M.A. in Science & Religion Program Overview
The Master of Arts degree in Science and Religion is designed to provide individuals with the essential background in theology, history, and philosophy necessary to integrate modern science with evangelical Christianity.
The curriculum is designed for students who already have some background in the sciences. A certain level of proficiency in the sciences is expected in order to maintain a common foundation from which all students can comfortably engage with issues that relate to both Christianity and the sciences. Specialized seminars focus on current theological issues within scientific disciplines, providing students with current knowledge of the contemporary dynamic between science and religion. The goal of our program is to foster a mature and informed Christian worldview in a richly mentored setting, with which our students can better serve the Lord by relating to their secular colleagues in the sciences.
Program Details:
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Created for students who cannot relocate to southern California
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Provided through the Distance learning method only
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Primarily online courses with online assignment deadlines and chat-room discussions
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Two mandatory summer residency requirements over the course of the program, both of which are two weeks in duration.
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Summer residency offers the opportunity to interact with faculty, fellow students, and preeminent guest scholars and lecturers
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Faculty
Faculty Bio's COMING SOON
Some of our top-rank Science & Religion professors include: John A. Bloom, Cornelius Hunter, Timothy Pickavance, Gary Deweese, William Lane Craig, Scott Rae, William A. Dembski, J.P. Moreland, Sean McDowell and More!
Click here for an extended look at our Faculty!
Curriculum
The M.A. in Science and Religion is a 36-unit program that is offered exclusively througha hybrid format structure (Spring online, 2 week Summer on campus, Fall online). For students desiring more on-campus classes, all core classes required for both MACA and MASR may be taken on-campus. The Science and Religion degree, being the more specialized of our two M.A. degrees, has a curriculum designed for students with previous education in the sciences. While a background in the sciences is highly preferred for MASR students, it is not required for admittance.
Click to see course descriptions.
Science and Religion Core (8 units)
Religious Studies Core (16 units)
Philosophy Overview (5 units)
Electives (7 units)
Total: 36 Units
Program Requirements
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Maintain an average 2.5 GPA with no grade below a C in all courses to be credited toward graduation. Students cannot graduate while on probation.
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Complete a minimum of 24 units in the degree program at Biola University. Students who have taken courses already listed in our curriculum may transfer a maximum of 12 accredited units into the program.
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Students taking courses in the modular format are required to take a minimum of 20 units in the hybrid format (Spring online, Summer on-campus, Fall online)
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Complete the entire program in a maximum of 7 years.
Distance Learning
The distance learning format represents over 75% of our students, and has been the chief format of our program for over 10 years. There are two primary components to the distance learning format: online classes and on-campus summer residency. The majority of the program is conducted online through Canvas Online Learning Platform. Reading assignments, essays, and tests are completed at home, while deadlines and weekly class discussions are found online through Canvas.
Distance Learning Platforms
1. Online Courses
Online classes are typically conducted on Canvas Online Learning Platform and require weekly discussion posts, reading assignments, tests, and essays lasting the duration of the regular fall and spring semesters. Faculty lead discussions, grade coursework, and provide general course guidance.
2. Hybrid Residency Courses
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The first part of the class begins in the spring semester with online coursework for four weeks utilizing Canvas online learning platform.
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The course continues with a three-day lecture segment during the annual Summer Residency in mid to late June
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The course concludes during the fall semester with an additional four weeks of online coursework. Students ear units during the spring and fall semesters and fulfill the on-campus residency requirement for the class by attending the summer lectures
3. Weekend Seminars
Weekend seminars are condensed elective classes on a variety of topics, offered at Biola and locations across the country 6-7 times per academic year.The two-unit classes meet for sixteen hours over a Friday and Saturday. Students attend the lecture weekend to fulfill a portion of the on-campus residency requirement and spend the remainder of the semester completing reading, essays, exams, and discussions from home.
Specialized Distance Courses
Specialized distance courses are independent study courses based on audio lectures. Students listen to the lectures at their own pace and submit exams, essays, and other assignments to a coordinating professor, who is also available for questions and interaction. These courses are available every semester and typically include a materials fee of $125-130.
Arranged Courses
Directed Studies, Thesis Projects, and Internships
Arranged courses are customized independent studies conducted between a student and a coordinating professor. Topics, learning objectives, and assignments are selected on a case-by-case basis and are typically proposed by the student. Thesis projects require an application and acceptance prior to registration. Course credit is offered for apologetics internships at your church or other organizations.
Admissions
Biola University has a strong evangelical Christian commitment and requires than an accepted applicant be an evangelical believer. However, Biola does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in the admission of students, employment and the educational programs or activities it conducts.
