Master in Classics and Early Christianity (MACEC)
hbu.edu/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.
Degree Entry Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Personal Statement
- Résumé
Degree Plans
Master of Arts in Early Christianity (Biblical Languages Track)
Master of Arts in Early Christianity (Christianity Track)
Master of Arts in Early Christianity (Classics Track)
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
See a list of readings in the primary sources.
Next Steps
For more information about the program, please contact Dr. Timothy Brookins.
For more information about degree requirements, contact HCU’s Graduate School.