Nov 21, 2024  
Undergraduate Catalog 2022-2023 
    
Undergraduate Catalog 2022-2023 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Apologetics, B.A.


120 Credit Hours

Students majoring in Apologetics explore a broad range of biblical studies, theology, philosophy, science, art, and culture, gaining a foundational understanding of the truth, goodness, and beauty of Christianity. The knowledge, skills, and character pursued in this major deepen students’ Christian faith, equipping them to think holistically about contemporary issues from a Christian perspective and to effectively share with others the reasonableness and desirability of Christianity. This major is designed (1) for students who want to study apologetics and evangelism broadly and (2) for students interested in the connection between apologetics and philosophy, science, art, and culture. Students are encouraged to work with their advisors to choose electives that can be tailored to their unique academic and ministry interests.

Program Learning Outcomes


“Expected student learning outcomes specify the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes students are expected to attain in courses or in a program.” Page 69. Resource Manual for the Principles of Accreditation: Foundations for Quality Enhancement, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), 2018.

1.Evaluate key evidence for and against the Christian faith.

2.Apply critical thinking and integrative skills as an emerging Christian apologist, including a rich understanding of winsome communication to individuals and culture.

3.Analyze spheres of contemporary culture and society and articulate a Christian response to objections to the reasonableness or desirability of Christianity.

4.Cultivate the capacities for personal faith, emotional maturity, and moral integrity requisite to a life of practicing Christian apologetics and philosophy in a range of settings.

Graduation Requirements


Conferral of a Baccalaureate degree in this program of study is determined by successful completion of the Baccalaureate Graduation Requirements outlined here 

 

NOTE: Students must earn 42 upper level (3000-4000) credit hours in order to graduate. A total of at least 24 of these upper level credit hours must be completed in the selected major.

Faith, Roots, and Reason (General Education) Requirements - 43 Credit Hours


The Faith, Roots, and Reason (General Education) Global Studies requirement is fulfilled through another course in this major. Only 40 of the 43 credit hours of the Faith, Roots, and Reason (General Education) program will still be required for the completion of this program.

As part of the remaining 40 credit hours of Faith, Roots, and Reason (General Education) requirements, students must elect to complete MLS 4063 - Church in Society  from the Social Science menu.

Apologetics Major - 42 Credit Hours


School of Ministry Traditional Core - 18 Credit Hours


School of Liberal Arts and Sciences Philosophy – 6 credits


  • PHL electives (any undergrad course currently on offer)

Free Elective – 3 Credits


  • Any additional APL, BIB, MLS, ICS, STM, THL, or PHL courses.

Additional Required Credit Hours - 38 Credit Hours


These additional hours may be fulfilled by a minor, second major, general electives taken concurrently, previous coursework taken at PBA or through transfer credits.

Sample Degree Plan


Apologetics Degree Plan  

Note:


No more than one-third of a student’s required credits for a major or a minor in the School of Ministry may come from transfer or transient credits.

Students seeking early graduate admissions (EGA) to PBA’s Master of Divinity or M.Div./MBA Degree must meet the required EGA course requirements for the major. Up to thirty-five (35) graduate hours can be applied toward the completion of the B.A. degree. Students wishing to apply to PBA’s Master of Arts in Philosophy of Religion Degree with Advanced Standing (a six credit hour reduction) must have a GPA of 3.5 on undergraduate APL and PHL classes.