Bachelor of Arts in Worship Arts with an Emphasis in Worship Ministry
Overview
Gain the Skills to Lead Impactful Worship
The demands of a successful career in contemporary worship ministry and the broader Christian music industry intersect with the rigor of Grand Canyon University's (GCU) engaging Bachelor of Arts in Worship Arts with an Emphasis in Worship Ministry degree. If you have a passion for Christian musical performance and a desire to lead in ministry, the emphasis in worship ministry may appeal to you.
Worship arts includes the production of songs, performance, visual media and the business side of the contemporary Christian music industry. Work with industry experts, worship leaders and academic scholars to discover your purpose in worship ministry. You have the opportunity to connect with the worship industry on both local and national levels. Throughout the bachelor's degree program, which is offered by the College of Theology, you also have various opportunities to participate in worship-related ensembles and bands at GCU's thriving campus for the arts.
Degree Outcomes
Grow in Skill and Character
The theological depth of this program enables you to lead in ministry and deliver performances at the highest level. You will be skilled in worship leadership, musical performance, musical production and business management. At the same time, the spiritual depth at GCU's College of Theology deepens your ability to develop Christ-like character inwardly. Through the worship ministry program, you become equipped to minister with wisdom and sensitivity in a Christian worship environment.
What You Will Learn
Gain Hands-On Experience in Worship Ministry
Topics of interest in this degree program include:
- Music direction for contemporary worship
- Fundamentals of music theory for contemporary worship
- Song writing and arranging
- Sound recording and reinforcement
- Training in piano, voice, guitar, percussion and a primary performance instrument
- Capstone internship in local ministry settings or the music industry
Career Outcomes
Strong Foundation for a Career in Worship Ministry
Through a required capstone internship, you continue to nurture your worship arts and ministry skills in local ministry settings, with the mentorship of experienced worship leaders. As a graduate of this worship arts program, you will have a strong foundation in biblical and theological knowledge. Tremendous opportunities exist to connect with local ministries, churches and industry professionals.
Course List
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.
GCU Course Options
- UNV-103, University Success: 4 credits
- UNV-303, University Success: 4 credits
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.
GCU Course Options
- ENG-105, English Composition I: 4 credits
- UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4 credits
- ENG-106, English Composition II: 4 credits
- COM-263, Elements of Intercultural Communication: 4 credits
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.
GCU Course Options
- CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4 credits
- CWV-301, Christian Worldview: 4 credits
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.
GCU Course Options
- MAT-144, College Mathematics: 4 credits
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, crosscultural 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.
GCU Course Options
- INT-244, World Religions: 4 credits
- PSY-100, Psychology in Everyday Life: 4 credits
- SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4 credits
Program Core Courses
Course Description
This is an introductory course in music theory. Topics include music notation, key signatures, scales, intervals, modes, diatonic relationships and functions. Ear training related skills are also included in this course.
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 course consists of a seminar covering principles of songwriting and arranging in the context of contemporary worship music. Contemporary styles, popular song forms, chord progressions, and formation of melodic ideas are explored. Coverage of effective lyric writing includes developing song ideas, the hook, rhyme scheme, and the use of literary devices. Students develop a portfolio of songs for worship and spiritual formation in a variety of forms and styles. Students develop techniques in writing and arranging for a variety of worship ensembles.
Course Description
This course in private applied vocal study concentrates on vocal technique and repertoire for the contemporary Christian musician.
Course Description
This course offers students a guided experience in which they work collaboratively to write, perform, produce, and market worship music.
Course Description
This course provides students the opportunity to develop musical skills through rehearsal and performance in a worship ensemble. Participation in these groups is determined by audition. Prerequisite: Music department placement audition.
Course Description
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.
Course Description
This course is a continuation of WSA-215. Topics include triads, seventh chords, and chord functions in major and minor keys; chord substitutions and extensions; accompaniment patterns and the relationship between music notation and chord symbols; analysis of key centers in song writing, voice leading, and melody harmonization; melody writing with attention to harmonic alignment and effective use of non-chord tones. Ear training related skills are also included in this course. Prerequisite: WSA-215.
