BA in Worship Arts Degree With Production and Media Ministry Emphasis
What Is Media Ministry?
Combine your creative talents with your passion for worship and pursue a higher calling in media ministry. Grand Canyon University (GCU) invites future Christian leaders to apply for the bachelor’s in worship arts degree with a media and production ministry emphasis.
This worship arts degree guides students in understanding how multimedia and emerging technologies can be used to engage diverse congregations, while staying true to Christian doctrine and biblical truths. The integration of innovative media technologies into the ministry provides an enticing pathway for those who are seeking the Word of God.
Offered by the College of Theology, this modern BA in worship arts – production and media ministry degree combines worship leadership, ministry and technical direction. Students develop a solid framework of technical skills that are directly applicable to today's worship programs in church and para-church settings.
Through this contemporary degree program, worship media students are encouraged to reflect upon their own relationship with Jesus Christ, and to develop foundational knowledge in Christian doctrine, history, theology and philosophy.
At the heart of this media ministry degree is GCU’s Center for Worship Arts (CWA). CWA features a high-tech recording studio, enabling students to glorify God while expressing their musical talents. Students have opportunities to participate in worship-related ensembles, produce original work and undergo intensive musical worship training.
What Will You Learn From a Media Ministry Worship Arts Degree?
GCU strives to graduate media ministry students who are thoughtful servant leaders, skilled communicators and ethical problem solvers. As a worship production student, you will develop keen interpersonal skills necessary to minister to others with sensitivity and wisdom.
This worship arts degree nurtures your creativity while it builds your technical skills and expertise, enabling you to become a valuable contributor to all aspects of media ministry production. Benefit from the diverse perspectives of your peers and the thoughtful guidance of your instructors as you work through the following courses:
- Production Leadership for Worship Arts
- Philosophy of Music in Christian Worship
- Stagecraft and Lighting for Contemporary Worship
- Media and Production for Worship Ministry
- Introduction to Sound for Contemporary Worship
The Bachelor of Arts in Worship Arts - Media and Production Ministry curriculum is an intensive journey that combines Christian theology and doctrine with technical studies. This degree program offers students many opportunities for hands-on, collaborative projects during courses such as Worship Labs, Digital Audio Workstation, Sound Reinforcement, Lighting, and Digital Film. Students work together to conduct sound recording, support live events, create media and develop a unique production for worship ministry.
All students taking this emphasis are required to complete an internship experience in a professional setting. The worship media ministry field experience gives students three core advantages:
- Enables students to reinforce program competencies
- Allows them to reflect on their personal and spiritual growth
- Gives students practical and leadership experience in the worship arts arena
What Can You Do With a Worship Media Ministry Degree?
The theological knowledge and hands-on experience you will gain at GCU is directly applicable to a future career in the worship arts. The Center for Worship Arts at GCU is highly supportive of students who wish to pursue a recording career. However, its focus is on training students who wish to become professional worship leaders in church and para-church settings. Professional worship leaders channel their talents toward bringing people to God.
Career Opportunities With a Worship Production and Media Degree
GCU’s Bachelor of Arts in Worship Arts with an Emphasis in Media and Production degree can help provide the skills and confidence students need to minister in a Christian worship setting. Skills such as motion graphics creation, audio mixing and video editing are learned to help provide opportunities in a broad range of roles within the worship field. Some careers require prior experience, while others are geared for those who are getting started. Possible media ministry careers include:1
- Media and technology director
- Media/video production manager
- Video producer
- Worship technician
- Audio manager
- Music operations manager
- Communications manager
Media Ministry Degree FAQs:
There are five common areas of ministry that can involve worship media — leadership and administration, engagement, outreach and advocacy, community service and spiritual formation. Each of these areas are critical in gathering, engaging and retaining an active congregation.
There are various career opportunities in ministry. Some involve working directly with or for churches and others are unique in the ministry field. While many ministry careers do not require worship media experience, skills in media and production can be beneficial in ministry as a whole. Other types of ministry careers to consider include church administrator, youth minister, social media manager and professor of theology.2
Having experience and the skills learned in a video production degree program are key to creating an engaged congregation. Video production and editing as well as audio/visual knowledge can deliver dynamic, live sermons in person or online. Recordings, special videos and music productions help connect people from anywhere to a church’s brand through websites and social media channels.
1 Indeed, Worship Production Media Jobs in Dec. 2021
2 Indeed, How to Pursue a Ministry Career in Dec. 2021
General Education Requirements
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.
