Affordable
We believe money should never be a hindrance to your calling of becoming a youth pastor. We offer quality Christian education at an affordable price. All our students are eligible for some form of financial aid. Aside from federal grants, we also offer institutional scholarships.
Flexible
We’ve designed a flexible learning program that works with your commitments, not against them. We tailor all our programs for convenience to support our students' need for a balanced life.
Trusted
Our institution is equipped to provide you with an exceptional education. NBC is dually accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the Commission on Accreditation of the Association for Biblical Higher Education.
Bible and Theology
The primary program for students seeking an advanced theological foundation, students majoring in Bible and Theology will have extensive knowledge of the word of God.
Students seeking a degree that prepares them for in-person or online seminary courses often choose the B.A.Min. degree with a Bible and Theology major. In this program, students hone their exegetical skills as they study the Scriptures. Classes expose them to sound extrabiblical resources that have proven historically helpful in understanding the Word of God. Upon completion of the degree, students can demonstrate an advanced understanding of interpretive methods, biblical literature, and theological teachings as they pertain to modern-day life. Upon receiving their degree, those who complete additional coursework will also be eligible for ordination as elders in the Church of the Nazarene.
Request more informationCounseling for Christian Ministries
The Holy Spirit is known as the Counselor. His church is uniquely qualified to provide sound counsel to those in need of perspective.
Counseling for Christian Ministries will train students in the theory and application of biblical counseling principles. The program is designed for ministry-helping fields in pastoral, parachurch, and human management roles. Training is completed within a cohort that requires commitment to consecutive sessions. Topics include, but are not limited to:
- Marriage and family counseling
- Abnormal behavior counseling
- Counseling in Christian ministries
- Conflict management
- Spiritual formation
Unlike other majors, Counseling for Christian Ministries features two required, intensive, face-to-face courses that occur on the weekends during the beginning and end of the counseling year; while the rest of the program is online.
The Counseling for Christian Ministries major may also be taken within the AdVantage structure. See the Admissions section for more information.
Request more informationHispanic Pastoral Ministries
The gospel of Jesus Christ is meant to be proclaimed to every tribe, nation, people, and tongue. The Hispanic Pastoral Ministries degree facilitates outreach in Hispanic cultural contexts.
Students enrolled in the Hispanic Pastoral Ministries major prepare themselves to serve as pastors, evangelists, or missionaries in Hispanic communities. Some of the cross-cultural ministry principles taught in this major can be applied to other cultural contexts, but this program focuses mainly on the needs and outreach opportunities identified within the Hispanic world. Upon completing this program, students will also be eligible for ordination as elders in the Church of the Nazarene.
Request more informationLeadership and Ethics
Our modern world presents us with many ethical challenges. The Leadership and Ethics major furnishes students with the strategic skills to prevail against those obstacles.
The B.A.Min. with a Leadership and Ethics major exists to give students a ministry-focused degree to prepare them for ongoing personal growth, increased vocational training, and advancement in their personal missions. Emphasis is placed on the administrative aspect of church leadership and volunteer structures. Students are given the tools they need to navigate our time’s complex ethical and social issues.
Request more informationPastoral Leadership
A fast-track to a degree in ministry, the Pastoral Leadership major is for those with prior college experience.
This accelerated degree program offers a fast track to a career as a pastor, evangelist, or missionary. The learning outcomes are the same as the Pastoral Ministries major, but those with sufficient prior coursework may enroll in this program and complete their pastoral studies in as little as two years.
Upon receiving their degree, those who complete additional coursework will also be eligible for ordination as elders in the Church of the Nazarene.
Request more informationPastoral Ministries
Many at NBC are studying to become ministers. The Pastoral Ministries major is the most common path they take to get there.
The Pastoral Ministries degree is the primary program choice for students who pursue callings as pastors, evangelists, or missionaries. Upon completing coursework in this major, students should be able to:
- Grow in personal holiness and spiritual formation, as well as in pastoral fruitfulness.
