One Thousand Days Transformed - The Campaign for Cedarville
Answer the Bold Call »
myCU Portal Campus Email Canvas Office 365 Academic Calendar Library
All offices and departments Contact Cedarville

About the M.A. 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 (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. 

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.

Request Info Schedule an Appointment

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 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.

Admission, Costs and Aid, Start Dates

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

M.A. 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.

M.A. 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.

Related Videos

View thumbnail for Graduate Ministry Education

Graduate Ministry Education

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

Watch Video
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.

Watch Video
View thumbnail for Stewarding Your Gifts With a Graduate Degree

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.

Watch Video
View thumbnail for Worship at Cedarville

Worship at Cedarville

Cedarville's undergraduate and graduate worship programs will equip you with the practical skills and theological foundation for effective worship ministry.

Watch Video

Program 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

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
Promo Image 718x718

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, M.A.W.T. ’23
    Photo of Ashlynn Kelly
Learn About Career Services

Program Contacts

Photo of Trent Rogers

Trent Rogers, Ph.D.

Dean, SBTS; Assistant Professor of New Testament and Greek

Contact

Photo of Roger O'Neel

Roger O'Neel, Ph.D.

Assistant Chair of Worship, Associate Professor of Worship

Contact

Photo of Michael McKay

Michael McKay, Ph.D.

Director, Online Graduate Programs (SBTS); Assistant Professor of Biblical Theology

Contact

School of Biblical and Theological Studies

Program News