MA Quaker Studies

The Master of Arts in Quaker Studies (MAQS) offers a rich examination of the Quaker (Friends) movement from a Christ-centered perspective, including its unique history, deep convictions, distinctive practices, and sense of purpose.

What will I learn?

The Master of Arts in Quaker Studies (MAQS) offers a rich examination of the Quaker (Friends) movement from a Christ-centered perspective, including its unique history, deep convictions, distinctive practices, and sense of purpose. This program is for church leaders, professionals, and anyone who would like to discover more about the Friends Church and its place in our world today.

Additional Benefits of the MA in Quaker Studies:

  • Complete program in only 2 years (4 semesters), a total of 36 credit hours!
  • 100% online – so students can further their education wherever they go!
  • Affordably priced – with Graduate Leadership Scholarships available!
  • Accredited – by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, and the Association for Biblical Higher Education.

Course Requirements

Quaker Studies Course Requirements

Master of Arts in Quaker Studies (12 credit hours)

MAQS512: Quaker History (3) – This course provides a survey of the Friends Church from its origins in the 17 th century to the present. Friends history is examined with its distinctive practices, reform efforts, church polity, and the ongoing challenges of cultural relativism and relevancy. The worldwide movement of Quakers is studied.

MAQS522: Quaker Beliefs (3) – Friends affirm the unity of the true Christian Church, while also recognizing the theological contribution that each corporate body makes to the whole. This course examines the essential truths of the Christian faith held in common by Christ-centered Friends, while also exploring the background and biblical basis of several distinctive Quaker perspectives.

MAQS532: Quaker Classics (3) – This course provides a study of classical literature by prominent Friends leaders, tracing a Christ-centered theme throughout the story of Quakerism. Students will learn from the writing of authors such as George Fox, Robert Barclay, and Joseph John Gurney, applying historic Quaker insights to life and ministry today.

MAQS542: Quaker Missions (3) – God has not called Quakers to reach everyone in the world for Christ by themselves, but there is a portion of the Great Commission for which they will be held accountable. This course investigates the advent and worldwide spread of Friends through humanitarian aid, the proclamation of the gospel, the planting of churches, and the rise of cross- cultural missions. Special attention is given to the engagement of Friends in world missions over the past 150 years.

Master's Course Requirements

MAO501: Orientation (0) – This is a one-week course designed to introduce students to the graduate program at Barclay College, including: classmates, course instructors, the mechanics of the online portal and discussion forum, and the academic rigors of graduate studies.

Theology Core (15 credit hours)

MABI511: Old Testament Hermeneutics (3) – God’s revelation through the Old Testament illuminates His timely message and timeless story for His people, while also providing the context and foundation for the New Testament. In this class, students will investigate the richness of the Old Testament and its relevance for today, including the principles and procedures for its interpretation, application, and exposition.

MABI521: New Testament Hermeneutics (3) – The narrative of Christ and His Church, foreshadowed in the Old Testament and revealed in the New Testament, provides the framework for Christian faith and practice. This class in biblical interpretation and exegesis focuses on the life and teachings of Christ, the experience of believers, and the eternal hope of the Church as recorded in the gospels, epistles, and apocalyptic literature.

MATH531: Christian Theology (3) – This class investigates the essential teachings of the evangelical Christian faith, with special attention given to the person and work of Christ, sin and salvation, the role of the Holy Spirit, the life of the Church, and contemporary theological issues. Students will become better equipped to apply and articulate theological convictions in ministry settings.

MATH541: The History of Christianity (3) – This course addresses the major events, issues, personalities, and movements that shape and define the story of the Christian Church. Topics such as the birth and growth of the Early Church, the threat of persecution, the rise of monasticism, the Councils of Nicea and Chalcedon, the Reformation, the Great Awakenings, ecumenical efforts, and the globalization of the gospel provide a deeper understanding of the Church and a relevant perspective for ministry today.

MAMM513: The Missional Church (3) – We may not all be called to serve Christ as missionaries in a foreign land, but we are all called to be “on mission with God” wherever He may lead us. In this course, students are challenged to examine their purpose and calling in life, maximize their capacity to build bridges, and bear faithful witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ both at home and around the world.

Research and Application (9 credit hours)

MARA523: Research Methods (3) – This course is an introduction to the research methods that are applicable in a variety of academic and organizational settings, including both quantitative and qualitative strategies that are commonly used in a graduate Capstone project.

MARA533: Applied Research I (3) – In this research and application course, students will identify and begin to investigate a potential Capstone project that relates to their chosen concentration of graduate studies. Through practical examination, each student will focus on their field of study using a variety of potential methods, some of which may include: field experience, literature review, and other forms of data collection.

MARA543: Applied Research II – Capstone Project (3) – This course involves the completion of a written Capstone project that serves as the culmination of a student’s research and their graduate school experience. Students will integrate their research findings with their chosen area of concentration, making application to life, service, and leadership today. In addition, each student will demonstrate their acquisition of scholarship, critical thinking, creativity, and written communication skills.

Derek Brown, PhD

Director of Quaker Studies (Acting)

Derek Brown serves as the acting Director of Quaker Studies as well as the acting Dean of the School of Graduate Studies. He is the Vice President for Academic Services at Barclay College, where he still teaches as a professor of practical theology. Prior to becoming the chief academic officer, Derek service as the Vice President for Graduate Studies and Distance Education, the Vice President for Graduate Studies, a graduate school director, and the chair of the undergraduate Pastoral Ministry program for nearly ten years. 

Interested in Quaker Studies?

We’d love to share more information, including academic majors and graduate program financial opportunities.

Benefits of graduate studies at Barclay College

Complete program in only 2 years (4 semesters), a total of 36 credit hours

100% online — so students
can further their education
wherever they go

Affordably priced — with
Graduate Leadership
Scholarships available

Accredited — by the Higher
Learning Commission and
the Association for Biblical
Higher Education

Tuition & Financial Assistance

The costs at Barclay College are much less than similar private Christian colleges. We also offer scholarships and other types of financial aid. Our outstanding quality and reasonable costs add up to a great education value.

$8,520

Estimated cost per year for the 2023-2024 year

How to Apply

Barclay College admits students based on academic record and abilities, Christian commitment, and agreement with the established purposes of the college. See the requirements for the application to the School of Graduate Studies.

View the Application Requirements below. If you have questions, contact graduatestudies@barclaycollege.edu.

Graduate School Calendar

SPRING 2024
START END
Application Deadline December 8
Orientation December 11 January 5
Enrollment Deadline December 22
Classes January 8 May 12
FALL 2024
START END
Application Deadline July 22
Orientation July 8 August 9
Enrollment Deadline August 2
Classes August 12 December 16
SPRING 2025
START END
Application Deadline December 16
Orientation December 22 January 3
Enrollment Deadline December 23
Classes January 6 May 18

Graduate School Schedule of Courses F23-S24

What can I expect in an online Graduate class?