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Master of Arts in Religious Studies
This flexible program allows students to choose courses from a variety of disciplines offered by Manna U, with a core of Biblical and Theological training.
The Master of Arts in Religious Studies (M.A.R.S.) prepares Christian leaders to understand the Bible deeply, think theologically, and engage the religious beliefs and worldviews shaping our world.
The program moves beyond the study of Christianity and examines major world religions, religious movements, competing ideologies, and the ways beliefs shape individuals, cultures, and communities. Throughout the program, students develop the biblical, theological, and research skills needed to evaluate diverse belief systems and respond with clarity, conviction, and compassion.
Whether you serve in the local church, missions, education, nonprofit leadership, or another context where faith and culture intersect, the M.A.R.S. equips you to better understand what people believe, why they believe it, and how Christians can engage those beliefs faithfully.
Outcomes
- Educate (Comprehensive Religious and Scriptural Insight): Students will have an extensive understanding of key religious concepts, themes, and texts, with a strong emphasis on biblical content, relevant to their chosen focus area.
- Equip (Advanced Research and Leadership Skills): Students will have advanced research skills that are applicable to both exegetical and practical ministry contexts.
- Empower (Application of Knowledge in Diverse Settings): Students will apply their knowledge and skills across a broad spectrum of environments as demonstrated in their final project, which synthesizes their learning in a substantial, practical output.
Time & Cost
Many people would like to complete a degree and stay out of debt.
The M.A.R.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.
Total Cost: $14,260
- $260 per credit hour (full-time)
- $275per credit hour (part-time)
2026 - 2027 Graduate Tuition Rate
- $350per credit hour (full-time)
- $370per credit hour (part-time)
Fees
- Application Fee: $50
- Technology Fee: $340 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.
Graduate Orientation (0 Credits)
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
| MENG 500 | Graduate Student Orientation | 0 |
Graduate Religious Studies Bible & Theology Core (15 Credits are required)
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
| 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 |
Graduate Religious Studies Research Core (3 Credits)
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
| MLEA 601 | Organizational Research and Analysis | 3 |
Graduate Religious Studies Core (15 Credits)
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
| MARS 501 | Christianity, Islam, & Judaism: A Biblical Analysis | 3 |
| MARS 502 | Eastern Religions & Worldviews | 3 |
| MARS 601 | Pseudo-Christian Religions & Cultic Movements | 3 |
| MARS 602 | False Gods: Ideology, Power, & Meaning | 3 |
| MMIN 501 | The Intercultural Study of World Religions | 3 |
Graduate Religious Studies Culminating Project (3 Credits are required)
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
| MARS 620 | Culminating Project | 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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The MARS is arguably the most flexible graduate degree offered at Manna U. Not only does the degree serve as a degree completion program for those who’ve already earned graduate credit, it also functions as an interdisciplinary degree built on a Bible and theology core. The MARS can be used in a variety of fields such as:
- Ministry = Lead pastors, executive/staff pastors, church planters, Christian counseling, international missions, non-profit administration
- Marketplace = Office administration, higher education (teaching and administrative), secondary education, small business operations
- Military = Religious Affairs Specialist/Chaplain Assistant, professional development
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.