- Initiate effective outreach and discipleship programs that evangelize unbelievers and teach sound doctrine to existing church members.
- Exalt God through biblically sound worship methods that align with biblical cultural norms.
- Preach the gospel and clearly articulate the doctrines of Scripture in a way that transforms the hearer.
- Practice effective administrative leadership within their own church.
- Facilitate their church’s engagement in its own mission.
- Provide pastoral care to those within and outside their own church in a manner that results in greater spiritual wellbeing.
- Apply what is taught at NBC through directed field study.
Upon receiving their degree, those who complete additional coursework will also be eligible for ordination as elders in the Church of the Nazarene.
Request more informationOnline Open Enrollment All Year
Our enrollment runs all year round, as classes start every seven weeks. So, if you’re thinking of enrolling, the time is now. You'll need to apply by September 7 for classes that begin on September 21. You can also apply by October 26 for classes starting November 9.
Apply Now Request more informationNext classes begin in
We do not require an application fee to get started.
We have students from over 15 different denominations, and gladly welcome any Christian regardless of denominational affiliation. The Church of the Nazarene is also egalitarian, so both men and women may apply.
We Are Focused on Preparing You for Ministry
Future ministers can choose from three recommended majors:
- Pastoral Ministries teaches students how to conduct worship services and administer their church.
- Pastoral Leadership is an accelerated degree completion program focused on teaching leadership skills.
- Hispanic Pastoral Ministries trains students in cross-cultural communication so that they can effectively minister to Hispanic congregations.
Transfer Credits
NBC accepts transferred credit from other accredited institutions of higher learning. More than half of our students come in with transferable credits.
Learn from Pastors
Faculty and instructors at NBC are experienced pastors and counselors who share their wealth of experience with our students. This is crucial for real world youth pastor training.
Alumni Reach
Our alumni come from all 50 states and more than 21 denominations. Many of our former students have gone on to serve across the globe.
Nazarene Bible College has been a tremendous asset in my journey to fulfill God's call on my life. The knowledgeable professors and the caring community have clearly demonstrated the love of God and His desire for those who serve him ...
Derrick
Davenport, IA
Brian
Pekin, IL
God is not just using NBC to prepare me to serve in ministry, but to understand who it is He made me to be. I am confident of who I am and have a new found knowledge that I am capable of being anything God calls me to be ...
Kimberly
Silverton, OR
Irene
Peoria, IL
As a part of my major in Christian Counseling, I haven't just been challenged to grow academically, but also to develop as a person; my time at NBC has left me with a greater sense of self-awareness, and a stronger identity in Christ ...
Aaron
Colorado Springs, CO
Kelly
McCune, KS
NBC has been a great journey in preparing me and my family for missions in Brazil in which we have been actively involved in the past 4 years. What an impact NBC has made in me ...
Michael
Colorado Springs, CO
Mark
Grove City, OH
Through my studies a NBC I have fallen in love with the scriptures: the pinnacle of my relationship in God and the heart of my ministry ...
Justin
Hernando, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Your cost-per-year depends on how many courses you take. Most students take one course each session which equals 3/4 time status. At this pace, you can take eight courses a year at an annual cost of approximately $10,920.00 plus books.
Learn more about the Cost of Attendance
We'll be able to tell you how long your program will take to complete after we've received and evaluated all of your college transcripts. Then we can share with you how much transfer credit you have and how many courses you'll need to complete at NBC. If you have no previous college experience and are studying at a 3/4 rate, you can complete most of our BA degree programs in approximately six years.
NBC has scholarships available from diverse groups and individuals. You'll find application information available at nbc.edu.
We'll receive your financial aid information a few days after completing your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using the NBC code 013007. The Scholarship Committee meets quarterly to determine applicable awards.
Yes, you must have the equivalent of a high school diploma to be accepted for enrollment into NBC. We do accept GEDs.
Yes, we are very experienced in working with military benefits.
No, we must have official copies of high school or college transcripts, which means they must come to us directly from the school.
