Master of Arts in Worship Leadership

By Wesley Chelette | August 3, 2020

School of Church Music and Worship

Master of Arts in Worship Leadership

Deepen your faith and develop your creative skills

Designed to provide essential musical training integrated with a broad study in church music and worship. Additionally, the degree provides a strong foundation in biblical and theological studies.

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Degree Highlights

Available online
36 hours
Complete in 5 years or less

Offered as a fully-online degree, the Masters of Arts in Worship Leadership (MAWL) is designed for worship leaders who seek to deepen their understanding of authentic expressions of faith and develop their leadership and creative abilities. Through graduate study in worship, theology, culture, leadership, and music, students will be prepared to serve the local church in the area of music and worship ministry.

A student in the Master of Arts in Worship Leadership program may transfer to the Master of Music in Worship Leadership at any time with all completed credits applying toward the new degree.

All students in the School of Church Music and Worship are required to minister in the music program of a local church or organization during the time they are enrolled in their degree programs.

Meet Your Faculty

"In a day when churches are desperate for well-trained, theologically-minded artists and musicians, we are grateful and humbled that pastors and search committees are again looking to Southwestern’s School of Church Music and Worship to find God-called men and women who can faithfully serve in the area of music and worship ministry."

Joseph R. Crider

Dean of the School of Church Music and Worship

Entrance Requirements

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Degree Requirements

Method of Study

The Master of Arts in Worship Leadership is offered as a fully online degree. Online courses are offered in eight-week, asynchronous intensives throughout the year (Fall A, Fall B, Spring A, Spring B, Summer A, Summer B). Local students may choose to take courses residentially or online.

Grades

Master of Arts in Worship Leadership students must maintain an overall grade point average of 2.00.

Time Limit

The Master of Arts in Worship Leadership degree must be completed within a period of five years from the time of admission. Extensions may be granted to students who are serving in an international mission field.

Worship Ministry Project

Students will develop and present a thirty-minute Worship Ministry Project preceded by a ten-minute lecture and followed by a ten-minute defense. The Worship Ministry Project is the capstone event of the MAWL and should reflect the student’s understanding of Christ-honoring, gospel-centered biblical fidelity, artistic creativity, and musical excellence. The Worship Ministry Project is to be completed at the culmination of the course requirements for the Master of Arts in Worship Leadership.