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Master of Arts in Christian Leadership
This program of study will challenge emerging leaders to influence the world from a biblical worldview.
The Master of Arts in Christian Leadership Program (M.A.C.L.) is a graduate degree designed to equip emerging leaders for leadership in ministry and the marketplace. Students in this program learn how to diagnose a variety of organizational issues from a biblical perspective grounded in the cutting edge of leadership theory. Our M.A.C.L. faculty are highly published scholars and practitioners with decades of global leadership experience.
The MACL is for anyone who desires to “elevate” their leadership potential through academic and practical training.
In this program you’ll study strategic leadership, global leadership, organizational theory and application, and various research methods. You’ll put it all together in a culminating project designed to test and apply your newly acquired knowledge and skills.
Outcomes
- Educate (Advanced Leadership Theories Grounded in Scripture): Students will have an advanced education that integrates organizational leadership theories with deep biblical foundations.
- Equip (Specialized Leadership and Research Skills): Students will have specialized skills relevant to their focus area, including advanced research capabilities in exegetical, qualitative, and quantitative methods to lead with integrity, informed by a biblical worldview.
- Empower (Practical Application and Professional Readiness): Students will apply their Christian leadership knowledge and skills across a range of real-world settings.
Time & Cost
Many people would like to complete a degree and stay out of debt.
The M.A.C.L. degree requires 12 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.
2025 - 2026 Graduate Tuition Rate
$335 per credit hour
Fees
- Application Fee: $50
- Technology Fee: $325 per trimester
- 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 most recent academic catalog.
M.A.C.L. 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 601 | Historical Biblical Leaders | 3 |
| MBIB 602 | Biblical Issues for Leadership | 3 |
| MLEA 501 | Organizational Leadership | 3 |
| MLEA 502 | Christian Leadership Development | 3 |
| MLEA 503 | Strategic Leadership and Change | 3 |
| MLEA 504 | Contemporary Leadership Issues | 3 |
| MLEA 601 | Organizational Research and Analysis | 3 |
| MLEA 603 | Global Leadership | 3 |
| MLEA 604 | Culminating Experience I | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 33 | |
M.A.C.L. Bible/Theology Elective
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
| 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 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 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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What can you do with a degree in Christian Leadership?
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.
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What type of courses are in the Christian Leadership programs?
These undergraduate courses include Bible and Theology, General Education, Ministry, as well as Christian Leadership courses. Some of those leadership courses include the following:
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- Mentoring and Coaching
- Psychology of a Leader
- Foundations of Marketing
- Servant Leadership
- Introduction to Organizational Leadership
- Collaborative Teams and Innovation
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Why should I choose Christian Leadership over the other majors?
The way into the future for the human race is effective good leadership. This is a broader program for those in leadership in various contexts. The other majors are more specific. If you feel called to preaching and biblical studies, the divinity program may be a better fit. The same with the intercultural, worship, and counseling programs, they are concentrated to those areas. Christian Leadership can help in all those fields since all need and have leadership components, but the focus in this program is preparing effective Christian leaders, no matter the area or field they are called.
Jaemi's Story
Like most of today’s college students, Jaemi leads a busy life. Balancing family, work, and serving at her local church is a tough act, but she sensed the need to sharpen her leadership for effective Kingdom impact.
“My favorite part of being a student at Manna U has the been the challenge and opportunity to grow not just as a leader but also as a Christ-follower.”
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.
