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Master of Arts in Christian Apologetics
and Theology

60 Credit-Hours

Fully Online

Flexible Payment Plans

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Embark on a Transformative Journey with Our Master of Arts in Christian Apologetics and Theology Degree

Grow Your Ministry and a Compelling Biblical Witness Through this In-Depth, Seminary-Level Degree at SES

Explore our comprehensive seminary-level, 60-hour Master of Arts in Christian Apologetics & Theology degree program, designed to provide invaluable insights into the essential interplay between philosophy, theology, and apologetics. Tailored for individuals seeking profound seminary training essential for ordination or advanced ministry preparation, this program also serves as an ideal foundation for further academic pursuits, including our esteemed Doctor of Ministry in Apologetics program. Elevate your theological understanding and strategic apologetic skills through this impactful educational journey.

The Apologetics
Education 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.

Personal Ministry

Options for You
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.

Flexible Course Formats for Your Busy Schedule

SES provides a fully immersive digital campus experience where every aspect of traditional education is achieved in a virtual environment. Many courses are live-streamed, while others are offered asynchronously (recorded) with live-streaming components. Our innovative online education can deliver the training you need in a way that fits your schedule and budget.

Our M.A. in Christian Apologetics and Theology is ideal for those wanting a full apologetics-focused seminary education while preparing for a variety of ministry opportunities such as:

Youth Ministry  /  Campus Ministry  /  Pastoral Ministry  /  Missions  /  Teaching  /  Speaking  /  Personal Growth

Go to the Next Level in Your Ministry Preparation

If you’ve delved into insightful works by Frank Turek, Alisa Childers, Greg Koukl, and other notable authors, you’ve laid a solid foundation. Yet, you may be at a juncture in your self-guided study where you recognize the need to elevate your preparation for defending the faith. To effectively engage the culture with the Gospel, you will need a deeply integrated understanding of philosophy, theology, and apologetics. This integrated approach is the core of every SES program and what makes SES one of the premier apologetics-focused seminaries in the country. Whether you’re seeking a degree or certificate in apologetics, philosophy, biblical studies, or something else, the foundation is the same. Good philosophy provides a solid foundation from which to do theology, and both provide necessary tools for sound apologetics. Together, all three disciplines aid in removing obstacles to the Gospel (evangelism) and in building mature disciples who live the Gospel (discipleship) and are steadfast in the truth. Choose a degree or certificate from SES to benefit from our unique integration, ensuring you’re well-prepared to engage with today’s issues and defend your faith effectively.

SES Integrated Approach Infographic

Go to the Next Level in Your Ministry Preparation

If you’ve delved into insightful works by Frank Turek, Alisa Childers, Greg Koukl, and other notable authors, you’ve laid a solid foundation. Yet, you may be at a juncture in your self-guided study where you recognize the need to elevate your preparation for defending the faith. To effectively engage the culture with the Gospel, you will need a deeply integrated understanding of philosophy, theology, and apologetics. This integrated approach is the core of every SES program and what makes SES one of the premier apologetics-focused seminaries in the country. Whether you’re seeking a degree or certificate in apologetics, philosophy, biblical studies, or something else, the foundation is the same. Good philosophy provides a solid foundation from which to do theology, and both provide necessary tools for sound apologetics. Together, all three disciplines aid in removing obstacles to the Gospel (evangelism) and in building mature disciples who live the Gospel (discipleship) and are steadfast in the truth. Choose a degree or certificate from SES to benefit from our unique integration, ensuring you’re well-prepared to engage with today’s issues and defend your faith effectively.

SES Integrated Approach Infographic

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

A Digital Campus Built for You

We aren’t catching up with the online education trend — SES has been breaking ground and pioneering an immersive digital campus experience for years. As a student, you'll enjoy a flexible, compelling, and 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. We truly take you beyond mere online education.

Collaborate with your peers through our integrated approach

Interact with world-class 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 from World-Class Faculty

At SES, you will have the opportunity to study under some of the best Christian thinkers in the world. Many of our professors studied under SES co-founder Dr. Norman Geisler, while others have their own distinguished educational linage. Each of them bring their unique areas of expertise to the classroom as well as a genuine desire to see their students grow, not only intellectually, but in spiritual maturity as well. Here are just some of the professors from whom you’ll be learning:

Provost, Professor of Philosophy & Apologetics, Norman L. Geisler Chair of Christian Apologetics

Director of SES Ph.D. Program, Associate Professor of Philosophy & Theology

Associate Professor of Philosophy

"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

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)

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

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)

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

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

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

SM501 Writing & Research Skills (3)

GENERAL ADMISSIONS 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

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.

Contact the Admissions Department with any specific questions you may have or visit our FAQ page.

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

LET'S PARTNER TOGETHER ON YOUR TUITION

Financial Aid & Discounts

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

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.

accessible

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.

See the Vital Need for Apologetics-Focused Education

Engaging real-world issues for the sake of the Gospel

Download Your FREE eBook Today!

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Compare the M.A. in Christian Apologetics & Theology with Other SES Degrees

Master of Arts in Christian Apologetics (M.A.C.A.)

36 HOURS

Dig into the meat of classical apologetics with this foundational M.A. degree; be equipped for ministry or further studies

Master of Arts (M.A.) in Philosophy

42 HOURS

Stand out in the evangelical world with this deep dive into classical philosophy and its important role in the apologetics task

Master of Divinity (M.Div.) in Apologetics

84 HOURS

For a more traditional seminary degree with an apologetics focus, this M.Div. may the right path for your future ministry


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