Maranatha is a non-profit private institution aligned with its independent Baptist constituency. 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.
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.
At Maranatha Baptist University, students can choose from more than 30 majors, 40 minors, and 8 graduate programs. Courses are taught to students through the College, Seminary, and Maranatha Online. Students come from over 44 states and 12 countries. There are several distinctives that set Maranatha apart from other Christian colleges. From a spiritual perspective, its fundamental Baptist position and local church emphasis are vital. From an academic perspective, regional accreditation and the wide scope of its programs offer graduates nearly unlimited career and ministry opportunities. All students must complete a core of Bible courses as well as the requirements for their major and minor.
