I often get questions from people who wish to know about which institutions have programs in Christian Apologetics, which ones are the best, what are the costs, who has the best accreditation, etc. In an attempt to answer these questions as best I can, and as easily as possible, I have created this master list. To the best of my knowledge this list is current and I will try to maintain it as best as I can. Some programs in philosophy and Ethics are listed as well from institutions that are apologetics minded or that can be tailored towards apologetics.
Schools are listed according to current accreditation status, residency or distance options. I will comment on some schools/programs as to their reputation and quality as well. This is, of course, subject to my own perspective and knowledge of the particular school or program so you just have to take it as such. As far as tuition, that is constantly changing so you need to contact the schools or look it up on the website yourself. Keep in mind that some schools accept federal student loans whereas others insist on the student paying as they go to avoid debt, you will have to ask the financial aid office of each school you are interested in.
My hope is that you will find this list to be very helpful while researching various programs and that you will be able to share it with others who are interested in working in the field of Christian apologetics. If you have any additional information that you would like to suggest be added to the list (or if you spot an error or something that needs updated) then please let me know so that I make the appropriate changes. I appreciate your help in keeping this list as up to date as possible.
Certificate Programs:
Biola University: Certificate in Christian Apologetics
Reputation: Very well respected, leading school for apologetics training, non-denominational Evangelical. (Evidential Apologetics)
Accreditation: Biola University holds institutional accreditation by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. (The certificate program can be rolled into a few hours of credit towards Biola’s M.A. in Apologetics.)
Distance/Residence: Completely Distance
Birmingham Theological Seminary: Certificate in Apologetics
Reputation: Theologically Reformed and Presbyterian. (Presuppositional Apologetics)
Accreditation: BTS is a member of theAssociation of Reformed Theological Seminaries (ARTS). ARTS has not yet obtained recognition from the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Distance/Residence: Contact School
Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry: Apologetics School; Critical Thinking School
Reputation: CARM is well known and has some excellent resources. If you’re looking to get your feet wet in Apologetics this is an excellent place to start.
Accreditation: N/A
Distance/Residence: Completely distance.
Columbia Evangelical Seminary: Certificate in Apologetics
Reputation: Very good reputation as a school who is committed to training Christian leaders and ministers with high academic standards and a unique approach to education via academic mentorship. This is the only non-accredited school that I know personally that I feel I can recommend.
Accreditation: N/A
Distance/Residence: Completely Distance
Ligonier Ministries: Certificate in Apologetics
Reputation: Founded by R.C. Sproul Ligonier is a well respected ministry which is theologically Reformed. (Classical Apologetics)
Accreditation: Contact School
Distance/Residence: Completely Distance
Southern Evangelical Seminary: Certificate in Islamic Studies; Certificate in Scientific Apologetics
Reputation: Considered to be among the top schools for Christian Apologetics training, non-denominational and Evangelical. (Classical Apologetics).
Accreditation: TRACS (www.TRACS.org) is one of only two national accrediting organizations that are recognized by CHEA (www.CHEA.org) and the USDE (www.ED.gov) and in addition hold full membership with INQAAHE (www.INQAAHE.org).
Distance/Residence: Completely Distance
Undergraduate Programs:
Boyce College: B.A. Christian Worldview & Apologetics
Reputation: Boyce is the undergraduate school of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and is very well respected. Theologically Reformed.
Accreditation: Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS) and the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).
Distance/Residence: On-Campus
Columbia Evangelical Seminary: Th.A.; Th.B. & B.C.S. in Apologetics or Philosophy
Reputation: Very good reputation as a school who is committed to training Christian leaders and ministers with high academic standards and a unique approach to education via academic mentorship. This is the only non-accredited school that I know personally that I feel I can recommend.
Accreditation: N/A
Distance/Residence: Completely Distance
Luther Rice University: B.A. Religion & Christian Worldview
Reputation: Luther Rice University has a great reputation of high academic quality and are pioneers in fully accredited distance education, they are a rising school in apologetics training.
Accreditation: TRACS (www.TRACS.org) is one of only two national accrediting organizations that are recognized by CHEA (www.CHEA.org) and the USDE (www.ED.gov) and in addition hold full membership with INQAAHE (www.INQAAHE.org). Word has it that LRU is pursuing Regional accreditation as well.
Distance/Residence: Offered both completely online and on campus.
Graduate Programs:
Baptist Bible Seminary: M.A. Biblical Apologetics
Reputation: The school is well respected, has good accreditation and has some unique course options.
Accreditation: BBS is accredited by by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and the Association for Biblical Higher Education.
Distance/Residance: This program can be complete online with no on-campus components required.
