Curriculum in the Christian Apologetics Master's Degree Program
The Master of Arts in Christian Apologetics focuses on equipping students to defend and commend the Christian faith with intellectual credibility and biblical faithfulness. The degree equips students to be competent in logical argumentation, philosophical reasoning, biblical theology, and cultural engagement while learning to communicate truth with both conviction and compassion.
The 39-credit-hour degree is designed to be completed online within 17 months of intensive study. Students may hold full-time jobs during the course of study. All work applied toward a master's degree must be completed within four years from the date of enrollment.
CCU students participate in classes that blend the latest in eLearning technology with rigorous theological education and practical ministry application. Students attend classes online, do research using the Internet, exchange emails, and participate in online discussions. Even assignments and tests are submitted online.
Highlighted Courses
Students are required to complete 13 courses for the M.A. in Christian Apologetics.
Some of the foundational courses include:
- Introduction to Apologetics (APL 501). This course introduces students to the biblical, philosophical, and practical rationale for Christian apologetics. Students will explore various apologetic methods and learn how to engage in winsome, respectful conversations about the Christian faith in contemporary contexts.
- Philosophy, Logic, and Apologetics (APL 505). Students will develop critical thinking skills essential for constructing and evaluating arguments. This course covers formal and informal logic, common logical fallacies, and philosophical reasoning as applied to apologetic discourse.
- Essential Christian Doctrine (THE 575). This course provides a comprehensive overview of core Christian doctrines, including the Trinity, Christology, soteriology, and eschatology. Students will learn to articulate and defend these fundamental beliefs with biblical and theological precision.
- Science and Apologetics (APL 540). Students will examine the relationship between science and faith, exploring topics such as cosmology, evolution, intelligent design, and the intersection of scientific inquiry with Christian theology.
- Doubt, Skepticism, and Objections to Christianity (APL 570). This course equips students to minister effectively to those wrestling with doubt and to respond compassionately to common objections raised against Christianity, including the problem of evil, religious pluralism, and biblical reliability.
- Writing Capstone (APL 699). The Capstone draws upon all that the student has learned through their degree program and requires the student to design a practical and academic research project that will demonstrate their understanding of apologetics and a plan to apply it in ministry contexts.