Christian Apologetics (MA)
Degree: Master of Arts
Program Overview
The Master of Arts in Christian Apologetics equips students to effectively commend the Christian faith and defend it from unbelief of any kind. Specialized study in apologetics is combined with focused theology classes that serve as the intellectual and spiritual starting point for a robust biblical defense of the Christian faith. Students learn the basics of metaphysics and epistemology to gain the ability to critique any worldview or religion. A practical focus enables students to effectively engage unbelievers in real life gospel conversations. Highlights of the degree:
• Accessible to students with little or no formal background in apologetics.
• Ideal for students who desire serious preparation for academic and practical engagement with unbelieving philosophy, religion, science, and culture.
• Offers a wide variety of course options and electives to equip students for a variety of ministry scenarios.
Program Mission Statement
The Master of Arts in Christian Apologetics (MACA) program is designed to equip students with the biblical, theological, and philosophical foundation for effectively engaging any form of unbelief with the Christian faith and biblical worldview. The program provides a thorough understanding of a faithful Christian apologetic with the goal of integrating academic and practical aspects of defending the faith.
Program Outcomes
As a result of this program, the student will do the following:
1. Develop an apologetic approach consistent with the Scriptures and systematic theology.
2. Construct an intellectual framework that integrates epistemology, metaphysics and ethics into a coherent and consistent Christian faith and biblical worldview.
3. Evaluate and critique the current theological, philosophical, and cultural issues facing the church and society.
4. Practice the skills critical to answering objections to the Christian faith with confidence and persuasiveness.
5. Cultivate effective rhetorical techniques and tactics for cultural engagement grounded in a Christian apologetic.
Locations: Lancaster and Online
Program Philosophy
The Master of Arts in Christian Apologetics program seeks to develop an approach to apologetics that is consistent with systematic theology and that utilizes the Scriptures to give an answer to all forms of unbelief. Classes interact with the evidences and objections from a number of disciplines, including philosophy, history, theology, textual criticism, religion, and culture.
Educational Philosophy
The Master of Arts in Christian Apologetics program grounds students in an approach to apologetics that is consistent with systematic theology and then demonstrates how that approach can answer any legitimate objection to the Christian faith. Students are exposed to the challenges to the Christian faith from all sides and taught how to provide an answer to those challenges. Students are encouraged to become teachers of apologetics in their own spheres of church, school, and denomination.
The Master of Arts in Christian Apologetics program seeks to provide a well-rounded foundation of graduate-level apologetics training. Because there are so many challenges to the Christian faith, a master’s degree cannot address every objection. This program seeks to equip students with the necessary tools to survey the ever-changing landscape of unbelief and build upon their knowledge throughout their lives.
Christian Apologetics MA Degree Requirements
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Biblical and Theological Foundations
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12 credits
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Required Apologetics courses
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12 credits
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Capstone course
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3 credits
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Elective Apologetics courses
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9 credits
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Program Total
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36 credits
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Biblical & Theological Foundations
Apologetics Core
Apologetics Electives
Application, Admission, Retention, and Graduation
Advanced Standing
The following Biblical and Theological Studies courses are required unless the student has entered the program with advanced standing. Advanced Standing is granted to those students who have completed 30 hours or more of undergraduate Bible and theology courses. Students with less than 30 hours may receive partial Advanced Standing credit proportionate to undergraduate or graduate Bible and theology studies completed. Students’ official transcripts will be evaluated during the admissions process.
Students transferring from theological seminaries or graduate institutions with accreditation recognized by the U.S. Department of Education will be given advanced standing to the extent that their credits approximate the curriculum of Capital Seminary & Graduate School. Transfer credits must be from a seminary or graduate program with a final grade of “C” or higher. They must be no older than 10 years (for biblical language courses) or 15 years (for all other courses). Students can transfer no more than 50% of a degree from an outside institution. For specific information or questions, applicants or students must consult the Program Director.
Application Process
Individuals seeking admission to Seminary programs must complete the following application steps. Decisions for admission to these programs are made using each application piece listed as criteria.
1.
Application Form: Complete the online application and submit the $40 application fee. Once your application has been received, you will be contacted by an Admissions Representative who will guide you through the application process.
2.
Autobiographical Essay: Write an autobiographical essay. Guidelines for the essay are found here or from Adult Learner Services (717-560-8282). This essay is designed to provide applicable life content as well as demonstrate the applicant's writing ability. Applicants will be evaluated on: confirmation of acceptance of Christ as personal Savior, developments in spiritual growth, statement of ministry goals, and rationale for desiring a master's degree. This autobiography has specific guidelines (please follow link above) and is designed for assessing the above content as well as writing ability.
3.
References: Ask two people who are qualified to evaluate your ministry/work experience and potential, to complete the reference form on your behalf. Reference forms are located online here.
4.
Request Official Transcripts: Contact all institutions through which degrees have been awarded to request official transcripts to be sent to Adult Learner Services (717-560-8282). These must be official transcripts sent directly from the degree granting institution(s). There must be a transcript from an accredited institution showing completion of a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.50.
5.
Computer Proficiency Form: Please complete the online computer proficiency form.
6.
TOEFL Score: Non-native speakers of English must submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). If the applicant has an undergraduate degree from an accredited American college or university, he/she is exempt from the TOEFL requirement. If required, the TOEFL test score must meet the following minimum for admission: paper score 550; computer score 213; or internet score 79. The applicant's skill score in writing will also be considered in the admissions decision.
7.
Personal Interview: Following receipt of the above items, a personal interview will be arranged with a faculty member.
Application Response
Applicants will be notified within three weeks of the submission of all application materials with regards to their acceptance into a program. Five decisions are possible.
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Full Acceptance: The applicant is fully accepted with no deficiencies or leveling requirements.
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Accepted with Deficiencies: The applicant is accepted into the program with admission's academic deficiencies identified. The applicant will be informed as to the necessary steps required to achieve full acceptance.
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Accepted on Review Status: The applicant is admitted pending further review. This may be because a part of the application was incomplete (e.g. a score was not received in time) or because the applicant did not meet one of the admission's requirements.
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Delay: The applicant may receive an application delay. This may be due to the program being filled, a change in the applicant's life situation, or an event preventing the applicant from attending the first program session. Delayed status applicants will not have to reapply to the program but must pay the program down payment fee.
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Declined: The applicant who is declined will be notified by mail or email. Specific reasons for the decline are not provided.
Admission Requirements
Individuals seeking admission to Capital Seminary programing in the Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Ministry, Master of Arts in Biblical Studies, Master of Arts in Christian Care, Master of Arts in Formational Leadership, and Master of Arts in Christian Apologetics must complete the following application steps. Decisions for admission to these programs are made using each application piece listed as criteria.
Graduation
The following requirements must be successfully completed in order to receive a Seminary degree or certificate:
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Satisfactory completion of all course work
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A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
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Fulfillment of all financial obligations
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Adherence to biblical standards and ethics in living one’s lifestyle
Program Director
Mark Farnham, PhD (Westminster)
Dr. Mark Farnham has been teaching apologetics since 2007 at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. He has engaged unbelievers in gospel conversations in a multitude of settings and teaches apologetics with the end goal of actual engagement with those who don’t know Christ. He has published books on apologetics and ethics, as well as a complete apologetics curriculum for high schoolers, Approachable Apologetics (Positive Action for Christ, 2023). In addition to twenty years of teaching he has served in pastoral roles in churches in Connecticut and Pennsylvania.
Faculty
Rodney Pearce, MDiv
Ron Belsterling, PhD
Andrew Keenan PhD (ABD)
Jeff Mindler, MA