Overview
Lead in worship with an expertise in business management
Study in two disciplines to create a dynamic master’s degree with broad application in ministry
Unique to Trevecca—no other college, university or seminary offers this degree—the Master of Arts in worship and business management degree gives students practical training in worship, while also equipping them to bring business expertise to the roles they serve in churches, church plants, parachurch ministries, Christian schools and nonprofit organizations. All classes are delivered 100 percent online.
Worship pastors—or those who oversee other worship initiatives—are called to wisely implement theologically-sound elements such as music, liturgical or responsive readings, faith-based theatrical performances or even worship-focused devotional materials. Often, they are additionally tasked with responsibilities that require business acumen and administration of finances, budgeting and accounting.
The Master of Arts in worship and business management specifically prepares students called to worship ministry with additional business management skills, so that they are ready to work bivocationally or assume multiple roles, including worship pastor, administrative pastor, business manager or operations manager.
Located in the heart of Music City, just minutes from downtown Nashville, Trevecca is the ideal place to study worship and business. With access to some of the most accomplished experts working in music, worship and business today, Trevecca brings these two disciplines together to create a one-of-a-kind program.
This degree answers a call from those currently serving in ministry positions who voice two strategic needs in the church, parachurch and business communities:
- Equip full-time vocational pastors already schooled in music in areas needed for part-time lay and/or full-time vocation in the business community; and
- Equip part-time worship pastors in areas of worship theology and principles for business management.
Creative, innovative, yet highly relevant to churches and ministries today, this degree features a complete and balanced educational experience in both disciplines. Graduates will leave with a unique skill set that includes both congregational shepherding and strong business management.
Objectives of the program
- Equip the student as a worship and business management expert
- Acquaint the student with two similar but different, collaborative but independent, disciplines of study
- Prepare the student for college-level teaching opportunities in worship studies and business management
- Formulate a biblical and theological philosophy of worship
- Evaluate ministry needs in a worship ministry
- Assess the strengths and weaknesses of a balanced worship ministry
- Synthesize and apply the functional areas of business to meet organizational goals
- Make effective and appropriate business management decisions for the organizations in which they lead
What to expect
- The program is offered 100 percent online, with books and materials delivered to your front door. You will complete the entire degree remotely. Online students work with a learning cohort throughout the program, taking one class at a time. Finish the program in 20 months with a master’s degree in hand.
- Our faculty members have impressive backgrounds, credentials and real-world experience in both worship and business management.
- Students will learn from full-time and adjunct faculty members, including Grammy- and Dove-Award winning songwriters and music producers, former executives for Christian music record labels, former worship directors for some of the nation’s largest megachurches and parachurch ministries, former deans of schools of music across the country and best selling authors of multiple books on worship.
- Because of our location in Music City, Trevecca has great relationships with many talented and experienced worship and business professionals in Nashville and the surrounding areas. Students will be able to learn from these accomplished individuals as they deliver guest lectures in classes throughout the program.
Faculty
News
Core Classes
Worship Ministry Dynamics and Relationships
MWL 5000
An examination of the various roles of the worship leader and how they relate to pastoral staff dynamics. Special emphasis will be given to the relationship between the worship leader and senior pastor. Also considered are the relationship dynamics between the worship leader and other staff members, as well as between worship leader and the congregation.
Worship in the Old and New Testaments
MWL 5010
An exploration of the understanding and practices of worship in the Old and New Testaments. Special attention is given to various shifts in how the people of God have understood God, the Church, salvation, and the church-culture intersection with respect to worship.
History of Worship in the Christian Church
MWL 5020
A study of worship in the early Christian church up to the present day with special attention given to the constants and transformations in Christian worship.
Theology of Christian Worship
MWL 5030
An exploration of the theological meaning and content of Christian worship and their implications for the practices of worship including Christian time, space, proclamation, prayer and scripture, and music, as well as evangelism and discipleship.
Spiritual Formation of the Worship Leader
MWL 5201
A study in heritage, theology and practices of Christian spiritual formation as a means of grace and applied to the ministry of worship leading.
Church Leadership and Contemporary Issues in Worship
MWL 6080
An examination of basic principles and models of leadership and administration specifically within the Christian Church. Special attention will be given to vision and guidance in navigating the local church including team building skills, the use of technology, and contemporary trends and issues related to worship.
Foundations for Graduate Business Studies
BUS 5900
This course will cover topics needed for success in a graduate business program including critical thinking, oral and written communication, research, and analysis skills. PREREQUISITE: The course must be passed with a C or better before any other MBA courses may be taken.
Introduction to Graduate Business Studies
BUS 6000
This course will introduce students to the key topics of business. Students will cover all the areas addressed in the Trevecca MBA program including: leadership, organizational behavior, statistics, economics, ethics, organizational culture, IT management, accounting, finance, and marketing. PREREQUISITE: The course must be passed with a C or better before any other MBA courses may be taken.
