Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Applied Apologetics Armor Up: Defend the Faith

51

Credit Hours

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100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

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 needed 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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  • Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
  • Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral 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 needed 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.


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 challenges 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.”

Degree Completion Plan


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Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.

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) $2,750
Doctoral Divinity Part Time (1-6.99 or over 15 credit hours) $395/Credit
Military Doctoral Divinity Block Rate (7-15 credit hours) $2,700
Military Doctoral Divinity Part Time (1-6.99 or over 15 credit hours)* $395/Credit

*Eligible current and former military service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $300/credit hour (learn more).

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 – $2,700 per semester*
  • Additional discount for veterans who serve in a civilian capacity as a First Responder
  • 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 $395/credit hour.

Eligible current and former service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $300/credit hour (learn more), but the $300/credit hour doctoral military rate cannot be combined with the First Responder Discount.

Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.


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