Church music today is a broad and ever-changing field. The church musician of this century must be aware of all the aspects currently influencing church music and must be prepared to meet these challenges with knowledge, skill and spiritual preparation. There is certainly room for great diversity in church music. Baylor will seek to value both what you bring to the educational process and the directions that you perceive your future life and ministry moving. Your classes will be taught with a sensitive balance of sound philosophy and practical application.
Undergraduate Studies
Bachelor of Music in Church Music (BM)
Our goal at Baylor is to prepare you for a career in Christian music. The curriculum at Baylor is designed to prepare students for the varied challenges that face today's Christian musicians, and we are committed to helping you attain the knowledge and skills that you need to serve joyfully throughout your life. Our program is also excellent preparation for further studies in church music at the seminary/graduate school level.
The Church Music program at Baylor allows students to pursue one of three different tracks depending on their primary area of concentration. Each degree plan offers the same core church music classes.
Admissions: Keyboard Emphasis
Admissions: Instrumental Emphasis
Admissions: Voice Emphasis
Bachelor of Arts in Music, Church Music (BA)
The Bachelor of Arts degree with an emphasis in Church Music is for serious musicians who are resolute about pursuing new frontiers and not afraid to challenge musical conventions. Here students will develop the extraordinary skills necessary to fulfill their professional pursuits. In this degree, students may pursue studies that emphasize either performance or academic subjects in music.
Admissions: Keyboard Emphasis
Admissions: Instrumental Emphasis
Admissions: Voice Emphasis
Church Music Minor (CMM)
Do you love music, but don't have time for a full major? Why not pursue a minor in music, church music? You will have the opportunity to receive private lessons, get involved in ensembles, learn the basics of music, and enroll in upper level church music courses with others who share your passion for worship. Learn from some of the finest faculty in the world and grow from interaction with other students.
Admissions: Church Music Minor
Graduate Studies (Masters)
Master of Music in Church Music (MM)
The Master of Music in Church Music program at Baylor is designed to bring students to the highest levels of performance and scholarship.
The Master of Music in Church Music has the following objectives.
- To prepare students for music ministry in a local church
- To prepare students to teach church music or to administer a church music program
- To provide opportunities to use research procedures through oral presentations papers, and culminating projects
- To provide continued opportunity for performance through private study and participation in appropriate ensembles
Admissions: Master of Music in Church Music
Master of Divinity/Master of Music (MDiv/MM)
Baylor University offers the joint degree Master of Divinity/Master of Music through George W. Truett Theological Seminary and the School of Music. This program in church music provides advanced theological education and graduate education in music for ministers in the field of music.
Admissions: Master of Divinity/Master of Music in Church Music
Master of Arts in Christian Ministry (MACM)
The MACM degree at George W. Truett Theological Seminary provides a basic foundation of study in biblical and theological disciplines, while also preparing students for ministry within and alongside the church. The degree consists of a minimum of 60 hours and normally requires at least two years of full-time study to complete.
This degree offers a concentration in Music Leadership in Worship.
Admissions: Master of Arts in Christian Ministry
Graduate Studies (Doctoral)
Doctor of Musical Arts in Church Music (DMA)
The D.M.A. is intended principally for students who desire to have a strong performance component along with their studies in Church Music. These students will not have a minor area but will take applied lessons and give two recitals, with a supporting document accompanying the second recital.
Admissions: Doctor of Musical Arts in Church Music
Doctor of Philosophy in Church Music (PhD)
The Ph.D. in Church Music is designed to foster in students the highest levels of knowledge and skill in the practice of church music and in research. The curriculum is composed primarily of research-oriented courses in Church Music and related musical fields. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to pursue study in appropriate areas of other disciplines, such as theology or church history in the Religion Department and/or George W. Truett Theological Seminary, educational psychology in the School of Education, or sociology in the Department of Sociology.
The Ph.D. is intended principally for students who desire to concentrate their program on academic studies in Church Music. These students will choose a minor area either in music or in an area related to religious studies and will write a dissertation.