Prepare to Lead Your Worship Ministry with a Leadership Focused Worship Studies Degree
Do you have a passion for leading worship? Would you like to further develop your skills and techniques for success in ministry and music? Liberty University’s Master of Arts in Worship Studies with a specialization in leadership will equip you to be an effective, purposeful, and dynamic worship leader by providing you with essential training in leadership and music development.
Learn key elements of worship history and philosophy while staying close to the biblical foundation for worship. You will also uncover how biblical studies, theology, modern techniques, strong leadership, Christian ministry, global culture, evangelism, and pastoral collaboration all impact the worship leader.
What Will You Learn in Our Worship Leadership Master’s Degree?
Our master’s degree in worship studies, with a specialization in leadership, provides training in:
- The Biblical Foundations of Leadership — Study the foundations of worship in the Old and New Testaments as well as the Tabernacle as a model for worship and worship methods of the early church.
- The History and Philosophy of Worship — Examine the progression of worship from the Old Testament through the Reformation, Great Awakenings, and revival movements to what we know as worship today.
- Current Issues in Leadership — Explore the various issues in current leadership involving cultural influence, misunderstanding or abuse of worship theology, and the effect of transitioning between worship styles and techniques.
- The Role of the Worship Leader — Learn the role of the worship leader and the relationship between worship leaders and senior pastors.
Career Options for Worship Studies Degree Graduates
Your career goals vary, and that is why our worship studies degree in leadership is such a great fit. Liberty University will equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to be confident in any industry you choose.
- Minister of music
- Missionary
- Worship pastor
Study Online
We understand the dilemma of wanting to further your education while also staying connected to your family, career, church, and community. This degree program is offered 100% online, so you don’t have to worry about sacrificing time with the people most important to you while you pursue your degree.
As an innovator in distance learning since 1985, Liberty will provide the following benefits:
- Our online programs are backed by our brick-and-mortar campus – ranked as Niche.com’s #2 Best College Campus in America for 2026 – and that commitment to excellence extends to our online students as well. Earning your online M.A. in Worship Studies — Leadership from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
- Most of our online tuition rates rank in the top 35% for affordability for 2025 when compared to our leading online competitors
- You can complete your worship studies degree in leadership in less than 2 years.
Military Benefits
Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students from all over the world. Whether you are a current service member, discharged or retired from service, or the spouse of a service member or veteran, we are here to support you every step of the journey.
As a thank you for your dedication and service to our country, Liberty is honored to serve and support you in your pursuit of online education by offering the following benefits:
- Tuition discounts – $290 per credit hour for graduate courses
- Additional discount for veterans who serve 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)
Residential Benefits
- With students from all 50 states and over 70 countries around the world, you can immerse yourself in different cultures and experience the diversity of on-campus life.
- As a residential student, your scholarship opportunities could include the Heroes Fund Scholarship, Keesee Scholarship, or the Virginia: Brown v. Board of Education Scholarship.
- Learn from professors who have doctoral degrees in their fields, as well as years of real-life experience.
- As a graduate student, you will have multiple research opportunities led by students and faculty to bolster your education and résumé.
- Outside of classes and studying, you will have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of on-campus activities, such as our NCAA sports, over 200 student-led clubs, and recreation centers like Snowflex, the LaHaye Ice Center, and Camp Hydaway.
- Enjoy our Reber-Thomas Dining Hall with over 20 available food stations, including gluten-free and vegan options. Work with a nutritionist to develop a dietary plan that is right for you!
Cited tuition rates are reflective of academic year 2025-2026. Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.
Credit Hours
Available Online or On Campus
Class Type
Online, 8-week or residential
Transfer Credits
Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total
Next Start Date
Varies
Accreditation
NASM
