Effective January 2026, the Modular Course of Study (MCOS) that has previously been provided by the Prairie Lakes District is no longer available. To standardize education across all districts, the USA/Canada Region has rolled out a new program called the “Non-Degree Course of Study (NCOS)”. The new NCOS program is replacing the old MCOS program and eliminates the option for individual districts to teach classes as we have done in the past.

1. Non-Degree Course of Study (NCOS)

   • Each district in the USA/Canada Region is given the option to partner with either their regional university or with Nazarene Bible College (NBC) in providing the NCOS program. Because MidAmerica Nazarene University (MNU) is not providing this as an option, the Prairie Lakes District will be partnering with NBC to offer classes for our students.

   • You can find more detailed information about the NCOS option at https://nbc.edu/programs/non-degree-course-of-study/.

2. Nazarene Bible College (NBC)

   • Bachelor of Arts in Ministry

   • Ministry Preparation Program

     • 1. Non-degree

       2. Less expensive option to fulfill ordination requirements

       3. Same courses as Bachelor of Arts in Ministry

   • You can find more detailed information about each of these options at https://nbc.edu/programs/.

3. MidAmerica Nazarene University (MNU) - Ministry Degree

4. Any Nazarene University or Seminary with a Ministry Degree option

Note: If you’ve taken classes or received a degree from another institution, you can transfer applicable courses towards ordination requirements (approval required by the District Board of Ministry).

• If you have not taken courses through NBC in the past, you will need to set up an account with them and take their orientation class as soon as possible. You cannot register for any classes until those steps have been taken. Some of you have taken classes through the Ministry Preparation Program at NBC and are familiar with the process. 

• You will be responsible for getting your transcript information to Derrick Sindt (DBM Secretary) as soon as you finish the coursework.

• NCOS Course Catalog - The titles of the courses have changed. A transfer table with the name changes can be made available to you. Any classes that you have taken under the Modular Course of Study are still valid. When you register for classes going forward, look for the new name. You will note that in the Non-degree Course of Study there are now some classes that will cover more than one course in the old modular course of study. 

You can find more information about the transition to the new NCOS program on the USA/Canada website at https://www.usacanadaregion.org/ncos.

If you have additional questions, please contact Derrick Sindt (djsindt@gmail.com) or Peggy Wagner (peggywagner674@gmail.com). We will do our best to help you navigate this new process!