In the summer of 2021, Gordon-Conwell formally transitioned to new degree programs. Learn More. The program below remains active for students who entered before that time who have not yet graduated. No new students are being accepted into this specific program.
Quick Facts
Credit hours: 60
Completion time: 2 years (full-time study)
Digital: Up to 50% digital/remote
Program Overview
Become fad-proof for a lifetime of ministry by rooting yourself in the history of the Church and training in the classic theological disciplines. The Master of Arts — Church History will provide a strong historical, biblical and theological foundation for your future in teaching, ministry or further studies. By exploring Christianity from the first century to the 21st century, you’ll learn how Christians have remained faithful through many cultures, events and eras.
Program Distinctives
- New England location in the heart of Puritan territory and the start of American missions—both strong influences in the history of Christianity
- Distinguished faculty members bring expertise in medieval Christianity, the Reformation, and American Puritanism and revival traditions
- Courses centered on key figures in Christian history, including Jonathan Edwards, John Calvin, Augustine, Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Martin Luther
- Access to other top-tier institutions, including Harvard Divinity School and Boston University School of Theology, through the Boston Theological Interreligious Consortium
Typical Student
Master of Arts (Church History) students are typically interested in pursuing doctoral work, for which this degree is excellent preparation. Some may wish to teach in Christian education, enter into other ministries or learn to more effectively serve in their current vocation.
Potential Careers
- Doctoral studies
- Research
- Teaching in Christian Education
Degree Goals
- To understand the basic content and themes of the Old and New Testaments in their historical and cultural settings as well as the historical and theological dimensions of the Christian faith
- To understand important persons, events, movements, institutions and ideas in the early, medieval, reformation and modern periods of church history
- To develop skills for historical research and writing, as well as an awareness of important bibliographic resources in the discipline, including competence in a biblical or research language
- To foster love for God and his Word and therefore to cultivate the practices of spiritual maturity and Christ-like character, and to understand the Christian’s ethical responsibility in church and society
- To understand and appreciate the rich heritage of the Church’s global history in order to be able to interact more biblically and effectively with our contemporary world.
Spotlight Alum
I encountered professors and students at Gordon-Conwell who took both the Christian faith and human learning very seriously. That openness to human learning served me quite well as a doctoral student at the University of Notre Dame, where I subsequently earned a Ph.D. in American history, and it continues to inspire me in my current roles.”
Grant Brodrecht, MACH ‘00
Director, Capstone Program
History Instructor | Geneva School | Winter Park, FL
Author of Our Country