BS in Music in
World Cultures
Develop a Global Approach to Music with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music in World Cultures at Liberty University
Do you want to pursue a career in the music industry? Are you passionate about connecting with people across cultural borders and impacting the world for Christ? If so, Liberty University’s Bachelor of Science (BS) in Music in World Cultures may be for you. This degree is designed to offer you maximum flexibility in your studies, so you can get training to help prepare you for a variety of career paths.
Throughout our bachelor’s in music in world cultures, you’ll explore how important principles of ethnomusicology can be used to enrich worship training, mission work, and global scholarship in a Christian context. Our goal is to help foster your knowledge of other cultures and strengthen your commitment to the Christian life. Whether you want to work at home or abroad, our music in world cultures degree can help equip you to reach the world with the Gospel through music ministry.
Understanding the relationship between culture and music is a vital part of working as a musician or worship facilitator – especially in a global context. At Liberty, you can explore how to help communities contextualize worship arts and apply ethnomusicology principles in various real-world contexts. By analyzing non-Western systems of music, you can gain tools to better connect with people across cultural and geographic boundaries. Partner with us and prepare to impact the world as a Champion for Christ!
Credit Hours
View CoursesNext start date: Aug 18, 2025
NASM Accredited
Highlights
Highlights of Our World Cultures Music Program
Distinguished Alumni and Career Outcomes
Our graduates have found careers as Christian singers and songwriters, worship leaders at Harvest Bible Chapel, conductors leading choir festivals throughout Southeast Asia, and musicians playing for stars like Carrie Underwood and more.
Recognized Performance and Achievement
Our LU Praise choir has produced a Dove Award-nominated album, showcasing the talent and excellence cultivated within our program.
Industry Connections and Practical Experience
The Liberty University School of Music has strategic partnerships with industry leaders, such as Michael W. Smith.
Each semester, the School of Music hosts professionals who share their expertise to students pursuing their bachelor’s in music.
Program Variety and Academic Pathways
Participate in our School of Music ensembles, which include folk, bluegrass, a cappella, and Latino styles.
Our bachelor’s degree in music in world cultures is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and serves as a strong foundation for our residential MA in Worship Studies – Ethnomusicology or our online master’s in ethnomusicology.
Career Potential
What Can You Do with a BS in Music in World Cultures Degree?
Liberty University’s Bachelor of Science in Music in World Cultures can help prepare you to pursue the following occupations:
- Cross-cultural worship leader, trainer, or facilitator
- Festival organizer for local arts
- Missionary (specializing in arts contextualization)
- Music researcher or journalist
- Music teacher in other countries
- Performer or recording artist
- Preservation and oral history specialist
- Vernacular media specialist
- World arts and cultural exchange facilitator
#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 Music in World Cultures Bachelor’s Program?
Throughout this program, you will explore important topics in music, ministry, and global studies. Liberty provides a mix of classroom instruction and practical, hands-on training that can help strengthen your effectiveness in global career fields. Your major courses will cover subjects like harmonic practices and theory, Old and New Testament music and worship, and musicianship. You’ll also study the history of music and worship as well as congregational worship practices of the evangelical traditions.
Several of our courses are geared specifically toward the study of world music and culture. For example, you’ll study essential aspects of intercultural communication theory and methods for engaging with other cultures. Our program can also help you understand non-Western music theory, ethnic music cultures, and the relationship between culture and music. By exploring cultural traditions, belief systems, and practices of various world cultures, you can become equipped to participate in global outreach, lead an effective music ministry, and impact people around the world.
Additionally, you’ll complete several applied music courses and participate in ensembles. The required internship provides an opportunity for you to put your skills to the test and gain marketable, on-the-job experience. All of our courses are taught from a biblical perspective, and our experienced faculty are committed to helping you enhance your musical skills.
Featured Bachelor’s in Music in World Cultures Courses
GLST 200 – Introduction to Global Studies
MUSC 202 – Old and New Testament Music and Worship
MUSC 313 – History of Music and Worship
MUSC 424 – Arts in Global Outreach
Degree Information
- This program falls under the School of Music
- View the Degree Completion Plan
- Check out our course catalog
- Transfer in up to 75% of the degree
BENEFITS
Why Choose Liberty’s Bachelor of Science in Music in World Cultures?
Respected Credentials
Liberty is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Additionally, our bachelor’s in music in world cultures is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). You can pursue your degree with confidence knowing that our program has met academic standards and accreditation requirements.
Valuable Mentorship
Our faculty have years of experience working in academia, the music industry, and intercultural contexts. With their guidance, you can hone your musical skills, develop a sound understanding of ethnomusicology, and pursue exciting careers around the world.
Flexibility With You in Mind
We’ve created our world cultures music program with your success in mind. This degree includes room for several elective courses, so you can customize your studies to match your unique interests and career goals.
Well-Rounded Education
Our mission is to Train Champions for Christ. To fulfill this mission, we seek to offer state-of-the-art facilities and practical music training taught from a biblical perspective. At Liberty, you won’t just get a degree; you’ll receive a quality education that can enhance your industry knowledge and help prepare you to make a global impact for the kingdom of God.
Admissions
How Do You Become a BS in Music in World Cultures Student?
Every application is reviewed by the admission committee on a case-by-case basis, meaning there are no set minimums for acceptance. However, all applicants must submit the following documents* for admission:
- Admission application
- Official high school transcripts
- Official college transcripts (if applicable)
- Admission essay
Results from the CLT, SAT, or ACT are not required for admission, but may be used in consideration for merit-based aid.
*Note that additional documentation may be requested by the admission committee after your application has been received.
Have Questions?
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