Corpus Statue at the Billy Graham Center Wheaton College
M.A. in History of Christianity
Student sitting on the window sill in the Billy Graham center
M.A. in History of Christianity

M.A. in History of Christianity

Why Pursue an M.A. in History of Christianity?

The History of Christianity program equips and mentors graduate students seeking general and advanced study in Christian History by providing training in historical research and writing, critical reading and analysis, historiography, foreign language study, faith integration, and vocation formation

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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, Writer and Editor, Museum of the Bible, Oklahoma City, OK

 


Why Study History of Christianity at Wheaton?

Our program offers training in the discipline of Christian history by equipping students 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, students will receive training in social history, historical theology, and the history of biblical interpretation.

Our program models and encourages methodologically sound integrative thinking for Christians in the field of history. Through mentoring as well as courses such as “Vocation Formation” and “Historiography,” graduate students will have opportunities to reflect, discern, and prepare for their calling. They will be encouraged and equipped to use their gifts as faithful scholars in a variety of contexts, whether for the academy, for the church, or for society. We believe that knowing Christian history is vital to the Christian faith and ministry.

Though not required, interested students have the opportunity to select an area of emphasis in one of the three periods of study: Early Christianity, Reformation Christianity, or Modern Christianity. For those in pursuit of doctoral studies, this option of selecting an area of emphasis is highly recommended.

Explore the life and thought of the Christian church in its first seven centuries through the teaching, research, and publications of the Wheaton Center for Early Christian Studies.

Find detailed information such as course requirements, course descriptions, faculty information, and a program overview for the M.A. in History of Christianity.

The M.A. in History of Christianity is accessible for remote learners while retaining a robust residential experience on the Wheaton College campus in Wheaton, IL. The remote option will be available beginning fall of 2024. Please reach out to Graduate Admissions for more information.

Biblical and Theological Studies women enjoying a day out in Chicago

BTS Grad Women's Fellowship

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.

 


Faculty Books

Calvin meets Voltaire by Jennifer Powell McNutt book cover

Calvin Meets Voltaire

Based upon a decade of research on the sources at Geneva's Archives d'Etat and Bibliotheque de Geneve, Dr. Jennifer Powell McNutt provides the first comprehensive monograph devoted to Geneva's Enlightenment clergy.

 

 

Book Cover of Balm in Gilead

Balm in Gilead: A Theological Dialogue with Marilynne Robinson

This collection of essays, coedited by Dr. Keith Johnson and Dr. Tim Larsen, brings together the reflections of theologians, historians, and literary critics in dialogue with the person and work of Marilynne Robinson. 

The Slain God: Anthropologists and the Christian Faith by Timothy Larsen book cover

The Slain God

Despite being a major site of friction between faith and modern thought, the relationship between anthropology and Christianity has never before been the subject of a book-length study. Dr. Timothy Larsen examines the point where doubt and faith collide with anthropological theory and evidence. 

Caesar and the Lamb: Early Christian Attitudes on War and Military Service

Caesar and the Lamb

Caesar and the Lamb by Dr. George Kalantzis focuses on the attitudes of the earliest Christians toward war and military service and tells the story of the struggle of the earliest Church, and the communities of Christ at the margins of power and society.

TowerTalk Videos

George Kalantzis - TowerTalkDr. George Kalantzis
Professor of Theology
“What is Christian Community?”
Watch the video >

 

Jennifer Powell McNutt - TowerTalksDr. Jennifer Powell McNutt
Associate Professor of Theology and History of Christianity
"The Refugee Crisis: A Church Historian’s Response"
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George MacDonald in the Age of the Incarnation - Tim Larsen, Ph.D.

Tim Larsen, Ph.D. Dr. Timothy Larson
Carolyn and Fred McManis Professor of Christian Thought
"George MacDonald in the Age of the Incarnation" (A three-part lecture)
Watch the videos >

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Possible Careers for M.A. in History of Christianity Students

In partnership with our Center for Vocation and Career, many of our majors find employment in church and parachurch agencies.

  • Churches
  • Colleges and universities
  • Junior colleges
  • Parachurch agencies
  • Religious organizations
  • Seminaries
  • Publishing houses
  • Ministries

Alumni from the program have gone on to complete doctoral degrees at the following universities:

  • Arizona
  • Baylor
  • Cambridge
  • City University of NY
  • Drew
  • Edinburgh
  • Florida State
  • Princeton
  • Princeton Theological Seminary
  • Rice

Graduates of the program currently teach not only at confessional schools, but a variety of secular universities and colleges in America, as well as institutions of higher education abroad. Others have gone into teaching at high schools. Other students have entered into the publishing world, the creative writing and media field. A number of graduates serve in ministry with churches, mission agencies, charities, or para-church organizations.