Master of Arts in Christian History (M.A.C.H.)
Institution: GEA University of San Marco
Faculty: THEOLOGY
Title: Master of Arts in Christian History (M.A.C.H.)
Delivery Format: Fully Online, with Optional Study Intensives or Pilgrimage Opportunities abroad
Program Length: 2 years (full-time) | Up to 4 years (part-time)
Total Credits: 60
Start Terms: Fall, Spring, Summer
Program Overview
The Master of Arts in Christian History (M.A.C.H.) at GEA University of San Marco is a rigorous graduate program that offers students a deep understanding of the historical development of Christianity from the early church to the global church of today. Designed for educators, ministry leaders, and scholars, this fully online program integrates theological insight, historical context, and cultural engagement. It aligns with Florida postsecondary standards and the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), allowing flexible and accessible distance learning.
Curriculum Structure (60 Credits)
đ Core Historical Foundations (24 Credits)
| Course Title | Original Code | Credits | SCNS Code | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early Church History and Apostolic Foundations | CHH 5101 | 3 | REL 5300 | Focus on early church, Apostolic Fathers, and New Testament-era history |
| Christian History: Late Antiquity and Councils | CHH 5201 | 3 | REL 5301 | Covers Nicene and post-Nicene periods, early ecumenical councils |
| Medieval Christianity and Monastic Movements | CHH 5301 | 3 | REL 5302 | Examines medieval church, monasticism, scholastic theology |
| Reformation and Early Modern Church | CHH 5400 | 3 | REL 5303 | Includes Protestant Reformation, Catholic Reformation, early modernity |
| Modern and Postmodern Christianity | CHH 5501 | 3 | REL 5304 | From Enlightenment to 21st-century Christianity, global trends |
| History of Christianity in America | CHH 5600 | 3 | REL 5330 | American religious movements, denominationalism, revivalism |
| Christianity and Empire: Global Expansion | CHH 5700 | 3 | REL 5340 | Missiology, colonial Christianity, contextual theology |
| History of Christian Doctrine | CHH 5800 | 3 | REL 5350 | Historical theology: creeds, councils, doctrinal development |
đ Cultural and Interreligious Dialogue (Interfaith Focus) (12 Credits)
| Course Title | Original Code | Credits | SCNS Code | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christianity and Indigenous Cultures | INT 6200 | 3 | REL 5360 | Christian missions, cultural encounters, and indigenous theology |
| Christianity and Judaism in Historical Context | INT 6210 | 3 | REL 5361 | Focus on shared roots and historical tensions |
| Interfaith Dialogue and Church History | INT 6220 | 3 | REL 5362 | Dialogue as historical and theological development |
| Christianity and Islam through the Ages | INT 6230 | 3 | REL 5363 | Historical interactions, theology, conflict, and coexistence |
đ Pedagogical and Professional Integration (Education Integration) (12 Credits)
| Course Title | Original Code | Credits | SCNS Code | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teaching Christian History in Academic Settings | EDF 6330 | 3 | EDF 6330 | Retains standard SCNS number for pedagogy in higher education; focuses on methods of teaching religious/historical content. |
| Curriculum Development for Historical Theology | EDG 6375 | 3 | EDG 6375 | Matches curriculum theory/design in subject-specific content areas (used in educational leadership and religious ed). |
| Applied Research in Church History | EDF 6482 | 3 | EDF 6482 | Consistent with SCNS codes for action or applied research in educational contexts. |
| Practicum in Christian Education or Ministry | EDF 6942 | 3 | EDF 6942 | Practicum/internship course in educational settings; adapted for ministry/teaching environments. |
â Summary
This 12-credit block in Pedagogical and Professional Integration provides:
- Practical teaching skills for Christian educators.
- Curriculum design expertise in theological content.
- Research training for action-based or qualitative studies in historical contexts.
- Hands-on experience in educational or ministry settings.
đ Capstone Project & Reflective Integration (12 Credits)
| Course Title | Original Code | Credits | SCNS Code | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capstone Seminar in Christian History | IDS 6996 | 3 | IDS 6996 | Standard SCNS number for graduate-level capstone seminars across disciplines. |
| Research Thesis or Applied Ministry Project | IDS 6997 | 3 | IDS 6997 | Thesis/project-based course; aligns with SCNS for master's-level culminating work. |
| Study Tour or Virtual Pilgrimage and Reflection | IDS 6999 | 3 | IDS 6999 | Special topics or experiential learning; this code is often used for integrative travel-based or virtual fieldwork. |
| Oral Presentation and Portfolio Defense | IDS 6994 | 3 | IDS 6994 | Oral exams, presentations, and final portfolio review; appropriate for graduate capstone defense. |
Florida Standards Alignment
This M.A.C.H. program adheres to Floridaâs graduate academic standards, incorporating critical historical scholarship, theological integration, and research-based pedagogy to prepare students for leadership and teaching in faith-based or academic contexts.
Admissions Requirements
- Bachelorâs degree
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Statement of Purpose (including interest in Christian History)
- 2 Letters of Recommendation (academic or pastoral)
- Interview with Program Director (online)
đť Online Learning Platform
GEA University's program utilizes a TV on-demand and a robust Learning Management System (LMS) to deliver course contents, facilitate discussions, and support student engagement.
Features include:
- Asynchronous lectures and readings.
- Synchronous seminars and virtual office hours.
- Access to digital libraries and research databases.
- Interactive forums for peer collaboration.
Career Pathways
Graduates of the M.A.C.H. program may pursue:
- Church history educator or curriculum designer
- Historical theologian or Christian studies researcher
- Seminary or Christian college faculty
- Faith-based nonprofit leader or archivist
- Doctoral study in theology, church history, or religious studies