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Associate of Arts in Ministry
This program of study challenges emerging leaders to influence the world from a biblical worldview.
Solid biblical training from accomplished faculty with years of ministry experience.
This program allows students to build a degree based-upon their chosen area of ministry focus. Students have a degree of flexibility in deciding which aspects of Christian ministry they want to study. 24 credit hours of the program are selected by the student from Bible, Ministry Leadership, Counseling, Leadership, Intercultural Studies, and Worship Courses, allowing the student to pursue a highly-customized program of study that meets their unique needs.
Outcomes
- Educate (Theological Depth and Cultural Context): Students will have a thorough understanding of the biblical and theological dimensions of the practical ministry.
- Equip (Communication and Specialized Ministry Skills): Students will have essential communication skills, enabling them to articulate theological concepts and practical ministerial strategies.
- Empower (Practical Ministry Preparedness): Students will have practical ministry experience, through hands-on activities and real-world applications in preparation for service in diverse ministry contexts or further ministry education.
Time & Cost
Many people would like to complete a degree and stay out of debt.
The Associate of Arts in Ministry program requires 20 courses + Student Orientation (or 61 credit hours), which can be completed in 1-2 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
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 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 |
General Ministry Major Courses (18 Credits are required)
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
| CLG 120 | Jesus & Women | 3 |
| CLG 211 | Church Life | 3 |
| CNS 130 | Introduction to Counseling | 3 |
| CNS 201 | Counseling I | 3 |
| LEA 210 | Christian Leadership | 3 |
| LEA 250 | Introduction to Ministry Operations | 3 |
| MIS 200 | Missions & the Local Church | 3 |
Intercultural Studies Major Courses (18 Credits are required)
| 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 313 | Intercultural Communication: East Asia Focus | 3 |
| PHL 102 | World Religions | 3 |
Worship Ministry Major Courses (18 Credits)
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
| BIB 240 | Book of Psalms | 3 |
| HST 220 | Worship in the Early Church | 3 |
| WSH 110 | Applied Instrumental Techniques I | 3 |
| WSH 200 | Foundations of Music Theory | 3 |
| WSH 210 | Worship Foundations | 3 |
| WSH 230 | Worship Essentials | 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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A degree in ministry prepares you for careers in church leadership, pastoral care, worship, and intercultural ministry. It also equips you for roles in nonprofit work or missionary service, with the flexibility to specialize in areas that align with your interests. Students choose one specialization: General Ministry, Worship Ministry, or Intercultural Studies.
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.
