Master of Music in Church Music
Degree Overview
Vocational Calling
To serve in the music ministry of Southern Baptist churches and denominational agencies or institutions, or to serve as missionaries.
Degree Requirements
The curriculum of this degree requires 49 hours and includes the courses listed below. Students must have a cumulative grade point average of “B” or above in all graduate music courses in order to graduate.
For further information, please contact:
Dr. W. Andrew "Ted" Williams (Program Supervisor)
Dr. Gregory A. Woodward (Program Coordinator/Advisor)
Program Requirements
Basic Ministerial Competency (15 hours)
course | hours |
|---|---|
Interpreting the Old Testament 1 | 3 |
Interpreting the New Testament 1 | 3 |
Systematic Theology 1 OR Systematic Theology 2 | 3 |
Baptist Heritage | 3 |
Discipleship and Spiritual Formation (M) | 3 |
Worship Ministry Competency (18 hours)
course | hours |
|---|---|
Theology of Worship | 3 |
Congregational Song in Corporate Worship | 3 |
Planning and Leading Worship | 3 |
Educational Principles of Church Music Ministries | 3 |
History of Worship | 3 |
Worship Ministry Practicum* | 3 |
Musicianship Competency (16 hours)
course | hours |
|---|---|
Choral Conducting and Techniques* | 3 |
Keyboard Competency in Church Music* | 2 |
Private Voice* | 3 |
Music in Theory and Practice | 3 |
Ensembles | 4 |
Comprehensive Exam | 1 |
Worship Leadership Final Project Portfolio | (no credit) |
Optional Concentration Area** (Voice, Organ, Piano, Orchestral Instruments, Composition, Church Music Education, and Worship/Hymnology) | 6 |
Total Required: 49 hours
(M) Indicates course is available in a mentoring format, as well as other formats.
*Tested by Proficiency Exam. Upon successful completion of the Proficiency Exam, students may take any other non-required music course as electives. For graduates of NASM schools, credit may be obtained as accelerated credit.
**Optional Concentration Area: students may request the option of presenting a recital in applied areas of study. This option requires an audition, approval of the music faculty, and completion of 6 hours of study.
Admission Requirements
Specific admission requirements for music degrees may be obtained by contacting the Church Music Ministries office. To be admitted to the Master of Music in Church Music degree program, students must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
For students who have not obtained an accredited music degree, these courses (or their equivalents) comprise the undergraduate preparation for MMCM study:
course | hours |
|---|---|
Music Fundamentals I | 3 |
Music Fundamentals II | 3 |
Music Fundamentals III | 3 |
Music Fundamentals IV | 3 |
Music History and Literature I and II | 6 |
Worship Ensemble Leadership | 3 |
Worship Arranging and Orchestration | 2 |
Performance*** (undergraduate level) | 8 |
Undergraduate Recital | (no credit) |
Ensembles | 4 |
Recital Laboratory 2 semesters | (no credit) |
***For voice emphasis students, 2 of the 8 hours required for performance must be Vocal Diction (MUVO2301).
Students who have completed an accredited undergraduate degree in music must pass placement exams in music theory and music history, and complete the review classes in either or both areas if the exams are not passed. Worship Arranging or Orchestration is a required leveling course for all MMCM students, and a grade of C or higher from a NASM-accredited school will be accepted without placement exam testing. Students who have completed a NASM accredited undergraduate degree in music may receive accelerated credit in voice, piano, and/or worship band leadership by receiving a C or above in requisite areas; proof of passing proficiency exams/barriers may be included in transcript review. Information regarding the piano proficiency is located in the Music Student Handbook, which may be obtained in the Music Department Office.