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OBU—Oklahoma Baptist University

Philosophy, Apologetics Emphasis

OBU is one of the few universities that offers an undergraduate program in Christian apologetics. By studying apologetics, you will deepen and strengthen your own understanding of God and your commitment to Him. Our program will challenge you to establish stronger intellectual foundations and principles for your beliefs. You will be equipped to gain insights and formulate arguments through your understanding of history, theology, philosophy, science and sociology.

With a cultural climate today full of confusion, varied messages and dilution of the truth of scripture, an ability to vigorously defend and promote the truth of Christ is paramount. As a student you will become well-prepared to acquire and maintain data, insights and arguments that give you a strong platform for defending the Christian faith and sharing it with confidence and compassion.

Ethan Morris

Class of 2025

“The apologetics program has taught me not only how to defend my faith, but how to advocate for it. No other program better fulfills 1 Peter 3:15, which calls us to be prepared to give an answer for the hope that we have in Christ.”

Benefits of OBU Philosophy, Apologetics Emphasis Program

Faculty Experts

The Hobbs School of Theology and Ministry offers you a distinguished lineup of faculty who are experts in their disciplines, sharing valuable insights from their formal training and years of practical experience in their specific field. They are respected both locally and globally as published authors, preachers, guest speakers, lecturers and missionaries. Several have authored books covering various theological subjects.

Liberal Arts University

Our vibrant campus community offers you a host of opportunities as a student. You are encouraged to engage in our active collegiate student life where you experience opportunities in leadership, service, athletics, student organizations, community engagement and social activities. You will not only receive unparalleled biblical and theological training, but your academic experience will include the university’s distinctive Christian liberal arts core curriculum. This added dimension to your education fosters critical thinking, intellectual curiosity and the opportunity to learn with non-ministry students.  

Incredible Education, Affordable Cost.

OBU provides a minimum $10,000 per year scholarship to every incoming first-time freshman and $8,000 to every incoming transfer student. And you could qualify for even more financial aid! Many of our students also receive money through federal Pell grants and OBU Bison Grants.

To get an estimate of what your cost to attend OBU might be, please check out our Net Price Calculator. We think you’ll be pleasantly surprised with how affordable an OBU education really is. Especially considering the incredible academic quality, personal mentor relationships with faculty and staff, and strong Christian commitment you will experience at OBU. You won’t find an experience like this anywhere else!

Program Information

Faculty Mentors

In the philosophy apologetics program, you will enjoy ongoing and direct interaction with faculty members who instill a solid foundation of faith and biblical perspective through their teaching and personal lives. Because of our small class sizes, your professors get to know you individually and invest in your personal success. Your faculty will become your mentors, encouragers and role models who support your intellectual and spiritual development.

Enriching Events

Lecures and Forums

Hobbs School of Theology and Ministry hosts philosophy forums regularly to discuss significant philosophical topics. As a student in this program you can attend regional and national conferences to foster your learning, to network and to enhance your knowledge.

A series of guest lecturers are also brought to campus throughout the year to share the Baptist heritage and inspire you to grow in your knowledge of Baptist theology, Baptist history and studies of the Bible.

Apologetics Conference

An annual “Generation Why?” student apologetics conference is hosted for middle school, high school and college-age students with speakers and sessions designed to equip those attending to better defend their faith.

Spiritual Life

Our spiritual life staff and student leadership team serves the OBU community through weekly chapel services, Bible studies and events that support spiritual development. As a ministry student who is pursuing this as a calling, you can play an integral role in participating and leading in these activities that promote a campus grounded in biblical truth and genuine faith.

Academic Minors

At OBU, students who pursue a degree in philosophy also pursue an area of minor emphasis in any academic area of study. As a result, you receive an academically rigorous and spiritually enriching education.

Hobbs College Library Series

Evidence of the high caliber of faculty at OBU, past and present, is the Hobbs College Library Series, an impactful collection of published books that educates readers in the areas of Bible, theology and ministry.

These publications are widely read and distributed through various vendors across the globe. Each book is biblical, orthodox and practical in nature, equipping Christians with tools for growing in faith and effective ministry.

Tom Elliff Center for Missions

As a complement to ministry students or any OBU student interested in gaining more knowledge and training in the role of career missionaries, the Tom Elliff Center for Missions (TECM) is a uniquely positioned program on campus.

The center enhances your education experience by introducing you to key mission leaders on the field through Missions Forums and other related events held regularly on campus. Distinguished faculty, ministry partners, retired missionaries and key leaders are committed to investing in the next generation of missionaries as they seek to fulfill the Great Commission.

Graduate Program Opportunities

Master of Divinity Accelerated Program

As an undergraduate, you can earn your bachelor’s degree while progressing towards an MDiv through our Bachelor of Arts to Master of Divinity (BA to MDiv) accelerated program. We enjoy partnerships with all six Baptist seminaries and select others to provide advanced tracks where you can earn up to 25% of your MDiv degree while enrolled at OBU. This is a convenient benefit, propelling you forward while saving you time and resources.

Integrated MA

As an undergraduate student in any career major at OBU, you can begin work on a Master of Arts in Christian Studies or Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies through our integrated MA program. This format allows you to complete your chosen academic major while also completing a degree in one of these graduate-level programs.

Job Opportunities and Outcomes

OBU apologetics graduates are noted to have a diverse and impactful realm of involvement and accomplishments.

The majority of our graduates go directly to graduate school. Many advance further in their study of philosophy, while others pursue communication studies, sociology, anthropology, divinity, biblical studies, English, journalism, medicine or law.

Graduates are furthering their education at:

  • The University of Oklahoma
  • Fordham University
  • University of Florida
  • University of Chicago
  • Vanderbilt
  • University of Notre Dame

Several philosophy graduates pursue careers in:

  • Research
  • Public relations
  • Social work
  • Advocacy
  • Law
  • Higher education
  • Seminaries

A number of graduates have completed a Ph.D. and are teaching full-time at schools like Harvard, Southwestern College, Bellarmine and Yale. Many continue to seminary to become professors.

Program Options

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Minor

World-Class Faculty

OBU faculty are experts in their fields and will be with you every step of the way.

Dr. Matthew Y. Emerson

Dr. Matthew Y. Emerson

Co-Provost
Dean of Theology, Arts and Humanities
Floyd K. Clark Chair of Christian Leadership
Professor of Religion

Dr. Keith A. Hess

Dr. Keith A. Hess

Jewell and Joe Huitt Associate Professor in Religious Education
Associate Professor of Philosophy and Apologetics

Dr. Randy Ridenour

Dr. Randy Ridenour

Professor of Philosophy

Hobbs School of Theology and Ministry