Biblical Exegesis, M.A.

The M.A. in Biblical Exegesis aims to mobilize students to study Scripture in the original languages within an evangelical framework. The curriculum revolves around building language competency and cultivating an integrated approach to exegesis, such as factoring in hermeneutical theory, historical and cultural contexts, literary genres, and the theological contours of the canon. Students are to choose from three concentrations within this degree:

• Old Testament concentration,
• New Testament concentration, and
• The Old and New Testament concentration.

All concentrations require 42 credit hours and require courses in hermeneutics, testament-specific exegesis, language-based book studies, and theology.

The program does not require a comprehensive exam or a thesis paper. However, all students in the M.A. in Biblical Exegesis program are required to demonstrate four specific areas of academic competence through the compilation of a dossier, reflecting faculty approval on each of four target areas as represented by a portfolio of four faculty-approved academic papers completed as part of the program.

Ancient Language Tuition Rebate Program

The M.A. in Biblical Exegesis requires either 8 or 16 hours of prerequisites in Hebrew and/or Greek, depending on the chosen track. If a student takes GREK 101 and/or GREK 102, and/or HEBR 101 and/or HEBR 102 at Wheaton College upon enrolling in the program, please note that these classes do not count toward the completion of the 42-credit-hour Biblical Exegesis degree.

Wheaton College provides an Ancient Language Tuition Rebate for students who take Hebrew and/or Greek pre-requisite language courses at Wheaton. This rebate, covering up to 8 or 16 credit hours, significantly reduces the overall cost for anyone who has not previously studied the biblical languages. This rebate does not cover the cost for competency exams or the cost for ancient language courses taken at another college or university.

How Does the Ancient Language Tuition Rebate Work?

A student pays the tuition cost for a language prerequisite course the semester they register to take the class. After successfully completing the ancient language course for that semester, the rebate is applied to the net tuition charges for the next semester the student enrolls. For example, if a student takes HEBR 101, which is a 4 credit hour course, during the fall semester, the following semester a tuition rebate will be awarded for the amount paid for HEBR 101 minus a proportion of any need-based grant (Wheaton Grant) OR any merit award (endowed scholarships).

It is best to take the ancient language prerequisite courses early in your studies. The tuition rebate is not available after completing the 42 credit hours required to earn the degree. It is also not available if a student leaves the program without completing their degree. No cash will be disbursed to students who may take an ancient language course and then decide to leave the program.

Program Director, Professor, Andrew T. Abernethy
Scripture Press Ministries Professor of Biblical Studies and Pedagogy, M. Daniel Carroll R. (Rodas)
Associate Professor of New Testament, Esau McCaulley
Kenneth T. Wessner Professor of New Testament, Amy Peeler
Blanchard Professor of Old Testament, Richard Schultz
Adjunct Professor, Seth Ehorn
Adjunct Professor, Joshua Maurer

M.A. in Biblical Exegesis - Old Testament Concentration

A prerequisite of competency in two semesters worth of Hebrew Grammar. Hebrew competency is defined as passing the equivalent of HEBR 101 and HEBR 102, or passing a Hebrew Grammar exam.

M.A. in Biblical Exegesis - New Testament Concentration

A prerequisite of competency in two semesters worth of Greek Grammar. Greek competency is defined as passing the equivalent of GREK 101 and GREK 102, or passing a Greek Grammar exam.

M.A. in Biblical Exegesis - Old and New Testament Concentration

A prerequisite of competency in two semesters worth of Hebrew Grammar and two semesters worth of Greek Grammar. Hebrew competency is defined as passing the equivalent of HEBR 101 and HEBR 102, or passing a Hebrew Grammar exam. Greek competency is defined as passing the equivalent of GREK 101 and GREK 102, or passing a Greek Grammar exam.