Master of Arts in Music and Worship
Overview
Pursue Your Love for Worship with One of Liberty’s Music and Worship Master’s Degrees
Explore your passion for worship and hone your musical talent with a Master of Arts (MA) in Music and Worship degree from Liberty University. Whether you feel called to serve the church as a worship leader or you dream of becoming a contemporary Christian artist, Liberty’s School of Music can help you on your journey. Our master’s degree in music and worship can help equip you with theology, technical skills, and integrity that you can utilize in the wide field of music.
Do you want to make a lasting impact on the evangelical community with your worship ministry expertise? Our master’s in music and worship can help you develop your teaching, training, and cultural analysis skills, so you can learn to provide a more holistic approach to worship leadership. By understanding the way the church has handled worship since the very beginning, you can be greatly strengthened in your personal ministry style.
From your research of cultural influences and worship of the past to hands-on training in Liberty’s Center for Worship, you can complete a degree that can help you prepare to pursue the path God has placed on your heart. Our faculty hold degrees from some of the most prestigious music schools in the nation, and they can’t wait to invest their wealth of knowledge into students like you!
Credit Hours
View CoursesNext start date: Aug 18, 2025
NASM Accredited
Highlights of Our Master’s in Music and Worship Degree
Create in a Cutting-Edge Music and Recording Environment
As a student in this program, you can explore your creativity in Liberty’s $2.2 million state-of-the-art recording studio and songwriting labs.
These spaces are designed to support your development in audio production, mixing, and composition as you sharpen your technical skills.
Pursue Original Music Opportunities Before You Graduate
Through Liberty’s partnership with the Michael W. Smith Center for Commercial Music, you may have the opportunity to publish original compositions as part of your academic experience.
This collaboration can provide valuable insight into the world of commercial music and give you space to grow as an artist.
Train in an "All-Steinway" and Nationally Accredited School
Liberty is designated as an “All-Steinway” school, reflecting a strong commitment to musical excellence.
Learn From Faculty with Professional and Academic Expertise
Your professors bring advanced degrees from some of the most respected music institutions in the country.
Their experience can help guide you as you pursue growth in both musical proficiency and worship leadership skills.
Join a Community of Creators and Innovators in Worship Music
Students in this program have contributed to albums that received industry recognition, and Liberty alumni have gone on to serve in a variety of creative roles.
While every journey is different, the community here can offer support as you develop your skills and explore your calling in music and worship.
Career Potential
Potential Career Opportunities for Music and Worship Graduates
Liberty University’s Master of Arts in Music and Worship can help prepare you to pursue the following occupations:
- Concert ministry program director
- Contemporary Christian artist
- Director of worship and drama
- Director of worship technology
- Minister of music
- Music and worship evangelist
- Worship leader or pastor
TobyMac | Alumni Testimonial
Courses
What Will You Study in Our MA in Music and Worship Degree?
The courses in our music and worship degree focus on advanced music theory. You can study how to apply various melodic concepts and music forms to contemporary worship, including jazz and extended harmonies. As a music and worship student, you can analyze the historical differences in music literature and practice, from the Old Testament through the modern period.
Other vital training you’ll receive is studying how to effectively lead and serve those you do ministry with. Relationship development between the worship leader, staff members, singers, instrumentalists, the pastor, and the congregation is emphasized. Your coursework can help you create a personal assessment of your own responsibility to your talent, music, preaching, and corporate ministry in general.
Featured Graduate Music and Worship Courses
MUSC 524 – Analytical Techniques for the Worship Leader
WRSP 501 – The Dynamics of Corporate Worship
WRSP 502 – History and Philosophy of Worship
WRSP 520 – The Role of the Worship Leader
Degree Information
- Explore further with the Course Catalog.
- This program falls under our School of Music.
- Choose between a thesis, ministry project, or lecture recital to conclude your degree.
BENEFITS
Why Choose Liberty’s Master of Arts in Music and Worship Degree?
Blend Your Musical Talent with Theological Depth
This program is designed to help you as you develop not only as a musician but also as a spiritually grounded worship leader.
Coursework encourages thoughtful integration of music, theology, and ministry, helping you explore how worship shapes the life of the church. You can deepen your understanding of Scripture while building skills that support intentional, Christ-centered leadership. This balance of musical and theological training allows you to approach worship with clarity, conviction, and purpose.
Engage in a Campus Culture that Champions Worship Arts
Liberty offers a vibrant community where worship is both practiced and studied in depth.
From campus-wide worship events to student-led ministries, you can find opportunities to collaborate, serve, and perform alongside peers who share your passion. Being immersed in this kind of culture can help reinforce your calling and refine your gifts. Whether you’re on stage or behind the scenes, the environment is one where worship arts are celebrated and supported.
Receive Mentorship that Supports Your Creative and Spiritual Growth
As a graduate student, you’ll be guided by faculty who have walked the path of ministry, education, and music leadership.
Their mentorship can challenge and inspire you while giving you insight into the realities of creative leadership. They’re available not only in the classroom and through feedback, rehearsals, and project work. This kind of investment in your development can make a lasting impact on your journey as both a worshiper and a leader.
Explore Flexible Creative Pathways Within a Structured Program
The MA in Music and Worship offers room for exploration while still providing a strong academic framework.
Whether you’re interested in songwriting, arranging, production, or leading worship ensembles, you can tailor your experience to your strengths and interests. Studio time, ensemble opportunities, and creative projects give you space to experiment while meeting program goals. This flexibility allows you to shape your graduate experience in a way that aligns with your artistic vision.
Tuition & Aid
How Much Does it Cost to Attend Liberty On Campus?
Knowing up-front what you’re paying for and why can go a long way toward making you feel comfortable about your investment. This overview of major college costs can give you an idea of what’s coming so you can create an accurate budget from the start.
All Tuition & Aid
| Per Credit Hour | $560 |
#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.
Specializations
Master of Arts in Music and Worship Specializations
Check out our available Master of Arts in Music and Worship specializations and choose an area of study that fits your interests.
Specializations
Commercial Music Performance
Conducting
Worship Music Studies
Admissions
How Do You Become a Graduate Music and Worship 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 B.S., B.A., or B.M. in music, music education, music and worship, or an equivalent field 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.