Academic Programs

Learn More»
Adult female meeting with female student at a table with a laptop and coffee cups

Admissions

Learn More»
De Witt Center for Science and Technology at Cornerstone University

Tuition & Financial Aid

Learn More»
Students giving high fives after Powderpuff football game

Student Experience

Learn More»
Newsweek's 2025 Best Online Colleges

Online

Programs»
Master of
Theology
On-Campus & Online

REQUEST INFORMATION

Loading...
Wall Street Journal ranks Cornerstone University as one of America's best colleges 2025.

Now Accepting Applications for Fall 2025
ATS
Transfer Friendly
Transfer up to 65% of your program credits

Advance Your Academic or Ministry Calling with a Master of Theology (Th.M.) Degree

The Master of Theology (Th.M.) at Cornerstone Theological Seminary is a post-graduate degree designed for students who have already completed an M.Div. or equivalent master’s degree and want advanced theological training for doctoral study or specialized ministry teaching. You will further expand exegetical skills in the Old or New Testament to prepare you for the rigors of a doctoral degree or refine your ministry capabilities in effectively teaching Biblical theology. Learn from respected scholars and theologians who are active in education and ministry and will invest in your growth. Offered 100% online for flexibility and accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), you’ll gain new capabilities to bring God’s love through scripture to life.

Earn a Biblically-Faithful Theology Degree

The Master of Theology is a selective program for students with strong academic ability in biblical and theological studies who have earned an M.Div. or M.A. level degree. Led by Biblically faithful faculty scholars and theologians, our 30-credit-hour online master’s degree is designed to equip you for leadership and growth.

Cornerstone University and Cornerstone Theological Seminary unwaveringly embrace the Bible, which is central to our foundational statements and doctrinal confession, honoring God’s vision of the world and ministry.

A decades-long partner and resource to churches and pastors, Cornerstone Theological Seminary is accredited by the respected Association of Theological Schools (ATS), and Cornerstone University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Develop Ministry-Ready Skills with a Master of Theology (Th.M.) Degree

You will cultivate Biblically grounded ministry skills to help you lead effectively through our 30-credit-hour Master of Theology curriculum.

Biblical Exegesis – Master the ability to interpret Scripture carefully using the original languages, Hebrew and Greek, drawing out the intended meaning from biblical texts.

Biblical Theology – Understand the overarching narrative and theological themes of Scripture, tracing how God’s redemptive plan unfolds across both the Old and New Testaments.

Hermeneutical Competency – Apply sound interpretive principles to Scripture, considering literary genre, historical background, and authorial intent.

Historical Contextualization – Situate biblical texts and theological developments within their historical and cultural settings to enrich understanding and teaching.

Doctrinal and Theological Analysis – Explore major Christian doctrines with depth and nuance, evaluating their biblical foundations and historical development.

Icon: Graph

Research Proficiency – Develop strong academic research skills, including the use of theological databases, critical source evaluation, and synthesis of scholarly arguments.

Critical Thinking and Interpretation – Analyze complex theological ideas, engage differing perspectives, and form thoughtful, reasoned conclusions grounded in Scripture and tradition.

Advanced Writing and Communication – Produce scholarly papers and theological content with clarity, depth, and academic rigor, suitable for teaching, publishing, or ministry.

Public Presentation and Teaching – Communicate theological insights effectively in classrooms, churches, or public settings, helping others grasp and apply profound biblical truths.

Icon: Cross

Integration of a Christian Worldview – Apply an unwavering, Biblically-grounded approach to all aspects of ministry and career, including decision-making and problem-solving.

Program Organization & Evaluation

Major FieldEnrichmentProfessional PracticumThesis

Major Field

Major Field (20 hours)

Cornerstone’s Th.M. follows a European model of advanced theological study, pairing students with a faculty mentor in their area of focus. The program begins with courses in research methods and historical context, then advances to specialized study. In the New Testament track, students engage primary texts in Greek, explore advanced grammar and textual criticism, and study Second Temple backgrounds. They then complete three courses covering the entire Greek New Testament with academic rigor. A similar structure is used for the Old Testament track.

Enrichment

Enrichment (4 hours)

With approval from their major professor, Th.M. students will take one course outside their primary specialization with a different faculty member. This requirement broadens academic perspective, fosters interdisciplinary learning, and deepens critical engagement across theological fields.

Professional Practicum

Professional Practicum (no credit)

Th.M. students engage in a supervised practicum involving teaching or related academic activities, with approval from their major professor and the dean. This experience emphasizes the applied practice of theology — strengthening students’ ability to communicate theological concepts, serve the church and academy, and integrate scholarly work with real-world ministry and teaching contexts.

Thesis

Thesis (6 hours)

The thesis is required in the major field. A faculty committee will be appointed by the dean to review and evaluate the thesis. The thesis topic must be submitted to the major professor for approval by the end of the second week of the semester the student begins their thesis. The first draft of the thesis is due at the end of the second week of January. The final draft is to be submitted to the major professor at the end of the first week of March. An oral defense of the thesis is required and will be conducted by the faculty committee.

Concentrations

Expand your career opportunities and gain specialized skills with concentrations in Old & New Testament. Read below to learn more about these concentrations. Students must choose one.

Old TestamentNew Testament

Old Testament

Old Testament Concentration

Experience a focused study of the Hebrew Scriptures, equipping students to interpret, teach, and apply the Old Testament with depth and clarity. Through biblical Hebrew, historical context, and theological themes, gain a richer understanding of God’s covenantal work and its relevance for the church today.

