Master of Divinity in Worship Leadership
School of Church Music and Worship
Master of Divinity in Worship Leadership
Training leaders in musical excellence and ministry experience
The Master of Divinity in Worship Leadership (MDivWL) combines robust theological study with competency-based skill development in the areas of music and worship.
Degree Highlights:
- MDivWL available residentially with theology classes available residentially and online
- 85 hours
- Includes biblical, theological, Great Commission, and educational ministry studies
- Prepares for church leadership
Whether you are just beginning your ministry journey or have decades of experience, Southwestern Seminary’s School of Church Music and Worship will equip you to fulfill your calling through rigorous theological education, competency-based ministry preparation, and the pursuit of musical excellence. Our degree programs are designed to develop knowledgeable theologians, skilled musicians, and effective ministry leaders who are prepared to serve Christ and His Church.
A distinctive feature of Southwestern’s music degrees is the intentional integration of theological rigor, practical ministry competencies, and high-level musical training. Students are challenged to think deeply, lead effectively, and perform with excellence, all within a biblical framework. As a result, our graduates are equipped to serve faithfully and skillfully in churches, schools, mission fields, and ministry organizations around the world.
Entrance Requirements
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Students must demonstrate basic competencies in the following areas: applied instrument or voice, conducting, music history, and music theory and musicianship. These competencies may be demonstrated by transcript evidence, completion of an undergraduate degree in music or the equivalent, and/or by placement examinations. If needed, all leveling courses may be completed through the School of Church Music and Worship.
Grades
MDivWL students must maintain an overall grade point average of 2.00.
Time Limit
The degree must be completed within a period of seven years from the time of admission. Extensions may be granted to students who are serving in an international mission field.
Frequently Asked Questions
The MDiv WL is a unique blend of MDiv core curriculum and practical ministry courses, as well as extensive training and classwork in the School of Church Music and Worship.
Yes. The MDiv WL is split evenly between standard MDiv courses (around 46 hours worth) and SCMW courses (around 40 hours worth). The MDiv with a concentration in Worship, on the other hand, is our standard MDiv with 12 hours of SMCW electives.
No, due to the nature of the music-specific classes and your required involvement in various ensembles, the MDiv WL is only available on-campus. If you need an online degree, we recommend either the MAWL or one of our standard MDiv programs (Including the MDiv with a concentration in Worship mentioned above).
Degree Requirements
| COURSE TITLE | COURSE NUMBER | HOURS |
|---|---|---|
| Biblical Studies | ||
| Hermeneutics | BIBST 3203 | 3 |
| Old Testament I | OLDTS 3313 | 3 |
| Old Testament II | OLDTS 3323 | 3 |
| New Testament I | NEWTS 3313 | 3 |
| New Testament II | NEWTS 3323 | 3 |
| Biblical Greek I and Biblical Greek II OR Hebrew I and Hebrew II | GREEK 3313 and GREEK 3323 OR HEBRW 4313 and HEBRW 4323 | 6 |
| Theological Studies | ||
| CHURCH HISTORY SELECTIVE | CHOOSE 1: | 3 |
| - Church History I | CHAHT 3103 | |
| - Church History II | CHAHT 3113 | |
| Baptist Heritage | 3 | |
| Systematic Theology I | 3 | |
| Systematic Theology II | 3 | |
