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M.A. in Biblical Exegesis

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Master of Arts in Biblical Exegesis

The M.A. in biblical exegesis prepares you to understand Scripture in its original languages and contexts to become a better steward of interpretation. These are valuable skills for students interested in a pastoral role that requires preaching and teaching, or teaching at the collegiate level.

Degree Type

  • Master of Arts

Format

  • On Campus
  • Online

Location

  • Grand Rapids
  • Online

Credit Hours

  • 45

Accreditation

  • Association of Theological Schools (ATS)
  • Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Transform the way
you read Scripture

The M.A. in Biblical Exegesis program requires 45 credit hours and can be completed either on-campus or online in two to three years. Whether you desire to strengthen your preaching and teaching or are preparing for further study toward a doctoral degree, the M.A. in Biblical Exegesis will transform the way you read and interpret Scripture.

Through rigorous course work and mentorship from your professors and peers, you will be guided through the language and history of the Bible, looking deeply at Scripture in the original languages and analyzing the text in its historical and cultural contexts. Students in this program can expect to take courses in the following areas:

  • History and culture of the Ancient Near East.
  • History and culture of the Greco-Roman world.
  • Hebrew and/or Greek language study.
  • Old Testament and/or New Testament exegesis.

Careers

An M.A. in Biblical Exegesis is designed to strengthen the teaching and preaching of ministry professionals, to prepare students for further education or to equip students for a ministry career that requires engagement with the original languages of the Bible.

Opportunities

  • Pastoral ministry
  • Christian publishing
  • Bible translation
  • Ph.D. or D.Min. studies

Program Highlights

Strengthen preaching and teaching: Foundational courses in biblical studies and theology will be immediately applicable to preaching and teaching ministries.

In-depth, original language exegesis: M.A. in Biblical Exegesis students take a two-course sequence in Greek or Hebrew. This rigorous engagement of Scripture helps students discern the original author’s intent. Students are better equipped to creatively study Scripture, arrive at a nuanced interpretation and communicate God’s truth to today’s world.

Travel to the ancient world of the Bible for credit: Our students learn to read the Bible with new eyes through a first-hand experience of the Israel, Palestine and Jordan if you elect to participate in a faculty-led tour for credit.

74

Total CTS graduates in the 2019/20 school year.

75%

Of CTS students take classes part-time.

70%

Of students receive a grant or scholarship.

Course List and
Learning Outcomes

The M.A. in biblical exegesis program features rigorous course work designed to equip you to engage the text of Scripture in its original languages and context.

Core Courses

All Cornerstone Theological Seminary programs share a 24 credit hour class core.

BBL-501 Biblical Hermeneutics

An introduction to the process of determining the original meaning and contemporary significance of biblical texts.

THE-501 Program Introduction Seminar

This course prepares students for the rigors of graduate scholarship by honing the skills of graduate research, reading and writing.

BBL-514 Old Testament Foundations

BBL-515 New Testament Foundations

MIN-500 Spiritual Formation

An investigation into the meaning of biblical Christianity and its relationship to faith and practice within contemporary cultural contexts. Special attention is given to the corporate dimensions of spirituality and spiritual formation.

THE-540 Systematic Theology I

This course introduces and practices a metanarrative for doing theology. The biblical narratives and propositions are heard in the context of the story that begins with creation, is centered in Jesus’ first coming and reaches its culmination in the new heavens and earth.

THE-640 Systematic Theology II

This course continues our metanarrative theology by examining the Christian story of creation, fall, redemption and consummation, with special attention
Added: given to the nature and task of humanity, the distortion of the world through sin and the redemptive work and person of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.

THE-641 Systematic Theology III

This course will examine in detail the doctrine of salvation (soteriology), the church (ecclesiology), the basic elements of pastoral theology (internal and external call to the ministry, ordination, ministry of the word and sacraments, church discipline and pastoral spiritual formation) and the four last things (death, judgment, heaven and hell).

Exegetical Specializations

M.A. in Biblical Exegesis students will select a 21-credit specialization in Old Testament or New Testament.

Old Testament

  • BBL-516 Hebrew I
  • BBL-517 Hebrew II
  • BBL-640 OT I: Intro to Exegesis
  • BBL-641 OT II: Exegesis in the Pentateuch
  • Electives (Select nine credits)

New Testament

  • BBL-510 Greek I
  • BBL-511 Greek II
  • BBL-672 NT I: Intro to Exegesis
  • BBL-677 NT II: The Gospels
  • Electives (Select nine credits)

Program Learning Outcomes

Through an emphasis on developing exegetical competencies in the biblical texts of the Old Testament and New Testament, our Master of Arts in biblical exegesis curriculum and course requirements are designed to enable you to achieve four learning outcomes.

Biblical Interpretation

Students will conduct interpretation of biblical texts informed by a sound understanding of Greek and/or Hebrew grammar.

Exegetical and Analytical Skills

Students will apply the comparative method regarding cognitive environment, utilize the material culture and consider the geographical and socio-historical contexts in understanding the meaning of texts.

Accurate Articulation of Theology

Students will articulate theology that is rooted in the emphases of the biblical authors and identify the differences.

Personal Formation

Students will critically assess their own social location within the global setting and judiciously employ a variety of reading strategies as they engage Scripture.

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Related Programs

CTS offers several programs that prioritize biblical interpretation. Take a look at some of the other graduate programs we offer in this field.

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

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