Marketing Management
MKT 4150
Designed to provide an in-depth examination of marketing environments and the impact marketing activities have on organizational operations in competitive, global, multicultural business settings. It discusses both domestic and international frameworks of the fundamental marketing functions of product, pricing, distribution and promotion. Modern marketing problems are explored and analyzed from conceptual, legal, and ethical perspectives and alternatives are developed from a cross-functional perspective. Marketing information systems and the use of advanced technologies in marketing decision-making are also studied.
Organizational Behavior and Leadership
BUS 5013
Serves as the foundation for many of the proceeding courses in the program by providing a survey of key management theories and terminology. While contemporary conceptualizations of management are discussed, classical approaches are also examined. Special emphasis is placed in leadership, motivation, culture, team-building and organizational communication.
IT Strategy in Business
ITI 5700
This course focuses on the many managerial and technical problems confronting the management of information technology (IT) resources. It is designed to equip the manager with an understanding of the strategic, tactical, and operational planning of an information technology organization. It provides an introduction to managing IT as a resource that creates business value. Using cases and research, students will discover how to determine what comprises a good IT investment portfolio. Students will also be introduced to a variety of IT governance structures and will focus on the important components to be considered when determining how one will govern an organization's information technology needs and resources. Key components to be considered include alignment of IT with the business, responsibility and accountability in the use of resources, consideration of risk and business continuance, and organizational compliance and performance.
Leadership and Strategic Planning for Servant Leaders
BUS 6200
The course surveys models and best practices for organizational strategic planning, including a leader’s role in the planning process and implementation of the plan at various operational levels. Various methods for analyzing and solving problems, as well as decision-making strategies, are examined for utilization as change in an organization’s operations becomes necessary. Using the servant-leadership model, learners will discern how to serve others while staying focused on achieving results in line with the organization's values and integrity.
Accounting and Finance for Managers
BUS 6015
Students are introduced to basic concepts of financial and managerial accounting and business finance. The first half of the course focuses on accounting, while the second portion covers finance. Accrual accounting, the accounting equation and the financial statements required by generally accepted accounting principles comprise the financial accounting portion. Managerial accounting topics include manufacturing/product costs such as direct labor, direct material and overhead as well as fixed and variable costs. Business finance includes an introduction to financial statement ratio analysis, time value of money concepts and basic capital budgeting techniques.
Program Details
Total Credit Hours
36
Program Length
20 months
Mode
Online
Additional Information
This degree features a complete and balanced educational experience in both worship ministry and business management.
Students will study:
- worship in the Old and New testaments
- history, theology and practical application of worship
- spiritual formation
- contemporary issues in worship
- marketing
- accounting and finance for managers
- organizational behavior and leadership
- strategy for servant leaders
- internet technology strategy for business
Students will have the opportunity to:
- Create a new, marketable portfolio as a worship practitioner and business professional
- Develop and demonstrate professional competencies in both worship and business management
- Expand their skills in both worship and business to equip them for broader ministry and service
- Prepare for teaching college-level undergraduate courses in both worship studies or business management
- Apply for admission into most post-graduate doctoral programs
Outcomes/Careers
Graduates with a Master of Arts in worship and business management will be prepared to serve in multiple areas of ministry and business.
This program is ideal for students who:
- Are already serving in a worship ministry position for a church, church plant, parachurch ministry, nonprofit organization or other Christian setting but desire to expand their practical knowledge in both worship and business
- Want to become more equipped for work and service in both worship and business
- Want to teach worship or business courses at the college level
Graduates of this program will be equipped to work in any of the following:
- Worship leader and administrative pastor
- Part-time worship pastor (lay-worship pastor role)
- Business manager in a large, megachurch worship program
- Business manager for a large school of music or school of worship
- Business manager with a corporation who desires to also serve as a worship leader
- Worship leader who manages financial aspects of church, parachurch ministry or non-profit organization’s operations
Location/Modes
Online
Trevecca’s Master of Arts in worship and business management program is 100 percent online. We know that life is hectic, and you may not have time to attend class on campus. Targeted toward the busy working professional, this degree is offered one class at a time, any time—24/7. Classes are taught online through our learning management system, Blackboard. Additionally, books and materials are delivered to your front door.
And when we say the degree is entirely online, we mean it. With the way our program is structured, you never have to step foot on campus—not even once! Students are welcome to participate and celebrate in graduation ceremonies on campus.
With our online degree programs, you can expect the same level of quality and rigor that Trevecca has provided students since 1901. Our online students also benefit from a cohort model, where students begin and complete their degree alongside a group of other online classmates working toward similar goals.
Financial Aid and Costs
| Tuition | Credit Hours | Program Length | Tuition Costs |
| $463/credit hour | 36 | 20 months | $16,668 |
*$50 fee assessed per course. Books are not included
Is it worth the money?
Holding a master's degree often leads to higher pay and more opportunities for advancement within your field! According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Median weekly earnings in 2018 for those with the highest levels of educational attainment—doctoral and professional degrees—were more than triple those with the lowest level, less than a high school diploma.”
