Purpose & Distinctives
The Master of Arts in Worship Studies (MA/WS) is a specialized institutional graduate degree offered by Timothy Training International.
Rooted firmly in local church realities, the MA/WS is not designed for professional musical or performance training. Instead, it equips pastors, church staff, and worship leaders to deeply explore biblical worship theology, liturgy, and pastoral renewal.
Developing Authentic, Theologically Grounded Worship Leaders:
The objective is to cultivate authentic worshipers and visionary leaders who possess solid biblical grounding, deep theological reflection, and historical liturgical perspective. Coursework explores the rich heritage of Christian worship, sacraments (Baptism and the Lord's Supper), and spiritual formation in worship ministry.
Target Audience & Prerequisites
Designed for full-time or bi-vocational church workers holding an associate, bachelor's, or equivalent degree.
Applicants must have at least two years of active ministry or worship leadership experience (including preaching, teaching, choir directing, instrumental accompaniment, or worship leading).
Delivery Format: Modular intensive seminars and digital online courses taught by premier international worship scholars.
Curriculum Framework & Requirements (60 Credits)
Composed of 6 core modules, including 16 credits of specialized worship theology. Credits valid up to 7 years.
| Curriculum Module & Course Details |
Credits |
| 1. Foundational Courses (3 Credits) |
| Theological Reading & Critical Reflection (ID5110) |
1 |
| Theological Research & Academic Writing (ID5120) |
1 |
| Sermon Preparation (ID5130) or Teaching Preparation (ID5140) |
1 |
| 2. Biblical Foundations (15 Credits) |
| Old Testament Survey (OT5000) |
4 |
| New Testament Survey (NT5000) |
4 |
| Hermeneutics & Biblical Interpretation (HBL5000) |
4 |
| Inductive Bible Study Method & Practice (HBL5090) |
2 |
| Introduction to Lectio Divina (HBL5001) |
1 |
| 3. Worship Concentration Courses (16 Credits) |
| Introduction to Worship Theology (WS5010) |
4 |
| Sunday Worship Renewal: Principles & Practice (WS6310) |
4 |
| Church, Worship & Spiritual Formation (WS6220) |
4 |
| Theology of Baptism & the Lord's Supper (WS6410) |
4 |
| 4. Theology & Church History (12 Credits) |
| Systematic Theology |
4 |
| Church History: New Testament to Modern Era (CH5020) |
4 |
| World Religions & Cultural Engagement (MI6702) |
4 |
| 5. Practical Theology & Leadership (12 Credits) |
| Biblical Book Study (Must include at least one OT or NT book course) + Missions/Counseling/Education |
8 |
| Pastoral Core: Spiritual Formation (PM5010) & Intentional Discipleship (PM6100) |
4 |
| 6. Supervised Ministry Practicum (2 Credits) |
| Supervised Ministry Practicum I (PM6901) |
2 |
| Total Credits Required for Graduation |
60 Credits |
8 Key Academic Guidelines & Policies
1. Non-Bachelor Applicant Evaluation
Applicants without a bachelor's degree will be evaluated for prerequisite credit requirements (contact admissions at ruxuezu@timotai.org).
2. Returning Student Credit Transfer
Existing coursework may be evaluated toward degree candidacy via the registrar (jiaowuzu@timotai.org).
3. Mandatory 3 Foundational Courses
ID5110, ID5120, and ID5130/5140 are mandatory prerequisites assessing academic readiness.
4. Standard Bible Contents Test Waiver
Passing students may substitute survey courses with advanced book studies.
5. Practicum Prerequisites
Practicum I (PM6901) requires 40 credits: 3 foundational, 15 biblical, and 22 degree course credits.
6. Program Time Limit
Course credits are valid for up to 7 years from matriculation.
7. Minimum Graduation GPA
Minimum GPA is 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (3.3 for associate degree admits without extra credits).
8. Practical Theology & Bible Book Policy
Electives must include at least one OT or NT book course; PM5010 and PM6100 are core requirements.