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ONU Plus

Olivet's Extension Site Program

Olivet Nazarene University is grounded in faith. Not just in a historical way, but as a relevant force in what we do today. Olivet Nazarene University’s mission is to equip you for lives of service to God and humanity. And that mission is not limited to Bourbonnais, Illinois. Through ONU PLUS, Olivet proudly partners with churches and similar organizations around the country and offers Olivet degrees that better suit the needs in your community.

In addition to required practicums included in various majors, career experience will be offered to you through ONU PLUS. Academic credit can be earned for up to six semesters of applied practical learning. This allows students to obtain first-hand leadership, ministry, and workplace experience in their chosen field.

Download the 2023 Program Catalog >

Take the Next Step

Click the link below to complete the student interest form. From there, your site director will reach out to you to answer any questions and guide you through the admissions process.

Student Interest Form

Fully Accredited

Degrees acquired through an ONU plus program are regionally accredited. This means ﬁnancial aid is available to those who qualify and credits are easy to transfer.

Affordable Tuition

Olivet Nazarene University offers discounted tuition to students at extension sites, allowing ONU PLUS to offer tuition at a much lower cost. You can earn 30 credit hours for a full year at the cost of $10,000.

Life Flexibility

Through ONU PLUS, you will earn a college degree while having the flexibility to remain at home and continue to work a part-time job.

Degrees Offered

2-Year Degrees

Business (Associate of Arts)

4-Year Degrees

Business Administration (Bachelor of Science)
- Management
Child Development (Bachelor of Science)
Christian Ministry (Bachelor of Science)
Computer Science (Bachelor of Science)
- Networking and Data Communications
- Software Development
- Software Entrepreneurship
Computing Technology (Bachelor of Arts)
Cybersecurity (Bachelor of Science)
Early Childhood Education (Bachelor of Science)

Pre-Major Courses

Actuarial Science
Communication
Data Science
Elementary Education
English Education
Mathematics
Mathematics Education
Psychology
Special Education
Social Science Education

Students can complete two years of pre-major coursework at an ONU+ Extension Site, then complete years 3 and 4 on the main campus in Bourbonnais, Illinois, leading to Bachelor of Science degrees in these majors.

ONU PLUS Extension Sites

ONU+ allows students to stay involved in their local community, church, or organization. In addition to coursework, many sites offer leadership training, practical experience, and engaging activities for college-age students. These experiences are unique to the church site!

*Launching Fall 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should apply to ONU PLUS?: ONU PLUS is for all high school graduates and interested young adults who look to discover and embrace their God-given mission within a platform of vocational ministry or the marketplace.
What is ONU PLUS?: ONU PLUS is a network of sites where students attend to take online courses from Olivet Nazarene University so that students can stay involved in their local community, church or organization. Some courses will feature an online model where professors teach live over Zoom, while some other courses will be work at your own pace each week. In addition to coursework, many sites offer leadership training, practical experience and engaging activities for college-aged students.
What activities are available to me as a student?: This varies by site and location, but each site may oﬀer volunteer opportunities on a monthly basis, group outings, and through the Olivet Nazarene University community, students can also participate on the E-Sports team.
What are classes like?: ONU PLUS courses are Christ-centered and vibrant, exhibiting a missional focus that matches the ministry of the local site. Courses are oﬀered in either a 8-week (accelerated) or 16-week format. Each week’s work must be completed before moving on to the next week. Students will be part of a supportive student community where learning is upbeat and positive.
What does a typical week look like at ONU PLUS?: Students have scheduled classes and academic activities for approximately 3-4 days per week to work on coursework and engage in spiritual formation. Students may also participate in practicum experiences, small groups or other student activities as coordinated by each site.

Who is teaching the classes?: Olivet Nazarene University will provide a quality curriculum taught by Olivet-hired faculty. Students complete classes at your local site. Classes will be oﬀered in fully online formats, many of which include a 1-hour weekly live class session with the professor for full engagement.
Can I transfer credits?: Dual-credit or college-level credits earned require that a student submits all transcripts prior to acceptance for an oﬃcial review process. Yes, any credits from a regionally accredited college or university would generally transfer. For more questions, please visit Olivet’s Transfer Equivalency page.
What degree do I receive when I finish?: There are four-year bachelor’s degrees available from Olivet Nazarene University. These degrees offer valuable life experience, leadership development, and ministry training through opportunities to serve with a local business, ministry, or organization.
How can I pay for classes through ONU PLUS?: Because ONU PLUS degrees are regionally accredited, ﬁnancial aid is available to those who qualify. Students who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) may be eligible for the Federal Pell Grant and Federal Direct Loan programs. Additionally, monthly payment plans are available to many students with out-of-pocket tuition costs.
How can I apply?: Students are admitted in either the fall (classes begin in August) or spring (classes begin in January) semesters. Students declare their intention to the local site. Then, after approval, the student would apply to Olivet Nazarene University (link coming soon).

Our Team

Dan Ferris

Executive Director, ONU+
dvferris@olivet.edu
815-928-5737

Matt Gargiulo

Director of Church Partnerships for ONU+
mgargiul@olivet.edu
812-929-6684

Craig Manes

Director of Church Partnerships for ONU+
cmanes@olivet.edu
815-939-5044