Master of Arts in Christian Apologetics
and Theology

60 Credit-Hours

Fully Online

Flexible Payment Plans

Explore a Master's in Apologetics That's Beyond an Online Degree

Grow your ministry and a compelling biblical witness through the in-depth, advanced training the Master's in Christian Apologetics & Theology degree at SES provides

The information below is for our four-year, 60-hour Master of Arts in Christian Apologetics & Theology degree program. You will gain valuable insights into the vital relationship between philosophy, theology, and apologetics. It is specifically designed for those looking for the kind of in-depth seminary training that is often required for ordination or advanced ministry preparation. This degree is also a great first step towards our Doctor of Ministry in Apologetics program.

Read below for the details of this flexible program, and download your FREE ebook to see how such training relates to real-world Gospel issues.

The Apologetics You Need

Integrated and in-depth training in philosophy, theology, and apologetics will help you be equipped to engage our post-Christian culture via a parachurch ministry, ordination in some denominations, or a wide array of personal ministry applications. Serve in your church. Lead outreach efforts in your community. Be equipped for missions. Or simply be more prepared to train your children. All done via our immersive digital campus experience.

Options to Consider

The 60-hour program is a great transfer option for students who begin their studies in our streamlined, 36-hour M.A. in Christian Apologetics program. And, at some point, you might want to explore our full, 84-hour Master of Divinity in Apologetics program. As we mentioned above, the 60-hour M.A. in Christian Apologetics & Theology is great preparation for moving into our Doctor of Ministry program where you will put your training into practice.

This seminary level degree can lead to future doctoral study and is ideal for those preparing for Teaching, Speaking, Campus Ministry, Youth Ministry, Pastoral Ministry, Missions, or Personal Growth.

Your Academic Experience at SES

We aren’t catching up with the distance learning trend — SES has been breaking ground and pioneering an immersive digital campus experience for years. As a student, you'll enjoy a flexible, compelling, connected, environment for your studies. All of the easy-to-use technology you’ll need to thrive in seminary is housed in one place and accessed through a single, secure log-in.

Collaborate with your peers through our integrated approach

Interact with professors during many live-streamed classes

Conduct research in one of the most expansive theological libraries ever created

(With our membership as a supporting sponsor of the Digital Theological Library)

Learn more about the remarkable digital campus experience at SES that will help you thrive as a student and be equipped with the technology tools you’ll need in ministry.

In the M.A. in Apologetics & Theology Program, You Will:

See the Vital Need for Apologetics-Focused Education

Engaging real-world issues for the sake of the Gospel

Download Your FREE eBook Today!

"I can't imagine functioning in this culture, or in my vocation as a therapist for that matter, without the training I received at SES. I use the apologetics training daily as a professional counselor in the toughest of clinical mental health environments."

Mike Jackson

SES Alum

Courses of Interest in the M.A. in Christian Apologetics & Theology

Logic

Develop confidence to defend the Christian faith by examining various forms of logical thinking and fallacies. This class stresses the use of reason in both theology and apologetics.

Intro to Christian Apologetics

How can we defend the truth of the Gospel in the turbulent, ongoing public debates about what is true and trustworthy? This course will lay a solid foundation for developing your understanding of apologetics and its many applications.

Prolegomena and Bibliology

Increase your effectiveness in emphasizing the infallibility and inerrancy of the Bible. This course focuses specifically on the inspiration and canonization of Scripture.

