Virginia – Worship Ministry Programs

At Manna University, we believe that the practice of effective worship ministry demands not only musical excellence, but also the ability to lead teams in an ever-changing local church environment. Worship leaders are expected to lead and develop teams of unpaid musicians donating their time to the service of the church. They are not only responsible for the musical development and resourcing of their teams, but also serve as key disciple-makers within the Body.
To this end, the Worship Ministry program at Manna University equips emerging worship leaders for both worship and leadership. In addition to courses in Worship and Music theory, students in this program hone the skills learned in the classroom through a series of practical ensemble courses completed at their local church, applied lessons on the instrument(s) of their choice, and opportunities to practice leadership development of worship teams.
Request Info
Certificate in Worship Ministry
Solid biblical training from accomplished faculty with years of ministry experience.
Worship Ministry students are required to participate in local-church worship-team practices and church services at designated times each week of the semester. Distance education and online students will complete this worship-team requirement at a local church within each of their own communities.
Worship Ministry students must also pay a Worship Practicum fee for each Applied Instrumental Techniques course that they take. This fee is $300 per Applied Instrumental Techniques course (12-15 vocal or instrumental lessons per course). For each A.I.T. course, students may specialize in one area or complete a combination of two. It is strongly recommended that students take only one Applied Instrumental Techniques course per semester.
All students, both on-campus and distance education, who intend to enroll in the School of Worship Ministry must audition with the program director either in-person or digitally. In addition to the 31 credit hours of academic studies, students are required to fulfill the Leadership in Action requirement.

Outcomes
- Educate (Comprehensive Musical and Theological Knowledge): Students will have developed a basic understanding of music theory and biblical concepts of worship, alongside an analysis of historical and biblical models, equipping them to apply these insights to contemporary worship practices.
- Equip (Skills for Effective Ministry and Leadership): Students will have acquired enhanced communication, leadership, and decision-making skills, along with practical vocal and instrumental training, enabling them to lead culturally relevant and theologically sound worship.
- Empower (Practical Experience and Professional Readiness): Students will have gained significant practical experience through participation in local church worship teams and practicums, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet congregational needs and advance in their worship ministry careers across various settings.
Time & Cost
Many people would like to complete a degree and stay out of debt.
The Certificate in Worship Ministry program requires 10 courses + Student Orientation (or 31 credit hours), which can be completed in 1 year for full-time students. Courses are offered on-campus or online (can be entirely online). Manna U’s low tuition rates enable students to receive solid biblical training from accomplished faculty with years of ministry experience and not be hindered financially.
Undergraduate Tuition
- $250 per credit hour
Fees
- Application Fee: $50
- Library Fee: $75 per semester
- Technology Fee: $200 per semester
- Graduation Fee: $200
- Applied Instrumental Techniques Fee: $300 per A.I.T. course
Scholarships are available for students who do not use military education benefits or federal financial aid.
Courses
Leadership in Action
Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
LIA 101 | Leadership in Action (Eight Semesters) | Pass/Fail |
Student Orientation
Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
ENG 107 | Undergraduate Student Orientation | 1 |
Bible & Theology Electives
Students Must Complete All Twelve Credit HoursCourse Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
BIB 100 | Destiny and Calling | 3 |
BIB 101 | Old Testament Survey | 3 |
BIB 103 | New Testament Survey | 3 |
BIB 104 | Hermeneutics | 3 |
BIB 201 | Writings of John | 3 |
THE 101 | Introduction to Theology | 3 |
THE 301 | Kingdom of God | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: | 12 |
General Studies Nonelectives
All Students Must Take ENG 111Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
ENG 111 | College Writing | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: | 3 |
General Studies Electives
Select Any Three Credit HoursCourse Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
CNS 130 | Introduction to Counseling | 3 |
ENG 112 | Research for Writing | 3 |
HST 110 | World History I: World History to 1500 | 3 |
HST 120 | World History II: World History since 1500 | 3 |
HUM 101 | Introduction to Fine Arts | 3 |
HUM 110 | Survey of Biblical Literature | 3 |
HUM 130 | Communicating to Oral Cultures | 3 |
MTH 211 | College Mathematics | 3 |
MTH 230 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
PHL 101 | Philosophy and Worldview | 3 |
SCI 310 | Biology | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: | 3 |
Leadership Electives
Select Any Three Credit HoursCourse Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
CLG 145 | Leadership Practicum I(a) | 1.5 |
CLG 146 | Leadership Practicum I(b) | 1.5 |
PHL 120 | Philosophy of Leading Teams | 3 |
LEA 201 | Ethics | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: | 3 |
Ministry Electives
Select Any Nine Credit HoursCourse Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
PHL 120 | Philosophy of Leading Teams | 3 |
WSH 110 | Applied Instrumental Techniques I | 1 |
WSH 111 | Applied Instrumental Techniques II | 1 |
WSH 122 | Music Theory I | 3 |
WSH 123 | Music Theory II | 3 |
WSH 180 | Weekend Experience 1(a) | 0.5 |
WSH 181 | Weekend Experience 1(b) | 0.5 |
WSH 210 | Worship Foundations | 3 |
WSH 230 | Worship Essentials | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: | 9 |
Associate of Worship Ministry
Solid biblical training from accomplished faculty with years of ministry experience.
Worship Ministry students are required to participate in local-church worship-team practices and church services at designated times each week of the semester. Distance education and online students will complete this worship-team requirement at a local church within each of their own communities.
Worship Ministry students must also pay a Worship Practicum fee for each Applied Instrumental Techniques course that they take. This fee is $300 per Applied Instrumental Techniques course (12-15 vocal or instrumental lessons per course). For each A.I.T. course, students may specialize in one area or complete a combination of two. It is strongly recommended that students take only one Applied Instrumental Techniques course per semester.
All students, both on-campus and distance education, who intend to enroll in the School of Worship Ministry must audition with the program director either in-person or digitally. In addition to the 64 credit hours of academic studies, students are required to fulfill the Leadership in Action requirement.

Outcomes
- Educate (Expanded Musical and Biblical Foundations): Students will gain an expanded understanding of music theory, worship history, and biblical worship principles. This program will provide a deeper insight into the theological foundations of worship, preparing students to interpret and apply these concepts in varied worship settings.
- Equip (Enhanced Practical Skills): Students will have gained an expanded understanding of music theory, worship history, and biblical worship principles, providing deeper insights into theological foundations that prepare them to apply these concepts in varied worship settings.
- Empower (Advanced Practical Application): Students will have rigorous practical experiences, including frequent participation and potential leadership in worship teams, building their confidence and competence for intermediate roles in worship ministry or further academic studies.
Time & Cost
Many people would like to complete a degree and stay out of debt.
The Associate of Worship Ministry degree requires 21 courses + Student Orientation (or 64 credit hours), which can be completed in 2 years for full-time students. Courses are offered on-campus or online (can be entirely online). Manna U’s low tuition rates enable students to receive solid biblical training from accomplished faculty with years of ministry experience and not be hindered financially.
Undergraduate Tuition
- $250 per credit hour
Fees
- Application Fee: $50
- Library Fee: $75 per semester
- Technology Fee: $200 per semester
- Graduation Fee: $200
- Applied Instrumental Techniques Fee: $300 per A.I.T. course
Scholarships are available for students who do not use military education benefits or federal financial aid.
