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Chapel steeple: Regent University offers a church history certificate program online and in Virginia Beach.

Certificate of Graduate Studies in Church History

Online
12
January 13, 2025
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The Certificate of Graduate Studies in Church History, offered online, is a graduate-level certificate program that can help you understand the historical significance of the Church and how critical events have shaped faith – past and present. This certificate program is for nondegree-seeking students only.

  • Study the historical developments of the Church.
  • Identify effective ministry approaches used in the Church over time.
  • Apply historical biblical lessons to help guide you and others from repeating mistakes and compromising God’s Word.

Please complete the Request Information form on this page to learn more about this program.

This certificate program may help you grow as an expert in your field and advance your calling as a lay minister, pastor or nonprofit team member.

DIV 500 Graduate Foundations for Divinity (2), as required upon admission, plus 12 credit hours from any 500-600 level HCHT courses.

Featured Courses
DIV 500Graduate Foundations for Divinity2
Provides the knowledge, resources, and essential skills needed for success at the graduate level. Topics include academic writing, online learning, information literacy and advising and support services for Divinity students.
HCHT 505Church History 13
An overview of Church history from the time of Christ to the Pre-Reformation. Special attention is given to the growth and development of the church in historical context, major Christian thought leaders, the advancement of the Gospel, and renewing work of the Holy Spirit.
HCHT 506Church History 23
An overview of Church history from the Reformation to the modern era. Special attention is given to the historical context for the Reformation, leading thought leaders of pre- and post-Reformation times, the historical development of major Christian doctrine and spirituality, and the modern Renewal Movement.
HCHT 601Early Church History3
Historical developments of the Church, with special emphasis on renewal movements and the history of Christian thought in both East and West from the time of the apostles until the fifth century.
HCHT 602Medieval Church History3
Historical developments of the Church, with special emphasis on renewal movements and the history of Christian thought in both East and West from the fifth century until the fifteenth century.
HCHT 603Early Modern Church History3
Historical developments of the Church, with special emphasis on renewal movements and the history of Christian thought from the Reformation (sixteenth century) until the eighteenth century.
HCHT 604Modern Church History3
Historical developments of the Church, with special emphasis on renewal movements and the history of Christian thought in both East and West from the nineteenth through the early twenty-first centuries.
HCHT 605History of Renewal Movements3
History and development of worldwide Pentecostal and Charismatic churches, from Pentecost to the modern era with focus on the growth and significance of the modern Pentecostal and Charismatic movements and their impact on the global Church.
HCHT 606Protestant Reformation3
Detailed look at the history of the Reformation and its sixteenth century historical context. Focuses on Luther, Calvin, and the major historical figures and movements, their impact on the Church, doctrinal development, and the renewing work of the Holy Spirit as a catalyst for change.

2024-25 Semester Check-In Deadlines

All students are expected to check-in for the semester two weeks before the session start date. Students should apply, be accepted, enroll in their first courses, and confirm a plan to pay for their courses prior to this date.

SessionSemester Check-InSession Start Date
Session AFriday, August 9Monday, August 19
Session MFriday, September 6Monday, September 16
Session BFriday, October 11Monday, October 21
Session CWednesday, January 8Monday, January 13
Session TFriday, January 31Monday, February 10
Session DFriday, March 7Monday, March 17
Session EFriday, May 2Monday, May 12
Session FFriday, June 13Monday, June 23

Certificate programs are designed for those seeking professional development through continuing education for ministers and pastors. Students earn graduate credit that can be applied toward a ministry degree program if further study is desired. Certificate students wishing to earn an academic degree must apply separately to that degree program and meet full admission requirements. Acceptance into a certificate program does not guarantee acceptance into a degree program.

Application Requirements

Step 1: Apply to Regent University

Submit your application using the Regent University Online Application.

Note: If you are unable to complete our application due to a disability, please contact our Admissions Office at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu and an admissions representative will provide reasonable accommodations to assist you in completing the application.

Step 2: Submit Your Unofficial Transcripts

Submit your unofficial transcripts to regent.edu/items.

Upon submitting your application, you will receive an email requesting authorization for Regent University to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution. International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES, AACRAO or NAFSA approved agency.

Step 3: Submit Your Government-Issued ID

To ensure academic integrity, Regent University requires a copy of a government-issued ID. Please submit a scanned copy or photograph of it to regent.edu/items.


Please feel free to contact the Office of Admissions at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu should you have any further questions about the application process.

Note: All items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent University and cannot be returned.

Certificate of Graduate StudiesTuition Cost Per Credit HourTotal CreditsTuition Cost for Certificate
Biblical Languages$53012$6,360
Biblical Studies$53012$6,360
Christian Theology$53012$6,360
Church History$53012$6,360
Church Leadership$53012$6,360
Online Ministry$53012$6,360
Spiritual Formation$53012$6,360
Worship & Media$53012$6,360

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)$850 (Fall & Spring)
$700 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)$700

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

*Rates are subject to change at any time.

“I received a direct commission to the U.S. Army Reserves in the rank of Second Lieutenant on April 10, 2019. The decision to pursue a military career came as a result of my prayerfully discerning a clear call from God to join ministry, specifically through military chaplaincy during this time.”

Whitney Mathis, M. Div., 2020

“I want to take what Regent taught me back to Uganda in a language they can easily understand and relate to.”

Boniface Odong, M.Div., 2017

“Regent was the final yes to answering my call to ministry. My Regent M.Div. degree was exactly what I needed to equip people in ministry.”

Nina Anderson, M.Div., 2014 Pastor, The Well; Kingdom Strategist, Nina Anderson Ministries; Motivational Speaker; Family & Service Pastor, New Life Church

“My journey through the School of Divinity was transformational, challenging and inspirational. The Spirit-filled faculty and staff were dedicated to my success as a student and a military officer. My classes — both on campus and online — exuded excellence and sound biblical teaching.”

Tierra S. Gibbs, M.A., 2012 Practical Theology

“It was the beginning stages of Regent's D.Min. program that really helped define my leadership gift and lay a foundation for what the Lord has done. It gave me the practical tools that I needed.”

Mark Batterson, D.Min., 2013 Lead Pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C.; New York Times Best-Selling Author