Ministry student stands in front of discipleship group

Master of Arts in Worship and Theology

About the M.A. in Worship and Theology

If you have a passion for leading God’s people in true biblically grounded worship, Cedarville’s Master of Arts in Worship and Theology (M.A.W.T.) will equip you with biblical knowledge and practical worship skills to be an effective worship leader for God’s glory. This program is offered in partnership with the Department of Music and Worship.

The mission of the M.A.W.T. 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. And when you enroll in Cedarville's online Worship and Theology master's degree now, you will qualify for a $1,000 Ministry Scholarship!

For undergraduate students, with our accelerated completion plans, you will be able to complete a B.A. in worship plus a M.A.W.T. in just four or five years

Curriculum Guide

Worship at Cedarville

Master of Arts in Worship and Theology Highlights

Flexible – Can be completed online, with full- or part-time options to meet your needs.

Accelerated – Can be completed in as little as one calendar year.

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)

Outcomes for Graduates 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 M.A. in Worship and Theology Students

As part of your online M.A. 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.

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Listen as recent graduates explain why they chose Cedarville University for their graduate ministry education.

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View thumbnail for Michael O'Brien Endorses Cedarville's Worship Programs

Michael O'Brien, worship leader, performing artist, and Cedarville dad, encourages you to consider Cedarville's outstanding undergraduate and graduate worship programs to hone your worship skills and establish a strong theological foundation.

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Listen as Dr. Roger O'Neel, Director of Cedarville's worship program, describes how the Master of Arts in Worship and Theology will equip you with the biblical knowledge and practical skills to be an effective worship leader.

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View thumbnail for Stewarding Your Gifts With a Graduate Degree

Listen as Cedarville's president, Dr. Thomas White, discusses how our graduate programs can help you steward your God-given talents for His glory.

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View thumbnail for Why Choose Cedarville and Not a Seminary?

Cedarville's long history of preparing students to serve in the local church and its accelerated, cost-saving completion options make our graduate ministry programs a great choice.

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Male student discusses with classmate

It's a great time to expand your ministry skills. Enroll in Cedarville's online Master of Arts in Worship and Theology and receive a $1,000 Ministry Scholarship!

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Matt Papa in concert with the Gettys on October 28, 2019

Matt Papa, who co-wrote "His Mercy is More" and "Behold the Wondrous Mystery," will serve as artist-in-residence at Cedarville University for the 2021-22 academic year.

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Resonance Gold performing at Clifton Mill

Cedarville’s worship bands Resonance and Rekindle, as well as the mixed ensemble Jubilate, have produced music videos to inspire praise and thanksgiving.

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Dr. Chris Miller

Dr. Chris Miller, Senior Professor of Biblical Studies, loves to pass along his love of the Scriptures. It's a passion that began with his dad, who was an avid student of the Bible. Chris seeks to honor his dad's devotion by the way he teaches at Cedarville.

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Tetelestai: It Is Finished

At 3 p.m. on Friday, the bells in the Dixon Ministry Center chimed 33 times to mark the 33 years of Jesus’ life.

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Program Faculty

Photo of Trent Rogers

Dean, SBTS; Director, MMin Program; Assistant Professor of New Testament and Greek

Photo of Roger O'Neel

Assistant Chair of Worship, Associate Professor of Worship

Photo of Jason Lee

Professor of Theological Studies

School of Biblical and Theological Studies

Master of Arts in Worship and Theology Curriculum

The M.A.W.T. 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

View Curriculum Plan and Catalog