A Degree & So Much More

Students will be immersed in the culture of The Valley Church while pursuing an academic degree through our partnership with Mount Vernon Nazarene University.

Through our partnership with Mount Vernon Nazarene University, School of Leadership students can choose from 15 marketplace and ministry degree programs across six disciplines, including associate and bachelor’s degrees.

What else?

Students can earn an online associate or bachelor’s degree.

There are 15 different online degree options available.

The annual cost for 24-30 credit hours is $10,000.

The courses are 5-8 weeks long and go year-round, with some breaks between courses and over holidays.

We are looking to create our own classes in theology, leadership, and discipleship for the students.

The one thing we really want to do is build community with these students (do life together). A missing element of online education is the lack of community, especially at the undergraduate level.

Students will then receive real-life work experience through The Valley. The first year they will spend 6-8 weeks in different ministry tracks (worship, children, youth, etc). Then, the second year they will pick 1-2 areas of focus. Then, years 3 & 4, students will lead others and use their experiences to design an original new work.

Your Tuition Includes

24-30 credit hours of online college classes

In-person instruction from pastors with master’s and doctoral degrees

Ministry rotations

Mentoring

Student-life adventures

Student housing in a host home

Cost

The School of Leadership provides a well-rounded college experience at an incredible price. Financial aid and grants are available via FASFA.

Cost per year: $10,000

Our Team

Mark Coulter

Campus Pastor
Full Bio

School of Leadership FAQs

The School of Leadership is a ministry of The Valley Church in Piqua and Troy, OH. Through our partnership with Mount Vernon Nazarene University’s online programs we offer various Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees in addition to in-person classes, leadership experience, spiritual growth, and student life.

The School of Leadership is for any high school graduate age 18-25 who desires to grow in their relationship with God and develop their leadership while earning a degree to make a difference in the marketplace or for vocational ministry.

Each student must fill out an online application (CLICK HERE FOR THE APPLICATION). Once the application is complete, the School of Leadership team will reach out to schedule a video or in-person interview.  If a student is accepted, they must also apply to Mount Vernon Nazarene University and be accepted by them in order to begin the School of Leadership program.

No….you will notice we are all about saving you money with this program!

The School of Leadership will operate four days a week where students will be immersed in the culture of The Valley Church, gain practical ministry and work experience, while pursuing a college degree. Students will have Friday, Saturday, Monday afternoon off. In addition to this, students will be required to serve on Sunday at The Valley Church as part of their course.

Yes, the School of Leadership is partnering with Mount Vernon Nazarene University, which is an accredited university and is authorized to award associate and bachelor’s degrees.

The length of the program is determined by the student’s goals. The School of Leadership is for high school graduates seeking an associate’s or bachelor’s degree which most students will accomplish in 2 or 4 years, respectively. Students can also transfer into the program if they already have some college credits and they can transfer out of the program to finish their degree taking with them the credits they have earned.

Yes. Each school varies, but most general and ministry classes will transfer into the School of Leadership and transfer out to other schools depending on what the other school or MVNU will accept.

Yes. Because Mount Vernon Nazarene University is an accredited institution, its partnership with the School of Leadership enables enrolled students to pay for their college experience using federal financial aid. To be eligible for such funding, the student must file an Application for Federal Student Aid, also known as a FAFSA each year.

Yes. But please keep in mind you will need to plan your work hours around your class, ministry track, and student life schedules.

Yes, housing is available for non-local students. The Valley Church provides vetted host families who provide safe, comfortable housing along with regular meals to support our students.

Various computers and printers are available to students as they serve in ministry tracks at The Valley Church. However, it is required for every student to bring a laptop for coursework and assignments.

Yes. Students will need to have reliable transportation to get to and from The Valley Church, as well as regular student-life activities.

Tuition for the School of Leadership is $10,000 a year which includes 24-30 credit hours of online college classes, over 100 hours of in-person instruction, ministry rotations, mentoring, student life outings, student housing, and much more.

After successfully completing the School of Leadership program students will have earned a college degree in addition to gaining valuable work, ministry, and leadership experience.