The Master of Arts in Philosophy and Apologetics (MAPA) program provides graduate-level biblical, theological and philosophical instruction, aimed at preparing the student for apologetic discourse. This program is intended for persons interested in the classical Christian tradition of understanding and expressing the Christian faith in a skeptical or otherwise unfavorable environment. The curriculum in this program includes biblical, philosophical, theological, and apologetic studies. This program includes the preparation of a research thesis related to Christian thought and/or apologetics. By taking a full-time load of 9 units each trimester, the program can be completed in three years. Course availability, student load, adherence to student advisement, how soon the student completes the capstone thesis requirement, and other factors may extend or shorten the anticipated completion timeline.

PURPOSE

The MAPA degree is primarily designed to prepare students for:

• Christian ministry including educational and/or leadership positions where critical thinking skills and/or social-religious engagement may be required.
• Graduate-level discourse concerning the ideas that have shaped the church, the academy, and the marketplace.
• Advanced studies including Master of Theology, or PhD in Philosophy.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

Upon successful completion of the Master of Arts in Philosophy and Apologetics program students will be able to:

1. Interpret the content of the Old and New Testaments utilizing a literal-grammatical historical hermeneutic.
2. Demonstrate a graduate-level proficiency in research and writing across multiple disciplines related to philosophy and apologetics.
3. Evaluate and critique philosophical and theological issues facing the church and society, today.
4. Articulate a rational and biblical apologetic for the Christian faith.
5. Synthesize biblical and philosophical knowledge for expounding truth and exposing errors in a variety of settings; and
6. Apply leadership skills in a variety of ministry contexts inside and outside of the local church.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Each candidate for the MAPA degree must meet the general graduation requirements and complete 60 units of graduate-level courses of which no more than 12 units can be transferred from another institution.

1. Complete 60 units of graduate-level courses.
2. Complete a minimum of 48 units at SCS. Students are urged to follow the recommended curriculum to prevent scheduling conflicts later on.
3. Defend a thesis in an area related to Christian thought and/or apologetics that reflects a graduate-level of research and writing.
4. Complete the program curriculum with not less than a 2.5 GPA.
5. Submit a petition to graduate to the Registrar by the deadline in the Academic Calendar.
6. Settle all financial obligations to SCS.
7. Be recommended by the faculty based on demonstrated moral integrity.