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Master of Arts in
Biblical Exegesis
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Expand Your Biblical Teaching Ministry With an M.A. in Biblical Exegesis Degree

Inspire your church or ministry to passionately follow God’s story by deeply exploring and interpreting Scripture in its original languages. A Master of Arts in Biblical Exegesis is a valuable seminary degree to help pastors and ministry leaders strengthen their preaching and teaching capabilities or prepare for a doctoral degree. One of the most affordable biblical study master’s degrees available, our generous scholarships and flexible scheduling will help you balance study with ministry, work, and family. Study 100% online or on campus to fit your goals. Choose from concentrations in Old or New Testament.

Deepen Your Biblical Knowledge with a Biblical Exegesis Master’s Degree

Led by Biblically faithful faculty scholars, theologians, and leading apologetics scholars who are currently active in Christian ministry, our 45-credit hour Master’s in Biblical Exegesis degree offers Old and New Testament concentrations.

Cornerstone University and Cornerstone Theological Seminary unwaveringly embrace Biblical scripture, 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 respected Seminary Degree

You will cultivate Biblically grounded ministry skills to help you lead effectively through our in-depth ministry curriculum.

Biblical Language Proficiency – Master Greek or Hebrew to read Scripture in its original languages for deeper, more accurate interpretation.

Exegetical and Literary Analysis – Apply scholarly methods to analyze biblical texts — examining structure, genre, and context for faithful interpretation in preaching and teaching.

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Theological Integration – Connect exegesis to doctrinal development, discerning how biblical texts inform systematic theology.

Historical-Cultural Contextualization – Interpret Scripture in light of its original cultural and historical settings for faithful understanding.

Biblical Research and Writing – Conduct academic-level research, write exegesis papers, and contribute to biblical scholarship.

Critical Thinking and Discernment – Evaluate scholarly arguments, commentaries, and interpretive traditions with wisdom and biblical fidelity.

Communication and Teaching – Turn complex exegetical study into practical application for the church and classroom.

Spiritual Formation Through Scripture – Deepen your faith and spiritual life through immersive study of God’s Word in its original form.

Christian Worldview for Ministry – Learn from scholars in exegesis and apologetics to build a foundation for teaching, defending the faith, or pursuing advanced theological study.

Cornerstone Theological Seminary Core Courses

Cornerstone Theological Seminary’s (CTS) core curriculum provides a solid footing to complete any of our four theological master’s degree programs including M.A. in Ministry Leadership (36 credits), M.A. in Biblical Studies (36 credits), M.A. in Biblical Exegesis (45 credits) or the Master of Divinity (75 credits).

The CTS core curriculum includes essential elements of graduate theological education and ministry equipping, such as hermeneutics, Old Testament studies, New Testament studies, and Biblical and systematic theological studies. You will strengthen your understanding of Scripture, expand your teaching capabilities, and cultivate compassionate leadership skills.

Your master’s course credits or master’s degree can build toward an M.Div. if you complete the required courses or a full degree program.

Courses & Concentrations

Cornerstone is ready to help you excel in your chosen field. The courses below reflect the general education and concentration-specific courses you will experience to achieve your degree. Students must choose a concentration.

Program Courses

MIN-500: Christian Spiritual Formation

Examine biblical Christianity and its connection to faith and practice, with a focus on spiritual growth within contemporary, cultural, and community contexts.

BBL-501: Biblical Hermeneutics

Learn to determine the original meaning and contemporary significance of biblical texts.

CTS-502: Program Introduction

Develop essential skills for rigorous graduate theological study as you engage in research, academic reading, writing, and citation practices.

BBL-514: Old Testament Foundations

Discover historical and cultural contexts, literary features, and theological themes of each Old Testament book.

BBL-515: New Testament Foundations

Explore historical and cultural contexts, literary features, and theological themes of each New Testament book.

THE-540: Systematic Theology I

Understand the biblical metanarrative to theology, focusing on creation to new creation, and explore the doctrines of Scripture and God.

THE-640: Systematic Theology II

Explore the theological themes of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration, with a focus on humanity, sin, and the redemptive work of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.

THE-641: Systematic Theology III

Examine the doctrines of salvation, the church, pastoral theology, and the four last things — death, judgment, heaven, and hell — focusing on key elements of ministry and spiritual formation.

View the academic catalog.

Academic Catalog

Old Testament

Old Testament Concentration

Build from basic grammar to translating and interpreting key texts like Genesis through Deuteronomy for deeper biblical understanding and teaching.

BBL-516: Hebrew I

Learn the basic grammar and vocabulary of biblical Hebrew.

BBL-517: Hebrew II

Continue Hebrew I with emphasis on grammar, syntax, and the expansion of vocabulary by means of translating simple texts.

BBL-640: Hebrew Exegesis I

Examine the methods of Hebrew exegesis, including textual criticism, syntactical and discourse analysis, and lexical studies, with further development of skills in translating and understanding Hebrew narrative.

BBL-641: Hebrew Exegesis II

Explore the content and biblical theology of Genesis through Deuteronomy, including exegesis of selected texts from various literary genres. Examine composition, ancient history and culture, New Testament correlation, contemporary challenges to religion and ethics in the Old Testament, including the relevance and communication of the canonical message of these texts to contemporary culture.

View the academic catalog.

Academic Catalog

New Testament

New Testament Concentration

Begin with Koine Greek basics and grow into translating and interpreting texts from the Gospels and Pauline epistles using key tools for exegesis and theology.

BBL-510: Greek I

Study the elements of Koine Greek.

BBL-511: Greek II

Continue from Greek I with exercises in reading the Greek New Testament, introduction to NT Textual Criticism, and the use of basic lexical and syntactical tools.

BBL-672: Greek Exegesis I

Learn the theory of translation and practice of exegesis. Selections in the Pauline epistles are used to apply grammatical and hermeneutical principles of Greek exegesis.

BBL-677: Greek Exegesis II

Understand historical, source, form, redaction, and literary critical methods. Develop skills in the exegesis of Gospel texts with a view to biblical theology and the ministry of the word.

View the academic catalog.

Academic Catalog

Ministry Careers with an M.A. in Biblical Exegesis Degree

  • Pastor
  • Bible Teacher
  • Missionary
  • Church Planter
  • Christian Author
  • Apologist
  • Bible Translator
  • Curriculum Developer
  • Nonprofit Ministry Leader

Seminary Student Scholarships

Through the gifts of generous donors, students have access to multiple Cornerstone Theological Seminary scholarships, with many scholarships covering up to 50% of tuition.
All seminary students who are interested in receiving scholarship consideration should complete the Seminary Scholarship Application.

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Tuition

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.
    No GRE is required.
  2. Submit your transcripts.
    Request your undergraduate transcripts directly from the institution. A minimum 2.5 GPA from an accredited undergraduate college or university is required.
  3. Submit a Letter of Recommendation.
    Submit one letter of recommendation from a ministry leader or mentor.

Cornerstone University

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

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