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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
August 25, 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.

Table listing featured courses with course code, name, and credit hours.
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.

Students should refer to their catalog or audited degree plan (ADP) for required courses to complete their degree.

2025-26 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 15Monday, August 25
Session MFriday, September 12Monday, September 22
Session BFriday, October 17Monday, October 27
Session CWednesday, January 7Monday, January 12
Session TFriday, January 30Monday, February 9
Session DFriday, March 6Monday, March 16
Session EFriday, May 1Monday, May 11
Session FFriday, June 12Monday, June 22

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$51512$6,180
Biblical Studies$51512$6,180
Christian Theology$51512$6,180
Church History$51512$6,180
Church Leadership$51512$6,180
Online Ministry$51512$6,180
Spiritual Formation$51512$6,180
Worship & Media$51512$6,180

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)$900 (Fall & Spring)
$750 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)$750

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

*Rates are subject to change at any time.

“My training at Regent has equipped me to impact nations through teaching and preaching God's word. My teaching has changed from being content-centered to being learner-centered. I have gained a clearer vision about God's redemptive call on my life, and my time at Regent has left an indelible mark on my ministry.”
Dr. Samuel T. Koshy, Doctor of Ministry, 2024
“I graduated from Regent University with a M.A. in Practical Theology. As I stand at the doorstep of my calling, I can see now how every lesson and interaction has prepared me.”
Son-Djerry Cameus, M.A. in Practical Theology, 2020 Community Navigator/Family Coach, La Esperanza
“All the professors at Regent are truly gracious and willing to talk to you and help you — even if it's not class-related. They treat their job like it's their calling. Through them, I learned to care for people like a pastor would.”
Derek Hirtz, M.Div., 2015
“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
“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