BA in Worship Arts Degree: Worship Ministry Emphasis

GCU student singing worship songs on stage with microphone
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Overview

Pursue Your Passion for Music, Ministry and Impacting Others 

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Worship Arts with an Emphasis in Worship Ministry at Grand Canyon University can help you prepare yourself for potential careers in worship leadership and church music ministry. The worship ministry emphasis can provide you with the opportunity to focus on the creativity, artistry, musical ability and performance aspects of ministerial leadership. 

Graduates who complete this worship ministry training are expected to develop a solid foundation of biblical and theological knowledge. You will also be taught the fundamentals of songwriting and arranging, as well as leading worship and musical performances.
 

GCU student on stage with guitar playing worship songs
Why GCU

Benefits of Earning Your BA in Worship Arts: Worship Ministry Emphasis 

As a worship arts major at our private Christian university, you are encouraged to embrace the Word of God and live your life accordingly. You will be immersed in a faith-centered environment, surrounded by students who strive to live by biblical principles. Our worship ministry school program can provide you with opportunities to deepen your faith and demonstrate your love of Christ in worship and music ministry performances. With a worship arts degree, you may be prepared to make an impact on the lives of others in ministerial settings.

All Worship Arts Emphases

Media and Production Ministry
Coursework

Worship Arts Ministry Coursework in This Program

Professor teaching students music in a recording studio setting

Many graduates from this worship arts degree program have chosen to follow paths that nurture creativity and artistry. The basis of this worship and music ministry program is theology and spiritual formation.

The emphasis in worship ministry coursework focuses on a number of engaging topics, including:

Musical direction

Music theory for contemporary worship

Songwriting

Musical arrangement

Sound recording

Training in piano, voice, guitar and percussion

Worship Arts Ministry Program Requirements and Skills

The worship arts degree coursework is designed to deliver a well-rounded theological education. The curriculum emphasizes musical direction for contemporary worship. You will explore the fundamentals of music theory and be guided in writing and arranging songs, and recording music. Worship ministry training covers several instruments, although there is a focus on a primary performance instrument. Additionally, GCU’s Center for Worship Arts has a recording studio for music production.

Prospective students of this worship ministry training degree are required to audition for the program. This helps to ensure that accepted students have sufficient musical skill and for this particular emphasis.

As a worship arts major, you will have multiple opportunities for practice as you participate in a variety of worship-related ensembles throughout the degree program. During your worship ministry training, you must complete a capstone internship. This experience allows you to apply your music ministry abilities in local ministry settings under the supervision of experienced worship leaders. 

GCU student in recording studio singing music with eyes closed and arm up
Careers

Career Paths for a BA in Worship Arts Major

The BA in Worship Arts: Worship Ministry emphasis teaches the musical ability, ministerial skills and theological knowledge that may be needed for graduates to pursue roles in music ministry. 

Graduates can continue their creative paths by following many different career paths, such as: 

  • Agent 
  • Business manager of artists or performers
  • Postsecondary art, drama and music teacher 
Accreditation

GCU Proudly Offers Institutionally Accredited Worship and Ministry Programs

GCU is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Accreditation status reflects the quality of an institution’s education, and the HLC has awarded accreditation status to GCU and its programs since 1968. To learn more, visit our accreditation page.

When deciding to major in worship arts ministry, you should consider not only choosing a Christian university, but also a school that prioritizes the quality of its education. GCU strives to provide a quality, biblically rooted college education to our student body so that our graduates may go forth to faithfully serve the Lord and act as an example of God’s grace within their communities. 
 

FAQ

Worship and Music Ministry Degree FAQs

The intent to pursue a career in worship arts ministry can be a meaningful one. Before you make a decision about your future, you may wish to pray upon your choices and explore the career field further. The following questions and answers can provide a starting point for your research.

Pastor standing on stage with arms up and bible in hand

Start Your Journey Today

 A BA in Worship Arts with a worship ministry emphasis may lead you on a path to support others with your strong belief system and creativity. Apply for this program online at GCU today.

Apply Now

1 Indeed. (n.d.). How to become a worship leader. Indeed. Retrieved Oct. 9, 2023.

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