Full Course Listing

PREREQUISITE COURSE – 3 hours Pass/Fail

SM501 Writing & Research Skills (3)

APOLOGETICS – 18 hours

AP501 Intro to Christian Apologetics or APe (3) AP503 Logic (3)
AP511 Christian Apologetic Systems (3)
AP512 Ethics (3)
AP518 Resurrection of Jesus (3)
SCe Scientific Apologetics Elective (3)

PHILOSOPHY – 6 hours

PH501 Classical Philosophy (3)
PH601 Philosophy of Religion (3)

BIBLICAL STUDIES – 12 hours

OT501 Old Testament Survey 1: Genesis–Esther (3)
OT502 Old Testament Survey 2: Job–Malachi (3)
NT501 New Testament Survey 1: Gospels & Acts (3)
NT502 New Testament Survey 2: Epistles & Rev. (3)

SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY – 12 hours

ST501 Prolegomena & Bibliology (3)
ST502 Theology Proper & Creation (3)
ST503 Hamartiology & Soteriology (3)
ST504 Pneumatology, Ecclesiology, & Eschatology (3)

THESIS OR NON-THESIS – 3 hours

TH501 Thesis Research 1 (1)
TH502 Thesis Research 2 (1)
TH503 Thesis Research 3 (1)
or Apologetics Elective Course (3)

ELECTIVES – 9 hours

FIELD EXPERIENCE – 0 hours

FE501 Field Experience 1 (0)
FE502 Field Experience 2 (0)

GENERAL ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

GRADUATE REQUIREMENTS

Have earned a bachelors degree from an institution
accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation, the United
States Department of Education, or the equivalent (as assessed by SES)
GPA of 2.5 or above for their undergraduate program

PROVISIONAL GRADUATE ADMISSIONS

If one does not meet the undergraduate GPA requirement, he may be granted a Provisional Admission. This requires
that the student maintain a 2.5 or higher GPA on the first semester of work at SES in order to be granted full admission.

A Valuable Degree with Exceptionally Affordable Tuition

Prospective students are almost always surprised to learn how affordable we keep our degree programs at Southern Evangelical Seminary.

You need effective training for ministry — not a crippling load of student loan debt. The value of a degree here pays off through your entire career and truly has an eternal value as well.

As a result, we're delighted to tell you that you'll have a very difficult time finding a better tuition rate than what we offer at SES: $475 per credit hour.

^$475

per credit hour

Read more about our current tuition rates, flexible payment plans, and financial aid opportunities.

LET'S PARTNER TOGETHER ON YOUR TUITION

Financial Aid & Discounts

Why Should You Seriously Consider Studying at SES?

You almost certainly have at least some basic — and perhaps even advanced — knowledge of Christian apologetics. Many new students at SES have studied books like Tactics by Gregory Koukl, Lewis' Mere Christianity, or I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist by SES alum Frank Turek and SES co-founder Norman Geisler. These are all very helpful resources, but perhaps you have reached that point in your self-guided research where you hit a wall or find yourself out of your depth.

Apologetics, theology, and even Bible study will never reach their potential without being grounded in sound philosophy. It's not a matter of whether you're doing philosophy. It's a matter of whether you're doing it well or poorly. You can be a good philosopher without being a good apologist or theologian, but it does not work the other way around! Giving you the philosophical foundation you need for both theology and apologetics is just one of the ways that a degree or certificate from SES will serve you well.

Built for Your Calling

Whether you are pursuing full-time vocational leadership or personal ministry growth, this program is designed to provide a path for your success.

Full-Time Ministry

Christians are called to be salt and light in our world, and leaders should be equipped to confidently engage the ideas shaping today’s culture. Apologetics training is essential for breaking down barriers and effectively leading others. As you pursue God’s calling on your life through ministry, a seminary education will maximize your impact.

Personal Ministry

If your personal study hasn’t yielded the growth you’re looking for, formal training can equip you to answer hard questions and present the truth in love. Being grounded in apologetics prepares you to be fruitful in all aspects of your personal ministry. Our apologetics program offers structured training you need to share the faith and defend truth in everyday life.

Ready to Apply Now?

Start the admission process today. You can begin in just a few minutes by filling out our initial application and it will open the door for us to have an exploratory conversation about your educational priorities and hopes for ministry. We have an entire team at SES who is ready to help you in the process of discerning your gifts and calling to ministry so you can engage our culture in the conversations that matter the most.

Master of Arts in Christian Apologetics and Theology