Doctor of Worship Studies - Liberty University Online

Degree Options

100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Next Start Dates: January 19, 2026 | February 16, 2026 | March 23, 2026

Help Promote a Biblical Understanding of True Worship with Liberty’s Doctor of Worship Studies Degree

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 an in-depth study of the theology of worship. If so, conferring Liberty’s 100% online Doctor of Worship Studies (DWS) degree may be the right next step 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.

What Will You Study in Our Online Doctor of Worship Studies Degree Program?

Our online DWS degree can help you build on your previous music ministry and biblical studies experience to develop a solid foundation rooted in worship theology. In our online Doctor of Worship Studies degree program, you can study the methodology and theology of worship — giving you the opportunity to cultivate an authentic understanding of the practice of worship. In addition, you can study the foundations and history of corporate worship, explore the cultural and contextual nature of worship, and study skills that can help you address a variety of congregational needs.

The courses in this program 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 give you an opportunity to participate in mentorship and guidance from Liberty’s experienced music ministers and worship professionals. Apply today and study to gain understanding in solving specific and practical problems in your ministry.

Featured Courses

Degree Information

Why Choose Liberty’s Online Doctor of Worship Studies Degree?

Whether you currently serve in a worship ministry leadership role or want to start your own music ministry, our online Doctor of Worship Studies degree can help equip you with relevant skills and knowledge. Our doctorate in worship program emphasizes a biblical, theologically-informed application of worship studies to the ministry field. Earning your online degree from a nonprofit university with this kind of distinction can be an effective step on your academic, professional, and personal journey.

This degree program offers theological, philosophical, and practical training based on the demands of 21st-century evangelical worship. You can be challenged by professional studies at the doctoral level that seek to expand your skill set, knowledge, and expertise in a variety of music and worship cultures and contexts. With instruction from experienced professors and mentorship during the integrated thesis project, you can prepare to apply your worship studies training to real-world ministry communities and be part of creating sincere, impactful worship opportunities.

If you are looking for a doctoral degree designed for worship pastors, our online DWS program can help provide training for you to grow in your ministry knowledge and broaden your network in your field.

Backed by a brick-and-mortar campus ranked as Niche.com’s #2 Best College Campus in America for 2026

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

Top 10 Reasons to Choose Liberty

Potential Careers with a Doctorate Degree in Worship Studies

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

Degree Options for our DWS Degree

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

Generalized Track (No Specialization)

Liberty University’s 100% online Doctor of Worship Studies – generalized track* is designed to help you bring your congregation closer to God by giving you the tools needed to create thoughtful, theologically enriched worship based on biblical truth.

View the Degree Completion Plan.

*Please note that this is not a specialization. Any reference using the term “General” is the main degree and is only used to differentiate from other specializations.

Ethnomusicology

Leadership

Liberty University’s 100% online Doctor of Worship Studies – Leadership pairs training in leadership and management with in-depth research that is designed to help take your ministry to the next level. Graduate with advanced theological training, knowledge of effective worship principles, and leadership skills that you need to stand out in applicant pools.

View the Degree Completion Plan.

Pastoral Counseling

Liberty University’s 100% online Doctor of Worship Studies – Pastoral Counseling emphasizes the practical application of worship studies and godly counseling to your ministry. This program is designed to equip worship leaders and counselors to meet the spiritual needs of congregations while providing meaningful, spiritually nourishing worship.

View the Degree Completion Plan.

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

Request Information

Tuition & Aid

At Liberty University, a private Christian education is less expensive than you think. Over the last 10 years, Liberty University’s Online Program has only raised its standard tuition costs by less than 5% – and most of our online tuition rates rank in the top 35% for affordability for 2025 when compared to our leading online competitors.

Doctoral Full Time	$610/Credit
Doctoral Part Time	$675/Credit

Eligible current and former military service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $375/credit hour (learn more).

These 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.

All Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Financial Aid Forms & Eligibility

Scholarship Opportunities

Admission Information for Our Online DWS Degree Program

Admission Requirements

Apply online or over the phone with an admissions counselor by calling (800) 424-9596.
- A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required).
Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system). A regionally or nationally accredited Master of Music degree or its equivalent with at least a 3.0 GPA is required for admission in good standing. Consideration will be given to those without an MA or MS in Music; however, additional graduate-level coursework may be required upon admissions, such as worship and theology classes.
Submit a Statement of Purpose – Applicants are encouraged to take time to develop a well-written, 1,000 to 1,500-word statement, which answers the following questions:
- How has your previous education and/or work experience prepared you for doctoral studies at Liberty University?
- What is your goal with regard to pursuing a doctoral education at Liberty University?
- Please describe the character and values you possess that will help you succeed in your desired field.
- The Statement of Purpose can be attached or written out in an email and submitted to luoverify@liberty.edu.
Department Admission Review approval required – upon all documents being received on the checklist, the application will be sent for admission review by the department. This review can take 1-2 full business days for review (24-48 hours).
Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy.

Preliminary Acceptance

If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:

Be in your final term and planning to start your doctoral degree after the last day of class for your master’s degree.
Complete a Master’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
Submit an official transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show that you are within 6 credit hours of completion for a 30-48 credit hour master’s degree or within 9 credit hours of completion for a 49+ credit hour master’s degree.
Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new doctoral degree.

Transcript Policies

Official College Transcript Policy

An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to luoverify@liberty.edu.

Admissions Office Contact Information

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

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. Find out how you can take advantage of this unique opportunity as you work toward your goal of reaching the pinnacle of your profession – for less.

These 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.

View Military Benefits

Frequently Asked Questions for the Doctor of Worship Studies Degree

Is there a final project in this program?

Is Liberty accredited?

Are you ready to change your future?

Apply Now

App Fee Waived This Week*

Request Information

*Some restrictions may occur for this promotion to apply. This promotion also excludes active faculty and staff, military, non-degree-seeking, DGIA, Continuing Education, WSB, and certificate students.

Choose a Program Level

Choose a program level

Associate

Bachelor’s

Master’s

Doctorate

Certificate

Select a Field of Study

Select a field of study

Select a Program

Select a program

Change

Legal First Name

Enter legal first name

Legal Last Name

Enter legal last name

Email

Enter an email address

Phone

Enter a phone number

Full Address

Enter an address

Apt., P.O. Box, or can’t find your address?Enter it manually instead.

Country

Select a Country

Street Address

Enter Street Address

City

Enter City

State

Enter State

ZIP/Postal Code

Enter Zip Code

Back to automated address search

Start my application now for FREE

You will be automatically taken to the application once you submit your request for information

By submitting contact information through this form, I agree that Liberty University and its affiliates may call and/or text me about its offerings by any phone number I have provided and may provide in the future, including any wireless number, using automated technology.

Message and data rates may apply. For additional information, text HELP to 49595 or 49596. You may opt-out at any time by sending STOP to 49595 or 49596. Visit for Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Chat Request Info Apply

Online Doctor of Worship Studies Degree Develop Your Craft in Music

Help Promote a Biblical Understanding of True Worship with Liberty’s Doctor of Worship Studies Degree

What Will You Study in Our Online Doctor of Worship Studies Degree Program?

Featured Courses

Degree Information

Why Choose Liberty’s Online Doctor of Worship Studies Degree?

What Sets Us Apart?

Potential Careers with a Doctorate Degree in Worship Studies

Degree Options for our DWS Degree

Generalized Track (No Specialization)

Ethnomusicology

Leadership

Pastoral Counseling

Not sure what to choose?

Tuition & Aid

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Admission Information for Our Online DWS Degree Program

Admission Requirements

Preliminary Acceptance

Transcript Policies

Admissions Office Contact Information

Military

Frequently Asked Questions for the Doctor of Worship Studies Degree

Is there a final project in this program?

Is Liberty accredited?

Are you ready to change your future?

Request Information About a Program

Request Info About Liberty University Online

Choose a Program Level

Select a Field of Study

Select a Program

Next: Contact Info

Legal First Name

Legal Last Name

Email

Phone

Full Address

Country

Street Address

City

State

ZIP/Postal Code

Request Information