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School of Music launches Doctor of Worship Studies program

Liberty University’s School of Music recently launched the Doctor of Worship Studies (D.W.S.) degree, adding to its rapidly expanding number of programs.

“We are thrilled for the opportunity to equip professionals already in the field for a life of serious investigative study in the evangelical worship disciplines,” said Dr. Vernon Whaley, dean of the School of Music. “Our leadership has worked for many months to develop an arduous post-graduate degree that will uniquely prepare a generation of professional worship leaders to carry out the principles of 2 Timothy 2:2.”

Officially launched on Jan. 16, the D.W.S. degree prepares those actively involved in ministry to meet the needs of today’s worship culture. Classes are both academically challenging and focused on the practical needs of today’s worship leader. The program emphasizes the various theological, philosophical, historical, and methodological approaches to 21st century worship in the evangelical tradition, and experienced faculty helps students explore the contextualization of worship in a variety of ministry environments.

The program requires 45 credit hours to complete, including 32 hours of online courses and another 12 hours of one week, on-campus intensives. Courses are divided into five areas of study, including biblical and theological studies in worship, advanced worship studies, worship and culture, practicum, and research techniques in worship.

“We are grateful for the enthusiastic response we are already receiving from the initial launch of our new program,” said Dr. Doug Crawley, associate dean of graduate music studies. “I believe this is strong evidence of the need for this advanced worship studies program that offers theologically sound, yet culturally relevant material and assists in equipping evangelical leaders who are already serving as professionals in churches and ministries around the world.”

  • Applications for the program are now being accepted, and students are encouraged to email Crawley at dcrawley3@liberty.edu for additional information.
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