BA in Worship Arts Degree: Worship Ministry Emphasis
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.
Benefits of Earning Your BA in Worship Arts: Worship Ministry Emphasis at GCU
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.
Worship Musical and Ministerial Fundamentals 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.
Worship Arts Ministry Coursework In This Program
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
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
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.
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.
Worship leaders and worship pastors fulfill different roles within ministerial settings, although the two professionals tend to work collaboratively with each other to create a cohesive worship service. Whereas the worship pastor typically selects readings and delivers the sermon, the worship leader is responsible for planning and directing all of the music ministry elements of the service.
If you have a passion for music and a desire to spend your life in service to Christ, then you might consider pursuing a career in worship arts ministry. It can be a good idea to reflect prayerfully on your decision first, and to seek out the guidance of the worship leader in your church. Although there are no strict or universal requirements for getting into the field, it’s generally a requirement to possess musical ability.1 Spend time practicing your instruments and vocals, and then consider pursuing a worship arts degree. While you’re working toward your degree and career, consider volunteering for the music ministry program in your church.
Although there are no set requirements for worship ministry training, there are some steps you can take in addition to pursuing a bachelor’s degree in worship arts. First, it’s important to practice your musical skills as often as you can. You can also seek to expand your understanding of the Bible and biblical principles and to grow closer to God through prayer and worship activities.
The function of the worship arts team at a church is to perform the musical elements of the worship service, including instrumental and vocal music. At some churches, the musical performances may be accompanied by lights or other visual elements. The worship arts team typically strives to increase engagement among the congregation and to celebrate God’s glory through Christian music.
Worship leaders come from all walks of life, but they generally share something in common: the desire to live a prayerful life in service to God. To be an effective worship leader, it’s important to remember that, although your music ministry celebrates and gives glory to God, your primary mission is to enable and encourage the congregation to worship in a creative way. To be effective in this role, it’s important to strive for a connection with the congregation, and to create a comfortable atmosphere in which people can draw nearer to God.
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.
1Indeed. (n.d.). How to become a worship leader. Indeed. Retrieved Oct. 9, 2023.
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 popular and commercial music theory. Topics include music notation, key signatures, scales, the Nashville Number System, intervals, modes, diatonic relationships and functions, and chords. Ear-training skills are also included in this course.
Course Description
This course in private applied vocal study concentrates on vocal technique and repertoire for the contemporary Christian musician.
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 popular and commercial music theory course includes the following topics: chord structures, functions, and substitutions in major and minor keys; analysis of key centers in songwriting, scales and their applications, chord tones, and harmonic extensions; and voice leading, melody harmonization, and their application in contemporary worship music. Ear-training skills are also included in this course. Prerequisite: WSA-300.
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 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 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 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 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 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 covers principles of songwriting and arranging for a variety of worship ensembles in the context of contemporary worship music. Contemporary styles, popular song forms, chord progressions, and formation of melodic ideas are further explored. Lyric writing includes developing song ideas, the hook, rhyme scheme, and the use of literary devices. Students compose and arrange songs using DAW, MIDI, and notation software.
Course Description
This course in private applied vocal study concentrates on vocal technique and repertoire for the contemporary Christian musician.
Course Description
This course introduces students to worship media software. Students gain skill through practice using the software to arrange musical compositions and utilize visual presentation software to create content for designing a worship service.
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 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 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.
- GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
- 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
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.