Master of Arts in Worship Studies – Ethnomusicology
Discover how to Create Culturally Diverse Christian Songs with Liberty’s Master of Arts in Worship Studies – Ethnomusicology!
Are you interested in taking your love for worship and expressing it in a culturally diverse context? If you desire to understand the music and culture around you and use it to reach other cultures with the gospel, then Liberty University’s Master of Arts (MA) in Worship Studies – Ethnomusicology is for you! Create awareness of varied musical expressions, guide worship teams, or provide training to those preparing for music ministries in other cultures by earning your musicology and ethnomusicology degree.
At Liberty, we take music seriously. If you love music as much as we do, partner with us and see your career goals in an ethnomusicology degree job realized.
Your success is our success. Our professors can show you how to take what you study in your worship studies degree and apply it in your local church music program. Discover how to create Christian songs that fit into indigenous cultures and promote the exposure of such music in the community. Spread your passion for worship and cross-cultural barriers. Get started today!
Credit Hours
View CoursesNext start date: Aug 18, 2025
NASM Accredited
Highlights
Highlights of Our Graduate Worship Studies Degree
Gain Exciting Opportunities
In partnership with the Michael W. Smith Center for Commercial Music, students also have the opportunity to have their original music published before they graduate!
State-of-the-Art Music Facilities
The Center for Music and the Worship Arts features a 1,600-seat concert hall, cutting-edge lighting and audio technology, multiple rehearsal spaces and classrooms, and 2 advanced Mac labs designed for music production and digital creativity.
Prestigious All Steinway Designation
We hold the prestigious designation of an “All Steinway” school, reflecting our commitment to providing students with world-class instruments that enhance their musical education and performance experiences.
Career Potential
What Can You Do with a Master’s in Worship Studies – Ethnomusicology Degree?
Liberty University’s Master of Arts in Worship Studies with a specialization in Ethnomusicology can help prepare you to pursue the following occupations:
- Choir director
- Director of international worship ministries
- Minister of music
- Missionary
- Professor
- Program director for contemporary worship
#4 Best College Campus in America
At Liberty, you’ll find an affordable, high-quality education designed to help equip students like you for the real world. Our commitment to excellence has earned us recognition as the #4 Best College Campus in America by Niche.com.
Earning your degree from a nonprofit university with state-of-the-art resources like ours can help set you apart from your peers.
Courses
What Will You Study in Our Master’s Degree in Musicology?
Gain a better understanding of the theology, cultural influences, and historical events that have laid the foundation for contemporary worship. As a master’s student in a worship studies – ethnomusicology program, you can examine doctrine with an emphasis on Christ, the Holy Spirit, salvation, and the church as a whole. This can better prepare you to use your worship leadership position to spread the gospel.
Our worship studies courses highlight the role and responsibilities of a worship leader. The relationship you have with your pastor, staff members, and worship team members sets the tone for the worship experience. Forming and maintaining a cohesive worship team provides a firm foundation for the vision of your church and plays a vital role in its connection to the individual worshipper.
If you choose to pursue your college degree in ethnomusicology, you will explore the field of ethnomusicology and the various belief systems, traditions, and practices of world cultures. You can discover how to apply your knowledge of other cultures and create indigenous Christian songs that cross-cultural barriers with the gospel. You can also study the various technical aspects of video and audio using our state-of-the-art equipment available on campus.
Our courses are designed to help you implement your passion for worship into a rewarding and fulfilling career upon graduation.
Featured MA in Ethnomusicology Courses
ETHM 511 – Introduction to Ethnomusicology
WRSP 510 – Biblical Foundations of Worship
WRSP 520 – The Role of the Worship Leader
WRSP 635 – Building a Theology of Worship
Degree Information
- This program falls under the School of Music
- View the Degree Completion Plan
- Check out our course catalog
- Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total
BENEFITS
Why Choose Liberty’s Graduate Degree in Ethnomusicology?
Launch Your Journey in Worship and Global Ministry
Your journey into worship leadership and global outreach can begin at Liberty University. Comparable to top ethnomusicology programs, Liberty offers a unique environment where spiritual purpose and musical excellence intersect. You’ll study in a community that shares your heart for the gospel and your desire to take part in fulfilling the Great Commission.
Train with World-Class Facilities
Liberty’s Center for Worship includes countless rehearsal rooms, Mac labs, and a $2.2 million recording studio – giving you access to some of the best tools in the industry. These resources are designed to help prepare you for real-world opportunities in ethnomusicology, worship leadership, and music ministry around the globe.
Grow From Industry-Focused Experiences
As a worship studies student, you’ll not only use top-tier equipment but also have access to Liberty Music Group (LMG) – our in-house music publishing company. Many of our graduates have become award-winning Christian artists and songwriters after honing their skills through LMG and our other hands-on training experiences.
Earn a Degree Backed by Accreditation
All of Liberty’s music degrees are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). This means your education meets rigorous academic and professional standards – helping your résumé to be respected by churches, schools, and ministries nationwide.
Admissions
How do You Become a Master’s in Worship Studies – Ethnomusicology Student?
Every application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and all applicants must submit the following documents and meet the minimum requirements for admission:
- Admission application
- Official transcripts showing a regionally or nationally accredited bachelor’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA for admission in good standing
- Self-certification form (for students who are in the final term of their bachelor’s degree)
- Current Liberty undergraduate students seeking preliminary acceptance into a graduate program must complete a degree completion application through their ASIST account
Have Questions?
We’ll make sure you have the information you need to take your next step.