BA in Worship Arts: Media and Production Ministry Emphasis
Develop Your Talents in Worship Media and Production
Combine your creative talents with your passion for worship and pursue a higher calling in media ministry. Grand Canyon University invites future Christian leaders to apply for the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Worship Arts with an Emphasis in Media and Production Ministry. While pursuing this degree, you will have opportunities to strengthen your faith and build a Christian character while taking a deep dive into biblical teachings, ministry skills and worship media competencies.
GCU’s media ministry classes explore how multimedia and emerging technologies can be used to engage diverse congregations while staying true to Christian doctrine and biblical truths. The integration of innovative media technologies into the ministry may provide an enticing pathway for those who are seeking the Word of God.
Earn Your Worship Arts Degree With a Media Ministry Emphasis at GCU
Offered by the College of Theology, this BA in Worship Arts: Production and Media Ministry emphasis combines curriculum in worship leadership, ministry and technical direction. You will be taught to develop a solid framework of technical skills that are directly applicable to today’s ministry and worship programs in church and parachurch settings.
Through our media and worship production emphasis, you are encouraged to reflect upon your own relationship with Jesus Christ and will be guided in developing foundational knowledge in Christian doctrine, history, theology and philosophy.
Competencies Taught in Production and Media Ministry Classes
GCU strives to graduate media ministry students who are transformative leaders, effective communicators and innovative thinkers. GCU’s media ministry classes can prompt you to practice keen interpersonal skills as you prepare to minister to others with sensitivity and wisdom.
The BA in Worship Arts: Media and Production Ministry emphasis looks to nurture your creativity while teaching you critical technical skills, enabling you to work toward becoming a contributor to all aspects of media ministry production. You can benefit from the diverse perspectives of your peers and the thoughtful guidance of your instructors as you work through the curriculum. Courses in ministry media and worship production teach the following competencies:
- Fundamental concepts in sound theory, acoustic principles, microphone types and techniques, sound equipment, cable management and stage arrangement
- Digital audio workstation (DAW) software usage through hands-on recording sessions that cover tracking, editing, mixing and producing recordings
- Worship leadership skills, as well as pastoral care and administration skills within church and other worship settings
- Best practices in stagecraft, including the elements of designing scenery and lighting for worship services
Experience Curriculum That Blends Theology and Technical Studies
Curriculum in this degree is designed to provide a thoughtful journey that combines Christian theology and doctrine with technical studies. The media and production ministry courses offer many opportunities for hands-on, collaborative projects. You will work together with your peers and instructors to conduct sound recording, support live events, create media and develop a unique production for worship ministry.
This program requires that you complete an internship experience in a professional setting. The worship production and media ministry field experience is designed to give you three core advantages:
- Can help you to reinforce program competencies
- Allows you to reflect on your personal and spiritual growth
- Can give you practical and leadership experience in the worship arts arena
Career Paths for Graduates With a Worship Media and Production Ministry Focus
The theological knowledge you will be taught and the hands-on experience you can gain at GCU is directly applicable to a future career in the worship arts. The Center for Worship Arts at GCU supports anyone who wishes to pursue a recording career. However, its focus is on training those who wish to become professional worship leaders in church and parachurch settings. Professional worship leaders channel their talents toward bringing people to God.
Job Opportunities for Graduates With a BA in Worship Arts
The goal of GCU’s worship media emphasis is to provide you with opportunities to acquire key skills and professional demeanor that are applicable to ministering in a Christian worship setting. Media and production skills such as motion graphics creation, audio mixing and video editing are taught to help provide preparation for pursuing a broad range of roles within the worship field. Graduates may consider pursuing the role of an agent for other performers or potential managerial roles in the industry.
Graduate With a BA in Worship Arts From an Institutionally Accredited University
GCU has a longstanding mission of striving toward academic excellence by providing our students with quality instruction and curriculum and student support resources. Our institutional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1968 is a reflection of our dedication to our students. The College of Theology shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.
BA in Worship Arts: Media and Production Ministry Emphasis FAQs
Before you enroll as a worship media student, you may wish to do some background research on the field. Use the following FAQs and answers as a starting point.
There are five common areas of ministry that can involve worship media — leadership and administration, engagement, outreach and advocacy, community service and spiritual formation. Each of these areas is critical in gathering, engaging and retaining an active congregation.
There are various career opportunities in ministry. Some involve working directly with or for churches and others are unique in the ministry field. While many ministry careers do not require worship media experience, skills in media and production can be beneficial in ministry as a whole. Other types of ministry careers to consider include church administrator, youth minister, social media manager and professor of theology.1
The skills and experience that can be gained in a worship arts degree program can be helpful for creating an engaged congregation. Knowledge of video production and editing as well as audio and visual strategies can help you create and deliver dynamic, live sermons in person or online. Other productions such as recordings, special videos and music productions can help connect people in the church from anywhere through websites and social media channels.
Contemporary worship activities are designed to speak to and engage modern audiences. They are intended to build a feeling of connectivity amongst the congregation. Although every church setting may conduct worship activities a little differently, contemporary worship generally includes these elements:2
- Informality
- Contemporary music production designed by a worship leader
- Relevance for modern times
- Use of technology
In Christian worship, music and other forms of worship media are intended to glorify God and praise his teachings. Worship arts encourage active participation from congregants, helping them to express emotions, connect with the Holy Spirit and create unified prayer through artistic expression.3
Strengthen your faith and pursue your passion for worship and media ministry at GCU. Fill out the form on this page to learn how you can become a member of our Christian learning community.
