Virginia – Biblical Studies Programs
These programs facilitate academic study of the Christian Scriptures at a variety of levels.
The Certificate in Biblical Studies is an introductory program centered around studying the content and context of the Bible. Students will take both survey and book-study courses to deepen their understanding of Scripture. This program is ideal for students who want to study the Bible, but who do not necessarily want to pursue a full degree.
The Associate of Biblical Studies (A.B.S.) is ideal for people who want a deeper understanding of Scripture in an academic setting. The courses required for this program focus on the Bible, in addition to general education and elective requirements. In addition to the 64 credit hours of academic studies, students are required to fulfill the Leadership in Action requirement.
Bachelor of Biblical Studies (B.B.S.) students will take a variety of Bible/Theology, General Education, and Open Elective courses in this 124 credit-hour program. Traditionally, this program takes four years to complete. Students will study the Christian Scriptures, Hermeneutics, and Biblical Greek during this program.
The Master of Biblical Studies Program (M.B.S.) is a Bible-research based graduate degree designed to prepare emerging leaders for preaching, teaching, Bible-based ministry, and further graduate studies in the fields of Bible and theology. Students in this program learn fundamentals of biblical Greek and Hebrew as well as advanced skills in biblical research and writing. Plus, students learn from accomplished faculty with years of ministry experience.
The M.B.S. is for anyone who desires graduate level training designed to dig deeper into God’s word. In this program you’ll learn how to apply advanced hermeneutics to a variety of contexts. You’ll explore every book of the Bible, biblical languages, biblical leadership, and put it all together in a graduate thesis (written project).
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Certificate in biblical studies
Dive into the content and context of Scripture.
This program is ideal for people who want a deeper understanding of Scripture. The courses required for this program focus on the Bible, without general education or elective requirements. All of the courses within this certificate program may also count toward one of the bachelor’s degree programs at Manna U. In addition to the 31 credit hours of academic studies, students are required to fulfill the Leadership in Action requirement.
Outcomes
Educate (Biblical Knowledge and Interpretation) Students will have a basic understanding of the Old and New Testaments through the effective use of hermeneutical principles with application to contemporary issues and personal spiritual growth.
Equip (Integration of Biblical Principles in Leadership) Students will have the ability to integrate biblical teachings by applying Christian leadership principles in real-world church, ministry, or community settings and reflecting on their experiences to enhance their practical and spiritual insights.
Empower (Preparation for Advanced Biblical Studies or Ministerial Work). Students will have the foundational knowledge required to contribute effectively to academic discussions, entry-level ministerial work, and continued academic pursuits in biblical studies or theology at the bachelor’s level.
Time & Cost
Many people would like to complete a degree and stay out of debt.
The Certificate in Biblical Studies program requires 10 courses + Student Orientation (or 31 credit hours), which can be completed in 1 year 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.
Undergraduate Tuition
- $230 per credit hour
Fees
- Application Fee: $50
- Library Fee: $75 per semester
- Technology Fee: $200 per semester
- Graduation Fee: $200
Scholarships are available for students who do not use military education benefits or federal financial aid.
Courses
Leadership in Action
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
| LIA 101 | Leadership in Action (Two Semesters) | Pass/Fail |
Student Orientation
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
| ENG 107 | Undergraduate Student Orientation | 1 |
Nonelectives
All Thirty Credit Hours Must Be Completed| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
| BIB 101 | Old Testament Survey | 3 |
| BIB 103 | New Testament Survey | 3 |
| BIB 104 | Hermeneutics | 3 |
| BIB 201 | Writings of John | 3 |
| BIB 220 | Defense Against the Dark Arts | 3 |
| BIB 230 | Book of Genesis | 3 |
| BIB 240 | Book of Psalms | 3 |
| BIB 301 | Synoptic Gospels | 3 |
| BIB 303 | Book of Romans | 3 |
| BIB 307 | Wisdom Literature | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 30 | |
Associate of biblical studies
Dive into the content and context of Scripture.
This program is ideal for people who want a deeper understanding of Scripture in an academic setting. The courses required for this program focus on the Bible, in addition to general education and elective requirements. In addition to the 61 credit hours of academic studies, students are required to fulfill the Leadership in Action requirement.
Outcomes
- Educate (Comprehensive Biblical Knowledge): Students will have a deep and comprehensive understanding of the Bible, hermeneutical techniques, and historical and contemporary theological issues.
