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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.

“Regent has maintained a high standard of scholarship and the practical aspects of leadership, and they have outstanding professors. I was blessed when I was there.”
Daniel Backens, M.A. in Practical Theology, 1999 Senior Pastor, New Life Church
“Regent University was the place where my ministry was envisioned, birthed, and built up in the Spirit, during many divine appointments across the campus, at the chapel, and at the Founders Inn. Regent’s education has added many deep theological foundations to my ministry. Studying revivals and the history of renewal movements has ignited the flame in my ministry!”
Dr. Tharwat Adly Nagib, Doctor of Philosophy in Theological Studies, 2019
“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
“Thank you Regent University for making the most out of this special day for the Class of 2020.”
Richard Sarmiento, M.Div., 2020 Recruiting Specialist, Accenture Federal Services
“I experienced the Regent difference after visiting some of the best known seminaries. The faculty here prayed over each prospective student and laid hands on each of us. The Holy Spirit confirmed for me that day the Regent School of Divinity was where I needed to be.”
Matthew Chandler, M.Div., 2020 Director of Operations, Regent University School of Divinity