The demands of a successful career in contemporary worship ministry and the broader Christian Music industry intersect with the rigor of GCU's engaging Bachelor of Arts in Worship Arts degree. The emphasis in worship production appeals to learners who are immersed in Christian Music, with a desire to express their creative inspiration on set.
Worship arts production settings range from local ministry to the stage of a Christian music rock concert. Learners are able to connect with the worship industry on both the local and global level at GCU's thriving campus for the arts.
The theological depth of this program enables scholars to lead in ministry and produce at the highest level on stage. At the same time, the spiritual depth at GCU's College of Theology deepens a scholar's ability to develop Christ-like character inwardly. Learners here are equipped to minister with wisdom and sensitivity in Christian worship environment.
Graduates of this program are offered a strong foundation in biblical and theological knowledge. They are skilled in worship leadership, musical performance, musical production and business management.
A blend of industry experts, academics and worship leaders cover the course material in this integrative program, to provide learners with a comprehensive set of knowledge and expertise in this arena.
Worship Arts extend beyond worship leadership within local churches. It includes production, performance, visual media and the business side of the contemporary Christian music industry.
General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University‛s General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.
| Competency | Requirements | GCU Course Options | Total Credits |
| University Foundations | Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community. Students with fewer than 24 credits will fulfill the University Foundations requirement with a specified lower-division course. An upper-division selection will be made available to students that enter the university with more than 24 credits. | UNV-103/303, University Success: 4 credits | 4 credits |
| Effective Communication | Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition. | UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4 credits ENG-105, English Composition I: 4 credits ENG-106, English Composition II: 4 credits COM-263, Elements of Intercultural Communication: 4 credits |
13-16 credits |
| Christian Worldview | Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV-101/301. | CWV-101/301, Christian Worldview: 4 credits | 4 credits |
| Critical Thinking | Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments. Students are required to take 3 credits of college mathematics or higher. | MAT-144, College Mathematics: 4 credits | 3-4 credits |
| Global Awareness, Perspective and Ethics | Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, crosscultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). | INT-244, World Religions: 4 credits PSY-100, Psychology in Everyday Life: 4 credits SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4 credits If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course. |
10-12 credits |
| Course # | Course Title | Course Description | Credits |
| WSA-121 | Survey of Media and Production for Contemporary Worship | This course surveys interactive media productions, live events, web design, and motion graphics in contemporary worship. Students will explore the purpose and practice of media in worship. Students will learn to optimize media resources in churches of various sizes. A practical survey of settings will be included. | 4 |
| BIB-106 | Old Testament Survey | This course introduces the text of the Old Testament with emphasis on the biblical narrative, genres, major historical periods, and theological themes. | 4 |
| WSA-161 | Worship Summit I | This course offers students a guided practicum experience in which they work collaboratively to write, perform, produce, and market worship music. | 0 |
| WSA-122 | Music in Contemporary Worship | This course addresses philosophy, modes, methods, and other issues concerning the role of music in contemporary worship. Students identify the roots of contemporary worship music and gain an understanding of the social contexts from which music arises. The use of music in communicating the gospel message to each generation of worshipers is explored. | 4 |
| WSA-222 | Introduction to Worship Arts Management | This course surveys the music industry, its structure, and the principal members and their roles, with specific attention paid to the worship arts component of that industry. This course introduces the servant leadership philosophy and its application in the music industry. Ethical leadership principles are also examined. | 4 |
| BIB-107 | New Testament Survey | This course introduces the text of the New Testament with emphasis on the biblical narrative, genres, major historical periods, and theological themes. | 4 |
| HTH-201 | Christian Theology I | This course is a study of theological methodology and the doctrines of revelation, God, humanity, sin, and the person of Jesus Christ with emphasis on the biblical bases for each doctrine. | 4 |
| WSA-223 | Principles of Worship Arts Entrepreneurship | This course introduces the principles needed to build, promote, and manage new organizations, whether within an existing organization, such as a church or ministry, or for an original endeavor. This course introduces business terminology and the basic elements of a business plan. Concepts addressed include teamwork, customer relations, and networking. | 4 |
| WSA-231 | Lighting for Contemporary Worship I | This course introduces the concepts of conventional theatrical stage lighting for the worship experience. Students create light designs for a variety of worship settings and gain practical experience through hands-on work with campus ministry activities. | 4 |
