Worship and Music (MA) | Online
Cairn University’s online MA in Music and Worship prepares church musicians and ministry professionals through a robust study of worship theology and history, paired with an industry-leading, practical study of music technology delivered in a fully online format.
The program blends rigorous theological training with advanced musical skills to lead impactful worship ministries in diverse church settings.
Why Cairn University?
The Master of Arts in Worship and Music degree from Cairn University equips you for worship ministry in the church with expert musical instruction and a gospel-centered theological education as you learn to lead worship in multiple contexts. With an emphasis on technology and production, you will be equipped for a variety of positions and organizations, including local churches, conferences, and camps. Highlights include:
- A Christ-centered curriculum equipping you for worship ministry.
- Study under faculty who are both highly credentialed musicians and experienced worship leaders.
- Pursue your degree while while you work 100% online.
- Access to a network of peers and professors.
- Study at a university that has taught Bible and theology for over 100 years and has been NASM-accredited since 1972.
- Complete a Capstone Project consisting of four songs, arranged and produced to demonstrate skills acquired in the program.
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Get an inside look at our Worship and Music Master of Arts Program
The MA in Worship and Music program at Cairn University is a 39 credit program. Our biblically grounded curriculum, accredited by NASM, features 7-week courses, virtual collaborations with expert faculty, and a capstone project. The program requires:
Bible/Theology Courses: 6 credits
Core Curriculum Courses: 27 credits
Specialization & Elective Courses: 6 credits
Learn more:
Total credits: 39
Core Curriculum Courses:
- MUS 601 – Advanced Worship Technology Credits: 3
- MUS 602 – Leading Ensembles in the Local Church Credits: 3
- MUS 603 – Research in Worship and Music Credits: 3
- MUS 604 – Applied Ethnomusicology in Worship Credits: 3
- MUS 605 – Advanced Contemporary Arranging for Worship Credits: 3
- MUS 606 – African American Worship Credits: 3
- MUS 607 – Planning Worship Theologically Credits: 3
- MUS 651 – Biblical Foundations of Worship Credits: 3
- MUS 691 – Worship and Ministry Project Credits: 3
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In this program, students will:
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge through research and coursework related to the historical, practical, theological, and biblical understanding of worship in the Christian church.
- Construct, plan, organize, and write on original research on topics related to worship ministry in the evangelical church.
- Demonstrate an ability to manage and lead with character a complex music ministry within an evangelical context.
- Present, arrange, compose, and record music using current music technology that is related to a modern music ministry context in the evangelical church.
- Appraise what makes a quality, gospel-centered, culturally, and historically informed worship service in a Christian and evangelical context.
- Formulate a comprehensive philosophy of worship, life, and ministry.
Graduates of Cairn University’s online MA in Music and Worship can pursue various career paths that combine theological insight, musical expertise, and leadership skills. Here are some key roles:
- Worship Pastor/Leader: Direct music and worship services in churches, blending musical performance with spiritual leadership to foster meaningful congregational worship.
- Church Music Director: Oversee music programs, including choirs, bands, and ensembles, while coordinating worship services and rehearsals.
- Creative Arts Pastor: Lead broader creative ministries, integrating music, drama, and visual arts to enhance worship experiences.
- Songwriter/Composer for Worship: Create original congregational songs, hymns, or arrangements for church services, recording, or publication.
- Christian Education Director: Develop and lead programs that integrate music and worship into educational ministries within churches or Christian schools.
- Music Ministry Consultant: Advise churches on worship planning, music selection, and program development to align with theological and cultural goals.
- Freelance Worship Artist: Perform, teach, or lead workshops at churches, conferences, or retreats, focusing on worship music and leadership.
- Academic Instructor: Teach music and worship courses at Christian colleges, seminaries, or community programs, often requiring further study (e.g., doctorate).
These roles can be pursued in various settings, including local churches, parachurch organizations, or Christian institutions, with flexibility for full-time, part-time, or bivocational work. The degree’s emphasis on theology and practical skills also supports entrepreneurial paths, such as starting a worship-focused ministry or media production.
The School of Music has also received programmatic accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Music.
Cairn Online has been approved to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), which regionally oversees postsecondary online education.
Cairn Online programs rank amongst the most affordable online bachelor’s and master’s programs.
Cairn University strives to keep tuition costs affordable despite providing a rigorous education. Courses are taught by Cairn faculty and not TAs.