Yes, we will need all of your previous college transcripts. For degree applicants, we are happy to order and pay for your previous high school or college transcripts to be sent to us. An Admissions Counselor will assist you once we receive your application.
For degree applicants, we are happy to order and pay for your previous high school or college transcripts to be sent to us. An Admissions Counselor will assist you once we receive your application.
If your previous college does not allow us to order for you, you can order and have them sent digitally to admissions@nbc.edu. For regular mail, please send them to Nazarene Bible College, Admissions Department at 2020 N Academy Blvd, Suite 316, Colorado Springs, CO 80909.
If you are using financial aid or military benefits, you'll be able to begin each term before they disburse funds. If you are paying cash, you'll need to make full payment for each course before starting class.
Financial Aid
Nazarene Bible College believes that a quality Christian education should come at an affordable price, which is why 100% of students qualify for some form of financial aid. We keep our tuition lower than many other colleges. Scholarships, grants, and loans help our students cover the balance.
Established Scholarships
By investing in the future, NBC makes tuition affordable for all.
NBC offers institutional scholarships established by those who’ve sown good seeds to harvest the next generation of Christian ministers. A scholarship committee reviews each application and awards funds to recipients based on their need and circumstances, giving all applicants a fair chance at the support they deserve.
Pell Grant
Designed for low-income students, federal Pell Grants reduce the cost of tuition for those who need it most.
Undergraduate students who have not obtained a prior bachelor’s degree may apply for a Pell Grant to reduce their educational expenses. Pell Grants are awarded according to financial need, and unlike student loans, they do not have to be paid back except in very rare circumstances.
In addition to federal Pell Grants, students attending a local Church of the Nazarene are eligible for the Alumni Matching Grant. This grant matches any contributions from the student’s local church up to $150 per trimester, and is distributed as funds are available. (Note: all funds will not exceed the amount of tuition and fees.)
Veteran’s Benefits
NBC honors those who have served their country, so we accept veterans benefits for our programs. At NBC, the Bachelor of Arts in Ministry (B.A.Min.), Associate of Arts in Ministry (A.A.Min.), and the Ministry Preparation Program (MPP) are all VA benefit-eligible. Students may qualify for VA benefits if they are: Veterans, Active Duty, Reserves and National Guards
Spouses and dependents of qualified individuals may also be eligible for VA benefits. Those who believe they may qualify should visit www.gibill.va.gov to apply or make changes to their account. After receiving approval, they must submit a copy of their VA Letter of Eligibility to the Financial Aid office.
Federal Student Aid
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can help you determine how much help you can receive and secure the assistance you need.
A single application is all you need to apply for grants, student loans, and other forms of federal student aid. The U.S. Department of Education created the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
Student Loans
There are many ways to save on your education, but student loans help bridge the gap.
Scholarships, grants, and VA benefits all help lower the costs of a student’s education, but student loans are still a valuable tool in covering remaining expenses.
There are two different kinds of Federal Direct Loans: subsidized and unsubsidized. The federal government pays for the interest on subsidized loans while the student is actively enrolled, and for six months thereafter to give the student time to find employment in their field. Unsubsidized loans begin accruing interest from the date they are disbursed, increasing their overall cost. The type of loan a student receives depends on their need-based eligibility. In both cases, it is a good idea to begin repaying the loan before the six-month grace period expires if at all possible to lower the loan’s lifetime cost.
Flexibility
Asynchronous
Nazarene Bible College is committed to making online courses accessible anywhere and anytime. Students are drawn from all over the United States and even a few foreign countries, so there are a lot of time zones to juggle. Fortunately, students are free to participate in classes at times that are convenient for them. Students may log in, view materials, and respond to messages from teachers 24/7. Most assignments are due by midnight, so students can finish their homework in the evening and have plenty of time to turn it in.
Lectures are delivered in a variety of formats to accommodate different learning styles. There are written lectures, video lectures, and downloadable audio lectures. The asynchronous courses provide innovative, high-quality education to all students at any time and anywhere.
