Overview
Description
The Worship Leadership Certificate is a 37 credit hour program in our School of Worship designed to introduce you to the primary skills necessary to lead a worship program in a local church. The Worship Leadership Certificate is available online and in person. For more advanced studies see our Worship Leadership Diploma.
If you are seeking a 4 year program of study go to our Advanced Diploma or see our Degree Paths.
Worship Certificate Career and Ministry Opportunities
- Church Staff - Worship Leader, Worship Director, Worship Pastor (Depending on the type and size of the program, this may require more training), Choir Director
- Lay Ministry – Worship Musician, Choir Member, Deacon/Elder of Worship
Program Goals
Upon graduation, the student will
- Have a general knowledge of the Bible and its doctrines.
- Understand how to develop a growing relationship with God, in Christ, through the Spirit.
- Understand basic music theory.
- Have the skills necessary to lead a small church music ministry.
Cost
No Debt Worship Major
Our tuition is $200 per credit, so your annual cost (based on 24 credits) is only $4,800. All students receive a Vanguard Scholarship of $100 per credit, reducing your annual tuition to only $2,400. The total cost for the Worship Leadership Certificate is $3,700 + fees and books.
A Worship Major is only available at a private christain college so compare our tuition to the national average private non-profit four year college tuition of over $30,000. We believe we are the most affordable option for college level worship arts training online or in person.
Related Content:
Do I need a Worship Degree to get a position in a church?
Worship Degree Paths
Curriculum
Online or In-Person
Core Bible and Theology – 12 credit hours
General Music – 8 credit hours
3 credit hours
Study of simple four part harmony. Learn figured bass, chord symbols, cadences, non-harmonic tones, voice-leading, dominant seventh chords and harmonic progression. Prerequisite: MUS-105 or permission of instructor. To be taken concurrently with MUS-115.
1 credit hour
Learn to sing and dictate all intervals and scales. Identify major and minor triads. Develop rhythm awareness. To be taken concurrently with MUS-110.
3 credit hours
Continued study of four-part harmony through writing and analysis of music literature. Further study of seventh chords as well as secondary and leading-tone chords. Learn procedures of modulation, how to realize figured bass, chord symbols and transposition for various instruments. Prerequisite: MUS 110.
1 credit hour
Continued study of sight-singing and dictation. Learn to dictate in four parts. Continued study of rhythm. Sight-singing in modes and tenor and alto clef. Prerequisite: MUS-115. To be taken concurrent with MUS-210.
Performance – 7 credit hours
2 credit hours
Study basic vocal techniques, including breathing, tone production, note reading, and fundamental vocabulary for singers. Learn healthy vocal habits.
3 credit hours
An introduction to the basic conducting techniques with an emphasis on application in a choral setting. Master the standard beat patterns, learn to communicate cues, tempo, dynamics and mood.
Guitar Class
2 credit hours
Study basic acoustic guitar techniques, including tuning, strumming, picking, reading chord symbols, using a capo, and the most common chord progressions.
Piano Class
2 credit hours
Study basic piano techniques, including two hand coordination, five-finger patterns, scales, triad playing, reading chord symbols, pedaling and the most common chord progressions.
Worship – 7 credit hours
3 credits
Learn how to have an effective worship rehearsal. Learn how to prepare for rehearsal, techniques for an effective rehearsal, characteristics and uses of each of the main instruments in a standard rhythm section, and characteristics of various contemporary music styles. Prerequisite: MUS-110
2 credit hours
Apply worship training in a real-world setting. Build practical skill and gain experience through work in a professional setting. Church or para-church ministry settings will be given priority.
2 credit hours
Learn how to administrate a worship ministry. Tools and techniques for organizing and communicating with volunteers and pastoral staff. Learn the basic skills necessary to run a smooth worship ministry.
Elective – 2-3 credit hours
3 credit hours
Study the principles of leadership as applied to the church setting. Develop personal skills in self-management, budgeting, planning, organizing, recruiting and supervising volunteers, discerning vision for and ministry and leading deliberative bodies.