African American Worship Studies
The Master of Arts in African American worship studies combines ministry training with thoughtful and practical ways to serve the Black church. This pioneering program equips students to serve in a variety of worship-related ministry roles through its focus on spiritual formation, discipleship, ministry application, team building, personal disciplines, theology and leadership principles.
Trevecca’s Master of Arts in African American worship studies equips worship leaders with insight and tools to encourage, engage and edify the African American church, combining effective worship ministry training with practical ways to serve.
Program Benefits
- Complete your degree in 18–20 months.
- Continue to work and focus on your other priorities while earning your degree, taking one course at a time with all materials delivered to you.
- Utilize a built-in support system and complete your degree alongside others who are working toward similar goals.
- Enjoy the collaborative learning environments fostered by our innovative academic community.
- Learn from a dynamic mix of African American faculty and leading educators, pastors, musicians, composers, theologians, artists and professional practitioners.
What to Expect
The Master of Arts in African American worship and leadership studies combines ministry training with thoughtful and practical ways to serve the Black church. The curriculum spans worship, theology, biblical studies, the history of African American worship and contemporary leadership dynamics. Through robust training, students learn how to create and cultivate a thriving community culture that encourages authentic worship and effective leadership. Other focal points include time management; team building; the pastor/worship pastor relationship; and leadership issues confronting Black churches.
As part of the curricular experience, students develop an e-portfolio that showcases their cumulative academic work. The e-portfolio is designed to be a practical resource that will enrich a student's ministerial applications throughout his or her career.
Why Choose Trevecca?
Founded in 1901 and a leader in online education for more than two decades, Trevecca helps students discover and pursue an individual calling by providing innovative instruction; cultivating a supportive, Christ-centered community; and establishing relationships that open doors.
Recognized nationally and locally for academic quality, Trevecca has earned a reputation for providing the world with servant leaders, problem solvers and difference makers. Trevecca’s holistic approach to education encompasses intellectual, social, emotional, physical and spiritual growth.
This degree is offered through Trevecca's Center for African American Worship Studies, led by Dr. Stephen Newby, an accomplished composer, worship leader and musician with more than 20 years of experience in the Black church community.

Course Descriptions
Get details on all the courses you’ll complete as you work toward this degree at Trevecca.
Read MoreHere’s a look at the approximate tuition rates you could expect for this program at Trevecca, including the cost per credit hour and the total tuition expense for the full degree program. Please note that rates and fees are subject to change.
Here’s a look at the approximate tuition rates you could expect for this program at Trevecca, including the cost per credit hour and the total tuition expense for the full degree program. Please note that rates and fees are subject to change.
Cost/Credit Hour$463 |
Hours36 |
Tuition Cost*$16,668 |
*$150 Student Resource Fee assessed per course. Books are not included.
- Admissions
- Program Specifics
- E-portfolio
Admission Requirements
Trevecca Nazarene University assesses the Graduate Worship applicants on the basis of evidence submitted via application documentation. Applications will be processed upon receipt of all required materials. To be admitted into one of the Graduate Worship programs, an applicant must meet these requirements:
- Submit an online application.
- Have earned a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution, with a cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale. All hours from regionally accredited institutions will be considered in calculating the cumulative GPA. Applicants must submit one official transcript from the college or university where the bachelor's degree was conferred. Transcripts should be sent by mail or fax to the Admissions, Trevecca Nazarene University, 333 Murfreesboro Road, Nashville, TN 37210.
The purpose of this program is to equip worship practitioners already serving as musicians in African American churches in the areas of spiritual formation, discipleship, ministry application, team building, personal disciplines, theology and leadership principles. We seek to prepare students to engage in the following ways upon graduation:
- Articulate a worship philosophy and ministry strategy for the African American worship community based of biblical, theological foundations of worship.
- Synthesize principles of critical contextualization applicable to current issues confronting worship leaders in the African American tradition.
- Develop literature and research methodologies applicable to worship professionals in the African American worship tradition.
- Evaluate ministry needs.
- Assess the strengths and weaknesses of a balanced worship ministry.
As part of the curriculum, students will develop a cumulative e-portfolio that can be used in future ministry opportunities such as applying for a new position or teaching. The portfolio will include sample work from each course. It is designed to give prospective employers a greater understanding of the student’s abilities as it will showcase the individual’s collective best academic work in worship.
Career Opportunities
With a Master of Arts in African American worship and leadership studies, you’ll be equipped to serve in multiple ministerial, directing or teaching roles like these.
- Worship pastor
- Administrative or associate pastor
- Children’s or student ministry director
- Multimedia church pastor
- Student worship pastor
- Orchestra director
- Parachurch worship ministry director or staff member
- College instructor in worship or leadership studies at the undergraduate level
Many students complete this degree as a bridge to the Doctor of Education in leadership (Ed.D.) program.
Course Descriptions
Get details on all the courses you’ll complete as you work toward this degree at Trevecca.*
Cohort Schedule
View a sample schedule of the courses you will be taking when you enroll.
Worship Ministry Dynamics and Relationships
MWL 5000
Worship in the Old and New Testaments
MWL 5010
History of Worship in the Christian Church
MWL 5020
Theology of Christian Worship
MWL 5030
Spiritual Formation of the Worship Leader
MWL 5201
Church Leadership and Contemporary Issues in Worship
MWL 6080
Introduction to African American Worship Studies
MWL 6031
Spiritual Formation for the African American Leader
MWL 6032
Contemporary Trends in African American Worship
MWL 6033
History of African American Worship
MWL 6034
Leadership and Team Building in the African American Community
MWL 6035
Human Imagination in African American Leadership
MWL 6036
*For a complete list of courses, tracks and other relevant information, view the program's course catalog.