Biola University: M.A. Christian Apologetics; M.A. Science & Religion
Reputation: Very well respected, leading school for apologetics training, non-denominational Evangelical. (Evidential Apologetics)
Accreditation: Biola University holds institutional accreditation by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Distance/Residence: This program is offered both on campus in the evenings or as a modular program with work done at home on-line with two trips to campus during the summer for two week intensives.
Birmingham Theological Seminary: M.A. Apologetics
Reputation: Theologically Reformed and Presbyterian. (Presuppositional Apologetics)
Accreditation: BTS is a member of theAssociation of Reformed Theological Seminaries (ARTS). ARTS has not yet obtained recognition from the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Distance/Residence: Contact School
Columbia Evangelical Seminary: M.C.S.; M.Rel.; M. Apol.; M.C.Phil.; M.T.S.; M.Div.; Th.M. Apologetics of Philosophy
Reputation: Very good reputation as a school who is committed to training Christian leaders and ministers with high academic standards and a unique approach to education via academic mentorship. This is the only non-accredited school that I know personally that I feel I can recommend.
Accreditation: N/A
Distance/Residence: Completely Distance
Denver Seminary: M.A. Apologetics & Ethics
Reputation: Highly respected school with well known apologist Dr. Douglas Groothuis leading the program.
Accreditation: Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and North Central Association of Colleges and Schools .
Distance/Residence: On Campus only
Faith Evangelical Seminary: M.A.T.S. Apologetics
Reputation: Formerly a Lutheran school but now non-denominational and evangelical.
Accreditation: TRACS (www.TRACS.org) is one of only two national accrediting organizations that are recognized by CHEA (www.CHEA.org) and the USDE (www.ED.gov) and in addition hold full membership with INQAAHE (www.INQAAHE.org).
Distance/Residence: Both on campus and distance options are available.
Houston Baptist University: M.A. Apologetics; M.A. Philosophy
Reputation: HBU has acquired an impressive faculty in a very short amount of time making them a serious competitor with Biola University for the top apologetics program in the country. I personally feel the push the boundaries of ecumenicism further than they ought, but you will without a doubt learn from top apologetics minds and practioners at HBU.
Accreditation: Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).
Distance/Residence: On campus only
Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary: M.A. Philosophical Studies
Reputation: Long standing as a strongly evangelical school Liberty is well respected.
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS-COC) to award degrees at associate, baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist and doctoral levels.
Distance/Residence: This program is on campus only.
Luther Rice University: M.A. Apologetics
Reputation: Luther Rice University has a great reputation of high academic quality and are pioneers in fully accredited distance education, they are a rising school in apologetics training. With some recent changes to the M.A. in Apologetics program and with Dr. Scott Henderson and Dr. David Leonard on faculty this program is worth your attention.
Accreditation: TRACS (www.TRACS.org) is one of only two national accrediting organizations that are recognized by CHEA (www.CHEA.org) and the USDE (www.ED.gov) and in addition hold full membership with INQAAHE (www.INQAAHE.org). Word has it that LRU is pursuing Regional accreditation as well.
Distance/Residence: Offered both completely online and on campus.
Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary: M.A. Biblical Archaeology
Reputation: One of the Southern Baptist Conventions main 6 seminaries MBTS is a solid school.
Accreditation: Midwestern maintains professional and academic accreditation with two accrediting associations: The Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada and The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC). Associate membership with ATS began in December 1961. Full membership and accreditation were received in 1964.
Distance/Residence: This program is residence only.
New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary: M.Div. Apologetics
Reputation: One of the big 6 Southern Baptist seminaries NOBTS is well known and respected.
Accreditation: New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. Accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada.
Distance/Residence: On campus (some classes may be taken online)
Southern Baptist Theological Seminary: M.Div. Worldview & Apologetics
Reputation: The flagship seminary of the Southern Baptist Convention, SBTS is theologically Reformed and Baptist and is well respected as a school with world renowned faculty.
Accreditation: Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS) and the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).
Distance/Residence: On Campus (some classes available online)
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary: M.A. Ethics, Theology & Culture; M.A. Philosophy of Religion; M.Div. Christian Ethics; M.Div. Christian Apologetics
Reputation: Another of the big 6 SBC seminaries SEBTS is also very well established and respected.
Accreditation: Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS) and the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).
Distance/Residence: On campus (some classes available online)
Southern Evangelical Seminary: M.A. Apologetics; M.A. Philosophy; M.Div. Apologetics
Reputation: Considered one of the leading schools in apologetics training SES is a very well respected school that is non-denominational and solidly Evangelical. (Classical Apologetics)
Accreditation: TRACS (www.TRACS.org) is one of only two national accrediting organizations that are recognized by CHEA (www.CHEA.org) and the USDE (www.ED.gov) and in addition hold full membership with INQAAHE (www.INQAAHE.org).
Distance/Residence: Both on campus and distance options available.