The tuition rate for the 2026-2027 academic year for full-time status (6 credits per semester) is $580/credit. Additional details on fees and part-time status are available on this page.
Christian school educators and employees may be eligible for the $400/credit discounted rate upon verification of employment. Cairn University also partners with many organizations and offers tuition discounts. Please contact us to find out if your organization has a partnership with Cairn University.
Additional information on scholarships, grants, and loans is available from this page.
All Cairn University students must have professed a faith in Jesus Christ as Savior as evidenced by providing a personal testimony that details this faith. By submitting an application, students acknowledge the University’s doctrinal position and standards of conduct as outlined in the
Foundational Statements.
Below are additional requirements:
- Application:
Submit the Application for Admission along with the $25 non-refundable fee.
Apply today using code faithmatters and we will waive the fee. - Transcripts: Order official transcripts for all conferred degrees to be sent to Cairn University.
- Personal Testimony:
Describe your conversion to Christ, spiritual growth, and church involvement. (minimum 500 words)
Audition:
- Pass an audition conducted online or in person.
Review audition requirements.
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Featured Faculty
Scott Watson, DMA
Faculty, School of Music
Dr. Scott Watson, before coming to Cairn, was a band director and music teacher in the Parkland School District (Allentown, PA) and taught music theory at Temple University. His award-winning music has been performed at the Philadelphia Academy of Music, the Midwest Band & Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, and the White House. His book, Using Technology to Unlock Musical Creativity, is published by Oxford University Press.
Scott and his wife, Kim, have two adult children, Benjamin and Abigail, who are both music teachers themselves. The Watsons attend Cedar Crest Bible Fellowship Church, where Scott plays keyboard in the worship team. Whenever he can get away, you can find Scott with his family “down the shore” visiting his parents in Cape May, reading a good non-fiction book.
Deion Payton
Director, Gospel Choir
Deion Payton began singing at the age of four and continued to study at the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts as a Vocal Major. While attending CAPA, he performed at The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, The Academy of Music and other prestigious organizations. He has shared the stage with artists such as Paul Simon, Mali Music, Nick Jonas, Ruth Naomi Floyd, Jabari Johnson, Myron Butler and performed in the presence of former President, Barack Obama.
He studied at Cairn University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a concentration in voice. While at Cairn, Deion restored and led the Cairn Gospel Choir. Now an accredited course, Deion serves on the Faculty as Director for the Gospel Choir.
What Our Students Have To Say
Eme Eskaros
One of my favorite parts about being a Worship & Music major at Cairn was how holistic and comprehensive my education was. Not only did I receive incredible technical training as a musician, my philosophy and theology as it pertains to the arts and worship was challenged and grown immensely. I also loved that this program equipped and encouraged me to use jazz, which is my ‘heart music’ as my offering of worship.
Cairn Online Frequently Asked Questions
Our program is intentionally grounded in God’s Word. Courses are thoughtfully designed by Cairn faculty to promote deep learning and active engagement through instructor-led instruction, research-driven activities, active learning, and meaningful interactions with peers and faculty. At Cairn, the students’ education and experience is designed to shape Christian character, cultivate wisdom, and prepare them to think, live, and serve biblically in an ever-changing world.
All courses, except the research courses, are structured in seven units and delivered in accelerated 7-week terms.
Each unit contains 5–7 modular activities, including:
- Assigned readings and reading reflections
- Instructional videos from Cairn faculty
- Active learning activities
- Weekly application projects
- A component of the ongoing course research project
Faculty also schedule a few optional Zoom sessions throughout the term to connect with students and address questions.
Faculty are actively involved throughout the week—guiding learning activities, leading asynchronous discussions, grading work, and delivering personalized feedback. Online students also receive priority technical support and have access to valuable resources from the Masland Library and the Writing Lab.
The course transfer depends on where you are transferring from, and what program you are transferring to. If you are coming to Cairn Online from another institution, it is very likely you will have some credits that will transfer. Because there are so many options, we encourage you to talk to an enrollment counselor. If you are transferring out, Cairn is a regionally accredited school and some credits should transfer with relative ease. Each college sets their own transfer criteria, so be sure to check their policies for specifics.
Cairn is approved to offer financial aid because of its regional accreditation. There are many options available and typically students qualify for at least one type of federal aid. Many students receive scholarships and grants that make earning their degree even more affordable. Cairn offers a variety of scholarships and discounts in addition to options for loans and grants. Please refer to this page for details.