When you study the history of Christianity at the Wheaton College Graduate School, you’ll have unprecedented access to expert faculty, impressive research facilities, rich hands-on learning opportunities in method and content, and a vibrant alumni community whether in-person, hybrid, or remote.
Receive training in the discipline of Christian history by equipping yourself with a comprehensive knowledge of the Christian story across two millennia as it has intersected with social, political, economic, racial, gender, and cultural factors in the context of global history. To that end, you’ll explore social history, historical theology, and the history of biblical interpretation.
Learn the history of Christianity from committed Christ-followers.
Our faculty are engaged in publishing and research for the academy and church.
Opportunities for Grad Student Research and Presentation.
Or reach out to us anytime at graduate.admissions@wheaton.edu.
/prod02/channel_1/media/magazine/winter-2023/web-exclusives/enduring-faculty-research/Timothy-Larsen-1.jpg)
I would love to connect with you! Email me at Jennifer.mcnutt@wheaton.edu to explore pursuing your M.A. in History of Christianity.
The M.A. in History of Christianity has a shared core as well as distinct course requirements for each concentration area. In addition to completing required coursework, M.A. in History of Christianity students must also pass a graduate comprehensive exam.
Please see the graduate course catalog for current requirements as well as the most up-to-date course numbers, titles, and descriptions.
History of Christianity core and elective options include:
Dr. Jennifer Powell McNutt launched this annual lecture to raise the profile of the field of Christian History and bring attention to Christianity’s past as an invaluable resource for Christians in the present. Since then, the department has welcomed accomplished scholars in the discipline to share their expertise and wisdom in historical research with the campus community and beyond. In 2017, the lecture was named in honor of Professor Emeritus Dr. Mark Noll and as a way to mark the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.
Studying the history of Christianity at Wheaton College gives you access to primary research resources, professional development activities, and experiential learning opportunities.
/filters:quality(85)/prod02/channel_1/media/biblical-and-theological-studies/tel-shimron-3.jpg)
ChicagoLand is full of ways to experience the history of Christianity in the flesh through art and cultural exhibits. One example is the Art Institute of Chicago, which is home to first-rate reformation art and medieval artifacts. Or you can participate in Tel Shimron Excavations, a summer archaeology field study in northern Israel.
/filters:quality(85)/prod02/channel_1/media/graduate-school/degrees/history-of-christianity/Jonathan-Blanchard-Diary.jpg)
Find rare book and manuscript collections, photographs and letters, historic documents, archaeological artifacts, and more around campus at:
/filters:quality(85)/prod02/channel_1/media/center-for-early-christian-studies/WCECS--Christ-the-vine-full-icon.jpg){kind=icon}
This multidisciplinary academic center focuses on teaching, research, and publication related to the early church. The Center for Early Christian Studies publishes books, hosts lectures and conferences, and provides research opportunities to faculty fellows and graduate students.
Our faculty of Christ-following historians includes experts in a range of eras and topics, including church fathers, history of theology, history of the Bible, religion and literature, global Christianity, ethics in the early church, Reformation studies, Enlightenment studies, nineteenth-century Britain, and history of faith and science. Our faculty are also internationally recognized as elected Fellows in the Royal Historical Society.
/prod02/channel_1/media/graduate-school/degrees/history-of-christianity/Larsen-22_edit-1.jpg)
/prod02/channel_1/media/graduate-school/degrees/ma-biblical20studies/Jennifer-McNutt-headshot.jpg)
/filters:quality(85)/prod02/channel_1/media/graduate-school/degrees/history-of-christianity/IMG_0001-700X467.JPG)
The Biblical and Theological Studies (BTS) Grad Women’s Fellowship was started over a decade ago to provide a space for female graduate students in the department to meet together regularly throughout the year with female faculty, build relationships, provide support, and enjoy each other’s company. The group was started by Dr. Karen Jobes (Faculty Emerita) and is led today by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Powell McNutt and Rev. Dr. Amy Peeler. Food, fellowship, and prayer are the focus of our time together. If you are a female Bible and Theology student in an M.A. or Ph.D. program, please join us! Feel free to email bts.graduate.studies@wheaton.edu with any questions.
Our students come to us at all stages of their professional lives, from recent college graduates to mid-level professionals. No matter where you were before Wheaton, earning an M.A. in History of Christianity can help you thrive in your current career or open new doors.
Graduates of our M.A. in History of Christianity succeed in a variety of industries, from journalism and publishing to education and healthcare. Our alumni hold titles such as:
And they’ve worked for organizations, institutions, and companies such as:
Additionally, some History of Christianity M.A. students go on to pursue doctoral degrees at institutions such as:
"The History of Christianity program at Wheaton College provided opportunities to explore the richness and complexity of the history of the church."
- Allison Brown M.A. '15, Baylor University, Ph.D. Student
/filters:quality(85)/prod02/channel_1/media/graduate-school/Wheaton-College-Graduate-School-Graduate-Student-at-Commencement-760X760.jpg)
All incoming M.A. in History of Christianity students are automatically considered for department-based scholarships. Additionally, you may be eligible for other financial aid options including graduate assistantships, loans, payment plans, and outside scholarships.
The Wheaton College Graduate School Student Financial Services team can help you understand how much your graduate studies will cost and what aid may be available to you.
Learn About Graduate Financial Aid
Interested in earning a church history master's degree? The M.A. in History of Christianity at Wheaton might be right for you. Request more information or start your application today.