Master of Arts in Worship Leadership

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Program Snapshot

54 Credit Hours 18 Classes
2 Years to Complete
$310 Per Credit Hour Learn more
On Campus
or
Online Learn more
Next Start Date February 3

Lead worship with a biblical heart and mind. Serve the congregation in the worship of God.

The Master of Arts in Worship Leadership is a professional degree program that prepares men and women for specialized ministry in local church worship leadership. This degree is designed to provide students with a solid background in biblical studies combined with practical experience in the field of worship leadership.

Lead your ministry with theological and musical excellence.

Remedial/Pre-requisite Courses
Course Number Description Credit Hours
40650 Worship Assessment (0)
Total (0)
Biblical and Theological Studies
Course Number Description Credit Hours
20200 Introduction to the Old Testament I 3
20220 Introduction to the Old Testament II 3
22100 Biblical Hermeneutics 3
22200 Introduction to the New Testament I 3
22220 Introduction to the New Testament II 3
27060 Systematic Theology I: Theological Prolegomena, and the Nature and Works of God 3
27070 Systematic Theology II: Christ, Salvation, and the Holy Spirit 3
27080 Systematic Theology III: Baptist Theology of Scripture and the Church, and Eschatology 3
32100 Personal Evangelism & Devotion 3
Total 27
Worship Leadership Concentration
Course Number Description Credit Hours
40200 Introduction to Biblical Worship 3
40605 History of Christian Worship and Song 3
40610 Worship Ministry as Discipleship 3
40615 Guiding the Worship Ministry 3
40620 Worship Leadership and Design 3
40625 Leading Worship Ensembles 3
Worship Portfolio 0
Worship/Music Electives2 6
Total 24
Elective
Course Number Description Credit Hours
Unrestricted Elective 3
Total 3
Cooperative Program
Course Number Description Credit Hours
42490 The Cooperative Program4 0
Total 0

Total Master of Arts in Worship Leadership: 54

Additional Courses
Course Number Description Credit Hours
28999 Thesis Research and Writing (if required) +2
  1. Students in their first semester will have assessments in music theory, ear training, sight singing, and conducting. Students showing deficiencies in a skill will be required to take 50001 Worship Musicianship I and/or 50002 Worship Musicianship II. These courses may be counted as Worship and Music Electives.
  2. Students may choose from the following 3 hour or 1 hour electives: 40606 The Psalms and Christian Worship, 40635 Technology for Music & Worship Ministry, 40670 Songwriting for Worship Leaders, Private Music Study (1), or Worship Ensemble (1) with a max of four semesters.
  3. Students interested in doctoral studies have the option, in consultation with the department chair for Biblical Worship, to take the following courses: 25100 Introduction to Church History I and 25120 Introduction to Church History II and 40699 Thesis Research and Writing.
  4. The Cooperative Program Course is a (one-time) non-curricular requirement. Students should enroll in the class during their first year of study.
  5. Continuing students should consult the Academic Catalog for the year in which they started for course requirements as the current requirements may have changed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Female singer on stage

The M.A. in Worship Leadership will prepare students for worship and church music ministry positions.

Students who are serving (or plan to serve) in full-time ministry are encouraged to consider the Master of Divinity program, as it contains a more robust core of bible, theology, and ministry training.

While it is not required that students have a background in music, it is recommended. All students will have assessments during their first semester to determine skill level. Students showing deficiencies in a skill will be required to take courses for additional training.

Students with an accredited bachelor’s degree (in any field/major) are eligible to apply for this concentration. It is not required that applicants have an academic background in biblical or ministry studies.

Click here to learn more or start your application.

Yes. Students with previous divinity credit may be able to transfer their credit into programs at Southern Seminary. See our Transfer Credit page for more information.

Yes. Students will work closely with Department of Biblial Worship staff via digital communication for assessments, exams, etc.

Worship Leadership faculty include:

William R. Bishop

Associate Professor of Church Music and Worship

Esther R. Crookshank

Ollie Hale Chiles Professor of Church Music

Matthew D. Westerholm

Professor of Church Music and Worship

Resources as a Southern Seminary student

Academic Support

Access academic advising, writing assistance, language tutoring and more as a Southern Seminary online or on-campus student.

Flexible Course Options

With multiple course delivery options you’ll find classes that fit around your schedule.

  • 100% online degrees
  • Main campus courses
  • Hybrid campus intensive options

Financial Aid

We are committed to making your education affordable. Our Financial Aid office can connect you with institutional & outside sources of aid.

Close up of guitar strings

The Department of Biblical Worship


Preparing students for local church ministry that is gospel-centered, musically relevant, and ministry-focused.

Opportunities include:

  • Worship teams
  • Chapel orchestra
  • Institute for Biblical Worship
Male guitarist in chapel

Questions?


Contact Admissions

Phone: (502) 897-4200

Text: (502) 305-3554

Email: admissions@sbts.edu

Are you ready to become a pastor, counselor, or church leader who is Trusted for Truth?

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