The Worship Arts major is designed to prepare a student to lead music ministry in a local church. Students will develop their musical proficiency through courses in the Division of Music and Theatre and will develop their pastoral and theological competency through courses in the School of Theology and Ministry, equipping them for effective worship leadership and church music ministry. If God is calling you to lead worship through music, this could be the major for you. The program emphasizes worship ministry, developing musical ability, ministerial skills, and theological knowledge needed for roles in worship and music ministry. You’ll bring together deep study of Scripture and theology with the pastoral and musical skills necessary for leading music in Christian worship.
Why Pursue my Bachelor’s in Worship Arts at IWU?
Faculty in the School of Theology and Ministry and the Division of Music and Theatre love to connect with students and invest in their spiritual, academic, and personal growth. As a Worship Arts major pursuing a bachelor's degree, you’ll find professors who really care about you and want to partner with you in your education and your faith. You’ll have an academic advisor to help you understand your life calling, make the best choices for your college life, and discern your next steps after graduation. You’ll also have access to the academic, spiritual, and emotional support you need to thrive.
We grow most when we grow together. That’s why the School of Theology and Ministry makes community a priority through monthly community-building events, the Follow the Call first year student retreat, the all-STM Deeper Life retreat, small groups, mentoring, and more. Build lifelong friendships through a transformational experience of Christian community.
Credential up with the Pastoral Ministries Second Major! Add the Pastoral Ministries second major to your specialized first major in Worship Arts. Courses in the Pastoral Ministries second major provide a broad foundation in all areas of ministry, equipping you to serve the church in many ways. By joining the Pastoral Ministries (Kern) Program you’ll have access to additional scholarship funds and professional development opportunities. Pastoral Ministries second majors also fulfill requirements for ordination in The Wesleyan Church and receive advanced standing in masters programs. The Worship Arts plus Pastoral Ministries majors may take 8 semesters or longer to complete, due to the number of credits required.
Theory and practice come together in courses like Theology and Practice of Christian Worship Design and Media for Ministry. You’ll have opportunities to apply what you’re learning through serving in local churches, participating on Summer Ministry Teams, and even joining a Chapel worship team. You might join a music ministry ensemble that leads worship in local churches, or join your instrumental ensemble on tour during Spring Break. You’ll also complete an internship in a church or IWU chapel, under the guidance of a seasoned worship leader.
A worship arts internship will provide you with practical experience in worship leadership, enhancing your skills and preparing you for real-world ministry roles.
What will I learn in this Worship Arts Program?
All majors in the School of Theology and Ministry are built on a foundation of spiritual formation, practical ministry, and biblical and theological studies. Indiana Wesleyan University is also accredited through the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). Specialized Worship Arts courses include Theology and Practice of Christian Worship Design, Biblical Foundations of Worship, Leading Worship Through the Arts, Media for Ministry, Music Theory, Ear Training, Applied Studies (piano, voice, guitar), and more courses which include music education and music production concepts.
What Makes IWU Different?
IWU has provided on-campus education for more than 100 years.
Faith-integrated curriculum and a commitment to changing the world.
Center for Student Success for counseling, tutoring, and more!
With a bachelor’s degree in Worship Arts you will be able to:
Admission to Professional Majors
Admission to the majors within the Division of Practical Theology may require a formal screening process separate from the initial declaration of intent. The process includes the successful completion of the prescribed courses designated by each major. Students need to have a GPA of 2.25 cumulative and 2.5 in the coursework required for the major. Students must also file application forms including a written essay and references. In some cases a personal interview with school faculty may also be required. Enrollment in some advanced courses in the division is restricted to those admitted to these majors. A student needs to start the application to the major process by the end of their sophomore year (60 credit hours) and after the successful completion of the designated courses in his or her respective majors. Delay on this process will prohibit students from enrolling in advanced courses in their professional major.
Continuation in Professional Majors
Students must maintain a cumulative 2.25 GPA and a 2.50 academic GPA in coursework required for the major. Failure to do so may necessitate repeating courses or withdrawal from the major. The School of Theology and Ministry faculty reserves the right to request the withdrawal of any student who in its judgment fails to satisfy the standards of Christian character, moral integrity, and social fitness required for a professional minister.
Wesleyan Students
Students anticipating future service in The Wesleyan Church should include Wesleyan Church History/Discipline (REL-431) among their elective courses. The Christian Ministries and Pastoral Ministries majors are specifically designed to meet all the academic requirements for ordination in The Wesleyan Church. Any deviation from the course requirements should be approved in writing by both the Dean and the Executive Director of Education and Clergy Development for The Wesleyan Church. Students who are members of The Wesleyan Church should be in contact with their District Board of Ministerial Development (DBMD) prior to applying for admission to the professional majors.
Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), www.hlcommission.org, 312-263-0456. Other accreditations and associations of Indiana Wesleyan University are available at www.indwes.edu/about/iwu-profile/accreditation.
