Interpret scripture in its original languages Biblical Exegesis (M.A.)

The M.A. in Biblical Exegesis from Wheaton College is a language-based degree that emphasizes the study of both the Old and New Testaments within an evangelical framework. This degree prepares you for both doctoral programs and work in ministry, missions, translation, education, and more.

Credential Type

M.A.

Major Credits Required

Program Duration

2-5 years, part or full-time

Format

Hybrid, Residential

Language Tracks

Greek, Hebrew

Expert Faculty

Our expert faculty walk alongside you to uncover answers in theology and exegesis.

Dedicated Mentors

Explore your concentration with expert guidance from a faculty mentor.

3 Concentrations

Focus on the Old Testament, New Testament, or both.

Investing in You

Scholarships and Financial Wellness

We are currently offering 20 tuition discount scholarships for the Bible and Theology graduate programs. Priority consideration will be given to students who submit their full application by the following deadlines:

Spring 2025 start: November 1
Fall 2025 start: February 1

The Wheaton College Graduate School Student Financial Services team can help you understand how much your graduate studies will cost and what scholarships, loans, and aid may be available to you.

Learn About Graduate Financial Aid

Request Information

Or reach out to us anytime at graduate.admissions@wheaton.edu.

Two students studying in the Buswell Library

Why Wheaton for Biblical Exegesis? A Holistic Approach to Biblical Language-Based Degree

As you faithfully study Scripture in the original languages, you'll gain the research skills necessary for advanced study and service to church and society.

Program Overview

This language-intensive graduate program strategically designed to equip you to exegete Scripture in Greek and Hebrew for the betterment of the church and world. The M.A. in Biblical Exegesis is strategically designed to equip students to exegete Scripture in the original languages for the good of the church and world. If you seek training and research tools that will contribute to your formation for further academic study, church ministry, missions, translation, teaching in classical schools, and more, this degree is tailored to equip all students in the exegesis of the Scriptures. The curriculum focuses on three interrelated areas:

Biblical and theological knowledge
Academic skills and critical reflection
Christian life and service

The central focus of this degree is exegesis. The degree offers you the flexibility to customize your degree in light of your calling.

You can pursue the M.A. in Biblical Exegesis in a hybrid or residential format as a full or part-time student. Full-time students complete the degree in about two years, while part-time takes up to five years.
In the dual track option, you will learn to exegete the Hebrew OT and Greek NT both culturally and canonically as well as to apply it to the life of faith within the context of the local church.
Choose to focus on only one of the ancient languages, Greek or Hebrew, and have more flexibility to explore elective courses.

Our Curriculum

The M.A. in Biblical Exegesis mobilizes students to faithfully study Scripture in the original languages. The length and specific components of the program will vary based on your concentration and ancient language prerequisites.

Overall, the Biblical Exegesis curriculum builds language competency and cultivates an integrated approach to exegesis, such as factoring in hermeneutical theory, historical and cultural contexts, literary genres, and the theological contours of the canon.

View Curriculum

Sample Courses

Your program includes a mix of core and concentration requirements, language study, and electives from across the Wheaton Graduate School. Examples include:

Hebrew Exegesis or Greek Exegesis
Hermeneutics for Biblical Exegesis
Old Testament Theology or New Testament Theology
Christian Theology

Our Faculty Compassionate and Intelligent Educators

As committed Christians, our faculty will walk alongside you as you wrestle through the hard questions of faith and look for God-honoring answers in evangelical theology and exegesis.

Biblical Exegesis faculty bring a wide range of scholarly interests and expertise to the classroom, including Old Testament and the ancient Near East, New Testament and Pauline studies, Bible translation, prophetic literature, biblical criticism and interpretation, and specializations in particular books like Genesis, Job, and Isaiah.

Meet Our Faculty

Andrew Abernethy, Ph.D.

Assistant Dean of Biblical and Theological Studies in the Litfin Divinity School; Program Director of the M.A. in Biblical Exegesis Program; Professor of Old Testament

M. Daniel Carroll R. (Rodas), Ph.D.

Scripture Press Ministries Professor of Biblical Studies and Pedagogy

Esau McCaulley, Ph.D.

Jonathan Blanchard Associate Professor of New Testament and Public Theology

Rev. Amy Peeler, Ph.D.

Kenneth T. Wessner Professor of New Testament

Richard Schultz, Ph.D.

Blanchard Professor of Old Testament

Our Staff Here to Help

Amy Lew, Senior Office Coordinator for Graduate Biblical and Theological Studies, is happy to help students navigate every aspect of the program.

Biblical and Theological Studies women enjoying a day out in Chicago

BTS Grad Women's Fellowship

The Biblical and Theological Studies (BTS) Grad Women’s Fellowship was started over a decade ago to provide a space for female graduate students in the department to meet together regularly throughout the year with female faculty, build relationships, provide support, and enjoy each other’s company. The group was started by Dr. Karen Jobes (Faculty Emerita) and is led today by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Powell McNutt and Rev. Dr. Amy Peeler. Food, fellowship, and prayer are the focus of our time together. If you are a female Bible and Theology student in an M.A. or Ph.D. program, please join us! Feel free to email bts.graduate.studies@wheaton.edu with any questions.

Alumni in Action

Engaging With Biblical Texts

“If you're looking for a course of study that will help you engage seriously with the biblical texts in their original contexts -- and place that within a global horizon -- then Wheaton's Biblical Exegesis M.A. is for you. A rigorous curriculum, leading evangelical scholars, a vibrant learning atmosphere!"

— Todd Wilson M.A. ’01

Todd Wilson is the co-founder and president of the Center for Pastor Theologians. He also is the author or editor of over a dozen books related to Christian ministry, theology, and biblical studies.

After earning his bachelor's and master's degrees at Wheaton College, he went on to earn a Ph.D. in New Testament Studies from Cambridge University and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

Success After Wheaton What Can You Do With a Master's in Biblical Exegesis?

Our students come to us at all stages of their professional lives, from recent college graduates to mid-level professionals. No matter where you were before Wheaton, earning an M.A. in Biblical Exegesis can help you thrive in your current career or open new doors.

Companies and Organizations

Graduates of the M.A. in Biblical Exegesis program have used their skills and deep-rooted faith in a variety of settings, including:

Churches
Missions Organizations
Christian and Classical Schools
Bible and Theological Colleges
Publishing Houses

Continued Study

Many Biblical Exegesis alumni have gone on to complete doctoral programs right here at the Wheaton College Graduate School and at institutions such as:

Cambridge University
Duke University
Emory University
Hebrew Union
Marquette University
University of Notre Dame
Oxford University
Princeton University
Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
University of Chicago
University of Edinburgh
Wheaton College Graduate School
Yale University

Next Steps

Interested in pursuing master's degree in Biblical Exegesis at Wheaton? Request more information or start your application today.

Graduate Admissions Request Information