Masters in Classics and Early Christianity (MACEC)

Study Christianity 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.’

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

Next Steps

For more information about the program, please contact Dr. Timothy Brookins.

For more information about degree requirements, contact HCU’s Graduate School.

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