| PHILOSOPHY SELECTIVE | CHOOSE 1: | 3 |
| - Philosophy of Religion | PHILO 4313 | |
| - Christian Apologetics | PHILO 4373 | |
| - Christian Worldview and Cultural Engagement | ETHIC 4323 | |
| Pastoral/Ministry Studies | ||
| Introduction to Expository Preaching | PRCHG 3313 or WOMST 4043* | 3 |
| MINISTRY SELECTIVES | CHOOSE 1: | 3 |
| - Pastoral Ministry | PASMIN 3313 or WOMIN 4223* | |
| - Advanced Expository Preaching (2-hour course)** | PRCHG 3322 or WOMST 4072* | |
| - Principles of Biblical Counseling | CNSLN 3203 | |
| - Church Leadership and Administration | SWBTS 3503 | |
| - Strategies for Disciple Making | EDMIN 3053 | |
| CHOOSE 1: | 3 | |
| - Contemporary Evangelism | EVANG 3303 | |
| - Introduction to Missiology | MISSN 3363 | |
| Spiritual Formation 1 | SPFRM 3101 | 1 |
| Writing and Research | SWBTS 1300 | 0 |
| COURSE TITLE | COURSE NUMBER | HOURS |
|---|---|---|
| Worship Theology Core | ||
| The Church Gathered: Theology of Worship | WORSP 4323 | 3 |
| Philosophy of Worship Ministry | WORSP 4312 | 2 |
| Congregational Song | WORSP 4222 | 2 |
| The Psalms | WORSP 4602 | 2 |
| Worship Leadership Development | ||
| Comprehensive Worship Ministry: Best Practices | WORSP 4242 | 2 |
| Worship Band Techniques | WORSP 4252 | 2 |
| Technology and Media in Worship I | WORSP 4262 | 2 |
| Advanced Dynamics of Worship Leadership and Design | WORSP 4332 | 2 |
| Advanced Techniques for Effective Choral Conducting | CONDG 4512 | 2 |
| Advanced Techniques in Vocal Ensemble Leadership | CONDG 4522 | 2 |
| Music Theory and Improvisation for Worship Leaders | MUTHY 4432 | 2 |
| Choir Lab | WORSP 4008 | 0.5 |
| Rhythm Section Techniques (select three different instruments) | Select three | 1.5 |
| Techniques in Acoustic Guitar I | WORSP 4018 | |
| Techniques in Bass Guitar I | WORSP 4028 | |
| Techniques in Drum Set I | WORSP 4038 | |
| Techniques in Keyboard I | WORSP 4048 | |
| Techniques in Electric Guitar I | WORSP 4058 | |
| Techniques in Acoustic Guitar II | WORSP 4118 | |
| Techniques in Bass Guitar II | WORSP 4128 | |
| Techniques in Drum Set II | WORSP 4138 | |
| Techniques in Keyboard II | WORSP 4148 | |
| Techniques in Keyboard II | WORSP 4148 | |
| Colloquium (required every semester in residence) | WORSP 4700 | |
| Field Education (two semesters) | WORSP 4330 | |
| Applied Study | ||
| Applied Voice I | Applied Voice I | 1 |
| Applied Voice II | VOIPR 4821 | 1 |
| Applied Voice III | VOIPR 4831 | 1 |
| Applied Voice IV and Worship Ministry Project | VOIPR 4842 | 2 |
| Voice Master Class (must enroll concurrently with applied study) | VOIPR 4900 | 0 |
| Performance Lab (two semesters) | PFMLB 3010 | 0 |
| Secondary Applied Study | ||
| Secondary Applied I (Piano or Guitar) | PIAPR/GTRPR 4951 | 1 |
| Secondary Applied II (Piano or Guitar) | PIAPR/GTRPR 4961 | 1 |
| Electives | ||
| Select one course: | Select one: | 2 |
| Children’s Music Ministry in the Church | WORSP 4272 | |
| Advanced Conducting: Instrumental and Choral | CONDG 4542 | |
| Advanced Techniques in Vocal Pedagogy for Large Groups | CONDG 4532 or CONDG 4532 | |
| Technology and Media in Worship II | WORSP 4282 | |
| Song Writing or Advanced Song Writing | COMPN 4412 or COMPN 4422 | |
| Voice Proficiency | VOICL 4970 | |
| Piano Proficiency | PIACL 4870 | |
| Music School Orientation | ORIEN 4000 | |
| MDivWL Comprehensive Examinations | MUMST 5010 |
Total Hours
82
* Female students complete WOMST courses as listed in lieu of the required PRCHG/PAMSN courses.
** If chosen an additional course (1-3 hours) will be needed to reach the total hours for the program.
Got Questions?
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