The Master of Arts in Christian Apologetics (MACA) is a 48-unit program that may be completed in as little as two (2) years of full-time study if summer and winter terms are utilized. The program must be completed within 6 years of first enrollment. This course of study builds on the core requirements described under the MATS degree by adding 21 units in the area of Christian apologetics, religion, and philosophy. The program emphasizes a classical/evidential approach to apologetics. This degree is designed for those in discernment ministries, who are engaged in non-pastoral ministry activities, and those seeking to pursue doctoral studies. Of particular importance is the program’s focus on educating students to train those in the local church or who seek to be in leadership roles involving apologetics and philosophical skills, including teaching. Upon completion of the program, each student will have demonstrated knowledge in the areas of theological studies, Old and New Testament, Christian apologetics, alternative religious perspectives and worldviews, Christian ethics, and philosophy as it relates to proclaiming and defending Christian doctrine. The MACA learning student learning outcomes are:
- To defend Christian doctrine from ancient and contemporary challenges.
- To serve in a church, para-church apologetics ministry, or other ministry venue that trains in spiritual discernment.
- To understand apologetic research, writing, communication, and how to defend the Christian worldview.
| Master of Arts in Christian Apologetics (MACA) | |
| Core Requirements – 27 units | |
| OT510 Old Testament Survey (3) | TH560 Anthropology, Hamartiology, and Soteriology (3) |
| NT515 New Testament Survey (3) | TH570 Ecclesiology and Eschatology (3) |
| TH520 Biblical Hermeneutics (3) | AP501 Christian Apologetics (3) |
| TH530 Prolegomena and Bibliology (3) | RW499 Research Methods and Technology (P/F) |
| TH540 Theology Proper and Creation (3) | CM501 Church/Mission Experience I (P/F) |
| TH550 Christology and Pneumatology (3) | CM502 Church/Mission Experience II (P/F) |
| Major Requirements – 18 units | |
| AP503 Apologetics to Islam (3) | RE505 Contemporary Cults (3) |
| AP504 Christian Ethics (3) | PH500 History of Philosophy & Christian Thought (3) |
| RE504 World Religions (3) | PH560 Theistic Metaphysics and Epistemology (3) |
| Prerequisite: Undergraduate Logic or PH510 Logic | CM503 CM Church/Mission Experience III (P/F) |
| Elective (3 units) | |
| Choose one of the following electives: AP507 Problem of Evil, AP508 Resurrection of Jesus, AP502 Scientific Apologetics (3) or RW501 Thesis Research Writing (3) | |
| Complete Comprehensive Exam – Pass/Fail | |
| Total Semester Hours: 48 | |