Apologetics is a branch of theology that defends Christianity against objections. Christian apologists give reasons for the hope that is within us (1 Peter 3:15) to help people come to faith in Christ. We challenge false ideas that form obstacles to belief in Christ, and that give rise to disorder in human persons and in society (2 Cor 10:3-5). Within the church, we help Christians have a stronger faith and live out Christ’s call to love God with our heart, mind, soul and strength (1 Tim 1:5).
The Department of Apologetics offers a master of arts, which includes both a cultural track and a philosophical track. The MA is available as a fully online degree or as a residential degree program. We also offer a minor residentially.
What can I do with this degree?
- Pursue further graduate study
- Teach in a variety of disciplines
- Minister in local churches, parachurch ministry, and Christian schools
- Create film, art, music, and literature from a Christian perspective
- Develop new approaches to ministry within professional fields
Our partnership with Ratio Christi provides additional opportunities for employment or ministry work as an apologist on college campuses.
Why Study Apologetics at HCU?
- Outstanding faculty
- Academic rigor
- Mentoring
- Emphasis on effective communication
- Attention to spiritual growth
- Hands-on experience
- A ‘mere Christian’ focus
Online Program
In addition to our Houston-based residential program, the program is also available online. There is no residency requirement and we welcome international students.
Contact Dr. Austin Freeman for details.
Faculty
At HCU, you will take small classes with top scholars and public intellectuals, who are also active in apologetics ministry, writing, speaking and cutting-edge academic scholarship.
- David Baggett
- Marybeth Baggett
- Michael Licona
- Nancy Pearcey
- Jerry Walls
- Michael Ward
- Austin Freeman
- Philip Tallon
- Holly Ordway (visiting professor)
Degrees in Apologetics
Minors
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Apologetics (Minor)
This minor is for those who want to understand important challenges to the Christian faith and respond with truth and love. This minor is appropriate for a wide range of professional callings. Students will be able to customize the minor to apply apologetics to their particular fields, including literature, philosophy, theology, or popular culture.
Master's Degrees
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Apologetics (MA)
Students who enroll in the graduate program, Master of Arts in Apologetics, have the option of taking either a Cultural or Philosophical track. Scholars learn ways to answer compelling questions about Christianity with compelling and winsome answers. The program is ideal for church staff members, teachers, writers and more.
Certificates
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Worldview
Analyze competing belief systems and articulate a coherent Christian perspective through study of philosophical traditions from ancient to postmodern. Explore the relationship between faith and reason while customizing your learning with courses in world religions or “Mere Christian” theology—preparing you to address complex ideological questions. -
Philosophical Apologetics
Strengthen your ability to defend Christian faith through theological and philosophical approaches. Study “Mere Christianity,” Scripture, faith, reason, and science, while developing effective communication methods. Under faculty guidance within a supportive Christian environment, you’ll grow as a thoughtful apologist prepared for contemporary challenges. -
Missions and Evangelism
Prepare for global outreach by mastering effective evangelism principles and cultural understanding. Supplement these core skills with specialized studies in apologetics communication, world religions, intercultural leadership, or cultural context—building competencies for ministry across diverse settings from local communities to international contexts. -
Literary and Imaginative Apologetics
Study C.S. Lewis’s approach to weaving Christian truth into compelling narratives. Through specialized writing courses, you’ll develop a creative voice guided by faculty who understand how literature reaches hearts when pure logic cannot—resulting in a distinctive approach to apologetics engaging both imagination and intellect. -
Biblical Apologetics
Deepen your understanding of Scripture’s role in defending faith through coursework examining apologetic implications of biblical texts, historical evidence for the resurrection, and theological foundations from both Testaments. The program equips ministry leaders, educators, and others to articulate biblical truth with scholarly depth and spiritual conviction. -
Apologetics Communication
Become a more persuasive communicator of faith through core studies in apologetics research, writing, and evangelism. Enhance these foundations with your choice of courses in visual arts, creative writing, or cultural understanding to develop skills tailored for effectively advocating Christian truth in contemporary contexts. -
Worldview
Analyze competing belief systems and articulate a coherent Christian perspective through study of philosophical traditions from ancient to postmodern. Explore the relationship between faith and reason while customizing your learning with courses in world religions or “Mere Christian” theology—preparing you to address complex ideological questions. -
Philosophical Apologetics
Examine the intersection of philosophy and theology to strengthen your intellectual defense of Christian faith. Core studies in apologetics research and philosophy of religion pair with specialized courses addressing contemporary challenges to belief, developing the analytical abilities needed for engaging skeptical audiences. -
Missions and Evangelism
Prepare for global outreach by mastering effective evangelism principles and cultural understanding. Supplement these core skills with specialized studies in apologetics communication, world religions, intercultural leadership, or cultural context—building competencies for ministry across diverse settings from local communities to international contexts. -
Literary and Imaginative Apologetics
Study C.S. Lewis’s approach to weaving Christian truth into compelling narratives. Through specialized writing courses, you’ll develop a creative voice guided by faculty who understand how literature reaches hearts when pure logic cannot—resulting in a distinctive approach to apologetics engaging both imagination and intellect. -
Apologetics
Strengthen your ability to defend Christian faith through theological and philosophical approaches. Study “Mere Christianity,” Scripture, faith, reason, and science, while developing effective communication methods. Under faculty guidance within a supportive Christian environment, you’ll grow as a thoughtful apologist prepared for contemporary challenges.