Bachelor of Science in Worship Leadership
Train to serve God and your community in all forms of worship.
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Build a Biblical and Theological Foundation for Worship
The B.S. in Worship Leadership program at North Central University is designed to holistically train and equip students to serve in all aspects of worship leadership. Students receive a robust musical education with access to professional vocal instructors, advanced music theory coursework, training in music production software, songwriting, and more.
Beyond the music, worship leadership students will become leaders who understand the biblical, theological, and historical foundations of Christian worship. All of this will be done while engaging in real-time leadership opportunities at one of NCU’s approved church partnership sites. Graduates with the worship leadership degree are ready to use music to worship, bring God’s Word to life, evangelize, disciple others, and further God’s work.
- On Campus: Complete this 124-credit program on campus as part of our Christian community.
- Affordable Tuition: Explore generous financial aid options available to all residential traditional undergraduate students.
- Christ-Centered Curriculum: Define and refine your faith at NCU, where classes and student life are rooted in Scripture and nurtured in community.
The [worship leadership] program has given me the opportunity to use and grow in my ability to lead worship. The students as well as professors have always been helpful in life as a worship major at NCU.”
Logan, ’23
Fine Arts
Why Study Worship Leadership at NCU?
Our downtown campus is surrounded by Minneapolis’ performance arts community, which informs and energizes our worship leadership program. Hands-on courses will equip you to play the piano and guitar proficiently, write original worship songs, and lead in multiple settings. Build on these skills with opportunities to lead on campus in student ensembles, including the chance to record one of your own worship songs in McPherson Studio.
McPherson Studio is our state-of-the-art recording facility, featuring a Pro Tools HD system with a Digidesign Control 24 interface, Genelec and Westlake monitors, and a wide selection of microphones and outboard equipment. Work in the comfortable and warm atmosphere of the control room or record a choir, a big band, or an orchestra in the 1,200-square-foot Studio One featuring a Yamaha grand piano and full MIDI capability. Artists who have recorded with us include:
- Sara Groves
- Ben Gowell
- Kristi Northrup
- David Pedde
- David Juve
- Sovereign Grace Music Kids Project
- Jeff Kerr and River Valley Worship Team
- David Santisteven
- Emmanuel Christian Center Youth Worship Team
All students will participate in an internship as part of the program. This will prepare you for long-term success after graduation with real-world experience and valuable connections as you pursue a fulfilling vocational career. Focus your studies with one of three concentration tracks that aligns with your professional goals.
Students may choose to minor in Worship Leadership, paired with another major.
View the Academic Catalog for a full list of admission requirements and course listings.
Program Highlights
Apply for Music Scholarships
Join Worship and Performance Ensembles
Produce in State-of-the-Art Facilities
Apply for Music Scholarships
NCU awards Music Scholarships up to $3,000 annually for students interested in pursuing their calling as a musician (audition required).
Join Worship and Performance Ensembles
From our touring performance group, Worship Live, to the multifaceted Mixed Choir, we offer opportunities for students of all interests and skill levels to get involved.
Produce in State-of-the-Art Facilities
NCU has hosted award-winning Christian artists in McPherson Studio, our state-of-the-art recording facility, featuring the latest equipment and technology.
Concentration Tracks
Worship Leading Track
Focus on the skills that help you lead music in a live worship setting, including live audio production, lighting and design, and applied music lessons.
Music Pastor Track
Connect scripture, gospel, and music with core classes in Bible interpretation, pastoral theology, and applied music lessons.
Music Director Track
Explore advanced digital audio production, live audio production, lighting, and applied music lessons.
Career Outcomes
A worship leadership degree can prepare students to work in multiple roles and settings, particularly in church ministry or in music production, education, or performance. Leading worship often requires a bachelor’s degree or higher, depending on a person’s level of influence and area of leadership.1 More data is available for roles such as music director, which are needed in churches, schools, and include skills such as live and studio production, composing and conducting music, music performance, and planning a music program. Demand for these roles is projected to neither increase nor decline between 2024 and 2034.2
Our graduates succeed in a variety of jobs and careers. Here are some possibilities:
- Music Educator
- Conductor
- Recording Artist
- Worship Leader
- Composer
- Private Instructor
- Booking Agent
- Recording and Sound Engineer
- Professional Performer
- Stage Technician
- Designer
- Worship Pastor
- Audio Editor
Where Our Alumni Work and Intern*
- River Valley
- West Wood Church
- Cedar Valley
- Grace Church
- Eagle Brook
- And more
*This includes alumni internships of multiple programs offered by the School of Ministry and Worship.
Learn From Industry Experts
Seasoned, credentialed faculty share their expansive worship leadership experience and a commitment to support students as you pursue your calling.
Explore Related Programs
Not sure how your calling translates into a degree? These programs may interest you:
B.S. in Audiovisual Production
B.S. in Marketing
B.S. in Youth, Children, and Family Studies
FAQs
Can I major in worship leadership without previous musical training?
The worship leadership program is primarily a music degree. Previous musical training is not a requirement for admittance to the Bachelor of Science in Worship Leadership, but students are required to be enrolled in music courses and participate in worship ensembles every year. Experience in music performance may be needed to meet the expectations of these requirements and feel confident in the university-level music courses required in this program.
These requirements include:
- Students must be enrolled in at least one vocal ensemble each semester.
- Students must take an upper-level voice lesson each semester.
- Students must be enrolled in a piano lesson and a guitar lesson every semester until proficiencies are completed.
- Students must enroll in Recital Performance each semester.
- Senior Project consists of a 45-minute recital.
If you are not interested in a music-centered degree, consider our Church Leadership or Pastoral Studies programs.
Does the worship leadership degree require an internship?
Yes, all students enrolled in the worship leadership program at NCU must complete a music internship ahead of graduation. Music internships in Minneapolis provide hands-on training with the latest production technology in a renowned performing arts community. Our campus is close to numerous churches and performance venues, and our experienced faculty can help guide you in finding and applying for internship opportunities.
Can I enroll in this program if I’m not Assemblies of God?
Yes! We welcome ministry-minded Christians to consider this program as a step toward their God-given calling. NCU is affiliated with Assemblies of God and teaches from that perspective, but you can apply what you learn in other denominational and organizational settings.
Citations
Sources: 1Bureau of Labor Statistics, Clergy, on the internet, at https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes212011.htm (viewed Nov. 13, 2025).
2Bureau of Labor Statistics, Music Directors and Composers, on the internet, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/entertainment-and-sports/music-directors-and-composers.htm (viewed Nov. 21, 2025).