Biola University 2015–16 Catalog
Christian Apologetics
Program Learning Outcomes Upon completion of the Master of Arts in Christian Apologetics, students will be able to: 1. Build an intellectual framework to demonstrate students’ understanding of the faith and formulate responses to future challenges (ULO 1). 2. Demonstrate Christ-like character, so as to offer an effective defense of the gospel (ULO 2). 3. Argue effectively to correct misconceptions about historic Christianity; answer the perennial problems that are offered to discredit Christianity intellectually; and make the case proactively that it is reasonable to put one’s faith in Christ (ULO 3). Graduation Requirements 1. Satisfactorily complete 36 semester credits as outlined in the curriculum below. 2. Maintain a 2.5 average with no grade below a “C” in all courses to be credited toward graduation. Students cannot graduate while on probation. 3. Complete a minimum of 24 credits in the degree program at Biola University. 4. All degree components must be completed as graded courses. Students taking courses in the distance-learning format are expected to participate in our on-campus summer lectures for two weeks in June/July. 5. Complete the entire program in no more than seven years. 6. Meet with department advisor and Graduate Graduation Counselor in the Office of the Registrar one year prior to graduation to declare intent to graduate. (See Graduate Graduation Check description in Admission, Enrollment and Graduation Requirements section). Delivery Formats This program offers distance-learning courses. Courses, seminars, conferences and related learning experiences generally are scheduled in the evening and on the weekends for the convenience of working adults. Courses are usually four to eight weeks in length with classes meeting once per week in the evening. Alternative scheduling often is employed for enhanced instructional effectiveness. Distance Learning Course Fees Some courses taken via distance learning have special materials fees. CSAP 521M, 522M and 550M have materials fees of $130. CSAP 601M, 602M, and 603M have material fees of $125. Independent Study Courses Independent or directed study courses offer students the opportunity to study one on one with outstanding theologians, apologists and biblical scholars. Residential students are limited to 6 credits in their degree program. Distance learning students are limited to 12 credits. Core Requirements (23 Credits) The M.A. in Christian Apologetics includes the following core courses:
Faculty Director:
Craig J. Hazen, Ph.D.
Professor(s):
Bloom, Hazen
Associate Professor(s):
C. Jones, K. Lewis, S. Smith
Assistant Professor(s):
S. McDowell
Mission The Master of Arts degree in Christian Apologetics is designed for individuals who desire academic and practical preparation for proclaiming and defending the historic doctrines of the Christian faith. Students are prepared to articulate a Christian worldview reverently, with intelligence, confidence and compassion. The program fosters personal spiritual growth and maturity through guided study of the Scriptures and theology, mutual encouragement in the Christian life and intellectual rigor. Program Description The program incorporates knowledge and perspective from many academic disciplines and provides stimulating graduate education for those who wish to engage unbelievers effectively in the world of ideas. The curriculum is accessible to students who may have little or no formal academic training in biblical studies, theology or philosophy. Many of the courses in this program are available in a distance learning format that combines short-term campus visits with distance learning. The distance learning program is designed to make the M.A. in Christian Apologetics available to students who cannot relocate to southern California for the regular residential program. This program may not qualify for financial aid or deferring of educational loan payments. Restrictions related to the distance learning format may apply to the Post 9/11 GI Bill. Please contact the VA Benefits coordinator. Applicants who might be interested in the distance learning format should contact the Apologetics Program Office for more information at (562) 906-4570. Admission Requirements • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a grade point average (GPA) equivalent to a “B” or higher in all undergraduate study. • One pastoral and at least one character reference. • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Transcripts must be official, that is, mailed directly from your previous colleges and/or universities in a sealed envelope to the Biola Office of Graduate Admissions. Note: Official documents for admission or evaluation become part of the student’s academic file and normally cannot be returned or copied for distribution. Delivery Formats This program offers distance-learning courses. Courses, seminars, conferences and related learning experiences are generally scheduled in the evening and on the weekends for the convenience of working adults. Courses are usually four to eight weeks in length with classes meeting once per week in the evening. Alternative scheduling is often employed for enhanced instructional effectiveness. Christian Apologetics, M.A. The Master of Arts in Christian Apologetics program provides Christians with the academic and personal preparation needed to effectively and intelligently proclaim and defend the essential doctrines of the Christian faith and the Christian worldview.
Apologetics (5 Credits) CSAP 510
Apologetics Research and Writing
Credit(s): 1.
Why God Allows Evil
CSAP 628
Credit(s): 1–2.
Should be taken for 2 credits.
Seminar: In Defense of the Resurrection Credit(s): 1–2.
CSAP 691
Should be taken for 2 credits.
196
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