children

Children’s Worship Diploma

The Children's Worship Diploma is a 69 credit hour program in our School of Worship that is equivalent to an college associates degree in worship. It is designed to lay a solid foundation for leading a children's worship program in a local church. It can be taken in person on online.

For a shorter program see our Children's Worship Certificate.

If you are seeking a 4 year program of study go to our Advanced Diploma or see our Degree Paths.

Career and Ministry Opportunities

  • Children's Director
  • Children's Worship Director
  • Children's Choir Director

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 Children's Worship Diploma is $6900 + fees and books.

A Worship Degree 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 training.

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Worship Degree Paths

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.
  • Be well rounded in General Studies including Communication, Mathematics, Fine Arts, Culture and Logic
  • Understand basic music theory.
  • Have the skills necessary to lead a medium church music ministry.

It is designed for those seeking part-time employment in church ministry.  Those seeking to enter full-time Christian ministry are encouraged to obtain a 4 year degree in worship.  Due to the limited number of courses and the primary roll of music in worship, this program focuses only on music leadership.

Curriculum

General Education – 22 credits hours

Required Technology: TEC-110 Introduction to Worship Technology

Bible Core Classes – 18 credit hours

General Music – 8 credit hours

MUS-110 Music Theory I

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.

MUS-115 Ear Training I

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.

MUS-210 Music Theory II

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.

MUS-215 Ear Training II

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 – 15 credit hours

MUS-160-169 Applied Study I

2 credit hours

Individual instruction in your chosen instrument. Emphasis is placed upon technical mastery, performance preparation and literature study. An additional fee per semester is required.

MUS-120 Voice Class

2 credit hours

Study basic vocal techniques, including breathing, tone production, note reading, and fundamental vocabulary for singers. Learn healthy vocal habits.

MUS-125 Guitar Class or MUS-130 Piano Class

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.

MUS-230 Choral Conducting

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.

MUS-261-269 Applied Study II

2 credit hours

Individual instruction in your chosen instrument. Emphasis is placed upon technical mastery, performance preparation and literature study. An addition fee per semester is required. Prerequisite: MUS 101.

MUS-240-250 Ensemble Credits

3 credit hours

Select from any MUS-240 or MUS-250 course ensemble. Ensemble offerings may vary based upon available instrumentation.

MUS-260 Contemporary Worship Ensemble

1 credit hour

A contemporary worship band. Exact instrumentation may vary. Perform a wide variety of worship repertoire.

Worship – 6 credit hours

WOR-240 Children's Worship

3 credits

Students will be introduced to a variety of worship activities for youth and children, including rhythmic play, basic rhythmic instruments, songs, and circle games. Methods to encourage child participation in activities will be stressed. Music as a tool for spiritual development of children will be explored.
WOR-290 Worship Practicum

3 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.