Courses
Leadership in Action
Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
LIA 101 | Leadership in Action (Four Semesters) | Pass/Fail |
Student Orientation
Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
ENG 107 | Undergraduate Student Orientation | 1 |
Bible & Theology Nonelectives
Students Must Complete All Twenty-One Credit HoursCourse Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
BIB 100 | Destiny and Calling | 3 |
BIB 101 | Old Testament Survey | 3 |
BIB 103 | New Testament Survey | 3 |
BIB 104 | Hermeneutics | 3 |
BIB 201 | Writings of John | 3 |
THE 101 | Introduction to Theology | 3 |
THE 301 | Kingdom of God | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: | 21 |
Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
ENG 111 | College Writing | 3 |
ENG 112 | Research and Writing | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: | 6 |
Math or Science Elective
Select Any Three Credit HoursCourse Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
MTH 211 | College Mathematics | 3 |
MTH 230 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
SCI 310 | Biology | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: | 3 |
Personal Formation Nonelectives
Students Must Complete All Six Credit HoursCourse Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
CLG 201 | Spiritual Formation | 3 |
LEA 220 | Mentoring and Coaching | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: | 6 |
Ministry Electives
Select Any Twelve Credit HoursCourse Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
PHL 120 | Philosophy of Leading Teams | 3 |
WSH 110 | Applied Instrumental Techniques I | 1 |
WSH 111 | Applied Instrumental Techniques II | 1 |
WSH 122 | Music Theory I | 3 |
WSH 155 | Introduction to Audio Technology in Worship | 3 |
WSH 156 | Live Sound Techniques in Worship | 3 |
WSH 180 | Weekend Experience 1(a) | 0.5 |
WSH 181 | Weekend Experience 1(b) | 0.5 |
WSH 210 | Worship Foundations | 3 |
WSH 230 | Worship Essentials | 3 |
WSH 240 | Infuse Leadership I | 1 |
WSH 241 | Infuse Leadership II | 1 |
WSH 250 | Weekend Experience 2(a) | 0.5 |
WSH 260 | Weekend Experience 2(b) | 0.5 |
Total Credit Hours: | 12 |
Open Electives
Select Any Twelve Credit HoursCourse Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
CLG 145 | Leadership Practicum I (a) | 1.5 |
CLG 146 | Leadership Practicum I (b) | 1.5 |
CLG 211 | Church Life | 3 |
CLG 247 | Leadership Practicum II (a) | 1.5 |
CLG 248 | Leadership Practicum II (b) | 1.5 |
CLG 270 | Facilitating Leadership and Growth in Others | 3 |
CLG 282 | Personal Growth and Leadership | 3 |
CLG 351 | Changing the World by Making Disciples/Mentoring | 3 |
CLG 401 | Pastoral Ministry | 3 |
CLG 410 | Homiletics | 3 |
CLG 480 | Church Growth | 3 |
CNS 201 | Counseling I | 3 |
CNS 220 | Psychology of a Leader | 3 |
CNS 230 | Research Methods | 3 |
CNS 302 | Marriage & Family in Society | 3 |
ELE 104 | Transfer/Substitution Elective | 3 |
ELE 105 | Transfer/Substitution Elective | 3 |
ELE 106 | Transfer/Substitution Elective | 3 |
ELE 107 | Transfer/Substitution Elective | 3 |
ELE 108 | Transfer/Substitution Elective | 3 |
GRK 305 | Greek I(a) | 1.5 |
GRK 306 | Greek I(b) | 1.5 |
LEA 210 | Christian Leadership | 3 |
LEA 310 | Introduction to Organizational Leadership | 3 |
LEA 330 | Foundations of Marketing | 3 |
MIS 130 | Concepts in Leading Short-Term Missions | 3 |
MIS 200 | Missions and the Local Church | 3 |
MIS 201 | World Missions | 3 |
MIS 202 | Intercultural Communication I: General Focus | 3 |
MIS 311 | Intercultural Communication II: Middle East Focus | 3 |
MIS 312 | Intercultural Communication II: U.S. Indigenous Populations Focus | 3 |
PHL 120 | Philosophy of Leading Teams | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: | 12 |
Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
CLG 347 | Advanced Ministry Practicum I | 3 |
Bachelor of Worship Ministry
Solid biblical training from accomplished faculty with years of ministry experience.
Worship Ministry students are required to participate in local-church worship-team practices and church services at designated times each week of the semester. Distance education and online students will complete this worship-team requirement at a local church within each of their own communities.
Worship Ministry students must also pay a Worship Practicum fee for each Applied Instrumental Techniques course that they take. This fee is $300 per Applied Instrumental Techniques course (12-15 vocal or instrumental lessons per course). For each A.I.T. course, students may specialize in one area or complete a combination of two. It is strongly recommended that students take only one Applied Instrumental Techniques course per semester.
All students, both on-campus and distance education, who intend to enroll in the School of Worship Ministry must audition with the program director either in-person or digitally. In addition to the 124 credit hours of academic studies, students are required to fulfill the Leadership in Action requirement.

