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Master of Arts in Biblical Studies
This program of study facilitates an advanced understanding of the Old and New Testaments with an emphasis on exegesis using advanced hermeneutics and various exegetical resources.
The Master of Arts in Biblical Studies Program (M.A.B.S.) is a Bible-research based graduate degree designed to prepare emerging leaders for preaching, teaching, Bible-based ministry, and further graduate studies in the fields of Bible and theology. Students in this program learn fundamentals of biblical Greek and Hebrew as well as advanced skills in biblical research and writing. Plus, students learn from accomplished faculty with years of ministry experience.
The M.A.B.S. is for anyone who desires graduate level training designed to dig deeper into God’s word. In this program you’ll learn how to apply advanced hermeneutics to a variety of contexts. You’ll explore every book of the Bible, biblical languages, biblical leadership, and put it all together in a graduate thesis (written project).
Objectives
- Understand the basic content and themes of the Word of God, to include humanity’s alienation from God and God’s work of redemption in Christ as found in the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures.
Time & Cost
Many people would like to complete a degree and stay out of debt.
The M.A.B.S. degree requires 13 courses (or 36 credit hours), which can be completed within 3 years 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.
2023 - 2024 Graduate Tuition Rate
$310 per credit hour
Fees
- Application Fee: $50
- Library Fee: $75
- Technology Fee: $200 per semester
- Graduation Fee: $200
Scholarships are available for students who do not use military education benefits or federal financial aid.
Courses
Full details can be found in the 2022-2023 Graduate Academic Catalog.
All Courses
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
| MENG 500 | Graduate Student Orientation | 0 |
| MBIB 501 | New Testament Introduction | 3 |
| MBIB 502 | Old Testament Introduction | 3 |
| MBIB 503 | Advanced Hermeneutics | 3 |
| MBIB 504 | Advanced Theology I | 3 |
| MBIB 505 | Advanced Theology II | 3 |
| MBIB 506 | Biblical Greek I | 3 |
| MBIB 507 | Biblical Hebrew I | 3 |
| MBIB 601 | Historical Biblical Leaders | 3 |
| MBIB 602 | Biblical Issues for Leadership | 3 |
| MBIB 603 | New Testament Exegesis | 3 |
| MBIB 604 | Old Testament Exegesis | 3 |
| MBIB 620 | Culminating Project I | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 36 | |
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.
2. Order your official high school, G.E.D., or previous college transcripts (minimum 2.0 GPA is preferred).
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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What can I “do” with a Biblical Studies degree?
This degree is ideal for any number of people interested in studying the Bible in an academic context. Our Certificate in Biblical Studies is ideal for those who want to get right to studying the Bible, but don’t want to take general education courses. Our Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies is the traditional undergraduate degree for students who want to study and apply the Bible. Our graduate degrees in Biblical Studies is ideal for those in Pastoral Ministry who preach or teach, those interested in a career in Biblical Studies or Theology, or those who already have a Bachelor’s Degree and want to know more about the Bible.
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Does this degree require you to take a Biblical language course?
It depends entirely upon your degree level. Certificate in Biblical Studies students are not eligible to take any biblical language courses, whereas some higher degree levels require Greek, Hebrew, or both.
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I just want to know more about the Bible. Is this degree program right for me?
If your main interest is learning more about the content and context of Scripture, then one of our Biblical Studies degrees would be perfect for you! The Certificate in Biblical Studies is designed for undergraduate students seeking to know more about the content of Scripture, while our Graduate Certificate and Master of Arts degrees in Biblical Studies are designed for those who already have a Bachelor’s Degree and want to study at a deeper level.
Jeff's Story
Like most of today’s college students, Jeff leads a busy life. Balancing family, work, and serving at his local church is a tough act, but he sensed the need to sharpen his leadership for effective Kingdom impact.
“The local church is the hope of the world and Manna University is effectively training those who will lead the cause of the church to pursue their mission with reverence, wisdom and excellence.”
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.
