Online Doctor of Worship Studies Degree Develop Your Craft in Music

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Degree Options

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100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total


Are you in search of an advanced degree that can help you lead church services? Perhaps you’re a musician who wants to gain a better understanding of how to use your church’s music for the glory of God, or maybe you’re a worship pastor seeking in-depth study of the theology of worship. If so, Liberty’s 100% online Doctor of Worship Studies (DWS) degree may be for you.

Liberty’s DWS degree program is designed to equip you with the tools you need to create thoughtful, theologically enriched worship that is rooted in biblical truth. This degree adds a biblical emphasis to the musical knowledge you developed during your graduate music or music ministry degree. If you have a passion for leading worship services, let us help you harness your passion for worship and bring your congregation closer to God.


Our online DWS degree builds on your previous music ministry and biblical studies experience to help you develop a sound foundation rooted in worship theology. In our online Doctor of Worship Studies degree program, you can study the methodology and theology of worship — allowing you to gain a true grasp of the practice of worship. In addition, you can learn about the foundations and history of corporate worship, explore the cultural and contextual nature of worship, and learn skills that can help you address a variety of congregational needs.

You can gain hands-on experience through optional, on-campus intensive courses. These intensives are excellent opportunities for you to network with peers and meet professors who lead our school of worship and music. Our Doctor of Worship Studies – General online degree program can also help you apply your studies to real-world ministry settings through a worship self-study and apprenticeship practicum — allowing you to evaluate your current ministry or seek mentorship under an experienced worship minister.

All of our courses are designed and delivered in a way that seeks to help you analyze and develop your research for the final thesis project, which focuses on a ministry topic of your choice. Your thesis project can provide evidence of your expertise and offer you direct access to mentorship and guidance from Liberty’s experienced music ministers and worship professionals. Apply today and learn to solve specific and practical problems in your ministry.


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Ranked in the Top 10% of Niche.com’s Best Online Schools in America

What Sets Us Apart?

  • Private Nonprofit University
  • 600+ Online Degrees
  • No Standardized Testing for Admission
  • Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
  • Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

Our online Doctor of Worship Studies degree seeks to prepare you to serve in administrative roles, such as the chair of a department of worship, a coordinator of worship studies, or a worship pastor at a church. Preparing worship leaders for personal success is not the only goal of our online Doctor of Worship Studies program. Completing this degree can help prepare you to teach the next generation of music ministry students and help open up opportunities for you to teach at the collegiate level.

Upon graduation, you could pursue the following roles:

  • Music and worship instructor
  • Professor of worship studies
  • Worship coach or analyst
  • Worship counselor and advisor
  • Worship pastor
  • Worship theologian

Liberty University is pleased to offer several specializations in our Doctor of Worship Studies program. Check out the specializations below!

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Not sure what to choose?

Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.


Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.

Doctoral Full Time $595/Credit
Doctoral Part Time $650/Credit

Eligible current and former military service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $300/credit hour (learn more).

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Military

Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.

Who May Qualify?

  • Active Duty
  • Reserve/National Guard
  • Veterans/Retirees
  • Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees
  • Current Department of Defense Employees

Available Benefits:

  • Discounted divinity block rate – $2,700 per semester*
  • Additional discount for veterans who service in a civilian capacity as a First Responder
  • 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)

*Credits taken below 7 and above 15 credit hours per semester are charged at the part-time rate of $395/credit hour.

Eligible current and former service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $300/credit hour (learn more), but the $300/credit hour doctoral military rate cannot be combined with the First Responder Discount.