Certificate Program

Overview

There is a great need today for every Christian to act upon the exhortation of the Apostle Peter to be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks about the hope that we have in Christ (1 Peter 3:15).

To ensure that all Christians have access to training in the defense of the faith regardless of educational background, the Graduate Program in Christian Apologetics at Biola University offers a program leading to a certificate of study in Christian Apologetics. This is a specialized program of instruction open to anyone who, for whatever reason, is unable to take part in a degree program but still wishes to be better prepared for the proclamation and defense of the faith.

The Program of Study

The certificate program has as its main component the Defending the Faith Lecture Series. Three different series are offered every year — one each in the fall, spring and summer terms. Each series lasts for eight to ten weeks, meeting one evening per week. The fall, spring and summer series are all different, that is, they each contain a completely new set of lectures. The student may begin during any term.

The student earns the "Certificate of Study in Christian Apologetics" by successfully completing all three of the series. It is recommended that the student take all three series in one calendar year, but it is not required.

Additionally, the student is granted special access to select courses in the Graduate Program. These select classes normally involve three to six evening lectures on a stimulating apologetic topic by a distinguished scholar in the field. Often these unique courses are offered during the Biola University "interterm" (which takes place during the month of January every year) and during the summer session (which is usually in the month of June). The student is highly encouraged (but not required) to pursue these special certificate classes.

No Coursework Required

The certificate program is primarily a program of lecture auditing. There are no traditional exams or term papers involved. However, reading and maximum participation in learning activities is encouraged. Attendance at the lectures is required, but make-up sessions can be done via audiotape. A brief "attendance quiz" is given at the conclusion of each lecture series.

Program Summary

Students need to complete the following for the certificate, but it does not need to be in this order.

The student is also highly encouraged (but not required) to complete the following:

Participating Faculty

• Clint Arnold, Ph.D.
• John Bloom, Ph.D., Ph.D.
• John Coe, Ph.D.
• William Lane Craig, Ph.D., D.Theol.
• Garrett DeWeese, Ph.D.
• R. Douglas Geivett, Ph.D.
• Alan Gomes, Ph.D.
• Gary Habermas, Ph.D.
• Craig J. Hazen, Ph.D.
• Joe Hellerman, Ph.D.
• Klaus Issler, Ph.D.
• Philip E. Johnson, J.D.
• Greg Koukl, M.A.
• Kevin Lewis, Th.M.
• J. P. Moreland, Ph.D.
• Frank Pastore, M.A.
• Scott Rae, Ph.D.
• John Mark Reynolds, Ph.D.
• Ron Rhodes, Th.D.
• Walt Russell, Ph.D.
• R. Scott Smith, Ph.D.
• Michael Wilkins, Ph.D.

Recent Special Lecturers

• Francis J. Beckwith, Ph.D.
• Norman L. Geisler, Ph.D.
• Os Guinness, D.Phil.
• Hugh Hewitt, J.D.
• Alvin Plantinga, Ph.D.
• Dallas Willard, Ph.D.

The program is very flexible and affordable!
Courses and special events are offered during convenient evening and weekend hours.

Cost

The program is designed for the student to finish the certificate studies normally in one year. The cost is $185 per lecture series. Other special lectures and courses may cost extra.

How to Start

The Certificate Program is open to everyone.  Just call or write for an application and the latest lecture schedule, or download our application*! New classes and events start every term.

Christian Apologetics Program
Biola University
13800 Biola Avenue
La Mirada, CA 90639-0001

PHONE: 888.332.4652
E-MAIL: apologetics [at] biola [dot] edu

*Note: The certificate application is in Adobe PDF format. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader please visit the Adobe Website.