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Associate of Arts in Divinity
This program of study facilitates an understanding of the Old and New Testaments with an emphasis on exegesis using advanced hermeneutics and various exegetical resources.
Solid biblical training from accomplished faculty with years of ministry experience.
The two-year A.A. Divinity program is suited for the student who desires additional training for the purpose of serving in the local church. This program offers a wide range of courses relevant to leadership and educational ministries. Courses are aligned in three specific disciplines: Biblical Studies, Theology, and Practical Ministry. All of the courses within this program may also count toward one of the bachelor’s degree programs at Manna U. A.A. Divinity students will be required to complete 55 credit hours of required courses and 6 credit hours of elective study, a total of 61 credit hours, plus fulfill the Leadership in Action requirement.
- Confront the student with the Word of God proclaiming humanity’s alienation from God and God’s work of redemption in Christ (Bible) and explore ramifications of this Gospel for the student’s personal life and the work of the Church in the world (theology).
- Equip the student with the tools to communicate clearly and effectively.
- Bring about the student’s increased understanding of the world in which one lives, including history and philosophy.
- Give the student a sense of preparedness by providing practical ministry experience.
Time & Cost
Many people would like to complete a degree and stay out of debt.
The A.A. Divinity 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.
2023 - 2024 Undergraduate Tuition Rate
$220 per credit hour
Fees
- Application Fee: $50
- Library Fee: $75
- Technology Fee: $150 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.
Leadership in Action
Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
LIA 101 | Leadership in Action (Four Semesters) | Pass/Fail |
Student Orientation
Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
ENG 107 | Undergraduate Student Orientation | 1 |
Bible & Theology Nonelectives
Students Must Complete All Twenty-One Credit Hours
Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
BIB 100 | Destiny and Calling | 3 |
BIB 101 | Old Testament Survey | 3 |
BIB 103 | New Testament Survey | 3 |
BIB 104 | Hermeneutics | 3 |
BIB 201 | Writings of John | 3 |
THE 101 | Introduction to Theology | 3 |
THE 301 | Kingdom of God | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: | 21 |
English Nonelectives
All Students Must Take ENG 111 & ENG 112
ENG 111 | College Writing | 3 |
ENG 112 | Research and Writing | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: | 6 |
Math or Science Elective
Select Any Three Credit Hours
Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
MTH 211 | College Mathematics | 3 |
MTH 230 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
SCI 310 | Biology | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: | 3 |
Personal Formation Nonelectives
Students Must Complete All Six Credit Hours
Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
CLG 201 | Spiritual Formation | 3 |
LEA 220 | Mentoring and Coaching | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: | 6 |
Ministry Electives
Select Any Twelve Credit Hours
Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours | ||
CLG 145 | Leadership Practicum I (a) | 1.5 | ||
CLG 146 | Leadership Practicum I (b) | 1.5 | ||
CLG 211 | Church Life | 3 | ||
CLG 247 | Leadership Practicum II (a) | 1.5 | ||
CLG 248 | Leadership Practicum II (b) | 1.5 | ||
CLG 270 | Facilitating Leadership and Growth in Others | 3 | ||
CLG 282 | Personal Growth and Leadership | 3 | ||
CNS 130 | Introduction to Counseling | 3 | ||
CNS 201 | Counseling I | 3 | ||
LEA 210 | Christian Leadership | 3 | ||
MIS 130 | Concepts in Leading Short-Term Missions | 3 | ||
MIS 200 | Missions and the Local Church | 3 | ||
MIS 201 | World Missions | 3 | ||
MIS 202 | Cross Cultural Ministry I: General Focus | 3 | ||
THE 103 | Introduction to Apologetics | 3 | ||
THE 104 | Apologetic Issues for Cross-Cultural Engagement | 3 | ||
THE 201 | Systematic Theology I | 3 | ||
THE 202 | Systematic Theology II | 3 | ||
Total Credit Hours: | 12 |
Open Electives