Community
NBC has purposefully designed our online classes to foster a high sense of community. Classes are highly interactive, with regular communication among the students. Discussion groups allow students to converse with their classmates at any time that fits their schedule. You can work together on group projects or review material. Additionally, we foster dynamic conversations between instructors and students.
We believe that the learning process is enhanced by the contributions made by the entire learning community. We also believe in cultivating spiritual development alongside educational development. Our virtual prayer room is monitored and available to you for as long as you attend.
How Online Learning Works With Your Lifestyle
We know that our students have lives outside of school. The average age of our student cohort is 43, and about 75% are married. You may have a full-time job or a family to take care of. Luckily, online classes allow you to pursue your dream of becoming a pastor or counselor without putting the rest of your life on hold.
Here are some examples of how online learning can work with your lifestyle:
- Work on assignments during lunch or other breaks in your day
- Attend classes before dropping kids off at school
- Participate in online discussions after coming home from work
- If you have some extra time, take an additional class to boost your progress towards completion
If life gets in the way, don’t worry. You can take a session off and come back when you’re ready
What Should You Expect During a Typical Week?
Our attendance policy is flexible on which days you attend as long as you meet the requirements. All materials and assignments are available prior to the week’s start, so you will have plenty of time to plan. Review materials and assignments when they are posted, then turn them in on your schedule. All assignments have preset due dates. The due dates may not always be convenient, but you can turn to your instructors for advice on managing your time effectively.
Discussion posts are a major part of the Nazarene Bible College curriculum. Discussions allow students to explore class material and learn from each other. You can participate by posting your own discussion contributions at any time during your day.
If you would like to learn more, you can contact us by mail, email, or phone. The Admissions Counselors are happy to guide you through enrollment. With a little help from NBC, you, too, can reach your educational goals. Sign up for online courses at Nazarene Bible College and unlock your full spiritual potential.
Accreditation
NBC is dedicated to equipping its students with a quality education — and we’ve got the accreditation to prove it.
Proving our commitment to academic excellence, NBC has dual-accreditation status. First, we are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools dedicated to maintaining the quality of post-secondary institutions across the country. We are also accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education to grant certificates and degrees at the Associate and Baccalaureate levels.
Higher Learning Commission
Regionally Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), a commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, 2006.
Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, IL 60604
(800) 621-7440
Association for Biblical Higher Education
Nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for the Association for Biblical Higher Education since 1976.
Commission on Accreditation Association for Biblical Higher Education
5850 T. G. Lee Blvd., Ste. 130
Orlando, FL 32822
(407) 207-0808
Accreditation
Accreditation documents may be reviewed by contacting the president’s office.
- Chartered by the State of Colorado (1967) as a non-profit educational institution.
- Approved by the Colorado Commission on Higher Education (1969) to grant degrees.
- Nazarene Bible College located at 2020 N Academy Blvd, Suite 316, Colorado Springs, CO 80909 has obtained a "Certificate of Approval" from the Kansas Board of Regents (www.kansasregents.org), allowing it to legally operate a postsecondary educational institution in the state of Kansas. The Kansas Board of Regents phone number is 785-430-4240.
- Approved for training veterans and authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant alien students.
- Approved by the Church of the Nazarene International Board of Education for training leaders toward ordination or commission in the ministries of the Church of the Nazarene.
- Approved by the United States Department of Education for awarding federal aid to students (Title IV).
- Approved as a member of the Department of Defense Voluntary Education Partnership.
- Approved as an institutional participant in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA).
State Authorization
Nazarene Bible College has been approved to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
Nazarene Bible College is authorized to offer online education in every state in the U.S.
Transfer Credits
Overview
Transfer credit is accepted from accredited institutions of higher learning for subjects appropriate to the curricula of NBC programs. All applicants who have attended other colleges or universities are required to have all official transcripts mailed directly by the issuing school(s) to the NBC admissions office. In addition to the transcript, it is sometimes necessary to provide a catalog, course description, or other documentation from the former college or university to help determine the content and applicability of a class. The registrar will evaluate the transcript and award applicable transfer credit(s). Note: Transcript evaluations will not be completed until application has been made to NBC and all transcripts received. Credit will only be considered for "C" grades or above. The grades earned for courses transferred from other institutions will not be counted toward a student’s cumulative GPA at Nazarene Bible College.