Outcomes
- Educate (Comprehensive Worship Studies): Students will have achieved a comprehensive education in practical and theoretical aspects of worship ministry, including advanced studies in music theory, biblical theology, and historical context, developing a nuanced understanding of worship’s interaction with modern cultural dynamics.
- Equip (Advanced Leadership and Technical Skills): Students will have advanced skills in musical performance, digital worship technologies, and leadership, focusing on directing worship, managing complex projects, and mentoring other leaders.
- Empower (Leadership and Ministry Career Preparedness): Students will have the knowledge and skills to take on senior leadership roles in worship ministries, prepared through opportunities to lead in diverse environments, manage large teams, and make strategic decisions, readying them for professional careers or further theological studies.
Time & Cost
Many people would like to complete a degree and stay out of debt.
The Bachelor of Worship Ministry degree requires 41 courses + Student Orientation (or 124 credit hours), which can be completed in 4 years for full-time students. Courses are offered on-campus or online (can be entirely online). Manna U’s low tuition rates enable students to receive solid biblical training from accomplished faculty with years of ministry experience and not be hindered financially.
Undergraduate Tuition
- $250 per credit hour
Fees
- Application Fee: $50
- Library Fee: $75 per semester
- Technology Fee: $200 per semester
- Graduation Fee: $200
- Applied Instrumental Techniques Fee: $300 per A.I.T. course
Scholarships are available for students who do not use military education benefits or federal financial aid.
Courses
Leadership in Action
Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
LIA 101 | Leadership in Action (Eight Semesters) | Pass/Fail |
Student Orientation
Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
ENG 107 | Undergraduate Student Orientation | 1 |
Bible & Theology Nonelectives
Students Must Complete All Twenty-One Credit HoursCourse Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
BIB 100 | Destiny and Calling | 3 |
BIB 101 | Old Testament Survey | 3 |
BIB 103 | New Testament Survey | 3 |
BIB 104 | Hermeneutics | 3 |
BIB 201 | Writings of John | 3 |
THE 101 | Introduction to Theology | 3 |
THE 301 | Kingdom of God | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: | 21 |
General Studies Nonelectives
Students Must Complete All Twenty-One Credit HoursCourse Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
ENG 111 | College Writing | 3 |
ENG 112 | Research for Writing | 3 |
HST 110 | World History I: World History to 1500 | 3 |
HST 120 | World History II: World History Since 1500 | 3 |
MIS 301 | Cultural Anthropology | 3 |
MTH 211 | College Mathematics | 3 |
SCI 310 | Biology | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: | 21 |
Personal Formation Nonelectives
Students Must Complete All Six Credit HoursCourse Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
CLG 201 | Spiritual Formation | 3 |
LEA 220 | Mentoring and Coaching | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: | 6 |
Bible & Theology Electives
Select Any Nine Credit HoursCourse Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
BIB 301 | Synoptic Gospels | 3 |
BIB 302 | Pauline Epistles and Leadership | 3 |
BIB 303 | Book of Romans | 3 |
BIB 330 | Book of Revelation | 3 |
BIB 401 | Book of Mark | 3 |
BIB 411 | 1 Peter: Socio-Rhetorical Interpretation | 3 |
ELE 109 | Transfer/Substitution Elective (with Approval) | 3 |
HUM 110 | Survey of Biblical Literature | 3 |
THE 103 | Introduction to Apologetics | 3 |
THE 104 | Apologetics Issues for Cross-Cultural Engagement | 3 |
THE 201 | Systematic Theology I | 3 |
THE 202 | Systematic Theology II | 3 |
