HCU’s online MAA degree combines both logic-based and imaginative approaches to defending Christianity. Students engage a wide array of thinkers, texts, and schools of thought, developing skills needed to understand, critique, and engage with culture at all levels. Degrees are customizable with electives across the entire university, so students can gain the perspective, knowledge, and skillsets needed to be effective in whatever ministry context they are in.
Listen to Dr. Michael Ward explain the “rich mix” of rational and imaginative integration.
Classes and Coursework
The MAA curriculum comprises 36 units. All students share a core set of courses covering research and writing, apologetic methodology, historical surveys of apologetics within culture, engagement with Scripture, and HCU’s unique brand of imaginative apologetics. Based on their interests and needs, all students take at least one course in Bible or theology, one course in science or philosophy. These are complemented by a selection of three electives, which can include a Thesis.
Students have the option to enrich their studies by taking an Apologetics in Oxford class that runs in the summer in Oxford, England.
See the degree plan (below) and course descriptions for more information.
Review degree plan
Online Learning
This online program is designed to provide a full graduate-school experience, but in an asynchronous format that allows for students to balance work, ministry, and/or parenting with academic study (and to have professors and classmates in multiple time zones). We also have a residential option. We use Canvas for our online classes, with full tech support provided. Our online courses run in an 8-week intensive format with the same material as in a semester-long course compressed into a shorter timeframe. There are 6 terms per year (two in the fall, two in the spring, and two in the summer). This means that by taking only one class per term, students can complete the degree in 2 years.
Our online courses focus on class discussion of the readings, critical thinking, and writing assignments, on which you receive individual attention and feedback from your professor. You don’t have to log in at any specific time, but you’ll be expected to log in to the course page regularly during the week to read and respond to your classmates and professor in the discussion forums – the equivalent of attending classes. In the discussions, guided by the professors, students explore the ideas presented in readings and lectures, challenge and respond to each other, develop communication skills, and learn how to become independent thinkers.
Most classes do not have tests of any kind – only writing and projects. You can expect to write multiple essays in each class, with the assignments carefully designed by your professors to lead you into a greater understanding and application of the material, and mastery of the concepts and skills for that course. Since class sizes are small, you’ll always get feedback from your professor on your writing – not just a grade – so you can grow in both your knowledge and communication skills. You will interact with your professor through online discussion boards, writing assignments, feedback, email, optional on-campus meetings, and/or video calls.
The MAA Online has no residency requirement. All classes are 100% online and there is no requirement to travel to HCU. This is particularly helpful for our international students! Students still have full access to campus to attend events such as conferences and to meet our faculty in person, but the degree is designed to be completed exclusively online.
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