What are my options for financial aid?
- Federal loans are available to all eligible students who complete a FAFSA.
- Many employers offer tuition reimbursement opportunities.
- Monthly payments through Trevecca make fulfilling tuition requirements more manageable.
- Military benefits such as Yellow Ribbon and GI Bills are accepted.
How do I qualify?
- Fill out your FAFSA. Based on your income, you will know how much federal financial aid you are eligible to receive.
- Talk to your employer about tuition reimbursement opportunities
- For military benefits, find out more by visiting our military page or contacting MilitaryHelp@trevecca.edu.
Admissions
Getting Started
- Complete the online application (it's free!). No GRE or GMAT scores required
Need help applying? Read the step-by-step instructions here! - Fill out FAFSA to be considered for financial aid.
- Request official transcripts from your undergraduate institution.
Admissions Requirements
- Have earned a bachelor's degree from an institution accredited by a CHEA-recognized regional accrediting agency or the Association for Biblical Higher Education. Students who do not meet these degree requirements may be conditionally accepted in accordance with the Conditional Admission Policy
- 2.5 cumulative minimum GPA for all prior coursework
- Provide photocopy of government-issued identification (e.g., driver's license, state ID, military ID, passport). This requirement ensures that Trevecca complies with the U.S. Department of Education expectations for student verification.
Not sure if you meet the admissions requirements? We’re here to help! Fill out the form to be connected with an enrollment counselor who will walk with you every step of the way during the admissions process.
FAQs
Do I need to have an undergraduate degree in music or business in order to be admitted?
Can I take this degree on campus, as opposed to online delivery?
May I transfer into this program graduate credits from another institution?
Can I use this to go into a Master of Divinity program?
How do most people use this degree?
What if I’m from a different denomination; is that accepted?
Can I obtain this degree if I don’t have a worship or biblical background?
Can I complete this quicker than 20 months?
How many hours per week are spent on classwork?
How is this program taught? Projects? Papers? Recorded teacher videos?
Why doesn't Trevecca require the GRE?
What are the technology requirements for this program?
Overview
Lead in worship with an expertise in business management
Study in two disciplines to create a dynamic master’s degree with broad application in ministry
Unique to Trevecca—no other college, university or seminary offers this degree—the Master of Arts in worship and business management degree gives students practical training in worship, while also equipping them to bring business expertise to the roles they serve in churches, church plants, parachurch ministries, Christian schools and nonprofit organizations. All classes are delivered 100 percent online.
Worship pastors—or those who oversee other worship initiatives—are called to wisely implement theologically-sound elements such as music, liturgical or responsive readings, faith-based theatrical performances or even worship-focused devotional materials. Often, they are additionally tasked with responsibilities that require business acumen and administration of finances, budgeting and accounting.
The Master of Arts in worship and business management specifically prepares students called to worship ministry with additional business management skills, so that they are ready to work bivocationally or assume multiple roles, including worship pastor, administrative pastor, business manager or operations manager.
Located in the heart of Music City, just minutes from downtown Nashville, Trevecca is the ideal place to study worship and business. With access to some of the most accomplished experts working in music, worship and business today, Trevecca brings these two disciplines together to create a one-of-a-kind program.
This degree answers a call from those currently serving in ministry positions who voice two strategic needs in the church, parachurch and business communities:
- Equip full-time vocational pastors already schooled in music in areas needed for part-time lay and/or full-time vocation in the business community; and
- Equip part-time worship pastors in areas of worship theology and principles for business management.
Creative, innovative, yet highly relevant to churches and ministries today, this degree features a complete and balanced educational experience in both disciplines. Graduates will leave with a unique skill set that includes both congregational shepherding and strong business management.
Objectives of the program
- Equip the student as a worship and business management expert
- Acquaint the student with two similar but different, collaborative but independent, disciplines of study
- Prepare the student for college-level teaching opportunities in worship studies and business management
- Formulate a biblical and theological philosophy of worship
- Evaluate ministry needs in a worship ministry
- Assess the strengths and weaknesses of a balanced worship ministry
- Synthesize and apply the functional areas of business to meet organizational goals
- Make effective and appropriate business management decisions for the organizations in which they lead
What to expect
- The program is offered 100 percent online, with books and materials delivered to your front door. You will complete the entire degree remotely. Online students work with a learning cohort throughout the program, taking one class at a time. Finish the program in 20 months with a master’s degree in hand.
- Our faculty members have impressive backgrounds, credentials and real-world experience in both worship and business management.
- Students will learn from full-time and adjunct faculty members, including Grammy- and Dove-Award winning songwriters and music producers, former executives for Christian music record labels, former worship directors for some of the nation’s largest megachurches and parachurch ministries, former deans of schools of music across the country and best selling authors of multiple books on worship.
- Because of our location in Music City, Trevecca has great relationships with many talented and experienced worship and business professionals in Nashville and the surrounding areas. Students will be able to learn from these accomplished individuals as they deliver guest lectures in classes throughout the program.