Elective courses are courses supplemental to those required for the completion of a degree program. Elective courses can be courses from NBC’s General Education core, Bible and Theology core, Advantage core, the college’s major and minor programs, or comparable courses transferred from accredited institutions. Career and technical courses from accredited institutions may be applicable as electives for some of NBC’s degree programs.
Nazarene Bible will accept up to 75% of the transferable courses required to complete a bachelor’s degree at NBC, subject to approval by the program directors for program specific courses.
Transfer Credit for District Programs
Nazarene Bible College does not accept credits from the denomination’s Directed Studies Program (Home Course of Study), the Modular Course of Study, or Christian Service Training courses.
Nazarene Bible College Articulation Agreements
Pikes Peak Community College
Associate degree applicable toward completing bachelor degree. Effective through: Ongoing
Professors
Jesus commissioned the apostles, Paul instructed Timothy, and our pastors can disciple you.
Christians have a mandate to pass the faith on to the next generation. That’s why most faculty members are active or retired pastors who can share their firsthand experiences in vocational ministry. From maintaining their own spiritual health amidst seasons of hardship to sharing effective discipleship strategies, our seasoned professors can teach newcoming pastors how to thrive in ministry.
Talented Faculty
Faculty members at NBC are practitioners as well as educators. The full-time faculty at NBC has more than 150 years of practical experience in pastoral or staff roles in churches of all sizes. Adjunct faculty members are nearly all involved in ministry within their own local churches.
Faculty members take a personal interest in students in a way that is unlike other colleges. Faculty members pray with students online, on the telephone, in their offices, and at local Nazarene churches.
Here to Help
Nazarene Bible College invests in its students’ success. The college’s academic advisors, staff, faculty and administrators support students as they pursue their studies and achieve their goals through their education at NBC.
Student Body
It is no accident that you are here on this page.
Perhaps you want to deepen your understanding of the faith. Or yearn to find greater purpose and meaning in your life by serving. What if you are ready but need experienced hands to steer you in the right direction with their knowledge and mentorship?
Many of our students choose to join our online program and classes because they’ve felt a calling. This calling can come at any stage in life. Our dedicated students are in their 40s, eager to step into the next phase of their lives with a renewed sense of purpose. But whatever your reason for pursuing further education, once you sign up to study with Nazarene Bible College, you’ll become part of a purposeful community passionately devoted to the cause.
Diverse Backgrounds
Community is core to what we do. Our students come from all 50 states within the U.S. and some seven countries outside it, including men and women of all ages and races, showcasing the huge diversity of experiences and viewpoints. While most of our student body is from the Church of the Nazarene, students from over 15+ other denominations also study with us. We offer programs in English and Spanish.
Mission-Focused
Whether you want to start your own ministry, become a pastor, serve as a lay person, or simply make sense of your mission, you’ll find yourself completely at home at Nazarene Bible College. Our core objective is to glorify Jesus Christ as Lord by preparing adults to evangelize, disciple, and minister to the world.
Our students choose from the online degree, certificate, or continuing education programs depending on their specific intent and level of commitment. With our four-year Bachelor’s degree, for example, students choose specializations that equip them to serve as pastors, missionaries, counselors, or as part of other helping and professions.
You’ll study alongside other mission-oriented students setting the foundation for life-long relationships.
Looking for Quality Education
Students often choose Nazarene Bible College for their studies because of the institution’s commitment to quality education and furthering faith through immersion in a Christ-centered life.
The college has been a leader in adult education for over 54 years. Our students closely interact with faculty members who are both practitioners and educators. The faculty brings together a combined experience of more than 150 years working in pastoral or staff roles in churches of all sizes. Nearly all the faculty are involved in the ministry of their local churches.