Approved Apologetics Programs

Other Pre-Approved Education and Training Programs

If you are looking for an apologetics program that is not a Master’s degree, there are a number of non-accredited programs that we recommend.

We may suggest other equipping in conjunction with these options depending on the specific circumstance.

Not on the List?

Do you have other education in theology, philosophy, Christian thought, evangelism, sciences, etc. that is not listed here? The lists above are not exclusive. We would gladly discuss with you how your previous education and life experiences might be compatible with working as a Ratio Christi apologist. [If you have suggestions that you think we should add to the lists above please contact us. We are always on the lookout for other good programs that fit with our mission and values.]

Life and Other Ministry Experience

Ratio Christi does not take a “one size fits all” approach to evaluation for ministry preparedness. We will look at each individual that contacts us on a case by case basis. If you do not have any of the above formal education (or comparable) please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to be a Ratio Christi apologist. Are you “self-taught” in apologetics and have other ministry experience? Have you been putting apologetics into practice and studying in your Christian walk? Please contact us to discuss your unique life experiences. Depending on the specifics of your background and experience we may suggest you continue on with further education before or while you work with Ratio Christi. So, if you have an “unconventional” educational/training background, we still want to talk with you.

Select Program Details 

Biola Certificate in Christian Apologetics–The certificate program has as its main component the Defending the Faith Lecture Series. We’ve taken the best lectures from current and past on-campus lecture series and incorporated them into three convenient Distance Learning Certificate Program courses. Each course contains eight 2-3 hour lectures on audio CD, lecture outlines, and everything else you need to earn your Certificate. The student earns the “Certificate of Study in Christian Apologetics” by successfully completing all three of the courses. Total cost for the program is less than $400.  Students that are part of a Ratio Christi chapter should ask their chapter director about a special offer that Biola is making to Ratio Christi students

Birmingham Theological Seminary – BTS has a Master of Arts in Apologetics and a Certificate Program in Apologetics. They provide sound Biblical and practical theological training to equip leaders for Christ’s Church which is evangelistic in focus and committed to the inerrancy and sufficiency of Scripture. Locations in Birmingham, Demopolis, Dothan, Huntsville, Montgomery, and Tuscaloosa.

Houston Baptist University Dept of Apologetics (School of Christian Thought) – HBU’s MA in Apologetics program (MAA) has a cultural apologetics emphasis and is complementary to other modes of apologetics, such as classical or philosophical apologetics. The degree is intended to provide students with interdisciplinary training in apologetics so that they understand and engage with contemporary worldviews and culture in order to transform the world for Christ, as academics, as apologists, and as followers of Christ.

Liberty University PhD Program in Apologetics – Under the direction of Leo Percer the Doctor of Philosophy in Theology and Apologetics program at Liberty University is training students at a high level to develop the abilities and knowledge to influence our world with a uniquely Christian apologetic. Ratio Christi wants to utilize the training of these students in the movement to affect the secular universities.

Luther Rice Seminary–Apologetics Program –  Offers Graduate level degrees in Christian apologetics. Ratio Christi is partnering with Luther Rice to put trained apologists into active ministry. The purpose of their Apologetics degrees is to equip you with knowledge in issues related to the rational and biblical defense of the truth of the Christian faith. Complete your entire undergraduate, graduate, or seminary degree through 100% online studies, or attend classes on a beautiful campus in Atlanta!

New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary – NOBTS has an MDiv with Specialization in Christian Apologetics and a Graduate Certificate in Christian Apologetics.

North American Mission Board Certified Apologetics Instructor Program (NAMB/CAI) – The CAI is a certification of the North American Mission Board though the training program is no longer accepting students. It was designed specifically for those who are serious about developing an apologetics ministry through deeper education and honing presentation skills. In order to do this, NAMB partnered with Biola University and the Dynamic Communicators Workshop. The CAI program was led by Christian apologists and expert on the Resurrection, Michael Licona. Those who were in the program are eligible to work with Ratio Christi.

Oklahoma Wesleyan University – The Josh McDowell Institute of Christian Apologetics is housed on the OKWU campus as is the Josh McDowell Legacy Library. They also host the annual Josh McDowell Conference on Christian Apologetics and will be offering a Certificate in Christian Apologetics and Masters in Theology and Apologetics.

Oxford Center for Christian Apologetics – Programs in length from 1 week to 2 years for. OCCA is a partnership between Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM) and Wycliffe Hall, a Permanent Private Hall of Oxford University.   A life transforming experience, combining effective evangelism with academic rigor for lay people, students, and academics.

Reasons to Believe–Program for Volunteer Apologists– Volunteer apologists are lay-people and professionals who have been trained by Reasons To Believe to use the ever-increasing evidence coming out of the world of science that continues to prove the existence of the God of the Bible as the only credible candidate for the creator of the universe. In order to obtain the apologists’ training with the goal of becoming a volunteer apologist with Reasons To Believe people take the following two courses through Reason Institute.  The first course is “Creation and the Bible” and the second is “Creation vs. Evolution”. The total cost for the program is less than $400. Reason to Believe Apologists qualify to be Ratio Christi chapter directors, if they meet all our other criteria.

Southern Baptist Theological Seminary – The Master of Arts (Apologetics) is an academic degree that combines a study of apologetics with specialized biblical and theological studies for those who are preparing for local church or cross-cultural ministry or wishing to pursue further graduate studies in apologetics.

Southern Evangelical Seminary — Graduate School specializes in the defense of the orthodox Christian Faith against the attacks of non-Christian religions, cults, and others opposed to it. SES grads serve as Ratio Christi chapter directors at various universities.