What Is a Worship Ministry Bachelor of Arts Degree?
The BA in Worship Arts with an Emphasis in Worship Ministry program at GCU prepares students for careers in worship leadership and ministry. The worship ministry emphasis allows GCU students to focus on the creativity, artistry, musical ability and performance aspects of ministerial leadership.
Graduates who earn this degree in worship ministry develop an important foundation of biblical and theological knowledge. They are also capable of songwriting and arranging as well as leading worship and musical performance.
The basis of the worship ministry Bachelor of Arts degree 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
Gain Musical Direction Skills and Knowledge
The GCU worship ministry Bachelor of Arts degree coursework ensures a well-rounded program theological education and emphasizes musical direction for contemporary worship. This means that graduates learn the fundamentals of music theory, have the ability to write and arrange songs and record music. Training is developed in several instruments as well as an emphasis in a primary performance instrument. Additionally, GCU’s Center for Worship Arts has a recording studio for music production.
Prospective students of the worship ministry degree are required to audition for the program. This ensures that students have sufficient musical skill and aptitude to be successful with this particular emphasis.
Students get real world practice as they participate in a variety of worship-related ensembles throughout the degree program. Graduates must complete a capstone internship. This experience provides GCU students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge under the supervision of experienced worship leaders in local ministry settings.
Graduates from the BA in Worship Arts with an Emphasis in Worship Ministry have chosen to follow paths to nurture their creativity and artistry.
Pursue Your Passion to Impact Others With a BA in Worship Ministry
The BA in worship arts – emphasis in worship ministry degree program instills the musical ability, ministerial skills and theological knowledge for students to lead in Christian organizations. Graduates can continue their creative paths by following many different career paths.
Some grads have gone on to be music directors with such titles as:
- Artistic Director
- Choir Director
- Children's Choir Director
- Conductor
- Handbell Choir Director
- Music Director
- Music Minister
- Music Ministries Director
- Worship Arts Director
A BA in worship arts – worship ministry program will lead you on a path to support others with your strong belief system and creative genius. Join us in the Bachelor of Arts in Worship Arts with an Emphasis in Worship Ministry degree program at GCU.
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, 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.
Course Options
- PSY-102, General Psychology: 4
- INT-244, World Religions: 4
- SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4
Program 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 course examines the call of God on the life of a worship leader, equipping students to rest and identify completely with Christ.
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.
Course Description
This popular and commercial music theory course includes larger chord forms, chord functions in major and minor keys; chord substitutions; analysis of key centers in songwriting, voice leading, and melody harmonization; pentatonic, blues, and other scales and their applications, chord tones, and harmonic extensions; scale foundations for all major, minor, dominant, and diminished chords; and their application to 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 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.
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.
Course Description
This course introduces various 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 notation and media software. Students gain skill through practice using the software to arrange and transcribe musical compositions and utilize visual presentation software to create content for projection in a worship center.
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. Prerequisite: WSA-322.
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. Prerequisites: HTH-201 and HTH-202.
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. Prerequisites: WSA-423, WSA-321, and HTH-330.
Program Locations
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.
On-campus program disclosures (4 years)
* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Program subject to change.