Master of Arts in Worship Studies – Leadership

Do you have a passion for leading worship? If you desire to gain a deeper understanding of principles and skills to be a worship leader, then Liberty University’s Master of Arts (MA) in Worship Studies – Leadership is for you! Study the principles behind successful planning, staff development, organizing, and decision-making at the senior levels of worship leadership.

At Liberty, we take music seriously. Here, you can acquire a firm background in theology and develop a strategy for teaching theology as a worship leader. We will teach you the worship leader’s various roles within the mandates of the church mission. Our School of Music is the seventh-largest school of music in the nation, and we have resources to help you discover ways to be successful in your ministry, mission, or discipleship program.

Partner with us to develop both your leadership and worship skills. You can fulfill your passion for reaching people with the gospel and use your abilities to teach and preach to tomorrow’s Champions for Christ. Get started today. A rewarding career in a field you love could be calling!

36

Credit Hours

View Courses

Next start date: Aug 18, 2025

Degree NASM

NASM Accredited


Excellence Meets Tradition

Recognized for its commitment to musical excellence, the institution has earned the prestigious designation of an “All Steinway” school, signifying our dedication to providing students with world-class instruments and an exceptional environment.

 Your Music, Your Future

Through a partnership with the Michael W. Smith Center for Commercial Music, you can have the opportunity to get your original music published before you graduate!

 State-of-the-Art Music Facilities

You can take advantage of incredible opportunities, including access to our state-of-the-art recording studio and songwriting labs, part of a $2.2 million facility designed to support your creativity and growth.

Industry Recognition

Our students have created albums that have been nominated for awards, and Liberty alumni have gone on to become Dove Award-winning Christian artists and songwriters.


Liberty University’s Master of Arts in Worship Studies with a specialization in Leadership can help prepare you to pursue the following occupations:

  • Choir director
  • Minister of music
  • Music and family minister
  • Program director for contemporary worship
  • Worship pastor
MA Worship Studies Leadership
Niche Best Colleges White

Gain a better understanding of the purpose and practice of a theology of worship in the local church. As a master’s student in worship studies, you will examine doctrine emphasizing Christ, the Holy Spirit, salvation, and the church. This understanding can better prepare you to use your worship leadership position to spread the gospel.

Our worship studies courses highlight the role of the worship leader. Your relationship with the pastor and your unique part in the ministry set the tone for more than just a musical performance. Helping to form a cohesive worship team can provide a firm foundation for your church’s vision and can play a vital role in its connection to the individual worshipper.

Your leadership specialization will first introduce you to the characteristics and responsibilities of a good leader as they relate to the worship leader. You can then discover how to apply some of your knowledge to organizing your staff and how to develop your decision-making ability. You will also study some aspects of your worship leader’s role and how it relates to the education and discipleship programs and various ministries that your ministry might run.

Our courses are designed to help shape you both as a leader and a Scripture teacher. Use your God-given talent to help reach others through music.

Degree Information

Start on Your Journey in Worship and Ministry Leadership

Your career in worship and ministry leadership can start right here at Liberty University. Our vibrant campus is home to our Center for Worship, designed specifically for students who are called to lead others in glorifying God through music and ministry. The center features countless rehearsal rooms, Mac labs equipped with industry software, and a state-of-the-art $2.2 million recording studio. With these tools at your fingertips, you can develop your talents and grow into the leader God has called you to be.

Real-World Experience with Industry-Standard Tools

As a worship studies student, you’ll have access to professional-grade resources that can help prepare you for life beyond the classroom. In addition to hands-on experience in our recording studio and labs, you can get involved with Liberty Music Group (LMG) – our very own publishing company. Many of our alumni have gone on to become award-winning Christian artists, worship leaders, and songwriters, thanks to the real-world training they received on campus.

Earn a Degree That’s Recognized Nationwide

All of our music degrees are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), one of the most respected accrediting bodies in the field. This accreditation ensures that your education meets national standards for excellence – so whether you’re applying to a church, school, or music ministry, you could stand out with a degree that’s trusted and respected across the country.

A Christ-Centered Community That Shares Your Mission

At Liberty, we’re more than a university – we’re a community that shares your heart for worship and ministry. Every part of your education will be rooted in Scripture and focused on the mission of the gospel. Our faculty, staff, and fellow students are here to encourage you as you grow in your calling and seek to fulfill the Great Commission through music and leadership.

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