Master of Arts in Philosophy and Apologetics
Program Director: William C. Roach, PhD ([email protected])
The Master of Arts in Philosophy and Apologetics (MAPA) is a 60-unit program designed to provide training in bible, theology, apologetics, and philosophy with a heavier emphasis on apologetics and philosophy. Optional extensions include thesis and language tracks. This program is specifically designed as a preparation track for the PhD studies in Philosophy of Religion. It is also designed to help prepare students to teach within an academic setting across three disciplines providing 18 credit hours each for theology, apologetics, and philosophy. Its approach follows the tradition of classical theism, classical apologetics, and Thomistic philosophy. We encourage applications for admission from those who desire theology, apologetics, and philosophy and want to prepare for advanced studies in philosophical theology.
Program Learning Outcomes
VIU is committed to quality education with the following program objectives:
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- To learn how to analyze and defend the historic Christian faith against philosophical objections.
- To articulate knowledge of philosophy, theology, apologetics, and Biblical studies.
- To demonstrate the ability to perform research in the areas of philosophy, theology, apologetics, and Biblical studies.
- To communicate and defend the Christian faith effectively in both academic and ministry settings.
- To demonstrate a love for the truth of God and the willingness to reach people from various backgrounds with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The core MAPA program requires an investment of 60 units. There are additional thesis and language tracks enumerated below:
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- Master of Arts in Philosophy and Apologetics (60 units)
- Master of Arts in Philosophy and Apologetics with Thesis (63 units)
- Master of Arts in Philosophy and Apologetics with Biblical Languages (78 units)
- Master of Arts in Philosophy and Apologetics with Biblical Languages and Thesis (81 units)
| Master of Arts in Philosophy and Apologetics (MAPA) | |
| Prerequisite Requirement | |
| RW499 Research & Writing Skills (P/F) | |
| Bible (6 units) | |
| OT515Old Testament Survey (3) | NT515 New Testament Survey (3) |
| Theology Requirements (18 Units) | |
| TH520 Biblical Hermeneutics (3) | TH550 Christology and Pneumatology |
| TH530 Prolegomena & Bibliology (3) | TH560 Anthropology, Hamartiology, Soteriology (3) |
| TH540 Theology Proper & Creation (3) | TH570 Ecclesiology and Eschatology (3) |
| Apologetics Requirements (18 Units) | |
| AP501 Christian Apologetics (3) | AP510 Cultural and Social Apologetics (3) |
| AP504 Christian Ethics and Moral Philosophy (3) | RE504 World Religions (3) |
| AP507 Problem of Evil (3) | RE505 Contemporary Cults (3) |
| Philosophy Requirements (18 Units) | |
| PH510 Classical Logic & Beginning Symbolic Logic (3) | PH530 History of Philosophy & Christian Thought II (3) |
| PH515 Philosophy of Religion (3) | PH540 Metaphysics (3) |
| PH520 History of Philosophy & Christian Thought I (3) | PH550 Epistemology (3) |
| Spiritual Formation (3 Courses) | |
| CM501 Church/Mission Experience I (P/F) | |
| CM502 Church/Mission Experience II (P/F) | |
| CM503 Church/Mission Experience III (P/F) | |
| Comprehensive Exam | |
| MPA599 MAPA Comprehensive Exam (P/F) | |
| Total Semester Hours: 60 (*Does not include optional biblical languages or thesis extensions) | |
| Biblical Languages Extension (18 units) |
| BLH501 Biblical Hebrew I (3) |
| BLH502 Biblical Hebrew II (3) |
| BLH503 Exegesis in the Old Testament (3) |
| BLG501 Biblical Greek I (3) |
| BLG502 Biblical Greek II (3) |
| BLG503 Exegesis in the New Testament (3) |
*This degree can prepare someone for the following California Occupational Codes: Clergy 21-2011; Directors, religious activities and education 21-2021; Religious workers 21-2099.