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Certificate in Intercultural Studies
This program of study is designed to prepare emerging leaders for successful global leadership and ministry across a variety of cultural contexts.
Solid biblical training from accomplished faculty with years of ministry experience.
This program is designed to prepare students to engage in missions work in a cross-cultural or global setting. All of the courses within this program may also count toward one of the bachelor’s degree programs at Manna U. In addition to the 31 credit hours of academic studies, students are required to fulfill the Leadership in Action requirement.
Outcomes
- Educate (Fundamental Intercultural Knowledge): Students will have foundational biblical and historical knowledge in intercultural studies, understanding key anthropological, psychological, and theological insights.
- Educate (Fundamental Intercultural Knowledge): Students will have foundational biblical and historical knowledge in intercultural studies, understanding key anthropological, psychological, and theological insights.
- Empower (Initial Practical Engagement): Students will have applied their learning in real-world settings through practical ministry experiences in preparation for more advanced studies or entry-level positions in global ministry.
Time & Cost
Many people would like to complete a degree and stay out of debt.
The Certificate in Intercultural Studies program requires 10 courses + Student Orientation (or 31 credit hours), which can be completed in 1 year for full-time students. Courses are offered on-campus or online (can be entirely online). Manna U’s low tuition rates enable students to receive solid biblical training from accomplished faculty with years of ministry experience and not be hindered financially.
Total Cost: $8,650
2025 - 2026 Undergraduate Tuition Rate
$275 per credit hour
Fees
- Application Fee: $50
- Technology Fee: $325 per trimester
- Graduation Fee: $225
Scholarships are available for students who do not use military education benefits or federal financial aid.
Courses
Full details can be found in the most recent academic catalog.
Orientation & Exit Course (1 Credit)
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
| ENG 107 | Undergraduate Student Orientation | 1 |
| ENG 195 | Certificate Exit Course | 0 |
I.S. Major Courses (30 Credits)
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
| HST 320 | History of Missions | 3 |
| MIS 200 | Missions & the Local Church | 3 |
| MIS 201 | World Missions | 3 |
| MIS 202 | Intercultural Communication: General Focus | 3 |
| MIS 301 | Cultural Anthropology | 3 |
| MIS 311 | Intercultural Communication: Middle East Focus | 3 |
| MIS 401 | Preparation for a Career in Missions | 3 |
| PHL 101 | Philosophy & Worldview | 3 |
| PHL 102 | World Religions | 3 |
| THE 101 | Introduction to Theology | 3 |
Admissions
To become a student at Manna U, follow these two steps:
1. Complete an application, which includes:
- A non-refundable application fee of $50 (linked to application)
- An essay, written by the applicant, of his/her conversion experience (300-600 words), in a format that is typed and double spaced, using 12 pt. font size;
- A Pastoral Reference* from the Pastor of the church that the applicant regularly attends;
- A Personal Reference* from someone who has known you for two years or more and is not related to you.
* Applicants will enter an email address for their selected references and a link to the online reference forms will be sent once the application is submitted.
In addition, Doctoral students require:
- At least three years of ministry experience and must hold an appropriate master’s degree plus no less than 15 credit hours in Bible or Theology from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university.
- Additionally, students will be interviewed by the Chief Academic Officer before acceptance.
2. Order your official high school, G.E.D., or previous college transcripts (minimum 2.0 GPA is preferred for Undergraduate Applicants, and a minimum 2.75 GPA is preferred for Graduate and Doctoral Applicants).
Note: official transcripts are sent directly from one school/college to another. You can arrange to have your transcripts sent electronically to registrar@manna.edu, or a paper copy can be sent to our mailing address:
Manna University
Attn: Registrar’s Office
439 Westwood Shopping Center
PMB 106
Fayetteville, NC 28314
All applicants applying for admission to one of Manna U’s graduate programs must submit official transcripts showing an earned undergraduate degree from an accredited institution, or an equivalent academic achievement approved by Manna U’s Academic Office. Students who plan to use military education benefits must submit transcripts from high school and all colleges attended.
Students who plan to use military education benefits must submit transcripts from high school and all colleges attended.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Currently, no. However, students may take MIS 410- Missions Practicum to directly tie field experience to their academic study.
Emalee's Story
Like most of today’s college students, Emalee leads a busy life. Fitting in time for studies was a challenge on top of work and serving in her local church, but she gleaned many insights that changed her life.
“The Intercultural studies program is made to push the student to see different cultures in a new light. This was great for me because it showed me how to properly research cultures, as well as understand what they believe based off of the culture as a whole.”
Effective Leaders Bring Lasting Impact
Jesus chose twelve leaders who were from differing backgrounds. Many religious leaders in that time would have overlooked them. Through teaching and training, He prepared them to lead a movement that changed the world. Whatever your call may be, training at Manna U can help you engage in this kind of transformational leadership.
