In addition to studying theology and the history of the Christian faith, a degree in Christian Apologetics requires an interdisciplinary approach. A detailed study and understanding of other disciplines such as philosophy, the social and natural sciences and cultural studies is essential to presenting a convincing intellectual defense of the Christian faith. Apologetics is grounded in theology, but as historical and cultural contexts change, the Christian faith finds itself confronted with new types of questions and challenges to the faith. The original Christian apologists had to defend or reconcile Christianity with Greco-Roman philosophy. Another major challenge for Christian Apologetics was the intellectual dominance of empirical scientific methodology in the 19th century. The current cultural climate of postmodernism is presenting new challenges for Christian apologists.
Biola University is located in La Mirada, California. Biola offers a Master of Arts degree in Christian Apologetics. The degree may be completed on campus or through a combination of on-campus and distance-learning classes. The degree requires a total of 64 to 66 hours, 20 of which must be completed on campus. The remaining hours may be completed at home by listening to audiotapes and completing assignments. Biola University offers weekend seminars that satisfy on-campus learning requirements. The program in Christian Apologetics combines coursework in history, philosophy, science, social science and law. On-campus courses are taught in association with the Talbot School of Theology's Philosophy of Religion and Ethics program. The master's degree requires 64 to 66 hours of coursework and a thesis. Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 average, a written statement of purpose, two character references, completed application form and $45 application fee.
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary is located in Wake Forest, North Carolina. It offers a Master of Divinity Degree in a variety of fields, including Christian Apologetics. The coursework in Christian Apologetics includes Hebrew and Greek, critical thinking and epistemology, world religions and philosophy. A total of 96 hours of coursework is required to complete the degree. Students are expected to have good reasoning skills. Admission requirements requires completed application with photo, three character references, medical information and official transcripts.
Fuller Theological Seminary is located in Pasadena, California. It also has sister campus in various cities such as Sacramento, Irvine, Phoenix, Houston and Colorado Springs. An online program is available as well. Fuller Theological Seminary offers a Masters of Theology degree in five different areas of concentration. Students interested in Christian Apologetics should focus on the Biblical Studies and Theology program. The Masters Degree requires 96 units of coursework, which takes two years of study for full-time students. It is possible to pursue the degree part-time as well. A full spectrum of evening courses is available for the part-time student. You can also complete 48 hours of coursework online. The admission requirements admission include completed application, a religious autobiography, official transcripts, three letters of recommendation and a $100 application fee ($75 for online application).