Students receive advanced instruction in research and writing methodology as well as specialized research seminars in worship theology, worship history, congregational song, and worship ministry philosophy. The program consists of a 24-hour (non-Thesis) or 25-hour (Thesis) curriculum, including a graduate research seminar (3 hours), a reading seminar in Christian Worship (3 hours), three advanced master’s electives (6 hours), three specialized research seminars (9 hours), and a thesis (4 hours; an additional research seminar may be taken in place of the thesis).

All courses must be completed with a B- or better. No course with a grade below B- will count toward the degree.

• Thesis Track
  • The Th.M. thesis should demonstrate the student’s ability to design a viable research project, pursue the research with relative independence, and write with clarity and force. An acceptable thesis should go beyond the description of data and include critical evaluation and interpretive judgment. The thesis must address a topic in worship studies. The thesis supervisor is the program supervisor unless other arrangements are made in consultation with the program supervisor.
  • The Research and Writing Seminar must be taken prior to Thesis Writing. Guidelines for thesis submission may be obtained from the program supervisor. The student should work closely with the thesis supervisor throughout all stages of thesis work.
• Non-Thesis Track
  • Students pursuing the non-thesis track will take an additional research seminar and must pass a comprehensive examination in worship studies during the final semester of study.