Manchester offers degree pathway partnership with Bethany Seminary
Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe Now
Manchester University will pilot a new program this fall with Bethany Theological Seminary that will allow undergraduate students the opportunity to pursue master’s degrees at no additional cost.
The partnership will allow students within four or five years to earn both a bachelor’s degree from Manchester and a master’s degree or certificate from the Richmond-based seminary school, the university said in a news release. No additional costs will be charged for the graduate courses.
“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,” Steven Schweitzer, academic dean and professor at Bethany, said in the release. “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 faculty last year had approached Bethany leadership about creating a pathway for students interested in theological studies, the news release said. The seminary offers five master’s degrees and eight graduate certificates.
Manchester University is one of six colleges in the United States affiliated with the Church of the Brethren and the first to join the academic partnership with Bethany.
“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,” Manchester University President Stacy Young said in the news release. “I’m confident that this partnership will provide a transformative educational experience that will further equip our students to improve the human condition.”
With an enrollment of about 1,300, Manchester University offers more than 70 areas of undergraduate, graduate and professional study.