Frequently Asked Questions

 

1. What is the ICR School of Biblical Apologetics?
2. What degree program is ICR’s School of Biblical Apologetics now offering?
3. When is the deadline for applying for admission into the M.C.Ed. program?
4. What forms are needed to apply?
5. Where does ICR School of Biblical Apologetics hold its evening classes?
6. When are classes held at the School of Biblical Apologetics?
7. Is the program tailored to the needs and schedule of a working adult?
8. How long does it take to complete the M.C.Ed. program?
9. What is the cost of the School of Biblical Apologetics M.C.Ed. program?
10. Is there an electronic school catalog available?
11. Is ICR’s School of Biblical Apologetics program accredited?
12. Who are the likely students attending the M.C.Ed program?
13. Academically speaking, what is the prerequisite education needed for the M.C.Ed. program?
14. Who will teach the courses in the M.C.Ed. program?
15. What will determine success in the M.C.Ed. program?

1. What is the ICR School of Biblical Apologetics?

The School of Biblical Apologetics (SOBA) is an educational ministry of the Institute for Creation Research (ICR) that is designed to promote biblical creationist apologetics by providing postsecondary education programs (e.g., Master of Christian Education). SOBA also exists to promote and provide interdisciplinary apologetics scholarship to be disseminated in various ways via ICR’s publications, seminars, broadcasts, and other communications of the ministry.

SOBA’s programs and projects are founded upon an unwavering commitment to the Bible’s inerrant authority and the historical and theological importance of Genesis 1-11, in particular. Its primary focus is to train students to understand and communicate the biblical creation apologetic, especially in a culture where biblical compromise de-emphasizes the importance of the Scriptures in apologetic contexts.

The emphases of the educational programs at SOBA include Genesis studies, apologetics for Christian schools, the biblical basis for creation research, and applying apologetics to the humanities (e.g., history, ancient languages, social ethics, cultural geography, literature, forensic analysis, logic, epistemology, argument, journalism, law, etc.). SOBA’s apologetics maintain a relevance to the Stewardship Mandate, the Great Commission, and Christ’s preeminence.

2. What degree program is ICR’s School of Biblical Apologetics now offering?

The School of Biblical Apologetics is now offering the Master of Christian Education (M.C.Ed.) degree, with a joint major in Biblical Education and Apologetics. Students choose one of four minors: Genesis Studies, Creation Research, Christian School Teaching, and Sacred Humanities.

The M.C.Ed. program involves 12 core courses plus 6 elective courses (with the electives usually needed to fulfill the minor). Combined, these 18 courses, each the equivalent to 3 semester hours credit, result in 54 semester hours of required classroom courses. Additionally, each student must complete either a masterpiece “capstone” project or a master’s thesis. The “capstone” project and thesis are both rated as 6 semester hours credit, resulting in a total of 60 semester hours credit needed for graduation.

The M.C.Ed. degree can be completed in less than 24 months through a convenient evening class schedule.

3. When is the deadline for applying for admission into the M.C.Ed. program?

September 1, 2009. Admissions are processed on a “first come, first served” basis, so don’t delay!

4. What forms are needed to apply?

Prospective students will need to complete an application form, have reference forms completed, and request official transcripts from previously-attended schools to be sent to the admissions office. Once the forms are printed out and completed, mail the application to ICR-SOBA Admissions Office.

5. Where does ICR’s School of Biblical Apologetics hold its evening classes?

SOBA is based in Dallas, Texas, and classes are held on the campus of the Institute for Creation Research at 1806 Royal Lane, Dallas, Texas 75229 (the southeast corner of the intersection of Royal Lane and Luna Road).

6. When are classes held at the School of Biblical Apologetics?

SOBA classes are held on Tuesday evenings, beginning October 6, 2009, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Summertime electives will be offered on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

7. Is the program tailored to the needs and schedule of a working adult?

The M.C.Ed. degree at the School of Biblical Apologetics is designed especially for working adults, with faculty who have both academic and ministry experience.

8. How long does it take to complete the M.C.Ed. program?

The M.C.Ed. degree at the School of Biblical Apologetics is designed as a two-year graduate degree program. Depending on selection of elective courses, it is possible to begin the M.C.Ed. program in October 2009 and finish the program (with 60 semester hours credits) in June 2011, but most should plan on finishing during early October 2011.

9. What is the cost of the School of Biblical Apologetics M.C.Ed. program?

The cost of the M.C.Ed. program is outlined on the Tuition page of the General Catalog. The two-year program is estimated to cost a total of $ 17,200, representing $ 13,500 in tuition (for 60 semester hours of credit), plus about $ 3,600 in textbooks, plus administrative fees.

10. Is there an electronic school catalog available?

Yes. See the ICR School of Biblical Apologetics electronic school catalog at our 2009-2010 General Catalog page.

11. Is ICR’s School of Biblical Apologetics program accredited?

Due to the nature of ICR’s School of Biblical Apologetics—a predominantly religious education school—it is exempt from licensing by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Likewise, ICR’s School of Biblical Apologetics is legally exempt from being required to be accredited by any secular or ecumenical or other type of accrediting association.

12. Who are the likely students attending the M.C.Ed program?

Christian working adults who are serious thinkers, lifelong learners, servant-leaders, and who are within driving distance of ICR’s Dallas campus.

13. Academically speaking, what is the prerequisite education needed for the M.C.Ed. program?

An earned bachelor’s degree with either (1) a minor (or minor equivalent) in Bible, theology, Christian education, Christian ministry, or similar emphasis; or (2) passing a Bible/apologetics entrance exam to assess the applicant’s potential for success in the M.C.Ed. program.

14. Who will teach the courses in the M.C.Ed. program?

The professors at the ICR School of Biblical Apologetics are resident faculty on staff at ICR or adjunct faculty from the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Faculty members endorse ICR’s biblical and creationist tenets and have relevant credentials and experience in the disciplines they teach. Master Faculty members have earned doctorates in their fields and most have published scholarship demonstrating their commitment to the biblical and creationist tenets of ICR. Several Associate Faculty lecturers will offer special lectures from their particular areas of expertise.

Master Faculty:

John A. Eidsmoe, M.Div., M.A.B.S., J.D., D.Min.
Ava Ford, M.R.E., M.D.
Randy J. Guliuzza, P.E., M.P.H., M.D.
James J. S. Johnson, J.D., Th.D., C.I.H.E., C.P.E.E.
Jobe Martin, Th.M., D.M.D.
Charles McCombs, Ph.D.
Eugene H. Merrill, M.A., M.Phil., Ph.D., Ph.D.
Rodney F. Milton, J.D., C.M.E.L.
Henry M. Morris III, M.B.A., M.Div., D.Min.
John D. Morris, M.S., Ph.D.
Michael Sanders, Th.M., M.A., D.Min.
Jeffrey Tomkins, M.S., Ph.D.
Donald L. Totusek, J.D.
Stanley D. Toussaint, Th.M., Th.D.
Patricia L. Nason, M.Ed., Ph.D.
Audris Zidermanis, M.S., Ph.D.

Associate Faculty (Special Lecturers):

John Rathbun, M.Div.
Frank Sherwin, M.A.
Brian Thomas, M.S.

15. What will determine success in the M.C.Ed. program?

A good work ethic to your study habits, careful reading and writing, and faithful attendance at the once-a-week classes. Like other graduate studies, SOBA requires attentiveness to the subject matter, a lot of reading, and a commitment to the issues of biblical education, apologetics, and creation studies.