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ABOUT US

Welcome to Maranatha Baptist University

Maranatha Baptist University was established in 1968 in Watertown, Wisconsin, as an institution to be “To the Praise of His Glory.” This motto, taken from the Bible (Ephesians 1:12), reflects Maranatha’s deeply held religious conviction that the primary purpose of every Christian is to glorify God through one’s chosen occupation and church membership, and by serving others in God-honoring ways. 

The founder, Dr. B. Myron Cedarholm, envisioned a Christian college encompassing the broad inclusion of liberal and fine arts education.  Originally founded as Maranatha Baptist Bible College signifying the centrality of biblical studies and local church engagement in its purpose, the name was changed to Maranatha Baptist University in 2013 to reflect more accurately to constituents the broad range of academic and career preparation programs offered while maintaining its founding purpose.  

WHO WE ARE

Maranatha is a non-profit private institution aligned with its independent Baptist constituency. As such, MBU is governed by an independent board of trustees and is not part of any denominational hierarchy or structure. Maranatha maintains a strong set of spiritual and behavioral distinctives generally reflected in constituent churches. Faculty members, though diverse in academic backgrounds, share a common core of biblical values and consider themselves conservative, independent Baptists.

WHAT WE OFFER

Maranatha offers 39 undergraduate bachelor’s degree programs in seven academic units as well as six graduate degree programs in the seminary including the Master of Divinity and the Doctor of Ministry (added in 2015).  

Three graduate programs are offered outside the seminary: the Master of Education (2014, School of Education), the Master of Organizational Leadership (2015, School of Business), and the Master of Nonprofit Administration (2019, School of Business). Maranatha Baptist Bible Institute was established in 2019 to provide focused Bible training and practical ministry experience for students not immediately interested in pursuing a college degree. 

I want parents and students to know we will stay true to our foundation, to the fundamentals of the faith that are as important to them as they are to us. We will always emphasize the local church. Those are non-negotiables. There aren’t going to be sudden shifts in what we believe or how we apply those beliefs. We’re going to stay the course that has been laid out for us over the last 50 years.

—Dr. Marty Marriott, President

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ACCREDITATION

MBU is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and has been for over 25 years. Our rigorous academic programs prepare students to continue their education on a graduate level and earn the credentials needed in specific fields. 

Maranatha Baptist Academy, grades 9-12, is regionally accredited by AdvancED (now Cognia)