Apologetics is the defense of the Christian faith, in fulfillment of the apologetic mandate given in 1 Peter 3:15 – “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
Apologetics has always been at the heart of the Christian faith. Followers of Christ throughout the ages have sought to show non-believers that there are good reasons to accept the Christian faith (positive apologetics), and have responded to doubts and objections launched against Christianity (defensive apologetics). In our increasingly post-Christian world, wherein the average citizen no longer presumes the existence of God or the goodness of the Christian faith, it is even more important for all believers to be equipped to winsomely engage in apologetic dialogues with skeptical friends, family, and neighbors.
The Institute for Christian Apologetics (ICA) houses NOBTS’s apologetics endeavors via academic degrees, conferences, and sponsored events. Please explore our website to see what the ICA has to offer!
The Institute for Christian Apologetics (ICA) equips believers to defend the Christian faith as true, good, and beautiful; and to present compelling reasons for embracing Christianity in a manner that is comprehensible and relevant in our contemporary culture.
The ICA organizes an annual week-long apologetics conference, Defend , every January, equipping over 500 attendees with lectures and presentations from top evangelical scholars. Defend strengthens attendees’ theoretical and practical knowledge on numerous apologetic issues, including Science & Christianity, Evil & Suffering, Cults & Other Religions, and more.The ICA serves Christ’s Kingdom by providing expert apologetic content at external events. If your church or ministry is interested in having ICA faculty and/or doctoral students speak at your event, service, or conference, please submit an enquiry to the Director or Assistant Director.
The ICA also raises the profile of NOBTS and its apologetics programs by sponsoring external apologetics events and conferences. If your church or ministry is hosting an apologetics event and would like the ICA to serve as a sponsor or partner, please submit an enquiry to the Director or Assistant Director.
Director: Dr. Tawa Anderson
Email: tanderson@nobts.edu
Office #: (504) 816-8038
Assistant to the Director: Emma Gregory
Email: apologetics@nobts.edu
NOBTS offers three Master's degrees in Apologetics: an M.Div., a research M.A., and an applied M.A. Each degree includes foundational training in biblical studies, theology, history, philosophy, and ministry, supplemented by specialized courses in Christian Apologetics. Find the degree that best fits your preparation, planning, and goals!
Our flagship M.Div. degree offers the strongest foundation of theological studies and ministry preparation along with theoretical and hands-on training in apologetics. The M.Div. provides excellent preparation for vocational ministry and doctoral studies.
The M.A. (Apologetics) is a research-oriented degree that prepares students to engage in high-level apologetics scholarship. M.A. (Apologetics) graduates can proceed to doctoral studies with little or no leveling work.
The M.A. in Christian Apologetics is a professional degree that offers hands-on training in Christian Apologetics along with a solid biblical-theological base. The MACA is ideal for student ministry, evangelism, and cultural engagement.
The Ph.D. (Doctorate in Philosophy) is the highest degree offered at NOBTS. Our Ph.D. in Christian Apologetics combines rigorous doctoral seminars, reading seminars, and supervised mentorship to prepare Ph.D. candidates for comprehensive exams, prospectus development, and dissertation writing. By the end of your Ph.D. program, you will be a leading expert in your particular slice of academic apologetics, and will have the credentials and tools to speak and teach authoritatively on key questions facing the Christian faith today.
To learn more about the pre-requisites for Ph.D. admission and the program’s structure and content, please consult our online Catalog and our Ph.D. (Christian Apologetics) degree sheet .
Q: What sorts of degrees in Apologetics are available at NOBTS?
A: We offer the following masters and doctoral degrees related to apologetics.
Q: Can you earn any or all of the degrees online?
A: Yes, all of our masters and doctoral degrees can be earned either residentially or at distance, including online.
Q: Can you proceed on to doctoral work from any or all of the degrees?
A: Yes, the M.Div. in Christian Apologetics and the M.A. (Apologetics) serve as direct springboards to a doctoral program, although different schools and programs have different entrance requirements. Significant additional work would be required to enter a doctoral program with a M.A. in Christian Apologetics.
Q: Can I transfer some or all of my credit from a previous degree or previous graduate work?
A: Yes. Credit for up to half the degree can that you pursue can be transferred in from a previously earned degree. If you have not completed the degree yet, all applicable hours from an appropriately accredited school may be applied toward your degree.
Q: How many hours must be earned through NOBTS?
A: At least one-third of the degree must be earned from NOBTS.
The registrar will have to assess your transcript. NOBTS is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).
Q: I already have an undergraduate hours in religion. Can that help me?
A: Possibly. For more information on how you can save time and money earning a degree at NOBTS, go to the Baptist College Partnership Program (BCPP).
Q: How much is NOBTS tuition?
A: Because NOBTS is an entity of the Southern Baptist Convention tuition for every Southern Baptist student is significantly discounted because of the Cooperative Program. Tuition rates can be found here . (There are additional fees for online courses, hybrid courses, and off-campus courses.)
Q: If I would like to learn more about the apologetics programs and ministries at NOBTS, who should I contact?
A: For information on admission requirements, classes, and costs, please contact the Registrar’s Office or the Office of Admissions . For information on NOBTS apologetics, please contact the Director or Assistant Director of the Institute for Christian Apologetics:
Director: Dr. Tawa Anderson
Email: tanderson@nobts.edu
Office #: (504) 816-8038
Assistant to the Director: Emma Gregory
Email: apologetics@nobts.edu
Former President
International Mission Board
Southern Baptist Convention
