Doctor of Worship Studies Ethnomusicology
Develop Cultural Applications of Worship with Our Worship and Ethnomusicology Doctoral Degree
Ethnomusicology examines the ways music shapes and reflects culture, community, and faith. Through Liberty University’s Doctor of Worship Studies (D.W.S.) – Ethnomusicology, you can study how diverse musical forms, instruments, and traditions have developed across history and societies – all while deepening your understanding of how music functions within worship and ministry. This program emphasizes both scholarship and practical application, helping experienced ministry leaders explore the intersection of worship, theology, and cultural expression in ways that can inform and enrich their service.
As part of your studies, you will develop a thesis project. This provides the opportunity for you to demonstrate your expertise. Through the balance of research, reflection, and applied learning, the D.W.S. in Ethnomusicology fosters both intellectual and spiritual development within the context of Christian leadership.
What Will You Study in our Doctor of Worship Studies – Ethnomusicology?
- Christian worship theology
- Cultural worship practices
- Ethnomusicological field methods
- Global music traditions
- Worship theory and methodology
In this program, you’ll engage with interdisciplinary studies that bring together theology, musicology, and cultural inquiry. You can explore how various societies express worship musically, examine models for integrating faith and artistic practice, and learn research tools useful for analyzing music within social settings. Coursework also engages the development of a thesis project addressing a practical concern in worship, helping you bridge theory, cultural insight, and your own ministry context.
Our core worship studies courses provide advanced training in worship theology and the integration of foundational philosophies and methodologies, which is central to biblical worship for your ministry. As a ministry leader, it is important to be well-versed in the cultural and contextual aspects of worship so you can meet the unique needs of your congregation.
Potential Career Opportunities for Doctor of Worship Studies – Ethnomusicology Graduates
- Head worship pastor
- Music and worship instructor
- Professor of worship studies
- Worship coach or analyst
- Worship counselor and advisor
- Worship theologian
Highlights of Our Online Doctor of Worship Studies in Ethnomusicology Degree
As a leader in distance education since 1985, we understand what it takes to create a flexible and affordable education for busy people. Since we have been investing in distance and online learning for decades, our experience has taught us how to streamline our degree options so you can focus on what really matters to you. While many schools offer online degrees, we believe Liberty stands out.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- 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 degree 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. As a nonprofit university, Liberty continues to strive to keep costs low for our students!
- You will complete an integrated thesis project that allows you to demonstrate your expertise and ability to apply advanced worship theology and Christian scholarship to practical worship ministry problems.
Military Tuition Discount
We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want — at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only $375/credit hour. Here’s how:
- If you’re earning or have earned a master’s degree through Liberty, you automatically qualify for the low price (when you begin within 2 years of your master’s completion).
- If you haven’t earned a graduate degree through Liberty, our Executive Certificate program allows you to pay only $375/credit hour for a postgraduate certificate that can stand alone or potentially count as the first 21 hours of a related doctoral degree. Then pay just $375/credit hour for your doctorate. Learn more!
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Credit Hours

Class Type
100% online, 8-week courses
Transfer Credits
Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total
Next Start Date
Oct 20, 2025
Accreditation
Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC