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

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July 7, 2025
August 27, 2025
ATS
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Transfer up to 65% of your program credits

Expand Ministry Impact With a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) Online Degree

Form your mind and soul for lifelong ministry impact or doctoral pursuits with your Master of Divinity at Cornerstone Theological Seminary. With rigorous study in theology, biblical languages, church history, and spiritual formation — plus hands-on training through ministry leadership courses and a practical residency — you’ll be prepared to serve God by serving the church, non-profits or military chaplaincy with relevant skills. With one of the most affordable M.Div. degrees available, generous scholarships, and flexible scheduling, you can balance your studies alongside ministry, work, and family.

Develop Ministry Capabilities with a Master’s in Ministry Leadership

Led by Biblically faithful faculty scholars, theologians and leading apologetics scholars who are currently active in Christian ministry, our 75-credit hour M.Div. degree is designed to equip ministry leaders or prepare future doctoral candidates. 

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 an M.Div. Seminary Degree

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

Biblical Interpretation – Study Scripture in its original languages to gain clarity, humility, and historical insight for faithful teaching and understanding.

Preaching – Communicate the Gospel clearly and effectively through sermons and public speaking.

Theological Reasoning – Apply sound doctrine to life and ministry with clarity and conviction.

Spiritual Formation – Foster personal spiritual growth and guide others through discipleship, prayer, and spiritual practices.

Icon: Hand holding heart

Pastoral Care – Skillfully provide compassionate support, guidance, and counseling in times of need and crisis.

Leadership – Lead churches and ministries with vision, strategy, and biblical wisdom.

Missional Engagement – Serve cross-culturally and lead communities to live on mission.

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Christian Worldview & Moral Leadership – Learn from Christian worldview scholars to lead with Christ-centered character and apply biblical truth to today’s moral challenges.

Decision-Making & Problem-Solving – Respond to challenges with biblically grounded decisions and solutions in diverse ministry settings.

Teaching & Communication – Develop strong interpersonal and public communication skills to teach, disciple, and engage others across diverse ministry settings.

Courses

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.

Biblical and Language CoursesTheology CoursesMinistry Courses

Biblical and Language Courses

Biblical and Language Courses

Develop in-depth biblical and language understanding that equips you to interpret Scripture faithfully through study of Greek, Hebrew, and biblical theology. Courses include:

BBL-501: Biblical Hermeneutics

Understand the process of determining 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-510: Greek I

Study the elements of Koine Greek.

BBL-511: Greek II

Continue 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-514: Old Testament Foundations

Learn the historical and cultural contexts of the events and authors of the Old Testament, and examine the literary features and theological emphases of each book.

BBL-515: New Testament Foundations

Understand the historical and cultural contexts of the events and authors of the New Testament, and examine the literary features and theological emphases of each book.

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 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.

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 the rudiments of 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

Theology Courses

Theology Courses

Understand key Bible truths and core doctrines — from Scripture, God, and humanity to salvation, the church, and eternity — while also learning to engage today’s moral and spiritual challenges with wisdom and clarity. Courses include:

THE-515: Hist. Theo I: Early Church*

Explore the development of the church from the close of the New Testament canon through Augustine in the West and the Council of Chalcedon in the East.

THE-516: Hist Theo II: Medieval Church*

Examines the medieval church in the West from Augustine through the forerunners of the Reformation.

THE-517: Hist Theo III: Reformation Church*

Trace the Reformation and post-Reformation church from Martin Luther to the early 18th century.

THE-518: Hist Theo IV: Modern Church*

Understand the development of the church from the early 18th century to the present.

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.

THE-676: Apologetics/Moral Issues/Christian Ministry

Evaluate the philosophical foundations of the Christian faith and address ethical challenges in pastoral care, spiritual direction, and Christian counseling.
*Elective courses, choose two.

View the academic catalog.

Academic Catalog

Ministry Courses

Ministry Courses

Apply spiritual formation and classroom learning to practice, gain important ministry experience, and learn valuable lessons in this mentored ministry context experience. Courses and residency include:

MIN-500: Christian Spiritual Formation

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

MIN-685: CLC Ministry Residency 1

In this first of three residency courses, you’ll get to know your ministry setting, build relationships, and begin reflecting on your personal and leadership growth with help from a mentor and peers.

MIN-686: CLC Ministry Residency 2

Build on your ministry experience, helping you grow in leadership while exploring key topics like small group dynamics, board and elder meetings, strategic planning, and pastoral duties.

MIN-781: CLC Ministry Residency 3

Deepen your ministry skills through teaching, leading board and elder meetings, officiating weddings, launching a ministry initiative, and engaging in cross-cultural ministry, while focusing on your specific call to ministry.

View the academic catalog.

Academic Catalog

Ministry Careers with a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) Degree

  • Pastor
  • Ministry Leader
  • Nonprofit Director
  • Church Director
  • Christian Educator
  • Ph.D. or D.Min Studies
  • Missionary
  • Chaplain
  • Bible Teacher
  • Worship Leader
  • Youth Pastor/Leader

Master of Divinity Scholarship

Master of Divinity students can be considered for the Sola Scriptura Master of Divinity Scholarship. Funded by the Pirsig and Stowell endowments, this scholarship covers 75% of tuition each semester — making Cornerstone Theological Seminary’s Master of Divinity program one of the most affordable in the nation for eligible students.

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.
    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.

Related Programs

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Master of Theology

Advanced theological training beyond your existing M.Div. can prepare you for significant ministry influence in education, church ministry, military chaplaincy…

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