- Equip (Leadership and Practical Application): Students will have skills necessary to translate biblical knowledge into effective leadership within church and community settings.
- Empower (Further Educational and Vocational Pursuits): Students will have the basic knowledge, skills, and foundation for seamless transitions into bachelor’s degree programs or various roles within their church and community.
Time & Cost
Many people would like to complete a degree and stay out of debt.
The Associate of Biblical Studies program requires 21 courses + Student Orientation (or 64 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.
Undergraduate Tuition
- $230 per credit hour
Fees
- Application Fee: $50
- Library Fee: $75 per semester
- Technology Fee: $200 per semester
- Graduation Fee: $200
Scholarships are available for students who do not use military education benefits or federal financial aid.
Courses
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| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
| ENG 111 | College Writing | 3 |
| ENG 112 | Research for 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 | |
A.B.S. Major Courses
Select Any Twelve Credit Hours| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
| BIB 301 | Synoptic Gospels | 3 |
| BIB 302 | Pauline Epistles and Leadership | 3 |
| BIB 303 | Book of Romans | 3 |
| BIB 330 | Book of Revelation | 3 |
| BIB 401 | Book of Mark | 3 |
| BIB 411 | 1 Peter: Socio-Rhetorical Interpretation | 3 |
| ELE 109 | Transfer/Substitution Elective (with Approval) | 3 |
| HUM 110 | Survey of Biblical Literature | 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 |
| THE 300 | Writings of the Church | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12 | |
Open Electives
Select Any Twelve Credit Hours| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
| CLG 120 | Jesus and Women | 3 |
| CLG 145 | Leadership Practicum I (a) | 3 |
| CLG 146 | Leadership Practicum I (b) | 3 |
| CLG 210 | Women in the Church | 3 |
| CLG 211 | Church Life | 3 |
| CLG 247 | Leadership Practicum II (a) | 3 |
| CLG 248 | Leadership Practicum II (b) | 3 |
| 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 |
| HUM 210 | Western Europe Study Tour | 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 | |
Advanced Ministry Practicum
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
| CLG 347 | Advanced Ministry Practicum I | 3 |
Bachelor of biblical studies
Dive into the content and context of Scripture.
This program is ideal for people who want a deeper understanding of Scripture in an academic setting. The courses required for this program focus on the Bible, in addition to general education and elective requirements. In addition to the 124 credit hours of academic studies, students are required to fulfill the Leadership in Action requirement.
Outcomes
- Educate (Biblical and Theological Acumen): Students will have a profound understanding of biblical texts and their contexts, critically engaging with the Word of God to explore humanity’s alienation and redemption through Christ.
- Equip (Effective Communication and Analytical Skills): Students have the knowledge and ability to articulate theological concepts clearly and persuasively, preparing them for roles that require teaching, preaching, and engaged dialogue within both church and academic circles.
- Empower (Practical Ministry and Leadership Experience): Students will have basic practical ministry experience and the tools for transition into impactful careers in ministry or further theological studies.
Time & Cost
Many people would like to complete a degree and stay out of debt.
The Bachelor of Biblical Studies program requires 40 courses + Student Orientation (or 124 credit hours), which can be completed in 3-4 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.
Undergraduate Tuition
- $230 per credit hour
Fees
- Application Fee: $50
- Library Fee: $75 per semester
- Technology Fee: $200 per semester
- Graduation Fee: $200
Scholarships are available for students who do not use military education benefits or federal financial aid.