Select Any Twelve Credit Hours
Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours | ||
CLG 145 | Leadership Practicum I(a) | 1.5 | ||
CLG 146 | Leadership Practicum I(b) | 1.5 | ||
CLG 211 | Church Life | 3 | ||
CLG 247 | Leadership Practicum II(a) | 1.5 | ||
CLG 248 | Leadership Practicum II(b) | 1.5 | ||
CLG 270 | Facilitating Leadership and Growth in Others | 3 | ||
CLG 282 | Personal Growth and Leadership | 3 | ||
CLG 351 | Changing the World by Making Disciples/Mentoring | 3 | ||
CLG 401 | Pastoral Ministry | 3 | ||
CLG 410 | Homiletics | 3 | ||
CLG 480 | Church Growth | 3 | ||
CNS 201 | Counseling I | 3 | ||
CNS 220 | Psychology of a Leader | 3 | ||
CNS 230 | Research Methods | 3 | ||
CNS 302 | Marriage & Family in Society | 3 | ||
ELE 104 | Transfer/Substitution Elective | 3 | ||
ELE 105 | Transfer/Substitution Elective | 3 | ||
ELE 106 | Transfer/Substitution Elective | 3 | ||
ELE 107 | Transfer/Substitution Elective | 3 | ||
ELE 108 | Transfer/Substitution Elective | 3 | ||
GRK 305 | Greek I(a) | 1.5 | ||
GRK 306 | Greek I(b) | 1.5 | ||
HEB 301 | Hebrew I | 3 | ||
LEA 210 | Christian Leadership | 3 | ||
LEA 310 | Introduction to Organizational Leadership | 3 | ||
LEA 330 | Foundations of Marketing | 3 | ||
MIS 130 | Concepts in Leading Short-Term Missions | 3 | ||
MIS 200 | Missions and the Local Church | 3 | ||
MIS 201 | World Missions | 3 | ||
MIS 202 | Intercultural Communication I: General Focus | 3 | ||
MIS 311 | Intercultural Communication II: Middle East Focus | 3 | ||
MIS 312 | Intercultural Communication II: U.S. Indigenous Populations Focus | 3 | ||
PHL 120 | Philosophy of Leading Teams | 3 | ||
Total Credit Hours: | 12 |
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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I don't want to be a Pastor. Could a Divinity degree still be a good fit for me?
Absolutely! Our Divinity students have a variety of goals and careers. Whether you want to go into vocational ministry, lead a nonprofit, or just learn more about the Bible, our Divinity programs might be a good fit for you.
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What does a Divinity degree include?
Divinity is the best all-around program for those interested in vocational ministry. At the Undergraduate level, students have a core of Bible/Theology and General Education Courses, as well as the essential courses necessary for work in vocational ministry. Additionally, students have the opportunity to explore, through elective courses, the fields of Christian Counseling, Christian Leadership, or Intercultural Studies.
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Do I have to take Greek or Hebrew in this degree?
It depends entirely upon your degree-level. For Associate of Arts students, Greek is optional. For Master of Divinity students, it depends on your Track. M.Div. students in a Biblical Studies Track will need to take six hours of Biblical Language coursework and six hours of Exegetical coursework.
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I want to become a Military Chaplain. Is a Divinity degree the right path?
If you already have a Bachelor’s Degree, and are looking to become a Military Chaplain, then our M.Div. is the logical next step for you. If you do not yet have a Bachelor’s Degree, you’ll need to complete one before moving-on to an M.Div.
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I just want to learn more about the Bible. Is this the right program for me?
Absolutely! A great first place to start would be our Associate of Arts in Divinity. You’ll get a core of Biblical content, some General Education courses necessary for success as a college student, and some electives that can help you discover what God has next for you. Students who already have a degree, or who aren’t worried about General Education courses and want to get right to Biblical training should consider our Certificate in Church Leadership program.

Andre's Story
Like most of today’s college students, Andre 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 divinity program is designed to challenge the student’s current perception of the world through sound biblical truths. I appreciate this the most because it opened my mind as well as my heart.”
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.