  • BBL-840: Advanced Language Study – Guided study in Aramaic, or if competency has already been demonstrated for Aramaic, then Ugaritic, Akkadian, or Middle Egyptian may be substituted.
  • BBL-841: Advanced Study in the History and Culture of Israel and the Ancient Near East – Explore key historical and cultural issues of ancient Israel in the context of the ancient Near East through readings in biblical texts, archaeology, and geography, culminating in a final paper presented.
  • BBL-846: Advanced Study in Critical Issues and Methods in the Study of the OT – Advanced knowledge of key issues and contemporary methods in Old Testament scholarship and biblical criticism, culminating in a faculty-reviewed research paper.
  • BBL-848: Advanced OT Exegesis – Develop exegesis of selected Old Testament texts across genres, emphasizing biblical criticism methods and electronic research tools, culminating in an exegetical commentary.
  • BBL-880: Enrichment – With the guidance of the academic advisor, select an enrichment module outside the program major.
  • BBL-884: Advanced Study in Old Testament Biblical Theology – Explore classic and contemporary Old Testament theologies through primary literature and their connection to Israelite religion, presenting a final paper that showcases your approach.
  • BBL-890: Th.M. Thesis – Create a 60–100 page thesis on a significant and approved topic in the major field, supervised by a thesis advisor and defended before a faculty committee.

View the academic catalog.

Academic Catalog

New Testament

New Testament Concentration

Experience a focused study of the New Testament’s theology, history, and Greek text. Develop advanced skills in exegesis, biblical theology, and interpretation to prepare for ministry, teaching, or further academic study.

  • BBL-870: Grammar and Translation of the NT – Gain a working knowledge of Greek grammar and translate the entire Greek New Testament.
  • BBL-872: NT Introduction & Historical Background – Understand the basics of New Testament textual criticism and key historical events from the Persian period to the Bar Kokhba revolt that shaped the New Testament world.
  • BBL-874: Exegesis of the Gospels & Acts – Sight-read the Greek text of the Gospels and Acts, identifying major exegetical issues, and discussing them with a faculty mentor.
  • BBL-876: Exegesis of the Pauline Epistles – Sight-read the Greek text of Paul’s letters, identify key exegetical issues, and engage in guided discussion with a faculty mentor.
  • BBL-877: Exegesis of the General Epistles & Revelation – Sight-read the Greek text of the General Epistles and Revelation, identify major exegetical issues, and discuss them with a faculty mentor.
  • BBL-880: Enrichment – With the guidance of the academic advisor, select an enrichment module outside the program major.
  • BBL-890: Th.M. Thesis – Create a 60–100 page thesis on a significant and approved topic in the major field, supervised by a thesis advisor and defended before a faculty committee.

View the academic catalog.

Academic Catalog

Influential Careers with a Master of Theology (Th.M.) Degree

  • Ph.D. or D.Min Studies
  • Theology Instructor or Professor
  • Church Pastor or Minister
  • Missionary
  • Chaplain (hospital, military, prison, etc.)
  • Christian Education Director
  • Bible Curriculum Writer or Editor
  • Parachurch Ministry Leader
  • Nonprofit/Faith-Based Organization Director
  • Youth or Discipleship Pastor
  • Theological Researcher or Author

Tuition

On-CampusOnline

On-Campus

$3,090 per semester for full-time students

Through the gifts of generous donors, students have access to multiple Cornerstone Theological Seminary scholarships, with many scholarships covering up to 50% of tuition. To apply for a variety of seminary scholarships, click on the link below. Monthly payment options are also available.

ScholarshipsFile the FAFSA

Online

$3,090 per semester for full-time students

Through the gifts of generous donors, students have access to multiple Cornerstone Theological Seminary scholarships, with many scholarships covering up to 50% of tuition. To apply for a variety of seminary scholarships, click on the link below. Monthly payment options are also available.

ScholarshipsFile the FAFSA

Your Next Steps

Review application requirements and take the first step to apply to Cornerstone Theological Seminary today.

  1. Submit your program application.
    Choose the Speciality Master’s degree application.
  2. Possess a Completed Master’s degree.
    Candidates should possess an accredited baccalaureate degree and Master of Divinity or Master of Arts in the relevant theological discipline and achieve a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA in graduate-level study.
  3. Submit Two Letters of Recommendation.
    Applicants are required to provide two letters of recommendation from former teachers — one must be from a former teacher in the anticipated major field.
  4. Submit a Writing Sample or GRE Scores.
    Applicants are required to submit a graded writing sample from their M.Div. or M.A. equivalent degree program. Scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) may also be requested in addition to or in place of the graded writing sample as determined by the supervising professor.
  5. Provide a Statement of Intent.
    Applicants must submit to the CTS Admissions Office a formal letter to the faculty indicating reasons for pursuing an advanced graduate theological degree. The letter should also include the selection of a major field for the program and life objectives.

Related Programs

Master of Divinity

View
Female seminary student holding a Bible while sitting in the lobby of Grand Rapids Theological Seminary

M.A. in Biblical Exegesis

View

Cornerstone University

Contact

P:
616.949.5300
E:
info@cornerstone.edu

Address

1001 East Beltline Ave NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49525

Hours

MON - FRI: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
SAT & SUN: Closed
Plan a Visit Apply

Want To Learn More About CTS?

Request Info Apply Today

Connect With CTS

Apply Today Current Students
Give to Cornerstone

Suggested

Common

Recent News