THE 300 | Writings of the Church | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: | 9 |
General Studies Electives
Select Any Three Credit HoursCourse Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
CNS 110 | General Psychology | 3 |
CNS 120 | Human Growth and Development | 3 |
CNS 130 | Introduction to Counseling | 3 |
ELE 101 | Transfer/Substitution Elective | 3 |
ELE 102 | Transfer/Substitution Elective | 3 |
ELE 103 | Transfer/Substitution Elective | 3 |
ENG 201 | The Writings of C.S. Lewis | 3 |
HST 302 | History of Great Leaders | 3 |
HST 320 | History of Missions | 3 |
HUM 101 | Introduction to Fine Arts | 3 |
HUM 130 | Communicating to Oral Cultures | 3 |
LEA 201 | Ethics | 3 |
MTH 230 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
PHL 101 | Philosophy and Worldview | 3 |
PHL 102 | World Religions | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: | 3 |
Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
CLG 145 | Leadership Practicum I (a) | 1.5 |
CLG 146 | Leadership Practicum I (b) | 1.5 |
CLG 211 | Church Life | 3 |
CLG 247 | Leadership Practicum II (a) | 1.5 |
CLG 248 | Leadership Practicum II (b) | 1.5 |
CLG 270 | Facilitating Leadership and Growth in Others | 3 |
CLG 282 | Personal Growth and Leadership | 3 |
CLG 351 | Changing the World by Making Disciples/Mentoring | 3 |
CLG 401 | Pastoral Ministry | 3 |
CLG 410 | Homiletics | 3 |
CLG 480 | Church Growth | 3 |
CNS 201 | Counseling I | 3 |
CNS 220 | Psychology of a Leader | 3 |
CNS 230 | Research Methods | 3 |
CNS 302 | Marriage & Family in Society | 3 |
ELE 104 | Transfer/Substitution Elective | 3 |
ELE 105 | Transfer/Substitution Elective | 3 |
ELE 106 | Transfer/Substitution Elective | 3 |
ELE 107 | Transfer/Substitution Elective | 3 |
ELE 108 | Transfer/Substitution Elective | 3 |
GRK 305 | Greek I(a) | 1.5 |
GRK 306 | Greek I(b) | 1.5 |
LEA 210 | Christian Leadership | 3 |
LEA 310 | Introduction to Organizational Leadership | 3 |
LEA 330 | Foundations of Marketing | 3 |
MIS 130 | Concepts in Leading Short-Term Missions | 3 |
MIS 200 | Missions and the Local Church | 3 |
MIS 201 | World Missions | 3 |
MIS 202 | Intercultural Communication I: General Focus | 3 |
MIS 311 | Intercultural Communication II: Middle East Focus | 3 |
MIS 312 | Intercultural Communication II: U.S. Indigenous Populations Focus | 3 |
PHL 120 | Philosophy of Leading Teams | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
CNS 220 | Psychology of a Leader | 3 |
ENG 495 | Senior Seminar & Capstone | 3 |
HUM 101 | Introduction to Fine Arts | 3 |
LEA 201 | Ethics | 3 |
LEA 310 | Introduction to Organizational Leadership | 3 |
LEA 322 | Servant Leadership | 3 |
LEA 440 | Collaborative Teams and Innovation | 3 |
PHL 120 | Philosophy of Leading Teams | 3 |
WSH 110 | Applied Instrumental Techniques I | 1 |
WSH 111 | Applied Instrumental Techniques II | 1 |
WSH 122 | Music Theory I | 3 |
WSH 123 | Music Theory II | 3 |
WSH 180 | Weekend Experience 1(a) | 0.5 |
WSH 181 | Weekend Experience 1(b) | 0.5 |
WSH 210 | Worship Foundations | 3 |
WSH 230 | Worship Essentials | 3 |
WSH 240 | Infuse Leadership I | 1 |
WSH 241 | Infuse Leadership II | 1 |
WSH 250 | Weekend Experience 2(a) | 0.5 |
WSH 260 | Weekend Experience 2(b) | 0.5 |
WSH 340 | Infuse Leadership III | 1.0 |
WSH 341 | Infuse Leadership IV | 1.0 |
WSH 350 | Weekend Experience 3(a) | 0.5 |
WSH 360 | Weekend Experience 3(b) | 0.5 |
WSH 410 | Applied Instrumental Techniques III | 1 |
WSH 411 | Applied Instrumental Techniques IV | 1 |
WSH 450 | Weekend Experience 4(a) | 0.5 |
WSH 460 | Weekend Experience 4(b) | 0.5 |
Total Credit Hours: | 45 |
Advanced Ministry Practicum
Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
CLG 347 | Advanced Ministry Practicum I | 3 |
Commonwealth of Virginia Statement of Exemption
Manna University is a religious institution exempt from state regulation and oversight in the Commonwealth of Virginia.