Ministerial Studies is designed to prepare the next generation of church leaders for ministry in the Nazarene faith. Students in this online ministry degree will gain a comprehensive understanding of theology, Bible, and practice while achieving the education required for ordination.
This program is geared toward students who feel called to ministry but do not meet the educational requirements for ordination through their undergraduate degree. Through a combination of required coursework and mentored ministry, graduates will be well prepared to take the next step in their faith journey.
Students will benefit from a wide range of course topics, such as:
- Theological research
- Cultural and historical influences and Biblical interpretation
- Preaching and worship
- Cross-cultural ministry
- Theology and philosophy of family ministry
- Pastoral care and counseling
Prepare for the modern-day ministry needs in a changing world with the insights you gain from the Master of Arts in Missional Multiplication. This online program prepares students to assess current issues facing the church, clearly communicate relevant theology, and further progress on their spiritual journey to manage issues as they arise.
In this online ministry degree, you will participate in in-depth studies of evangelism, discipleship, adaptive leadership, spiritual formation, and community transformation. Gaining competencies in all of these areas will enhance your leadership and ministry development.
Examples of courses in this graduate degree program include:
- Community Assessment and Development
- Missional Movements in an Age of Complexity
- Living Christian Justice in an Urban Context
- Understanding Competing Worldviews
- Christian Neighboring: The Ministry of Presence
The online Master of Arts in Pastoral Leadership puts ministry practice and theory together to prepare students for real-life scenarios. In this two-year program, you will interact with practicing faculty who teach from their own ministry experience.
Courses are taken one at a time in an accelerated six-week format. Designed for current pastors who want to strengthen their ministry and leadership abilities, this program offers a range of helpful course topics.
Classes in this online ministry master’s degree include:
- Pastoral Leader as Prophet
- Preaching and Worship as Pastoral Leadership
- The Church in the World
- Development of a Ministry Plan
- Visionary Leadership
- Pastoral Leader as King
Offered 100% online, the MA in Urban Ministry at Olivet Nazarene University can be completed in two years. The curriculum in this advanced degree is focused upon developing ministry skills and techniques that can be used in the churches of today’s contemporary, fast-paced cities. You can also become a leader, who uses theology, to effectively, compassionately minister along the city sidewalks for a nonprofit or parachurch organization.
Prepare for professional ministry or chaplaincy with an online Master of Divinity degree based on Nazarene doctrine. With a foundation in the Wesleyan-Arminian and Holiness tradition of the Church of the Nazarene, this program can be completed online, in person, or in a hybrid format in three years.
This program provides students with a thorough understanding of the Bible, theology, church history, and practical studies. Students additionally receive supervised training through mentored ministry opportunities. A number of concentrations are available, including the following:
- Pastoral Leadership
- Urban Ministry
- Missional Multiplication
- Theology
- Ministerial Studies
- Family Ministry
- Bible
- Pastoral Ministry
- Religious Studies
The online Master of Ministry program equips ministers for effective leadership in their congregations by enhancing their theological and practical skills.
Core courses include Life Management and Personal Renewal, Leadership in Christian Ministry, and the Theology of Ministry. Students will also complete a Master of Ministry Project. In addition to these core courses, students choose six electives catering to their goals and interests, forming a cohesive study plan in consultation with an adviser. These electives can consist of any graduate courses within the School of Theology and Christian Ministry.