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Master of Arts in Worship and Theology

Access a $1,000 Scholarship

Apply now and start your M.A. in October, January, or March, and you will be eligible for a $1,000 achievement scholarship! Cedarville’s ministry programs are among the lowest cost options you'll find. Financial aid is also available. Apply now!

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.

Program Start Dates

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

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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Graduate Ministry Education

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 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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Master of Arts in Worship and Theology

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.

Watch Video »
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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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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

$1000 Ministry Scholarship!

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!

Apply Now »
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Program Faculty

Photo of Trent Rogers

Trent Rogers, Ph.D.

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

  • Location BTS 255
  • Phone 937-766-6141
  • Email Email
Photo of Roger O'Neel

Roger O'Neel, Ph.D.

Assistant Chair of Worship, Associate Professor of Worship

  • Location DMC 113
  • Phone 937-766-7635
  • Email Email
Photo of Jason Lee

Jason Lee, Ph.D.

Professor of Theological Studies

  • Location BTS 265
  • Phone 937-766-7981
  • Email Email
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