Trace the movement from the 16th-century Radical Reformation to the 21st century, and learn to read its theology as ideas you can argue with.
Anabaptist-Mennonite Studies
Minor
A tradition worth studying, not just inheriting
Treat the Anabaptist-Mennonite story as a subject of real intellectual weight: its history, its ethics, and its reach across the world.
The Anabaptist-Mennonite Studies Minor at Goshen College is open to students in any major, and examines the Anabaptist-Mennonite tradition from its 16th-century origins in the Radical Reformation, to its growth into a global movement across the globe.
The coursework asks you to think critically, engage diverse viewpoints, and connect belief to broader cultural and social questions. It pairs naturally with history, peace and justice, and a pre-law track.
Program Overview
We’ve designed the program to give a broad understanding of the history, events, beliefs and theology of Anabaptist and Mennonite Christians worldwide. You will explore everything from the origins of Anabaptist history in 16th century Europe to the challenges and opportunities faced by Mennonites in the 21st century.
Learn about Anabaptist and Mennonite studies from professors with a global perspective and explore the impact of Mennonite theology, faith and values. Our faculty focus primarily on teaching how the Anabaptist movement developed in continents outside of Europe and North America. And you’ll have the opportunity to participate in the research, programs and work of the Institute for the Study of Global Anabaptism on the Goshen College campus.
Coursework in the minor will help students develop critical thinking skills and appreciate diverse perspectives. Whether considering a career in ministry programs or academics, or wanting to gain a deeper understanding of this fascinating faith tradition, the minor is an excellent way to explore the global impact of Mennonite theology and values.
What you’ll actually work on
History & Theology
A Global Movement
Study Anabaptism as it actually exists today, in Asia, Africa and the Americas, through the Institute for the Study of Global Anabaptism.
Ethics & Creative Practice
Apply the Anabaptist lens to current social and moral problems, and examine the tradition in art, music and literature.
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Research that sends you out, not in
Every Goshen College student can spend several weeks or more off campus through Study-Service Term (SST), studying language and culture, living with a host family, and joining a major service project, often abroad.
Closer to campus, you can intern with community organizations, museums, archives or congregations, and research with the Institute for the Study of Global Anabaptism. You also gain access to the Mennonite Historical Library, the world’s largest collection of Anabaptist-Mennonite literature, and the Mennonite Church USA Archives.
Paying for Goshen
Scholarships make up a large portion of our financial aid packages, which average almost $26,000 per student (not including work-study or loans). To see your own price after aid, run the net price calculator and talk with a real person in the financial aid office.
In addition to scholarships open to all students, Goshen College offers several scholarships exclusively for junior and senior history students:
- Willard and Vera Smith Scholarship
- Oswin and David Gerber Scholarship
Common Questions About the Anabaptist-Mennonite Studies Minor
The 18-credit minor covers Anabaptist history and theology, Anabaptist practice in art, music and literature, and how this tradition speaks to current ethical and social questions. The full requirements are on the Anabaptist-Mennonite Studies course listing page.
You can research with the Institute for the Study of Global Anabaptism and the Mennonite Historical Library, the world’s largest collection of Anabaptist-Mennonite literature. Every Goshen student also studies off campus through Study-Service Term, often abroad.
The minor supports work in nonprofit and humanitarian leadership, education, historical research, law and public policy, and ministry. At Goshen, 93% of graduates are employed, in graduate school, or in service within a year of finishing.
There is no separate cost to add a minor. Goshen College financial aid packages average almost $26,000 per student, and history students may qualify for the Willard and Vera Smith Scholarship and the Oswin and David Gerber Scholarship, awarded to juniors and seniors.
Ready to get started?
Luke Kreider
Associate Professor of Religion and Sustainability
Elizabeth Miller
Director of the Institute for the Study of Global Anabaptism
Assistant Professor of History
& Convocation CoordinatorBreanna Nickel
Associate Professor of Bible & Religion
