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About the MA in Worship and Theology

Why Study Worship and Theology at Cedarville?

If you have a passion for leading God’s people in true biblically grounded worship, Cedarville’s Master of Arts in Worship and Theology (MAWT) will equip you with biblical knowledge and practical worship skills to be an effective worship leader for God’s glory. This program is offered by the School of Biblical and Theological Studies in partnership with the Department of Music and Worship.

The mission of the MAWT program at Cedarville University is to equip graduates with the skills for a lifetime ministry of worship leadership and theological discipleship. The mission is accomplished through a biblical, theological, and ministry core curriculum along with ministry specialization courses, and a researched project as a capstone experience.

This 36-credit hour program is offered in a convenient, fully online format and can be completed in as little as one calendar year. In-class delivery options are also available. 

For undergraduate students, with our accelerated completion plans, you will be able to complete a BA in worship plus a MAWT in just four or five years.

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What Sets Cedarville Apart?

  • Biblical Worldview
    All courses are built on the solid foundation of Scripture.

  • Online and Accelerated
    All courses are offered in an online format, 1- and 2-year completion options.

  • Affordable
    Cedarville’s online ministry programs are competitively priced with available financial aid.

Program Overview

Master of Arts in Worship and Theology Highlights

Flexible — Can be completed online in as little as one calendar year, with full- or part-time options to meet your needs.

Strong Foundation — Core class set a foundation in theology and ministry, including:

  • Foundational Christian Doctrine
  • Introduction to Biblical Theology
  • Contemporary Theology in Historical Context
  • Discipleship
  • Evangelism

Specialization Courses — Specialized courses, three of which are offered in collaboration with the Department of Music and Worship, will equip you for practical worship skills:

  • Biblical Foundations of Worship
  • Contemporary Worship Leadership
  • Practices in Worship Technology
  • Worship Leadership Practicum
  • Ministry of Teaching and Preaching
  • Church and God’s Mission
  • Researched Worship Project (Capstone)

What Can You Do With a Master’s in Worship and Theology?

The Master of Arts in Worship and Theology will equip you as an effective worship leader by grounding your practice of worship in a deeper biblical-theological framework and honing your practical skill set.

Opportunities for MA in Worship and Theology Students

As part of your online MA degree in worship and theology, you will have multiple opportunities to shape your ministry philosophy and personal leadership skills. Your capstone course will be a research project that is applied in a real ministry setting.

During the program, students will:

  • Plan worship services that are theologically-rich and value the arts (visual and auditory).
  • Design a worship ministry for a church that incorporates worship and discipleship.

Admission, Costs and Aid, Start Dates

Admission Requirements — The first step in your graduate school journey at Cedarville is to apply for admission.

MA in Worship and Theology Admission Requirements

Costs and Financial Aid — Your decision to pursue quality, Christian graduate education represents a valuable investment in your career and professional development. To assure your degree is also affordable, Cedarville graduate programs are competitively priced and can be supplemented with a variety of financial aid.

MA in Worship and Theology Cost Information

Program Start Dates — Applications are accepted throughout the year, and you can enroll and begin classes in August, October, January, March, May, or July.

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Program Curriculum

The MAWT program offers courses that focus on biblical interpretation, theology, and ministry application particularly through worship and discipleship. You will take 36 credit hours, including core theology and ministry courses and specialized training in worship.

Sample courses:

  • Biblical Foundations of Worship
  • Contemporary Worship Leadership

Program Format and Related Programs

Cedarville offers both graduate and undergraduate programs, with flexible completion options. You may also want to consider these related programs as you consider the degree or program that is a best fit for you.

Program Level and Format

  • Graduate
  • Online
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From Our Students:

  • I wanted a program that is grounded in rich theology and would give me the tools and feedback necessary to lead music excellently. The program gives a strong theological foundation for why we sing and Whom we sing to while also providing training on how to implement that foundational knowledge into a local church or ministry context.
    Ashlynn Robinette, Worship and Theology ’23
    Ashlynn Robinette
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Program Contacts

Photo of Roger O'Neel

Roger O'Neel, PhD

Professor of Worship; Director - Worship Program; Assistant Chair - Worship

Contact

Photo of Michael McKay

Michael McKay, PhD

Director, Associate Professor of Biblical Theology

Contact

Photo of Maggie Hess

Maggie Hess

Director of Graduate Recruiting - Nursing and Ministry Programs

Contact

School of Biblical and Theological Studies

Program News

  • Equipping the Church to Worship 1920 chapel band

    Equipping the Church to Worship

    Robert Rhodes ’16, worship pastor of Dayton Avenue Baptist Church in Xenia, Ohio, saved a video from his senior year of college and still watches it over eight years later. As he talked about it, the chills running through his body were almost palpable. “It gets me excited about what the Lord’s going to do when He calls us all home,” he said.
  • Soli Deo Gloria 1920

    Soli Deo Gloria

    Soli Deo Gloria is a Latin phrase meaning “Glory to God alone.” Rooted in the Reformation, it flows from a dependence upon Scripture alone as our foundation for comprehending our salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, for God’s glory alone.