| WSA-261 | Worship Summit II | This course offers students a guided practicum experience in which they work collaboratively to write, perform, produce, and market worship music. | 0 |
| HTH-202 | Christian Theology II | This course is a study of theological methodology and the doctrines of the works of Jesus Christ, salvation, the Holy Spirit, the Church, and last times with emphasis on the biblical bases for each doctrine. | 4 |
| WSA-321 | Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs | In the spirit of Colossians 3:16, this course explores the relationship between the gospel of Christ, the life in Christ, and worship in the Christian community. Students are encouraged to reflect on biblical patterns of worship and praise as well as contemporary expressions as they develop understandings and habits related to personal and corporate worship. | 4 |
| WSA-232 | Lighting for Contemporary Worship II | This course is a continuation of WSA-231, introducing automated/intelligent lighting systems and lighting desks as well as current practices in video presentation. Students create advanced light designs incorporating automated/intelligent lighting systems and video presentation. Practical experience is gained through work with various worship production organizations. Prerequisite: WSA-231. | 4 |
| WSA-333 | Stage Design for Contemporary Worship | This course introduces stage design concepts and practices for a variety of worship settings including special events, Vacation Bible School, holiday performances, festivals, and contemporary Christian concerts. | 4 |
| WSA-415 | Sound Recording and Reinforcement | This course covers basic principles of acoustics, recording music in digital format, different digital music production software, multitrack recordings using digital sound production equipment, and setting up and designing sound reinforcement systems for large and small venues. | 4 |
| WSA-322 | Theology of Worship | This writing-intensive course is a systematic study of the biblical, historical, and theological dimensions of Christian worship. Emphasis is placed on the development of a thoroughly biblical theology of worship, analysis of historical developments that influenced current worship practices, and the ways that worship forms community and shapes individual worshipers. Prerequisites: HTH-201 and HTH-202. | 4 |
| WSA-361 | Worship Arts Project I | This course offers students a guided practicum experience in conjunction with a Worship Summit event. Throughout this course students work collaboratively to complete a Worship Arts Project. The course is repeatable for credit. Prerequisites: WSA-161 and WSA-261. | 1 |
| WSA-423 | Worship Leadership | This course equips students to be effective worship leaders who integrate worship throughout a community of faith and lead God's people in faithful worship. This course is designed to develop understandings, skills, and character for effective leadership, administration, and pastoral care within the local church and other worship gatherings. Prerequisite: WSA-322. | 4 |
| WSA-435 | Touring and Permanent Installation | This course introduces subjects including engineering concepts, practices and regulations, building codes, licensing and contracts, union regulations, and rigging regulations and practices for the worship experience. Touring design for both scenery and lighting as well as standard load-in and load-out practices are also explored. Prerequisites: WSA-232 and WSA-333. | 4 |
| WSA-424 | Christian Worldview and Media | This writing-intensive course examines the ways in which various media affect, challenge, and enhance the expression of Christian worldview. Special attention is devoted to developing technologies, the Christian life, corporate worship, and the communication of the Christian worldview through multiple modalities. | 4 |
| WSA-436 | Worship Production Technology | This course explores many of the key technical elements and applications utilized in the contemporary worship setting. OSHA/Safety regulations and practices, advanced technical direction, and electrical technology and rigging are among the subjects covered. Prerequisites: WSA-232 and WSA-333. | 4 |
| WSA-461 | Worship Arts Project II | This course offers students a guided practicum experience in conjunction with a Worship Summit event. Throughout this course students work collaboratively to complete a Worship Arts Project. The course is required of Worship Arts majors during one semester at the senior level. Prerequisites: WSA-361. | 1 |
| WSA-439 | Worship Production Internship | This course consists of an internship experience in an approved professional setting. The course includes practical experiences, academic journaling, field experience log, and a culminating reflection assignment. Prerequisites: WSA-435 and WSA-436. | 6 |
| Required Course Total Credit: | 80 | ||
| General Education Requirements: | 34 - 40 credits |
| Courses: | 80 credits |
| Open Elective Credits: | 0 - 6 credits |
| Total Degree Requirements: | 120 credits |
This program is offered in the following formats or locations:
Enjoy Grand Canyon University's traditional campus experience. As of fall 2014, our 179-acre campus serves a growing student population of approximately 11,000. New modern classrooms, suite-style residence halls, popular dining options, resort-style swimming pools and a focus on creating a rich student life make GCU a top choice for high school graduates and transfer students.
Program SOC
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* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Program subject to change.
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