Master of Theology (Worship)
The most advanced master’s degree in the School of Church Music and Worship, the Master of Theology (Th.M.) with a concentration in Worship allows students to gain a high level of competency in the scholarly study of Christian worship after completion of the Master of Music degree. The Th.M. enhances worship leadership practice and also serves as preparation for doctoral studies.
Entrance Requirements
The student must have completed a Master of Music in Worship Leadership, Master of Divinity, or their equivalent from an accredited seminary or divinity school with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The Th.M. with a Worship concentration assumes previous study in a worship theology core of at least six hours in worship history, congregational song, and philosophy of worship ministry. Applicants must submit a 15–20 page research paper in an area of worship studies.
International applicants must complete one of the following English Proficiency exams: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) with a minimum score of 100 on the internet-based test or 250 on the computer-based test, or DET (Duolingo English Test) with a minimum score of 120 on the internet-based test, or IELTS (International English Language Test System) with a minimum score of 7.0 on the internet-based test.
Degree Requirements
Students receive advanced instruction in research and writing methodology as well as specialized research seminars in worship theology, worship history, congregational song, and worship ministry philosophy. The program consists of a 26 -hour curriculum, including a graduate research seminar (3 hours), a reading seminar in Christian Worship (3 hours), two advanced master's electives ( 4 hours), three specialized research seminars (12 hours), and a thesis (4 hours; an additional research seminar and a comprehensive examination may be taken in place of the thesis).
All courses must be completed with a B- or better. No course with a grade below B- will count toward the 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.
Thesis
The Th.M. thesis should demonstrate the student's ability to design a viable research project, pursue the research with relative independence, and write with clarity and force. An acceptable thesis should go beyond the description of data and include critical evaluation and interpretive judgment. The thesis must address a topic in worship studies. The thesis supervisor is the program supervisor unless other arrangements are made in consultation with the program supervisor.
The Research and Writing Seminar must be taken prior to Thesis Writing. Guidelines for thesis submission may be obtained from the program supervisor. The student should work closely with the thesis supervisor throughout all stages of thesis work.
Non-Thesis Track Students pursuing the non-thesis track will take an additional research seminar and must pass a comprehensive examination in worship studies during the final semester of study.
Transfer Credit
Up to four advanced elective hours may transfer from the Southwestern Master of Music in Worship Leadership into the Th.M.
Up to six seminar hours may transfer from the Th.M. into the Southwestern Ph.D. in Church Music and Worship.
Time Limit
All requirements, including the thesis, must be completed within three years of entrance into the program.
Additional Information
For additional information about the Master of Theology with a concentration in Worship, contact Dr. Charles Lewis, program supervisor.
Master of Theology (Worship) |
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|---|---|---|
Course Title |
Course Number |
Hours |
| Graduate Research Seminar | ||
| Research and Writing in Church Music and Worship | WORSP 5503 | 3 |
| Reading Seminar | ||
| Survey of Christian Worship | WORSP 5493 | 3 |
| Concentration Studies | ||
| MMWL Elective | WORSP 4xx2 | 2 |
| MMWL Elective | WORSP 4xx2 | 2 |
| Concentration Research Seminar | WORSP 5xx 4 | 4 |
| Concentration Research Seminar | WORSP 5xx 4 | 4 |
| Concentration Research Seminar | WORSP 5xx 4 | 4 |
| Non-Thesis Track | ||
| Elective Research Seminar | WORSP 5xx 4 | 4 |
| Th.M. Comprehensive Examination | WORSP 5990 | 0 |
| Thesis Track | ||
| Th.M. Thesis in Worship | WORSP 5904 | 4 |
| Total hours | 26 | |