Master of Arts in Church History

Deerfield, IL


Pursuing a Master of Arts in Church History will provide a focused study of the history of the Christian church. You will engage with the history and doctrine of the early church, history of church revival, and gain a deeper insight into the history of the Free Church. Trinity offers some of the most renowned church historians to mentor and teach you how to integrate history and theology throughout your studies.

If you are interested in academic teaching and writing in church history or theology, Trinity’s program is an excellent choice to prepare you for further graduate or doctoral work. Our alumni are regularly accepted into top-tier postgraduate programs. Adding an MA in Church History to an MDiv can also enrich your educational and ministry goals.

BIBLE AND THEOLOGY CORE: 9 HOURS

Course Title Credits
ID 5000 Biblical Theology and Interpretation 3 hours
ST 5201 Theology I: The God of the Gospel 3 hours
ST 5202 Theology II: The Gospel of God 3 hours

CHURCH HISTORY CORE: 24-26 HOURS

Required:
Course Title Credits
CH 8100 Classic Texts in the History of Christianity 3 hours
CH 8911 &
CH 8912
Colloquium in Historical
Methodology I & II
2 hours
ELECTIVES IN CHURCH HISTORY 19–21 HOURS

FIELD EDUCATION AND CAPSTONE: 2 HOURS

All MA/CH students must complete a field education requirement. Learn more about Field Ed at https://www.tiu.edu/divinity/student-internships-field-experience/

Field Education (0 hours)

Select one option from the following:
Course Title Credits
PT 5090 Field Education (1 semesters) –or–
ID 5080 Formation Group (2 semesters) o hours

MA/CH Capstone (1-3 hours)

Course Title Credits
CH 7477 MA/CH Major Comprehensive Exam 1 hour
Select from one of the following:
Option 1:
CH 7980
& 7980
MA Major Research Paper and MA Major Research Paper*
Option 2:
CH 7485 MA Thesis**
TOTAL HOURS   36
HOURS

*Option available for those not intending to pursue PhD studies in history. Letters of recommendation for PhD studies will not be provided by departmental faculty for those pursuing this option.

** Option expected for those intending to pursue PhD studies in history.


“I came to TEDS to study theology, but one course in church history convinced me that neither discipline makes sense without a solid command of the other. The TEDS church history faculty admirably integrates history and theology, providing a rich experience for students in every program of study. In addition, their genuine personal interest in each student’s success is a model of shepherding care in a rigorous academic setting. It is an amazing opportunity to study with renowned historians who understand church history as the crucial context for fruitful service to the church.”

Mary Beth Tara ’20

Learn From the Best

Trinity is a place where you will learn how to serve the church and how to academically engage the world around you. Throughout the year we host some of the brightest minds in modern academics allowing you to learn from experts in their field. Just check out the latest Richard A. Muller lecture on church history and you will see the kind of academic content that you will benefit from as a student at TEDS.

 

Why TEDS?

Trinity has been entrusted with the Gospel since 1897, and every day we are called to live with purpose. Our purpose as a divinity school is to know the Gospel, live the Gospel and make the Gospel known. In today’s ever-changing culture, Trinity immerses students in a community of biblical orthodoxy and practical living. The Trinity faculty is among the most widely published in evangelical academia and has deeply influenced the leaders shaping the present and future of evangelical Christianity across the globe.

“During the past 50 years, graduates of the Church History program at TEDS have played a sizable role in serving the global evangelical church as academic historians, researchers, missionaries, teachers, and gospel ministers. Today, our graduates (over 200 strong) can be found on six continents, mining the rich resources of the past to edify, warn, and offer wisdom to the contemporary Church.”

Scott Manetsch
Chair of Church History Department

PREREQUISITES

In addition to the requirements for general admissions, you’ll need the following:

  • An undergraduate major or its equivalent in history (specifically, 18 hours of undergrad history courses).
  • An undergrad GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT) required if less than 3.0.
  • A reading knowledge of languages required to complete your thesis. This varies according to your area of study, and your advisor will help you be aware of what you’ll need.

Learn More

By clicking the button below, you authorize Trinity International University to call, text or email you information using the information provided in the form above.

GET CONNECTED AND JOIN US!

Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to keep up with TEDS programs, news and events.

Facebook Icon Instagram Icon Twitter Icon

CHURCH HISTORY FACULTY

Apply