Trinity International University: M.A. Bioethics
Reputation: A top notch school that is well established and respected. If you are interested in pro-life apologetics then this program should have your attention.
Accreditation: Accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Distance/Residence: Modular program, online with intensives on campus.
Trinity Evangelical Divinity School: M.A. Philosophy of Religion
Reputation: Well respected as one of the top Evangelical schools for theological training.
Accreditation: Accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Distance/Residence: On campus
Veritas Evangelical Seminary: Master of Christian Apologetics
Reputation: A relatively new school with New School but with a well respected faculty, Evangelical and non-denominational.
Accreditation: A member of the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS).
Distance/Residence: Both distance and on campus options.
Doctoral Programs:
Columbia Evangelical Seminary: D.C.S.; D.Min.; D.Rel.; D.T.S.; D.C. Phil.; Th.D. Apologetics or Philosophy
Reputation: Very good reputation as a school who is committed to training Christian leaders and ministers with high academic standards and a unique approach to education via academic mentorship. This is the only non-accredited school that I know personally that I feel I can recommend.
Accreditation: N/A
Distance/Residence: Completely Distance
Faulkner University: Ph.D. Humanities (with offered emphasis tracks of Philosophy, History & Literature.)
Reputation: Faulkner is a pioneer in that it has the first ever (that I know of) Regionally accredited Ph.D. program that is fully online. Church of Christ in affiliation but the student body is very diverse in the graduate school. Many apologists are taking note of this program and its application for Christian apologetics. I myself am a current student here and am focusing on C. S. Lewis in relationship to the Great Books of the Western World.
Reputation: Faulkner is a pioneer in that it has the first ever (that I know of) Regionally accredited Ph.D. program that is fully online. Church of Christ in affiliation but the student body is very diverse in the graduate school. Many apologists are taking note of this program and its application for Christian apologetics. I myself am a current student here and am focusing on C. S. Lewis in relationship to the Great Books of the Western World.
Accreditation: Faulkner University is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Distance/Residence: Completely Distance.
Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary: Ph.D. Theology & Apologetics
Reputation: Long standing as a strongly evangelical school, Liberty is well respected.
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS-COC) to award degrees at associate, baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist and doctoral levels.
Distance/Residence: This program is modular with online and intensive on campus components.
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary: Ph.D. Philosophy of Religion; Ethics
Reputation: Another of the big 6 SBC seminaries SEBTS is also very well established and respected.
Accreditation: Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS) and the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).
Distance/Residence: On campus
Southern Baptist Theological Seminary: Ph.D. Christian Ethics; Ph.D. Apologetics & Worldview; Ph.D. Christian Philosophy; Ph.D. Applied Apologetics; Ph.D. Christianity & the Arts
Reputation: The flagship seminary of the Southern Baptist Convention, SBTS is theologically Reformed and Baptist and is well respected as a school with world renowned faculty.
Accreditation: Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS) and the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).
Distance/Residence: Modular format requiring online courses and on campus intensives.
Southern Evangelical Seminary: D.Min Apologetics; Ph.D. Philosophy of Religion
Reputation: Considered one of the leading schools in apologetics training SES is a very well respected school that is non-denominational and solidly Evangelical. (Classical Apologetics)
Accreditation: TRACS (www.TRACS.org) is one of only two national accrediting organizations that are recognized by CHEA (www.CHEA.org) and the USDE (www.ED.gov) and in addition hold full membership with INQAAHE (www.INQAAHE.org).
Distance/Residence: Ph.D. is on campus only, D.Min. is modular with online courses and on campus intensives.
The North American Reformed Seminary: D.Min Apologetics
Reputation: Not as well known but an academically rigorous program that takes training ministers seriously. TNARS is a mentorship based program with a set curriculum. This program is primarily Presuppositional in its approach to apologetics and the school holds to the Westminster Standards although students do not have to be Reformed to attend. The program is completely free but you will have to either wait for a mentor to become available or secure a qualified mentor for yourself.
Accreditation: This school is not accredited but is an affiliate of the Association of Reformed Theological Seminaries and is recognized by many Reformed denominations as well as many other schools.
Distance/Residence: All programs at TNARS are completed online.
The North American Reformed Seminary: D.Min Apologetics
Reputation: Not as well known but an academically rigorous program that takes training ministers seriously. TNARS is a mentorship based program with a set curriculum. This program is primarily Presuppositional in its approach to apologetics and the school holds to the Westminster Standards although students do not have to be Reformed to attend. The program is completely free but you will have to either wait for a mentor to become available or secure a qualified mentor for yourself.
Accreditation: This school is not accredited but is an affiliate of the Association of Reformed Theological Seminaries and is recognized by many Reformed denominations as well as many other schools.
Distance/Residence: All programs at TNARS are completed online.
