Master of Arts in Church Music

The Master of Arts in Church Music (M.A.C.M.) is designed to provide essential musical training integrated with a broad study in church music and worship. Additionally, the degree provides a strong foundation in biblical and theological studies. Students who successfully complete the M.A.C.M. are prepared to serve the local church, missions, or concert hall, or pursue additional graduate studies in church music. Church music is the major on the M.A.C.M. with students choosing an applied area in voice, piano, or guitar. A student who begins the M.A.C.M. degree program may opt to complete the Master of Music in Church Music instead of the M.A.C.M. as outlined below.

The M.A.C.M. degree is not considered preparation for doctoral study (D.M.A.). An M.A.C.M. student wishing to pursue a doctoral degree at Southwestern Seminary will be expected to complete the requirements for the Master of Music degree.

All students in the School of Church Music and Worship are required to minister in the music program of a local church or organization during the time they are enrolled in their degree programs.

Entrance Requirement

This degree is intended for students with at least a Bachelor of Arts in Music. However, it also provides a clear pathway for students who do not have an undergraduate degree in music through a required sequence of leveling courses.

Students without an undergraduate degree in music will be required to complete leveling courses, including music theory and musicianship (4 semesters for a total of 16 hours), music history (3 semesters for a total of 6 hours), applied studies including a 30-minute recital (4 semesters for a total of 9 hours), conducting (2 hours), ensembles (4 semesters for a total of 2 hours), and a pedagogy course in their applied area (2 hours). All leveling courses may be taken at Southwestern. Those students who have completed some undergraduate coursework in music can apply that toward leveling requirements on the basis of auditions and placement examinations.

Applied Area

Students will choose an applied area of study from voice, piano, or guitar, pending approval on the basis of an audition before the appropriate faculty.

All students, regardless of their applied area, will be required to pass a voice proficiency and a piano proficiency as soon as possible in their course of study.

Grades

M.A.C.M. students must maintain an overall grade point average of 2.00.

Time Limit

The Master of Arts in Church Music normally requires a minimum of four semesters for completion excluding leveling courses. The Master of Arts in Church Music degree must be completed within a period of seven years from the time of admission. Extensions may be granted to students who are serving in an international mission field.

Comprehensive Examinations

Written and oral comprehensive examinations are required to complete the degree and are normally given about four to six weeks before graduation. If the student does not pass the comprehensive examinations, they may be retaken.

To be permitted to take comprehensive examinations, the M.A.C.M. student must satisfy the following requirements:

Passing of voice and piano proficiencies before registering for comprehensive examinations
Satisfactory completion of preliminary M.A.C.M. recital
Satisfactory completion of all music courses (or concurrent enrollment in all remaining courses)
Attainment of required grade point average (2.00)
Enrollment in M.A.C.M. Comprehensive Examinations (MUMST 4980)