Bachelor of Arts in Worship and Music Studies

Music is skill, art, and worship—and it’s central to the life of the church. If you feel called to lead others in worship, Northwest University’s Bachelor of Arts in Worship and Music Studies can serve as your worship leadership degree pathway, integrating music, theology, and hands-on ministry preparation.  

At NU, you’ll grow as both a musician and a ministry leader—whether you’re singing in an ensemble, serving in worship settings, or exploring the opportunity to develop skills in recording and production environments that can help prepare you for real-world worship ministry.

Why Study Worship Leadership at Northwest University?

Small classes + personal mentorship from instructors with academic credentials and real ministry/music experience.

Hands-on music learning with access to industry-rated recording equipment (great for worship production, songwriting, and audio fundamentals).

A Jesus-first program designed to help you integrate faith and music, viewing music as both artistic excellence and worship formation.

A one-year music ministry internship so you graduate with meaningful leadership experience—not just classroom learning.

Opportunities to participate in choirs and ensembles, building musicianship, team leadership, and worship ministry skill.

What You’ll Learn in a Worship Ministry Degree Program

This degree is built to prepare students for vocational music ministry, with outcomes that include:

  • Music theory proficiency and the ability to perform and evaluate music in contemporary and traditional worship styles.
  • A clear, biblical philosophy of ministry and theological understanding of Christian worship.
  • Core pastoral competency developed through applied ministry formation. 

Because worship leadership is both spiritual and hands-on, you’ll develop your craft while strengthening your ability to disciple, shepherd, and lead teams in healthy, Christ-centered ways.

A female student leads a worship service outside on Northwest University's campus.

Internship Opportunities: Lead Worship in Real Ministry Settings

Worship leadership is learned by doing. NU’s program includes a one-year music ministry internship, giving you structured opportunities to apply what you’re learning in a local church environment. Previous internship sites include churches in the greater Seattle area, such as, Westminster Chapel, Bethany Christian Assembly, and University Presbyterian Church. 

Common Career Paths with a Worship Leadership Degree

A bachelor’s degree in worship leadership and music ministry can prepare you to pursue roles such as:

  • Worship pastor / worship leader in a church setting
  • A helpful foundation for potential graduate study in worship studies

Note: Because worship ministry varies by context, your preparation here is designed to be transferable across many church sizes and traditions.

FAQ: Worship Leadership Degree

NU’s official degree title is the Bachelor of Arts in Worship and Music Studies, designed to prepare students for worship leadership and music ministry roles in the local church.

Yes—NU includes a one-year music ministry internship as part of the program’s hands-on preparation.

Graduates are prepared for roles such as worship pastor / worship leader; some could elect further study in worship-related graduate programs.

Yes—NU has choirs and/or ensembles as part of the program experience.

View Course Descriptions

You can explore program details such as course descriptions and graduation requirements for this program in our academic catalog.

Go to the Catalog