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Build your future on two millennia of Christian history. History of Christianity (M.A.)

When you study the history of Christianity at Wheaton College, you’ll have unprecedented access to expert faculty, impressive research facilities, rich hands-on learning opportunities, and a vibrant alumni community.

Credential Type

  • M.A.

Major Credits Required

  • 44

Duration

  • 2 years

Format

  • Residential

25+ Christ-committed faculty members

The School of Biblical and Theological Studies is home to more than two dozen faculty members, including the core faculty for the M.A. History in Christianity.

5+ Books by faculty members

Our faculty members are widely published in academic journals and the popular press; several have authored book-length works based on their research.

Center for Early Christian Studies

With a lecture series, publishing imprint, and ongoing research, this center offers graduate students professional development and experiential learning opportunities.

Request Information

Or reach out to us anytime at graduate.admissions@wheaton.edu.

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Wheaton College IL Timothy Larsen Professor of History and Christian Thought

Prepare for where God's calling you next Why Study the History of Christianity at Wheaton?

Knowing Christian history is vital to serving the global church, no matter what your professional calling is. That’s why a master’s in church history is appealing to students of all academic backgrounds. 

Gain Practical Skills & Build Character

This advanced degree emphasizes historical research and writing, critical reading and analysis, and faith integration—all of which can be applied to careers in the church, academics, and society. Whether you’re looking to enrich your current career, want to seek advancement opportunities, or wish to pursue a new path, an M.A. in the History of Christianity can prepare you for where God’s calling you next.

Develop Expertise in a Specific Era of Christianity

Choose from one of three concentration areas:

Early Christianity Reformation Christianity Modern Christianity

Post-Apostolic era through Byzantine period 

(roughly 2nd-8th centuries)

Late medieval period and Renaissance era through post-Reformation period

(roughly 15th-17th centuries)

Post-Reformation period to the present

(roughly 17th-21st centuries)

Our Curriculum

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.

 

 

Sample Courses

History of Christianity core and elective options include:

  • History of American Christianity
  • Global Church History
  • Life and Teachings of Jesus
  • Historical Theology: Reformation and Modern
  • Studies in Biblical Lands
  • Prophets & Prophecy

History in Action Engage in Experiential Learning and Independent Research

Studying the history of Christianity at Wheaton College gives you access to primary research resources, professional development activities, and experiential learning opportunities.

Tel Shimron Excavation - Wheaton College (IL)

Cross-Cultural & International Experiences

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.

Jonathan Blanchards Diary - Housed in Archives and Special Collections
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Center for Early Christian Studies

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 Compassionate and Intelligent Educators

Our faculty of Christ-following historians includes experts in a range of eras and topics, including church fathers, religion and literature, global Christianity, ethics in the early church, the Enlightenment, and history of faith and thought.

Wheaton College Graduate School Graduate Student at Commencement with His Mom
Investing in You

Financial Wellness

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

Success After Wheaton What Can You Do With a Master's in the History of Christianity?

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.

Careers

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: 

  • Assistant professor of philosophy
  • Associate professor of theology
  • Bible and logic teacher
  • Communications officer in higher education
  • Coordinator of metadata services at university library
  • Copy editor in Christian publishing
  • Dean of students at classical school
  • Director of content for church-planting organization
  • Director of digital learning at a Christian college
  • Managing editor
  • Policy Analyst
  • Regional manager with a manufacturer
  • Software developer
  • Worship pastor

 

 

Companies & Organizations

And they’ve worked for organizations, institutions, and companies such as:

  • Averett University
  • Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
  • B&H Academic
  • Christianity Today
  • Gordon College
  • The Gospel Coalition
  • Lancaster Bible College
  • Life360
  • Moody Bible Institute
  • Mount Mercy University
  • Museum of the Bible
  • Musicnotes
  • New Identity Magazine
  • New York City Department of Design and Construction
  • Preaching Today
  • Regent College
  • University of Denver
  • Wipf and Stock Publishers

Continued Study

Additionally, some History of Christianity M.A. students go on to pursue doctoral degrees at institutions such as: 

  • Knox Theological Seminary (D.Min)
  • Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (Ph.D, Historical Theology)
  • Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (Ph.D, Church History and Historical Theology)
  • Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (Ph.D, Historical Theology)
  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Ph.D, American Religious History)
  • University of Oxford

Next Steps

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.

Graduate Admissions Request Information