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 course is a continuation of WSA-110 and consists of a seminar covering principles of songwriting and arranging in the context of contemporary worship music. Contemporary styles, popular song forms, chord progressions, and formation of melodic ideas are explored. Coverage of effective lyric writing includes developing song ideas, the hook, rhyme scheme, and the use of literary devices. Students develop a portfolio of songs for worship and spiritual formation in a variety of forms and styles. Students develop techniques in writing and arranging for a variety of worship ensembles. Prerequisite: WSA-110.
Course Description
This course in private applied vocal study concentrates on vocal technique and repertoire for the contemporary Christian musician.
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 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.
Course Description
This course is a continuation of WSA-210 and consists of a seminar covering principles of songwriting and arranging in the context of contemporary worship music. Contemporary styles, popular song forms, chord progressions, and formation of melodic ideas are explored. Coverage of effective lyric writing includes developing song ideas, the hook, rhyme scheme, and the use of literary devices. Students develop a portfolio of songs for worship and spiritual formation in a variety of forms and styles. Students develop techniques in writing and arranging for a variety of worship ensembles. Prerequisite: WSA-210.
Course Description
This course in private applied vocal study concentrates on vocal technique and repertoire for the contemporary Christian musician.
Course Description
This course offers students a guided experience in which they work collaboratively to write, perform, produce, and market worship music.
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
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.
Course Description
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.
Course Description
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.
Course Description
This course is a continuation of WSA-310 and consists of a seminar covering principles of songwriting and arranging in the context of contemporary worship music. Contemporary styles, popular song forms, chord progressions, and formation of melodic ideas are explored. Coverage of effective lyric writing includes developing song ideas, the hook, rhyme scheme, and the use of literary devices. Students develop a portfolio of songs for worship and spiritual formation in a variety of forms and styles. Students develop techniques in writing and arranging for a variety of worship ensembles. Prerequisite: WSA-310.
Course Description
This course in private applied vocal study concentrates on vocal technique and repertoire for the contemporary Christian musician.
Course Description
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.
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. Prerequisites: HTH-201 and HTH-202.
Course Description
This course in private applied vocal study concentrates on vocal technique and repertoire for the contemporary Christian musician.
Course Description
This course provides class instruction for students with limited or no previous voice training. Instruction includes the study of vocal technique and is designed to prepare worship leaders to perform with basic vocal skill and to understand strategies for long-term vocal health. Various vocal techniques and performance styles are explored, with an emphasis on popular music genres.
Course Description
This course offers students a guided 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.
Course Description
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.
Course Description
This course in private applied vocal study concentrates on vocal technique and repertoire for the contemporary Christian musician.
Course Description
This course provides class instruction for students with limited or no previous piano training. Instruction includes the study of piano technique and is designed to prepare worship leaders to perform with basic piano skill and to understand strategies of keyboard playing in worship ensembles. Various keyboard techniques and performance styles are explored, with an emphasis on popular music genres.
Course Description
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.
Course Description
This course covers the principles and skills necessary to lead worship. Topics include auditioning a worship team, selecting worship sets, working with your vocal and instrumental team, stage presence, and worship leadership. Students work on a final worship presentation demonstrating practical knowledge of planning worship and/or concert experiences.
Course Description
This course in private applied vocal study concentrates on vocal technique and repertoire for the contemporary Christian musician.
Course Description
This course provides class instruction for students with limited or no previous guitar training. Instruction includes the study of guitar technique and is designed to prepare worship leaders to perform with basic guitar skill and to understand strategies of guitar playing in worship ensembles. Various guitar techniques and performance styles are explored, with an emphasis on popular music genres.
Course Description
This course offers students a guided 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. Prerequisite: WSA-361.
Course Description
This course consists of an internship experience in an approved professional setting. The course includes practical experiences, academic journaling, field experience log, and culminating reflection assignment. Practicum/field experience hours: 270. Prerequisites: WSA-415 and WSA-416.
Faculty Bios
Program Locations
Campus
* The Department of Education defines how an institution must calculate a program's On-Time Completion rate for federal disclosure purposes. The On-Time Completion rate is based on a program’s published required number of months to complete all degree requirements as provided in the institution’s catalog. Completion statistics are updated every January and are based on the cohort of students who graduated between 7/1 – 6/30 of the preceding year. The On-Time Completion rate is determined by the number of students in the cohort who completed the program within the published program length divided by the number of students in the cohort who graduated.
On-campus program disclosures* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Program subject to change.