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Skip to contentOur nation and culture are becoming polarized spiritually, morally, and politically. To ably serve this and the next generation spiritually, our future pastors, apologists, and professors will need to dialogue with their liberal counterparts while keeping in mind the political facets of public debate. To this end, SES offers the 15 hour Certificate in Philosophy, Politics, & Economics (PPE). We believe that one must minister to the present generation according to its needs, and to do so with truth and power our students need training in the ethical, political, and economic implications of the unchanging Faith “once delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). This combination of PPE training and classical seminary education can be a potent one in combating the new heresies and false doctrines rooted in a secularist, progressivist worldview.
Each certificate is designed to prepare professionals or laypersons with uniquely integrated training in theology, philosophy, and apologetics to build a complete and systematic Christian world view. Courses can be completed at either the undergraduate or graduate level. NOTE ABOUT CONCENTRATIONS: Southern Evangelical Seminary graduate students (excluding M.A.R. and M.A.C.A.) may add certificate courses as concentrations to their major (see catalog for details).
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.
You’ll be learning from faculty who have served as pastors and in other ministry roles. You’ll be able to go beyond textbook knowledge and gain wisdom and insight from their life experiences. Our faculty are also dedicated to getting to know students’ goals and helping them to understand the material in a way that applies to current or future callings.
Our courses integrate theology, philosophy, and apologetics in a way that helps you interact with today’s culture. You’ve likely encountered people who have questions about love, suffering, grief, and God’s plan. You will learn how to answer those questions, defend the truth of the Scriptures, and reach people from a wide variety of socioeconomic backgrounds.
SES provides a fully immersive digital campus experience where every aspect of traditional education is achieved in a virtual environment. We integrate industry-leading technologies for live-streaming, course management, and student interaction. Our innovative digital campus can deliver the training you need in a way that fits your schedule and budget.
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.
This course will survey the thought of the major political thinkers in history. They will explore what each thought about the state, government, man, justice, and law. Students will read primary texts from Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, selections from the founding documents of America, Britain, and more. Students will also explore some of the debate between some of the modern liberals, conservatives, and libertarian thinkers.
This course outlines the foundations of a Christian worldview and their implications for interacting with society, culture, and public policy. Emphasis will be given first to how these theological and philosophical foundations form the basis for Christians to interact with government and society. Significant attention will also be given to enabling students to formulate a Christian worldview grid through which to analyze particular issues and evaluate proposed public policies. Special focus will be given to American society and public policy.
PPE501 (401) Philosophy, Politics, & Economics (3)
PPE502 (402) Political Philosophy (3)
PPE503 (403) Public Policy & Political Economy (3)
PPE504 (404) Christian Ethics & Public Policy (3)
PPE505 (405) Jurisprudence (3)
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.
Read more about our current tuition rates, flexible payment plans, and financial aid opportunities.
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.
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.
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.