The Master of Arts in Christian Apologetics (MACA) is a 66 unit program that may be completed in as little as two (2) years of full time study if summer and winter terms are utilized. This course of study builds on the core requirements described under the MATS degree by adding 30 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 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.
| MA in Christian Apologetics (MACA) | |
| Core Requirements (36 units) | Major Requirements (30 units) |
| RW499 Research Methods & Technology (P/F) | AP502 Archaeology and the Bible (3) |
| OT515 Old Testament Survey (3) | AP503 Apologetics to Islam (3) |
| TH520 Biblical Hermeneutics (3) | AP504 Christian Ethics (3) |
| NT510 Jesus & the Early Church: Gospels and Acts (3) | RE504 World Religions (3) |
| NT520 Paul & the Later Church: Epistles and Revelation (3) | RE504 Contemporary Cults (3) |
| NT530 NT Research and Methodology (3) | PH510 Logic (3) |
| TH530 Prolegomena and Bibliology (3) | PH520 History of Philosophy and Christian Thought I (3) |
| TH540 Theology Proper and Creation (3) | PH530 History of Philosophy and Christian Thought II (3) |
| TH550 Christology and Pneumatology (3) | One Elective (3) |
| TH560 Hamartiology and Soteriology (3) | RW501 Thesis Research and Writing or One Elective (3) |
| TH570 Ecclesiology and Eschatology (3) | CM501 Church/Mission Experience I (P/F) |
| TH580 Historical Theology or Elective (3) | CM502 Church/Mission Experience II (P/F) |
| AP501 Introduction to Apologetics (3) | CM503 Church/Mission Experience III (P/F) |
| Optional Philosophy of Religion Concentration (6 units in lieu of two electives) | |
| PH540 Theistic Metaphysics in lieu of AP502 Archaeology and Bible History (3) | PH550 Theistic Epistemology in lieu of One Elective (3) |
| Complete Comprehensive Exam – Pass/Fail | |
| Total Semester Hours: 66 | |