Requirements
The following are necessary to complete an application to the Master of Arts in Christian Apologetics:
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Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
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A grade point average equivalent to a 3.0 "B" average or higher (applicants with a GPA lower than the requirement may still be considered for acceptance)
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Evangelical believer and in agreement with Biola University's Doctrinal Statement.
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No GRE is required!
Application Process
The admissions process for international students can be found here
The three steps for applying to our M.A. in Christian Apologetics are:
1. Apply online at www.biola.edu/apply and pay the $55 application fee
2. Request official transcripts* from any institution you took courses from (have them mail the hard copy to Biola University Graduate Admissions: 13800 Biola Ave; La Mirada, CA 90639; *electronic transcripts are not considered official copies
3. A pastor & character reference are required. Complete your reference request online here.
Our Graduate Admissions team will not review your application until all items have been received and your application is complete. Once your application is complete, applicants are typically notified within 2-4 weeks with an admissions decision.
Benefits of Early Application Submission
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More time to apply for FAFSA and receive financial aid
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Eligible to apply for the Acts 17 New Student Scholarship
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Utilize all payment plan options
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Early Application Giveaway and Raffle
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More time to schedule academic advising and choose classes
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Reduced stress
Application Deadlines
Fall Semester
June 1:Early Application Deadline
July 1: Application Deadline
Spring Semester
November 1: Early Application Deadline
December 1: Application Deadline
Financial Information
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Biola's Current tuition rate: $538 per unit
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Payment plans are available to all students and can be accessed here
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New students are eligible to apply for the Acts 17 Scholarship, which is a 1-year, $1000 academic scholarship. New Students awarded this scholarship will reveive $500 their first semester and $500 their second. The scholarship parameters and application are available here and any new MACA or MASR applicant can apply.
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We also recommend that all US Citizens applying complete their FAFSA to see what financial aid they are eligible for. If you are looking to apply for financial aid, please submit your FAFSA and begin working on your application as early as possible.
International Process Click Here
FAQ'S
What are the admissions requirements? We require a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or the equivalent with a 3.00 GPA; however, applicants with a lower GPA may be admitted on academic probation. In addition, we require a completed application, a $55 application fee, official copies of all college and university transcripts sent directly to Biola, a character reference, and a pastor’s reference from your church. MASR applicants must also write three essays and should have a degree or background in the sciences.
When is the application deadline and where do I apply?
The spring semester deadline is December 1 and the fall semester deadline
is July 1. Apply online at www.biola.edu/apply.
Are your degrees accredited? Yes, we have the highest level of regional accreditation with WASC.
Are scholarships, financial aid, and military benefits available? Yes, our students (except international) are eligible for all forms of financial aid and are encouraged to complete the Free Application For Student Aid (FAFSA).
How many units (or semester/credit hours) are your M.A. degrees? The MACA and MASR degrees require a minimum of 36 units (semester hours).
What is the tuition cost? The 2014-15 academic year tuition is $538/unit. Additional costs for some courses include course fees, textbooks, travel, meals, and lodging.
How long does it take to complete the degree? Most of our students complete the degree in two to five years.
Is the program flexible? Yes, academic advisors are available to help you determine the best plan for completing your degree.
How many units are required to be full-time? Those taking nine units or more per semester are considered full-time students.
Do you accept transfer credits from other accredited degree programs? Yes, upon acceptance, your transcripts will be evaluated for potential transfer units (maximum of 12) and waivers (replace requirements with equivalent electives).
Can I take a semester off? Students can take time off as needed. However, new references and transcripts may be required.
What can I do with a MACA or MASR degree? Graduates go on to work and volunteer in churches and parachurch organizations; teach; speak; author books and other publications; pursue further education in apologetics, philosophy, theology, religious studies, and history; use the degrees to enhance established careers; and for personal enrichment.
Is it possible to take both degrees? Yes, though they cannot be taken simultaneously. Students who finish one degree can automatically transfer 12 units into the second, reducing the second degree to 24 units.
What’s the minimum GPA I need to graduate? A minimum 2.5 GPA, or a “C” average, is required for graduation.
Is there an option to write a thesis? Yes, MACA students may apply for a thesis option. Acceptance is required.
Can I mix and match distance and on-campus classes if I live close enough to Biola? Yes!
For Distance Students
How many units of residency are expected? Distance students should complete 20 units of courses that have an on-campus residency component via three-part hybrid residency classes and/or weekend seminars.
How much time do I need to spend on campus to fulfill residency? Most students spend four weeks total in residency.
What system do you use for online classes? Biola uses Blackboard Online Learning Platform for discussions. This bulletin board method does not currently feature live chats.
Do I have to take Hermeneutics? No, all students take three units of electives in lieu of Hermeneutics which is offered oncampus.