Worship and Sacred Music

Credential: Doctor of Worship Studies (D.W.S.)

Degree Level: Doctoral Degree

Credits: 72 total, with up to 90 transfer credits accepted

School: School of Divinity

Program Overview

The Worship and Sacred Music program at Abide University provides comprehensive education in the theology, history, and practice of Christian worship across diverse traditions. Our RCSAI-accredited curriculum integrates biblical foundations of worship with liturgical theology and contemporary worship practices.

Core Courses

  • WST 201 — Introduction to Worship and Sacred Music (3 credits)
  • WST 301 — Biblical Theology of Worship (4 credits)
  • WST 310 — History of Christian Worship (4 credits)
  • WST 320 — Liturgical Theology (4 credits)
  • WST 330 — Contemporary Worship Movements (4 credits)
  • WST 401 — Worship and Sacred Music Capstone (4 credits)
  • WST 870 — Doctoral Methods in Liturgical and Musical Research (5 credits)
  • WST 871 — Worship Evidence and Critical Performance Colloquium (5 credits)
  • WST 872 — Doctoral Dissertation in Worship and Sacred Music (21 credits)

Credit requirements

  • Core courses: 54 credits
  • Required elective credits: 18 credits

Total required: 72 credits

Elective Courses

Complete 18 credits from the options below (18 credits offered).

  • WST 410 — Sacramental Theology (3 credits)
  • WST 420 — Hymnology and Sacred Music (3 credits)
  • WST 430 — Worship Space and Sacred Architecture (3 credits)
  • WST 950 — Sound, Space, and Liturgical Experience (3 credits)
  • WST 951 — Archives of Sacred Music and Worship (3 credits)
  • WST 952 — Comparative Liturgical Music Traditions (3 credits)

Admission Requirements

  • Master's degree in theology or related field with research experience
  • High school diploma with interest in worship and theology
  • Active involvement in church worship ministry
  • Personal commitment to Christian faith
  • Pastoral recommendation from church leadership

Degree Levels in Worship and Sacred Music