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Associate of Arts in Christian Leadership

This program of study is designed to provide intensive training for students who are called to ministry in the church or the workplace.

Solid biblical training from accomplished faculty with years of ministry experience.

This program of study equips students to learn and apply sound Biblical leadership training such as values, vision, planning, motivation, and organizational development to embrace, understand, and live as an effective ministry leader. 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 61 credit hours of academic studies, A.A.C.L. students are required to fulfill the Leadership in Action requirement.

Outcomes
  • Educate (In-depth Leadership Theory and Biblical Integration): Students have an in-depth education in leadership, theology, and biblical studies, enabling them to understand and apply biblical principles to leadership and management contexts.
  • Equip (Advanced Communication and Leadership Skills): Students will have advanced skills necessary for clear communication, critical thinking, and decision-making in ministry contexts, including the integration of a biblical worldview into practical leadership scenarios.
  • Empower (Comprehensive Practical Experience and Organizational Impact): Students will have comprehensive practical experiences designed to prepare students for entry-level roles in ministry or business leadership.

Time & Cost

Many people would like to complete a degree and stay out of debt. 

The A.A. Christian Leadership degree requires 20 courses + Student Orientation (or 61 credit hours), which can be completed in 2 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.

Total Cost: $16,800

2026 - 2027 Undergraduate Tuition Rate

Fees

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 295 Associate Degree Exit Course 0

Bible & Theology Core (18 Credits)

Course Number Course Name Credit Hours
BIB 101 Old Testament Survey 3
BIB 103 New Testament Survey 3
BIB 104 Hermeneutics 3
BIB 201 The Writings of John 3
BIB 220 Defense Against the Dark Arts 3
THE 101 Introduction to Theology 3

General Studies Core (12 Credits)

Course Number Course Name Credit Hours
CNS 110 General Psychology 3
ENG 111 College Writing 3
ENG 112 Research for Writing 3
PHL 101 Philosophy & Worldview 3

General Studies Math & Science Core (3 Credits are required)

Course Number Course Name Credit Hours
MTH 211 College Mathematics 3
SCI 310 Biology 3

Personal Formation Core (9 Credits are required)

Course Number Course Name Credit Hours
BIB 200 Hearing from God 3
CLG 101 Destiny & Calling 3
CLG 201 Spiritual Formation 3
LEA 220 Mentoring & Coaching 3

Christian Leadership Major Courses (18 Credits are required)

Course Number Course Name Credit Hours
CNS 220 Psychology of a Leader 3
HST 302 History of Great Leaders 3
LEA 201 Ethics 3
LEA 210 Christian Leadership 3
LEA 250 Introduction to Ministry Operations 3
LEA 310 Introduction to Organizational Leadership 3
LEA 322 Servant Leadership 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

  • A degree in Christian Leadership from Manna U helps prepare you for leadership roles in various environments, that may include leadership within a church, ministry, non-profit or for-profit organization. Basically, whatever environment you are in, this can help prepare you to lead people, teams, ministries, organizations, and/or businesses. 

Student Story

Mackenzie's Story

Like most of today’s college students, Mackenzie leads a busy life. Finding time for studies was a challenge on top of family, work, and serving in her local church, but she sensed the need to be more prepared for her calling.

“One of the biggest things I learned was through the Servant Leadership class. In order to lead like Jesus you need to serve like Jesus. That’s something that I’ve been able to apply from my time at Manna U to the role I’m in now.”

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.

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