Christian Apologetics, MA (CAGS)

Christian apologetics serves a vital role in society as Christianity is often misrepresented or misunderstood, and conversations about faith are both critical and challenging. This degree equips students with a robust, intellectual grounding in the gospel which fosters an informed and respectful dialogue about Christian beliefs in a diverse society. Students will learn how to have culturally engaged discussions, speaking to different audiences and backgrounds while remaining faithful to Christian teachings. Learning philosophical reasoning skills—such as logic, critical thinking, and the construction of sound arguments—is central to this training, equipping students to navigate complex questions and provide clear, compelling answers to a wide range of issues.

Objectives of the Master of Arts in Christian Apologetics program

The MA in Christian Apologetics will train students to understand the essential, biblical doctrines of the Christian faith and the evidence which undergirds those doctrines. Also, students will be trained in how to engage in conversations about truth, the meaning of life, the nature of reality, and God with respect, love, and understanding for those who do not share their Christian views. Students will also be taught how to guide Christian communities by appealing to both the head and the heart in how they proclaim the gospel.

Upon completion of the Master of Arts in Biblical Studies, the student will be able to:

• Identify key biblical passages which provide solid answers for critical apologetics questions.

• Develop the ability to critique and construct logical arguments.

• Learn how to respond to discussion partners with winsome persuasion.

• Build good apologetics conversations with those who doubt, object to, and are skeptical of Christianity.

• Engage Christian apologetics issues which originate in science, culture, and non-Christian religions.

• Understand the fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith.

Admission to the Master of Arts in Christian Apologetics Degree Program

• A completed application form (including essay, transcripts and fees)

• Submit a completed application form (including essay, transcripts, and fees).

• Valid state-issued driver's license or state-issued ID card or passport.

• Submit an official transcript that reflects a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited higher education institution.

• Possess a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with an undergraduate grade point average between 2.0 and 2.49 will be admitted on a conditional admit (CAD) basis for the first semester.  CAD students must maintain a 3.0 GPA or better in their first nine (9) credits to remain in the program.

Transfer of Courses

Students may transfer up to 9 semester hours of graduate credit from a regionally accredited college or university, excluding course and course. The coursework must be comparable to that offered at CCU and fulfill the MA in Christian Apologetics requirements.

Time Limitation

The MA in Christian Apologetics is a 39 credit-hour degree designed to be completed within 17 months of intensive study by persons who work or are otherwise occupied by the equivalent of a full-time job.

All work applied toward a master's degree must be completed within a four-year period from the date of enrollment. After the four-year period, an MA in Christian Apologetics student who has not completed the requirements to graduate will be withdrawn from the program. Students who go beyond the four-year period and wish to complete their MA in Christian Apologetics degree will be required to apply for reconsideration by completing a Petition for Exception to Academic Policy. Readmitted students will be required to adhere to the degree plans and academic policies in place at the time they are readmitted.