Bethany Partners with Manchester University on Pilot Program For Undergraduate Students

In partnership with Manchester University, Bethany Theological Seminary is piloting a program that will offer students at select colleges and universities the opportunity to explore some of the biggest questions facing humanity and experience graduate-level theology courses while still students on their undergraduate campuses. 

The initiative allows students to earn both a bachelor’s degree from a Brethren-related college or university and a master’s degree or graduate certificate from Bethany during a four-to-five-year timeframe, at no additional cost for the graduate courses.

“This initiative comes at a time when undergraduate institutions and students are under a lot of financial and societal pressure — including challenges from those who question the value of higher education,” notes Dr. Jeff Carter, president of Bethany Theological Seminary. “Unfortunately, these pressures have led to a narrow focus on career preparation at the expense of courses that challenge students to think about life’s biggest questions. But survey data demonstrates that many students — including those who do not consider themselves religious — have a strong interest in spirituality and are curious about ideas that theological education explores. This new program removes a barrier for intellectually and spiritually curious students who want to explore theological education. I am so excited to see what Bethany and the Brethren colleges and universities will gain from this partnership.”

This pilot program will lay the foundation for a larger cooperative effort that intends to provide similar opportunities for students from all six colleges and universities in the United States that are grounded in the values and traditions of the Church of the Brethren: Bridgewater College (Virginia), Elizabethtown College (Pennsylvania), Juniata College (Pennsylvania), Manchester University (Indiana), McPherson College (Kansas), and University of La Verne (California). 

With this new partnership, Bethany will offer a new pathway for talented undergraduates who are yearning for additional spiritual exploration and intellectual challenge. Through Bethany, students will be able to take courses that would otherwise be unavailable to them.

“Our collaboration with Bethany is a bold step toward making advanced education more accessible for students, empowering them to deepen both their academic and spiritual growth,” said Dr. Stacy Young, president of Manchester University. “I’m confident that this partnership will provide a transformative educational experience that will further equip our students to improve the human condition.”

Bethany offers five master’s degrees and nine graduate certificates, and all courses are accessible to students at distance who join classrooms online. For residential students, Bethany offers its signature, service-based program Bethany BOLD. The Seminary offers courses in a variety of formats — from semester-long classes to brief intensives — and enrolls students from across the United States as well as other countries. Bethany operates a technology center in Jos, Nigeria, and has offered travel courses in other countries. 

“With Bethany’s technology classrooms, Manchester students will be able to participate fully in these courses with students in Richmond, across the country, and internationally, all without needing to travel,” said Dr. Steven Schweitzer, academic dean and professor at Bethany. “We are pleased to pilot this new initiative beginning in Fall 2025 with Manchester and to strengthen what has been a long-standing relationship between our two schools.”

Manchester University, with campuses in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., provides vibrant and transformative student experiences. Manchester respects the infinite worth of every individual and graduates persons of ability and conviction who draw upon their education and faith to lead principled, productive, and compassionate lives that improve the human condition. Learn more at www.manchester.edu/about-manchester.

####