Top 10 Online Master's in Christian Apologetics Degrees 2025

Whether you hope to pastor a church, travel for international missions, or work in local ministry, an advanced degree can help you on your way. Earning a Christian apologetics degree gives students a firm grasp of God's word and prepares them to effectively share their faith with others.

There are many Christian colleges and seminaries that offer both in-person and online master's degree programs. So grab your Bible and take a look at our list of the best accredited programs below.

Best Christian Colleges That Offer a Master's in Apologetics Online

An apologetics program teaches you how to understand and defend the Bible. Earning a master's in apologetics gives you the tools you need to understand Scripture more deeply, investigating not just what it means today, but its historical background as well. Take a look at 10 of the best schools for apologetics.

1. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

You can earn your Master of Arts in Apologetics (MAA) either in person or online from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Courses include Old and New Testament studies, systematic theology, and Christian philosophy.

The 62-credit program takes about two years to complete and prepares students for local or international ministerial work. Members of the Southern Baptist Church can receive discounted tuition.

• Estimated tuition cost: $322 per credit hour
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary

Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary's master's degree in apologetics prepares graduates to clearly and respectfully share the gospel at many levels of parachurch ministry. The 60-credit program takes about two years and can be completed online.

Graduate students will study logic and Christian persuasion, the historical reliability of the gospels, and scientific apologetics. Applicants must include an endorsement from a church and a pastor, two personal references, and an autobiographical statement. Because of donations, all master's students receive a scholarship package totalling over $9,000 per year.

• Estimated tuition cost: $355 per credit hour
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. Luther Rice College and Seminary

Graduate students can earn their MAA from Luther Rice in just 36 credit hours. Coursework prepares students to rationally defend the faith through teaching, writing, leading, or serving. Studies include a framework of apologetics, systematic theology, apologetics and miracles, and a capstone project.

The accelerated program can be completed in 16 to 24 months, and students can transfer up to six credit hours. Online and hybrid options are available.

• Estimated tuition cost: $391 per credit hour
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. Liberty University

Liberty's MA in Christian apologetics is available 100% online and is presented in eight-week courses. Liberty offers many tuition discounts for military, first responders, and others.

Students will deepen their understanding of Christianity through studying the philosophy and historical background of the Bible. Courses incorporate logic and reasoning, even as students study things like miracles and Jesus' divinity. This is a non-thesis program, which allows students to take additional courses and personalize their degree.

• Estimated tuition cost: $410 per credit hour
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Southern Evangelical Seminary

The Master of Arts in Christian Apologetics (MACA) degree program at Southern Evangelical Seminary is available 100% online and can be completed in as little as one year. The program is ideal for those interested in youth or campus ministry, teaching, missions, or personal growth.

This program integrates philosophy and theology with apologetics, preparing students to defend the faith and engage with the culture. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited university and an undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5.

• Estimated tuition cost: $475 per credit hour
• Accreditation: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS)

6. Wesley Biblical Seminary

Wesley Biblical Seminary's apologetics degree is 52 credit hours and takes between two and three years to complete. Both online and on-campus programs are available.

Students will receive a well-rounded education, taking courses in topics such as Biblical, theological, and ministry studies. Classes include the philosophy of the Christian religion, comparative religious traditions, and inductive Bible study. Interested students should have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, a 2.5 GPA or higher, and evidence of a strong Christian faith.

• Estimated tuition cost: $550 per credit hour
• Accreditation: Association of Theological Schools (ATS)

7. Houston Christian University

Houston Christian University (HCU)'s MA in apologetics incorporates history, literature, and the arts, giving students an interdisciplinary focus. But students will also build a strong foundation in theology and philosophy, preparing them to defend the faith with confidence. This program is open to students from Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox denominations.

Students can complete the degree program in person or online. Applicants should include a personal statement and their resume.

• Estimated tuition cost: $560 per credit hour
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. Regent University

Regent offers an MA in Apologetics and Cosmogony that is available online and takes 36 credit hours to complete. This program has a strong focus on science; students will research scientific foundations in chemistry and biology to methodically explain the origins of the world. Apologetics courses also help students rationally and thoroughly defend their faith.

