Apologetics and Philosophy

Credential: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Degree Level: Doctoral Degree

Credits: 72 total, with up to 30 transfer credits accepted

School: School of Divinity

Program Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy in Apologetics and Philosophy at Abide University is the premier doctoral degree for scholars pursuing advanced expertise in the rational defense of Christian faith and rigorous philosophical inquiry. Our RCSAI-accredited curriculum provides comprehensive training in advanced philosophy, epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, and academic research methodology. Students engage in intensive study of classical and contemporary philosophical traditions, develop sophisticated apologetic argumentation skills, and conduct original dissertation research that advances the field of Christian philosophy and apologetics. The program emphasizes both scholarly excellence and practical application, preparing graduates for careers in academic philosophy, seminary teaching, apologetics ministry leadership, and theological research. Graduates emerge as accomplished philosopher-theologians equipped to engage the most challenging intellectual objections to Christian faith, contribute original scholarship to philosophical and apologetic discourse, and train future generations of Christian thinkers and defenders of the faith.

Core Courses

  • PHDAP 801 — Advanced Philosophical Research Methods (4 credits)
  • PHDAP 810 — Seminar in Epistemology (4 credits)
  • PHDAP 820 — Seminar in Metaphysics (4 credits)
  • PHDAP 830 — Seminar in Ethics and Moral Philosophy (4 credits)
  • PHDAP 840 — Advanced Philosophy of Religion (4 credits)
  • PHDAP 850 — Teaching Philosophy in Higher Education (3 credits)
  • PHDAP 860 — Comprehensive Examination Preparation (3 credits)
  • PHDAP 890 — Doctoral Dissertation (12 credits)

Admission Requirements

  • Master of Arts in Philosophy, Apologetics, Theology, or equivalent graduate degree
  • Minimum GPA of 3.5 in previous graduate philosophical or theological studies
  • Demonstrated capacity for advanced philosophical research and scholarly writing
  • Academic writing sample demonstrating doctoral-level potential (15-25 pages)
  • Three academic references from faculty familiar with applicant's scholarly work
  • Preliminary dissertation proposal outlining intended research area and questions

Degree Levels in Apologetics and Philosophy