Master of Theology (Worship)

By Wesley Chelette | August 3, 2020

School of Church Music and Worship

Master of Theology (Worship)

Gain a high level of competency in the scholarly study of Christian worship

The most advanced master’s degree in the School of Church Music and Worship, this degree allows students to gain a high level of competency in the scholarly study of Christian worship after completion of the Master of Music degree.

Apply Now

Degree Highlights

26 hours
Thesis and non-thesis tracks available
Complete in 3 years

$354 per credit hour

(includes SBC student discount - review tuition and fees)

The most advanced master’s degree in the School of Church Music and Worship, the Master of Theology (Th.M.) with a concentration in Worship allows students to gain a high level of competency in the scholarly study of Christian worship after completion of the Master of Music degree. The Th.M. enhances worship leadership practice and also serves as preparation for doctoral studies.

Student Testimony

"The first thing that got my attention was the music program because it focused on musical excellence and biblical foundations."

Lina Rodriguez

Student in the School of Church Music and Worship

Entrance Requirements

The student must have completed a Master of Music in Worship Leadership, Master of Divinity, or their equivalent from an accredited seminary or divinity school with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The Th.M. with a Worship concentration assumes a worship theology core of at least six hours in worship history, congregational song, and philosophy of worship ministry. Applicants must submit a 15–20 page research paper in an area of worship studies.

International applicants must submit scores from the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS. For the TOEFL, a score of 5-6 (maximum score of 6) is required, IELTS, a score of 7 is needed. Students who complete the computer-based TOEFL must also complete the TSE (Test of Spoken English). Southwestern Seminary and Texas Baptist College will no longer accept Duolingo as an entrance language exam. Students may continue to submit test scores from TEOFL or IELTS.

Southwestern Seminary and Texas Baptist College will no longer accept Duolingo as an entrance language exam. Students may continue to submit test scores from TEOFL or IELTS.

Degree Requirements

Thesis Track
- The ThM 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
- 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.

Transfer Credit

Up to four advanced elective hours may transfer from the Southwestern Master of Music in Worship Leadership into the ThM.

Up to six seminar hours may transfer from the ThM into the Southwestern PhD in Church Music and Worship. Time Limit All requirements, including the thesis, must be completed within three years of entrance into the program.

Time Limit

All requirements, including the thesis, must be completed within three years of entrance into the program.