Courses
Leadership in Action
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
| LIA 101 | Leadership in Action (Eight 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 | |
General Studies Nonelectives
Students Must Complete All Twenty-One Credit Hours| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
| ENG 111 | College Writing | 3 |
| ENG 112 | Research for Writing | 3 |
| HST 110 | World History I: World History to 1500 | 3 |
| HST 120 | World History II: World History Since 1500 | 3 |
| MIS 301 | Cultural Anthropology | 3 |
| MTH 211 | College Mathematics | 3 |
| SCI 310 | Biology | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 21 | |
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 | |
Bible & Theology Electives
Select Any Nine Credit Hours| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
| BIB 301 | Synoptic Gospels | 3 |
| BIB 302 | Pauline Epistles and Leadership | 3 |
| BIB 303 | Book of Romans | 3 |
| BIB 330 | Book of Revelation | 3 |
| BIB 401 | Book of Mark | 3 |
| BIB 411 | 1 Peter: Socio-Rhetorical Interpretation | 3 |
| ELE 109 | Transfer/Substitution Elective (with Approval) | 3 |
| HUM 110 | Survey of Biblical Literature | 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 |
| THE 300 | Writings of the Church | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 9 | |
General Studies Electives
Select Any Twelve Credit Hours| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
| CNS 110 | General Psychology | 3 |
| CNS 120 | Human Growth & Development | 3 |
| ELE 101 | Transfer/Substitution Elective (with Approval) | 3 |
| ELE 102 | Transfer/Substitution Elective (with Approval) | 3 |
| ELE 103 | Transfer/Substitution Elective (with Approval) | 3 |
| ENG 201 | The Writings of C.S. Lewis | 3 |
| HST 302 | History of Great Leaders | 3 |
| HST 320 | History of Missions | 3 |
| HUM 101 | Introduction to Fine Arts | 3 |
| HUM 130 | Communicating to Oral Cultures | 3 |
| MTH 230 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
| PHL 101 | Philosophy and Worldview | 3 |
| PHL 102 | World Religions | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12 | |
Open Electives
Select Any Fifteen Credit Hours Select Any Fifteen 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 |
| 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: | 15 | |
Bachelor of Biblical Studies Major Courses
B.A. in Biblical Studies Students Take the Following Courses as a Part of Their Major| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
| BIB 220 | Defense Against the Dark Arts | 3 |
| BIB 230 | Book of Genesis | 3 |
| BIB 240 | Book of Psalms | 3 |
| BIB 301 | Synoptic Gospels | 3 |
| BIB 303 | Book of Romans | 3 |
| BIB 307 | Wisdom Literature | 3 |
| BIB 401 | Book of Mark | 3 |
| ENG 495 | Senior Seminar & Capstone | 3 |
| GRK 305 | Greek I(a) | 1.5 |
| GRK 306 | Greek I(b) | 1.5 |
| LEA 201 | Ethics | 3 |
| THE 201 | Systematic Theology I | 3 |
| THE 202 | Systematic Theology II | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 36 | |
Advanced Ministry Practicum
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
| CLG 347 | Advanced Ministry Practicum I | 3 |
Master of biblical studies
The Master of Biblical Studies Program (M.B.S.) is a Bible-research based graduate degree designed to prepare emerging leaders for preaching, teaching, Bible-based ministry, and further graduate studies in the fields of Bible and theology. Students in this program learn fundamentals of biblical Greek and Hebrew as well as advanced skills in biblical research and writing. Plus, students learn from accomplished faculty with years of ministry experience.
The M.B.S. is for anyone who desires graduate level training designed to dig deeper into God’s word. In this program you’ll learn how to apply advanced hermeneutics to a variety of contexts. You’ll explore every book of the Bible, biblical languages, biblical leadership, and put it all together in a graduate thesis (written project).
Outcomes
- Educate (Advanced Scriptural and Exegetical Knowledge): Students will have a sophisticated understanding of the Old and New Testaments, focusing on deep exegesis and the application of advanced hermeneutic techniques.
- Equip (Research and Analysis Skills): Students will have advanced skills in biblical research and writing.
- Empower (Leadership in Biblical Contexts): Students will have applied their advanced biblical knowledge and research skills in leadership roles and scholarly research across Christian ministry contexts.
Time & Cost
Many people would like to complete a degree and stay out of debt.
The M.B.S. degree requires 14 courses (or 39 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.
Graduate Tuition
- $310 per credit hour
Fees
- Application Fee: $50
- Library Fee: $75 per semester
- Technology Fee: $200 per semester
- Graduation Fee: $200
Scholarships are available for students who do not use military education benefits or federal financial aid.
Courses
All 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 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 |
| MBIB 601 | Historical Biblical Leaders | 3 |
| MBIB 602 | Biblical Issues for Leadership | 3 |
| MBIB 603 | New Testament Exegesis | 3 |
| MBIB 604 | Old Testament Exegesis | 3 |
| MBIB 620 | Culminating Project I | 3 |
| MMIN 610 | Practicum I | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 39 | |
Commonwealth of Virginia Statement of Exemption
Manna University is a religious institution exempt from state regulation and oversight in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