Requirements
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.
Course Options
- UNV-103, University Success: 4
- UNV-303, University Success: 4
Requirements
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.
Course Options
- ENG-105, English Composition I: 4
- UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4
- ENG-106, English Composition II: 4
- COM-263, Elements of Intercultural Communication: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV-101/CWV-301.
Course Options
- CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4
- CWV-301, Christian Worldview: 4
Requirements
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.
Course Options
- MAT-144, College Mathematics: 4
Requirements
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, cross-cultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.
Course Options
- PSY-102, General Psychology: 4
- INT-244, World Religions: 4
- SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4
Core Courses
Course Description
This course introduces the text of the Old Testament with emphasis on the biblical narrative, genres, major historical periods, and theological themes.
Course Description
This lab course examines the call of God on the life of a worship leader, equipping students to rest and identify completely with Christ. This lab is designed to be an interactive, community experience which is not available via independent study.
Course Description
This course introduces students to fundamental concepts in sound theory, acoustic principles, microphone types and techniques, sound equipment, signal flow, cable management, stage arrangement, and documentation through lecture and hands-on activities.
Course Description
This course introduces the text of the New Testament with emphasis on the biblical narrative, genres, major historical periods, and theological themes.
Course Description
This lab explores practical application of spiritual formation techniques necessary to maintain a vibrant relationship with Christ and others within the context of ministry. This lab is designed to be an interactive, community experience which is not available via independent study.
Course Description
This survey course introduces students to basic design thinking, including principles and elements of design, and concepts of composition. This course includes reading, writing, and lab assignments and requires the creation and exhibition of student artwork. Technology requirement: Students are responsible for providing their own laptop that is capable of running the Adobe Creative Cloud. Verify required technical specifications in the University Policy Handbook available on www.gcu.edu.
Course Description
This course introduces DAW software and challenges students to begin the process of recording multi-track sessions. Students practice tracking, editing, mixing, and producing recordings according to assigned projects. Students practice creating and implementing backing tracks for a worship service. Students are required to provide their own computer and software according to university-outlined program requirements.
Course Description
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.
Course Description
This lab course continues the formational process for worship leadership, especially as it relates to the importance of relational skills, such as collaboration, motivation, and conflict resolution for life and ministry. This lab is designed to be an interactive, community experience which is not available via independent study.
Course Description
This course explores concepts in sound recording for the church. Students gain understanding in sound theory, modern recording techniques, non-linear editing, acoustic principles, and studio etiquette. Students demonstrate proficiency for using digital audio workstations and explore mixing techniques for purpose of producing a recording. Prerequisite: WSA-320.
Course Description
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.
Course Description
This lab focuses on discovering, developing, and practicing skills for leading in ministry. Special attention is given to the shepherding aspects of pastoral ministry. This lab is designed to be an interactive, community experience which is not available via independent study.
Course Description
This course develops students' skills in live sound reinforcement for the church, including assembling sound systems, setting stages for music production, and managing assets vital to the discipline of sound reinforcement. Emphasis is given to sound system design and industry best practices in a live worship production environment and the demonstration of skill in operating a live sound system. Prerequisite: WSA-123.
Course Description
This course equips students to be effective worship leaders who integrate worship within a community of faith and lead God's people in faithful worship. This course develops skills for effective leadership, administration, and pastoral care within the local church and other worship gatherings.
Course Description
This course examines the elements of designing scenery and lighting for a worship service and explores best practices of proper stagecraft.
Course Description
This writing-intensive course systematically studies the biblical, theological, and philosophical foundations of Christian ethics as compared with other ethical systems that shape public discourse on ethical issues. Emphasis is placed on personal morality and an exploration of contemporary issues relevant to the church's public witness.
Course Description
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.
Course Description
This course explores concepts in digital film production. Students gain understanding in preproduction, production, and postproduction. Students demonstrate their proficiency by producing a video that simulates working with a church or faith-based ministry to support their mission.
Course Description
This course consists of an internship experience in an approved professional setting. The course includes reinforcement of all program competencies, practical experiences, academic journaling, as well as a field experience log, and culminating reflection assignment. Students should begin the internship application process after completion of 80 credit hours in the program. Practicum/field experience hours: 180. Prerequisite: WSA-423.
Join Grand Canyon University’s vibrant and growing campus community, with daytime classes designed for traditional students. Immerse yourself in a full undergraduate experience, complete with curriculum designed within the context of our Christian worldview.
* Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change.