The Master of Arts degree in Christian Apologetics is designed for individuals who desire academic and practical preparation for proclaiming and defending the historic doctrines of the Christian faith. Through this program, students are prepared to articulate a Christian worldview reverently, with intelligence, confidence, and compassion. The program fosters personal spiritual growth and maturity through guided study of the Scriptures and theology, mutual encouragement in the Christian life, and intellectual rigor. The M.A. in Christian Apologetics differs from the M.A. in Science and Religion in its emphasis on the theological and philosophical groundwork of defending the Christian faith.
Program Details:
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The M.A. in Christian Apologetics is offered in both on-campus and distance-learning formats.
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On campus classes are offered primarily in the evening or on weekends to accommodate the working individual.
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20 units out of the 36 are conducted through a hybrid model (Spring online, 3 days of summer residency on campus per class, Fall online).
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The remaining 16 units are conducted completely online where the student participates in reading and online discussion forums with other students.
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Out of the 20 unit summer residency requirement, 10 units can be met by attending weekend seminars held at Biola.
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Students who graduate with this M.A. are eligible to serve as teachers, writers, doctoral students, broadcasters, evangelists, researchers, missionaries, church and ministry staff, seminar speakers, and much more.
M.A. in Christian Apologetics Program Overview
Faculty
Biola's top-rank Apologetics faculty include R. Scott Smith, Sean McDowell, Kevin A. Lewis, Clay B. Jones, William Lane Craig, JP Moreland, Craig Hazen, and More! These world renown Apologists are the leading experts in their respective fields, and, through their vibrant example and discipleship, they lead Biola Apologetics students to apply their education for the good of the Kingdom.
Click here for an extended look at our faculty!
Staff
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Curriculum
The M.A. in Christian Apologetics is a 36-unit program; 20 of the units may be earned through a hybrid format (Spring online, Summer on-campus, Fall online) while the remaining 16 units may be completed online without an on-campus requirement. In addition, Christian Apologetics students have the option to take Science and Religion courses as elective credit. (click to see course descriptions)
Total Units: 36
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Maintaining a 2.5 average with no grade below a C in all courses to be credited toward graduation. Students cannot graduate while on probation.
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Completing a minimum of 24 units in the degree program at Biola University. All degree components must be completed as graded courses. Students taking courses in the modular format are required to take a minimum of 20 units in residency (on Biola's campus).
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Completing the entire program in no more than seven years.
Apologetics Electives (16 units)
Defending the Faith I, II, III (2 per class)
The Life and Works of C.S. Lewis (2)
Logic and Critical Thinking (2)
Moral & Spiritual knowledge (2)
Christian Faith in the Public Square (2)
Christian Apologetics to Islam (2)
Mormonism: Doctrine and History (2)
Biblical demonology and the Occult (2)
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 (16 units)
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 (20 Units)
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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 (10 units count towards Residency)
Unable to meet all of the on-campus requirement? Weekend Seminars are condensed elective classes on a variety of topics, offered both at Biola and locations across the country. Weekend Seminars are offered roughly 6-7 times per academic year, and are worth two units (the same as a single three-part hybrid residency course). These Seminars meets for sixteen hours over a Friday and a Saturday, fulfilling the lecture component of normal Hybrid courses. The course work is also met through pre-assigned reading, as well as essays and exams completed during or after the Seminar. These Weekend Seminars are a convenient option for long-distance students, but they can only reduce the Hyrbid course requirements by half. At least one on-campus summer will still be required.
Other Course Options
Specialized Distance Courses (9 Units)
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. 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.
On Campus Learning
Christian Apologetics students have the option to complete the entire program on-campus with all classes requiring your personal attendence. Science and Religion students complete their coursework through the distance format, but have the option to take the Biblical Studies courses on campus. On-campus classes are designed for the working individual and typically meet once a week in the evenings to accommodate work, ministry and family commitments. Daytime and weekend classes are available. Occasionally we will offer select classes during the January interterm period and summer session period unrelated to the summer residency schedule.
Describe your image here
Pursing an M.A. in Christian Apologetics on-campus allows for interactive community among students and in-person mentorship from our outstanding faculty. Class sizes are small which fosters rich discussion and interaction between professors and classmates. Students also have acces to numerous weekend seminars and apologetics events held at Biola and in the Southern California area. You may also take advantage of any online or hybrid format classes that fit your schedule.
On-campus students are able to enjoy our beautiful Southern California campus having full access to Biola facilities year round, including the library, fitness center, cafe, and a plethora of ministries available in the area.
Admissions Information
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 short essays as part of their application.
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. Applicants who do not meet the deadline are still welcome to apply, but need to comeplete the application, request transcripts, and request references with a sense of urgency.
Are your degrees accredited? Yes, we have the highest level of regional accreditation with WASC.
Can I get a PhD? ???????
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). New students are eligible for a 1-year, $1000 scholarship upon acceptence into the program. The scholarship application is availabe for both Christian Apologetics & Science and Religion students, and is to be requested by the student once you have been accepted into either program.
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.
Is the program flexible? Yes, Biola offers various course methods tailored for a busy individual. Online courses work well with balancing a job, family, or ministry commitments. The student decides how many units they prefer to take each semester. Academic advisors are also 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).
Do I have to go to summer residency every year? No, once you complete the 20 units of summer residency classes, you are no longer required to attend summer residency. You can complete this requirement in two years.
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 and MASR students may apply for a thesis option. An application 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 complete 20 units of courses that have an on-campus residency component via three-part hybrid residency classes. For each residency class, students complete one-month of coursework online in the spring, 3 days of on-campus lecture in the summer, and one-month of online coursework in the fall. The remaining 16 units are completed online without a summer residency component.
How much time do I need to spend on campus to fulfill residency?
Most students spend four weeks total in residency. Summer residency is broken up into two-week stays at Biola in mid-late June every year. You can complete this requirement in two years.
What system do you use for online classes?
Biola uses Canvas Online Learning Platform for course management and discussions. This bulletin board method does not currently feature live lectures.
Do I have to take Hermeneutics? No, all students take three units of electives in lieu of Hermeneutics.