If you are looking to learn more about your Christian faith, then you might consider pursuing an apologetics degree.
Apologetics is a branch of Christian theology that deals with the rational refutation of skeptical arguments about Christianity. An online degree in apologetics may help you prepare for a career in ministry or as an evangelist. Opportunities may also be available in education.
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Due to the virtual nature of an online apologetics degree, you may be able to earn it while working at a pace that best suits you.
Online Bachelor’s in Apologetics Degrees
A Christian apologetics degree is an undergraduate degree that is focused on understanding the truth and beauty of Christianity.
An online bachelor’s degree in applied apologetics is designed to teach you how to answer arguments raised against the religion in a rational and charismatic manner. That is to say, an apologetics degree is meant to teach you how to spread the word of Christianity.
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Similar to students in an online bachelor’s in theology, apologetics students study a wide range of disciplines and subjects in order to gain a greater understanding of Christianity and the Bible. As a student in an online apologetics degree program, you may study some of the following subjects:
- Theology
- Philosophy
- Art
- Writing
- History
- Biblical studies
During your time completing an apologetics degree, your program may allow you to concentrate in a certain area. For example, you may choose to specialize in evangelism, cultural engagement, or related approaches to Christian apologetics.
After completing an online apologetics degree, you may be qualified for several career paths. Many apologetics graduates find work in ministry. This may come in the form of positions with specific churches or religious organizations.
Apologetics degree holders may also turn to preaching and evangelizing if they feel the calling to spread what they learned in school. Those who wish to be ordained may continue their studies in grad school or seminary. Some graduates go on become writers of religion, sharing information about Christianity through articles or books.
Apologetics Careers & Salaries
Graduating with an online degree in apologetics may open the door to many rewarding careers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are some of the potential career paths associated with apologetics and related fields.
| Career | Annual Median Salaries |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $74,000 |
| Writers and Authors | $69,510 |
| Editors | $63,350 |
| High School Teachers — Private Schools | $56,510 |
| Clergy | $49,720 |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | $48,520 |
| Middle School Teachers — Private Schools | $48,080 |
| Religious Activities and Education Directors | $46,980 |
| Social and Human Service Assistants | $37,610 |
| Religious Workers, All Other | $37,500 |
Many of these careers have promising job outlooks. For instance, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 12% job growth for social and community service managers as well as for social and human service assistants over the next ten years.
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Meanwhile, employment for clergy and for religious activities and education directors is predicted to rise by 4%, which is as fast as the average for all occupations.
Christian Apologetics Bachelor’s Curriculum & Courses
Due to the nature of their degree, apologetics students are often expected to take classes in a wide variety of subjects.
Though requirements differ from university to university, as an apologetics student, you may be required to take courses similar to the following:
- History of Christianity: This course is an overview of the history of the Christian faith, from its inception during the time of Jesus to the present.
- Old Testament Interpretation: This class specifically studies and analyzes the Old Testament.
- New Testament Interpretation: This class is designed to study the New Testament of the Bible.
- Theology: This course serves as an overview of the various aspects of Christian doctrine, studied from various viewpoints.
- World Religions: This course is meant to give students knowledge of other contemporary religions and religious movements.
- Science and Religion: This course studies the intersection of religion and science and how they influence each other.
- Modern Apologetics: This course is meant to introduce you to the field of apologetics in an increasingly secular world.
- Suffering and Evil: This course teaches you how to understand and refute arguments against Christian doctrine based on evil and suffering in the world.
- Evangelism: In this course, you’ll learn how apologetics works in evangelism, focusing on the gospel and strategies for evangelism.
- Critical Thinking and Logic: This course is meant to teach you critical thinking strategies and argumentative logic.
Depending on your program, you may be required to complete an internship or a capstone experience.
Admissions Requirements
When choosing an online apologetics degree program, it’s helpful to make sure you meet the school’s specific admissions requirements. As part of the application process, you may be asked to fulfill one or more of the following admissions requirements:
- Online application
- High school transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- SAT or ACT test scores (only required by some schools)
You can verify your school’s admissions criteria through their website. You can also contact their admissions department for more information.
Accreditation
Ensuring the school you attend is regionally accredited is essential. Attending an accredited school means your program is following certain standard procedures and teaching methods to ensure a consistently high level of education.
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Earning a degree from a non-accredited university may affect your chances of earning advanced degrees or receiving financial aid. Employers tend to prefer candidates who have an accredited education as well. To see if the college or university you are attending is accredited, you can visit the US Department of Education’s website.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
There are many organizations and agencies extending aid to college students who qualify. Government student aid is one option to explore. One of the most common forms of financial aid is student loans from the federal government. Various state governments may offer aid as well.
