Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Applied Apologetics Armor Up: Defend the Faith
Support and Defend the Faith in the Face of Criticism with Liberty’s PhD in Applied Apologetics Online
Are you interested in biblical scholarship? Would you like the opportunity to conduct original research into the rich history of applied apologetics? Perhaps you’re interested in becoming more equipped to articulate and defend the faith. If so, conferring Liberty’s Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Applied Apologetics may be the right next step for you!
Our PhD in apologetics online degree provides you with the opportunity to do focused research on a topic related to the defense of the Christian faith. In doing so, you will produce a written dissertation and contribute to the base of knowledge in the fields of religion and apologetics.
The PhD in Applied Apologetics can equip you with the skills to answer the challenges that churches face worldwide. This 51-credit-hour degree can help prepare you to write on apologetic topics, pursue job opportunities in higher education, serve on a church staff, or work within parachurch apologetic organizations to develop material for Christians seeking defenses for Scripture.
*The PhD in Applied Apologetics, PhD in Bible Exposition, PhD in Christian Leadership, and PhD in Practical Theology are not approved by the Commission on Accrediting of The Association of Theological Schools but are approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
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Why Choose Liberty’s Applied Apologetics Doctorate Degree?
When choosing a university for your doctoral divinity education, you want a university whose reputation is cemented in history. Though much has changed since our founding in 1971, our commitment to Training Champions for Christ has not. For decades, we have been equipping pastors and faith leaders with the skills, knowledge, and biblical expertise to minister to the hurting, share the Gospel with people across the world, and lead ministry organizations with unmatched excellence.
At Liberty, we don’t just offer a biblical tradition. As a pioneer in distance education since 1985, we understand what it takes to develop a rigorous online degree program that challenges you to grow and respects your personal commitments. With mostly 8-week courses and no set login times, you can further your education at Liberty while remaining committed to your career, church, and family.
Doctoral programs can be quite lengthy, but at Liberty, you can complete your PhD in Applied Apologetics in as little as 3 years. You also won’t have to travel to our residential campus to take intensives or meet with your dissertation advisor – all of your work can be done from the comfort of your home.
In addition, Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Earning your degree from a university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from your peers when vying for internships and job opportunities. Most importantly, this accreditation ensures that your degree is both highly respected and capable of helping you pursue your career goals.
Taught by a cadre of expert professors, our apologetics PhD program also offers you valuable mentorship and networking opportunities. By immersing yourself in an online community of Christian scholars, you can grow – both as a person and as a student.
What Will You Study in Our PhD in Applied Apologetics Degree?
This online apologetics PhD program consists of 3 main sections: core foundational courses, specialized research courses, and dissertation courses. Each class is designed to equip you with new knowledge and challenge you to demonstrate what you have learned.
In the core courses, you will study ministry foundations for applied apologetics, philosophical foundations for apologetics, and dissertation concept development. From there, you’ll explore teaching and research methods as well as the theological foundations that underlie applied apologetics.
In the research courses, you’ll dive into a 2-part literature review and a 2-part topical research examination. The literature review consists of an extensive exploration of relevant writings that mirror your dissertation plans. The same can be said for the topical review courses, but these will be even more in-depth than the literature review classes. A dissertation presentation, consisting of 2 courses that allow you to demonstrate the uniqueness of your chosen topic, rounds out this section.
The dissertation sequence is the final part of this online apologetics degree. During this process, you’ll research, write, and defend your dissertation, giving you the opportunity to demonstrate your expertise and contribute to the current base of knowledge in your field. Upon completion of your dissertation, satisfaction of degree requirements, and conferral of your diploma, you will have earned the title “Doctor of Applied Apologetics.”
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Tuition & Aid
At Liberty University, a private Christian education is less expensive than you think. Over the last 10 years, Liberty University’s Online Program has only raised its standard tuition costs by less than 5% – and most of our online tuition rates rank in the top 35% for affordability for 2025 when compared to our leading online competitors.
To continue our mission of providing affordable education, electronic textbooks are provided for many divinity courses* all for one convenient fee.
*Electronic textbooks are not provided for PACO courses or courses that fall under departments outside the School of Divinity.
| Doctoral Divinity Block Rate (7-15 credit hours) | $2,850 |
|---|---|
| Doctoral Divinity Part Time (1-6.99 or over 15 credit hours) | $410/Credit |
| Military Doctoral Divinity Block Rate (7-15 credit hours) | $2,800 |
| Military Doctoral Divinity Part Time (1-6.99 or over 15 credit hours)* | $375/Credit |
*Eligible current and former military service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $375/credit hour (learn more).
These rates are reflective of academic year 2025-2026. Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.
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Military
Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.
Who May Qualify?
- Active Duty
- Reserve/National Guard
- Veterans/Retirees
- Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees
- Current Department of Defense Employees
Available Benefits:
- Discounted divinity block rate – $2,800 per semester*
- 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)
*Credits taken below 7 and above 15 credit hours per semester are charged at the part-time rate of $375/credit hour.
Eligible current and former service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $375/credit hour (learn more), but the $375/credit hour doctoral military rate cannot be combined with the First Responder Discount.
These rates are reflective of academic year 2025-2026. Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.
Frequently Asked Questions for the PhD in Apologetics Online –Applied Apologetics
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