Master of Classics and Early Christianity

Study Christianity and its influence on the literary world in its historical context.

The Master of Arts in Classics and Early Christianity degree explores the origins, history, and literature of the Early Christian movement within the context of Judaism and Greco-Roman culture between roughly 300 BC and AD 200. The program centers around reading in the primary sources from Second-Temple Judaism, Greek and Roman authors, and early Christian literature. For a list of readings, see below under “Courses.”

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Program Description

Our 36-hour MA in Classics and Early Christianity program provides ideal preparation for doctoral-level study in Second-Temple Judaism, biblical languages, classics, or study in the New Testament and early Christianity. Graduates of the program are suited for teaching roles in colleges and universities, as well as in K-12 schools in the classical school tradition. The MACEC degree is also appropriate for pastors and laypeople who are looking for a broader historical framework for understanding the New Testament, whether with an eye to more informed public teaching or simply for personal enrichment.

Entry Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree
Personal Statement
Résumé

Degree Plans

Review Biblical Languages Track requirements
Review Christianity Track Requirements
Review Classics Track Requirements

Courses

The program’s curriculum includes core courses on the New Testament, classical and biblical languages, classical civilization, Second Temple Judaism, and the Apostolic Fathers. Students may study Greek, Latin or Hebrew. There is opportunity to take courses focused upon Early Christianity, Judaism and the Greco-Roman World in a variety of disciplines including History, Philosophy, Archaeology and Religion.

Suggested course sequence:

Two-Year Plan

Semester 1 (Fall)	Semester 2 (Spring)
CHRI 5305 Theological Inquiry CHRI 5370 Second Temple Judaism GREK or LATN or HEBR 5301 Elementary Greek or Hebrew or Latin I	CLAS 5310 Classics and Christianity ELEC Elective GREK or LATN or HEBR 5302 Elementary Greek or Hebrew or Latin II
Semester 3 (Fall)	Semester 4 (Spring)
CHRI 5315 Christian Scriptures II ELEC Elective ELEC Elective or Thesis	CHRI 5380 Early Patristic ELEC Elective ELEC Elective or Thesis

TOTAL HOURS: 36

Three-Year Plan

Semester 1 (Fall)	Semester 2 (Spring)
CHRI 5305 Theological Inquiry CHRI 5370 Second Temple Judaism	CLAS 5310 Classics and Christianity ELEC Elective
Semester 3 (Fall)	Semester 4 (Spring)
CHRI 5315 Christian Scriptures II GREK or LATN or HEBR 5301 Elementary Greek or Hebrew or Latin I	CHRI 5380 Early Patristic GREK or LATN or HEBR 5302 Elementary Greek or Hebrew or Latin II
Semester 5 (Fall)	Semester 6 (Spring)
ELEC Elective ELEC Elective or Thesis	ELEC Elective ELEC Elective or Thesis

TOTAL HOURS: 36

Bachelor of Arts in Classics

Master of Arts in Biblical Languages

Master of Arts in Philosophy

Admissions

If you’re ready for a fulfilling journey in classics and early Christianity, Houston Christian University welcomes you to apply. Get started today:

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Master of Arts in Classics and Early Christianity (MACEC)