To see if you are eligible for federal financial assistance, you can visit the Federal Student Aid website to create an account and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). In addition to government aid, private organizations, businesses, schools, and employers may offer scholarships or other forms of aid to help students pay for college.
What Is an Apologetics Degree?
An apologetics degree is a bachelors program that’s focused on teaching students the subfield of Christian apologetics. Apologetics is a field of theology that seeks to refute arguments put against the teachings of Christian doctrine.
Apologetics is not a confrontational field. Rather, it is a systematic and rational approach to intellectually defend the Christian faith and the Bible. Apologetics reinforces the legitimacy of the Christian faith. It underpins the religion with arguments in favor of its teachings.
What Can You Do with a Bachelor Degree in Apologetics?
A bachelors degree in apologetics may be useful for a wide variety of career fields in many different settings. The broad studies involved in an apologetics program may prepare some graduates to embark on a career as a Christian writer or to spread the gospel as an evangelist.
Others may choose to work for a nonprofit or a religious healthcare organization, helping with planning, organization, and administration. You may choose to become an advocate for others or go into ministry. Those who wish to preach or become ordained tend to pursue seminary or a masters-level education, such as an online masters in apologetics, or even an on-campus or online PhD in Apologetics. Ordination requirements can vary, though, depending on the church or organization.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Bachelors in Apologetics Online Degree?
The amount of time it takes to complete an online bachelor’s in apologetics depends on your university’s schedule and whether you choose to pursue the degree as a full-time or part-time student.
Full-time students at colleges or universities that follow a traditional 16 week semester schedule tend to complete a bachelors degree program in 4 years. Those who study part-time will likely take longer to finish their program. Full-time students at schools that follow 8 week, year-round terms may be able to earn their degree in less time.
Is a Bachelor’s in Christian Apologetics Degree Worth It?
Yes, a bachelor’s in Christian apologetics degree is worth it for many students. For instance, those who want to learn how to defend the Christian faith may be interested in completing an apologetics degree. A degree in this field can act as a foundation for a number of career paths.
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Some graduates go on to work in education, church administration, and ministry. Others may become writers, youth pastors, or nonprofit workers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a number of positions related to ministry are expected to see 4% job growth over the next ten years, which is as fast as average. These positions include writers and authors, religious activities and education directors, and clergy.
Universities Offering Online Bachelors in Apologetics Degree Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Biola University offers a fully online program for a Bachelor of Science in Bible, Theology, and Apologetics. The program uses an asynchronous format to provide maximum flexibility, and students can usually finish in 2 to 4 years. It offers opportunities to study under leading scholars and explore some of the most significant cultural questions around Christianity.
Biola University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Boyce College offers a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Worldview and Apologetics. The program seeks to teach students how to apply a Christ-centered worldview to every part of life and how to defend the Christian faith. The curriculum consists of courses such as Biblical Counseling, Old Testament Survey I and II, and Introduction to Philosophy.
Boyce College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Colorado Christian University’s Bachelor of Arts in Applied Apologetics is available online. Students in the program take one course at a time in 5 week blocks. They can choose an area of emphasis in Practical Apologetics, Innovative Evangelism, Global Apologetics, or Cultural Engagement. CCU has a generous transfer credit policy.
Colorado Christian University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Liberty University offers a Bachelor of Science in Religion—Apologetics. Students take an average of 3.5 years to graduate. Courses are 100% online, and each one is 8 weeks long. The curriculum consists of courses such as Apologetics in a Secular Age, Apologetics and the Gospel, and C.S. Lewis and Apologetic Imagination.
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Oral Roberts University offers a BA in Christian Thought that you can be earned 100% online. The curriculum consists of courses such as Philosophy of Religion, Major Religions of the World, and Christian Apologetics. Each course is 7 weeks long, and full-time students take two courses per term. Those enrolled full-time can typically graduate in 3.5 years.
Oral Roberts University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Getting Your BA in Apologetics Degree Online
If you want to strengthen your own faith and help other people see the goodness of Christianity, then you might consider earning an online apologetics degree.
As an apologetics student, you can learn from multiple disciplines and fields of study in order to have an informed worldview and to better explain and defend your faith. A bachelors in apologetics can act as a foundation for a number of professions, including writing, teaching, and nonprofit or church ministry.
If a bachelors in apologetics aligns with your personal interests as well as your professional and educational goals, you can start exploring accredited schools to find the program that’s right for you.