Courses include apologetics and the beginnings of life, pastoral theology, and others. Interested students should fill out an application and submit their official transcripts and a photo of their ID.

• Estimated tuition cost: $565 per credit hour
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

9. Dallas Theological Seminary

Graduate students at Dallas Theological Seminary can complete their MA in apologetics and evangelism in about two years. Online students will attend real-time classes virtually.

Coursework combines studies of the Bible and theology with electives that allow students to tailor the degree to match their interests. Electives include archaeology, ethics, spiritual warfare, and many others.

• Estimated tuition cost: $700 per credit hour
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. Biola University

You can earn your master's degree in Christian apologetics in about two years at Biola University. Both online and on-campus options are available, and online students have the opportunity to attend on-campus weekend seminars or summer courses.

The program includes a core study of the Bible and theology, the spiritual formation core, an academic specialization, and some elective courses. Interested students should have a bachelor's degree with an overall GPA of at least 3.0. You should also include official transcripts, two references, and one essay response.

• Estimated tuition cost: $730 per credit hour
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission

Benefits of Attending College for a Master's in Christian Apologetics

Apologetics can be studied independently; many Christians enjoy diving into their Bibles and discussing theology. However, an advanced degree in apologetics from a Christian university or seminary gives you access to faculty and resources that will grow your knowledge exponentially.

The schools on our list employ expert faculty who will challenge you and stretch you to approach the Bible in new ways. Classes focused on big questions, like the existence of miracles, allow you to explore new perspectives. And while many schools offer religion degrees, a Christian college lets you study through a uniquely Biblical lens.

Admission Requirements for Christian Apologetics Schools

Admission requirements vary from school to school, but in general, most Master of Arts programs have the following requirements:

• a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• a GPA minimum
• letters of recommendation
• an essay

Some programs may have additional requirements, including pastoral or church references or a written statement of faith. International students may have further requirements, including taking an English proficiency test if English is not their primary language. Speak to your school's admissions department for specifics.

FAQs About Christian Apologetics Colleges

If you are interested in apologetics, then chances are you love thinking through big questions. So it's natural that you will have a few more questions about earning your master's. Below, we'll look more closely at the benefits and costs of an apologetics degree.

How Much Does a Degree in Apologetics Cost at a Christian College?

The schools on our list range from $322 to $730 per credit hour, so there are many affordable options for master's students. Total costs depend on the school you choose, whether you take classes online or in person, and the length of the program. Many of the schools and seminaries on our list offer financial assistance through scholarships, tuition discounts, or federal aid.

Do I Need To Believe in the Same Faith To Attend a Christian Institution?

While some schools require a statement of faith, many Christian colleges do not require you to be a Christian to attend. Different denominations may have different views on apologetics, or specifically how the Bible answers certain questions, so it's important to find an institution that aligns with your views. Houston Christian University specifically caters to students of many different denominations.

What Can I Do With an Apologetics Degree From a Christian College?

You may be wondering about master's in apologetics jobs, but there are many options both within the church and without. At a local church, you can work as an associate pastor or youth minister. Within the community are other roles: college campus minister, Christian author, or international missionary. However, if you are interested in full-time pastoring, then a Master of Divinity in Apologetics may be more beneficial.

What Can You Do With a Master's in Apologetics?

A master's in apologetics gives you the framework for respectfully and thoroughly explaining the Bible to those outside the faith. Apologists study the content and history of the Bible to defend the beliefs of Christianity. This makes it a helpful degree for anyone who hopes to work in evangelism or in a teaching role, whether that's spreading the gospel to unreached people groups or teaching high schoolers at your local church.

What Does a Christian Apologist Do?

An apologist might teach and preach by working as an associate pastor, campus minister, or youth pastor. An apologist could also work as an author, publishing books and researching the finer points of the faith — or they could work as evangelists, spreading the message of Christianity to those in their home country or abroad.

Explore Online Degree Programs

If you are someone who loves diving into the thick of theology to better defend your faith, then a Master of Arts in Apologetics may be the best degree for you. Browse Learn.org to discover more Christian colleges offering apologetics degrees. Reach out to one today to discuss your plans.