1 Indeed. (2022, Dec. 12). How to pursue a ministry career in 6 steps (plus 4 jobs). Retrieved Dec. 19, 2023.
2 Horrell, D. (2019, Feb. 1). What is contemporary worship. The Parish Paper. Retrieved Dec. 19, 2023.
3 Worship Leader Magazine. (2019, March 18). 10 roles of music in a service of worship. Retrieved Dec. 19, 2023.
General Education Requirements
General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University’s General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.
Requirements
Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.
Course Options
- UNV-103, University Success: 4
- UNV-303, University Success: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition.
Course Options
- ENG-105, English Composition I: 4
- UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4
- ENG-106, English Composition II: 4
- COM-263, Elements of Intercultural Communication: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV-101/CWV-301.
Course Options
- CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4
- CWV-301, Christian Worldview: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments. Students are required to take 3 credits of college mathematics or higher.
Course Options
- MAT-144, College Mathematics: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, cross-cultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.
Course Options
- PSY-102, General Psychology: 4
- INT-244, World Religions: 4
- SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4
Core Courses
Course Description
This course introduces the text of the Old Testament with emphasis on the biblical narrative, genres, major historical periods, and theological themes.
Course Description
This lab course examines the call of God on the life of a worship leader, equipping students to rest and identify completely with Christ. This lab is designed to be an interactive, community experience which is not available via independent study.
Course Description
This course introduces students to fundamental concepts in sound theory, acoustic principles, microphone types and techniques, sound equipment, signal flow, cable management, stage arrangement, and documentation through lecture and hands-on activities.
Course Description
This course introduces the text of the New Testament with emphasis on the biblical narrative, genres, major historical periods, and theological themes.
Course Description
This lab explores practical application of spiritual formation techniques necessary to maintain a vibrant relationship with Christ and others within the context of ministry. This lab is designed to be an interactive, community experience which is not available via independent study.
Course Description
This survey course introduces students to basic design thinking, including principles and elements of design, and concepts of composition. This course includes reading, writing, and lab assignments and requires the creation and exhibition of student artwork. Technology requirement: Students are responsible for providing their own laptop that is capable of running the Adobe Creative Cloud. Verify required technical specifications in the University Policy Handbook available on www.gcu.edu.
Course Description
This course introduces DAW software and challenges students to begin the process of recording multi-track sessions. Students practice tracking, editing, mixing, and producing recordings according to assigned projects. Students practice creating and implementing backing tracks for a worship service. Students are required to provide their own computer and software according to university-outlined program requirements.
Course Description
This course is a study of theological methodology and the doctrines of revelation, God, humanity, sin, and the person of Jesus Christ with emphasis on the biblical bases for each doctrine.
Course Description
This lab course continues the formational process for worship leadership, especially as it relates to the importance of relational skills, such as collaboration, motivation, and conflict resolution for life and ministry. This lab is designed to be an interactive, community experience which is not available via independent study.
Course Description
This course explores concepts in sound recording for the church. Students gain understanding in sound theory, modern recording techniques, non-linear editing, acoustic principles, and studio etiquette. Students demonstrate proficiency for using digital audio workstations and explore mixing techniques for purpose of producing a recording. Prerequisite: WSA-320.
Course Description
This course is a study of theological methodology and the doctrines of the works of Jesus Christ, salvation, the Holy Spirit, the Church, and last times with emphasis on the biblical bases for each doctrine.
Course Description
This lab focuses on discovering, developing, and practicing skills for leading in ministry. Special attention is given to the shepherding aspects of pastoral ministry. This lab is designed to be an interactive, community experience which is not available via independent study.
Course Description
This course develops students' skills in live sound reinforcement for the church, including assembling sound systems, setting stages for music production, and managing assets vital to the discipline of sound reinforcement. Emphasis is given to sound system design and industry best practices in a live worship production environment and the demonstration of skill in operating a live sound system. Prerequisite: WSA-123.
Course Description
This course equips students to be effective worship leaders who integrate worship within a community of faith and lead God's people in faithful worship. This course develops skills for effective leadership, administration, and pastoral care within the local church and other worship gatherings.
Course Description
This course examines the elements of designing scenery and lighting for a worship service and explores best practices of proper stagecraft.
Course Description
This writing-intensive course systematically studies the biblical, theological, and philosophical foundations of Christian ethics as compared with other ethical systems that shape public discourse on ethical issues. Emphasis is placed on personal morality and an exploration of contemporary issues relevant to the church's public witness.
Course Description
This writing-intensive course is a systematic study of the biblical, historical, and theological dimensions of Christian worship. Emphasis is placed on the development of a thoroughly biblical theology of worship, analysis of historical developments that influenced current worship practices, and the ways that worship forms community and shapes individual worshipers.
Course Description
This course explores concepts in digital film production. Students gain understanding in preproduction, production, and postproduction. Students demonstrate their proficiency by producing a video that simulates working with a church or faith-based ministry to support their mission.
Course Description
This course consists of an internship experience in an approved professional setting. The course includes reinforcement of all program competencies, practical experiences, academic journaling, as well as a field experience log, and culminating reflection assignment. Students should begin the internship application process after completion of 80 credit hours in the program. Practicum/field experience hours: 180. Prerequisite: WSA-423.
- GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
- Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
- Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change
Join Grand Canyon University’s vibrant and growing campus community, with daytime classes designed for traditional students. Immerse yourself in a full undergraduate experience, complete with curriculum designed within the context of our Christian worldview.