A Look Inside Manna University
This question comes up in many conversations I have had as the Head of the Enrollment Department at Manna University. Many prospective and current students are curious about the curriculum and what is to be gained by attending a biblical higher education institution. When a prospective student asks the question, “What do you learn in Bible college?” our Enrollment Department usually answers confidently, “You learn about the Bible!” While that answer is absolutely true, it is not the only thing you will learn at Manna University—but it is the foundation.
Manna University is a biblical higher education institution dedicated to educating, equipping, and empowering emerging leaders to change the world. We exist to advance the Kingdom of God—everywhere. Accomplishing this mission means educating leaders in Scripture so they may be biblically literate in their pursuit of Kingdom advancement. While Manna University incorporates biblical literacy and learning into all of its programs, one program is specifically dedicated to pursuing a deeper understanding of the Bible: our Biblical Studies program.
This program is offered at multiple academic levels, including certificates, associates, bachelor’s, graduate certificates, and master’s degrees. When our admissions counselors ask a prospective student what program they want to pursue at Manna University, we often hear responses like, “I just want to learn more about the Bible,” or “I just want to study the Bible more.” For those students, I usually advise beginning with a Biblical Studies program.
Certificates are ideal for students who do not wish to pursue a full degree but still want the academic pursuit of biblical studies. Those who desire a full degree will take those same biblical studies courses along with a mix of general education, theology, and open elective courses. Many pastors and ministry leaders also choose to advance their ministry training by pursuing the Master of Arts in Biblical Studies.
Still, some prospective students hesitate when they think about Bible college curriculum and Christian theology degrees. Sometimes this hesitation comes from a lack of understanding. Other times it comes from a preconceived impression—or even a stigma—associated with biblical higher education. Some people assume Bible college is only for preachers and pastors.
But when we read Ephesians 4:12, we see that Jesus “…gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers…for the equipping of the saints.” At Manna University, we believe our students are not only the saints being equipped—they are also the leaders who will equip other saints. The next line in that passage says that equipping is “for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ.” This is the Church. This is the ministry.
At Manna University, the curriculum is intentionally focused on educating, equipping, and empowering emerging leaders to change the world. We want our students to be actively involved in ministry. And no matter what role someone fulfills in ministry, biblical education and biblical literacy are foundational.
All Biblical Studies degree programs include the course Hermeneutics, which teaches the basic rules and methods of the art and science of biblical interpretation. It is often one of the first courses designed to help students understand the tools and study aids used to interpret Scripture well. Students also take Old Testament Survey and New Testament Survey, which provide introductions and overviews of the books in each Testament. These courses only begin to touch the surface of what students will study in the Biblical Studies program at Manna University. You can check out all the courses and the entire Biblical Studies program here.
The Bible is the obvious place to start when considering what you learn in Bible college. But our programs also include courses in theology, leadership, and counseling. Many of these courses intentionally overlap across all of our programs because we believe strong biblical understanding should shape how leaders think, serve, and care for others in every ministry context. You can view all our academic programs here.
At Manna University, learning the Bible is not just about gaining information or enduring a Bible curriculum (educated), it is also about being trained in the ministry (being equipped), and learning to serve others well (being empowered). Contact us at admissions@manna.edu or fill out your contact information here and our admissions team will be happy to connect with you and find out the right program for you.
Sean Pottorff, Enrollment Director, Chief Financial Officer, Human Resources Director