B.A. Worship Leading
Study your passion alongside passionate professors in the College of Fine Arts
Why study worship leading at North Central University?
The B.A. in Worship Leadership is designed to holistically train and equip students to serve in all aspects of worship leadership. Students will recieve a robust muscial education with access to professional vocal instructors, advanced and up to date 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 engaing in real-time leadership opportunities at one of NCU’s approved church partnership sites.
Where Worship Leadership majors are needed:
» Youth groups
» Bible camps
» Young adult groups
» Pastoral conferences
» Churches
Leading that Impacts the Future
Whether one has worship band experience coming in or not, after four years in the College of Fine Arts, graduates will become influential leaders in the church, community, and wherever else God might use them. Students will be prepared to use music to worship, bring God’s Word to life, evangelize, disciple others, and further God’s work. Their studies will equip them to play the piano and guitar proficiently, write original worship songs, and oversee administration in a business setting. Students will get the chance to lead on campus during their college years through many different ensembles NCU provides along with the chance to record one of their own worship songs on Worship Live, NCU’s chapel team.
All students will participate in an internship as part of the program which will prepare them for real-world experience and valuable connections as they pursue a fulfilling career after graduation. In addition, we want students to be well-rounded and well-prepared which is why we have a range of supporting programs. These supporting programs include evangelism and church planting, media production, urban studies, and campus missions. See the full list of minors and supporting programs.
Program Highlights
Scholarships
We offer Music Scholarships worth up to $3,000 per year for Music Majors.
The College of Fine Arts awards Music Scholarships up to $3,000 per year for students interested in pursuing their calling as a musician. Scholarships are awarded based on your audition and interview with faculty. These awards aren’t need-based and are renewable for up to four years, provided students continue to meet the scholarship requirements.
Visit our financial aid site to learn more about Music Scholarships and how to apply.
Performance groups and ensembles
Students can pursue their passions in one of our world-class performance groups.
North Central’s performance groups and ensembles are the real deal. From premiere touring performance group, Worship Live, to the multifaceted Mixed Choir, we offer opportunities for students of all interests and skill levels to get involved.
Here are some of the highlights:
Worship Live: North Central’s premiere touring performance group, Worship Live is composed of current students. This group serves as the primary worship team for our daily chapel services.
Concert Chorale: The Concert Chorale is an ensemble of fifty singers and instrumentalists. The Chorale has traveled extensively throughout the United States and Europe, singing in churches, schools, and concert halls.
Mixed Choir: The Mixed Choir is a large ensemble made up of students with a range of experience levels and from a number of different majors.
Women’s Choir: This chorus consists of selected female vocalists that minister in a variety of university and community events. This group is open to students by audition only.
Jazz Workshop: Jazz Workshop is designed to facilitate instrumental improvisation through the study of various forms of jazz, popular, and world genres in a combo setting. The ensembles of Jazz Workshop perform at the Jazz at the Clay performance series, the NCU Jazz Concert, Songs of the Season, Partners for Progress, and a variety of city-wide opportunities. Our ensemble has been featured at the Eau Claire Jazz Festival.
State-of-the-art facilities
Our McPherson Studios feature the latest technology and recording spaces.
McPherson Studios is North Central’s state-of-the-art recording facility, featuring the latest equipment and technology including a Pro Tools HD system (loaded featuring McDSP and Antares plug-ins) with a Digidesign Control 24 interface, Genelec and Westlake monitors, and a wide selection of microphones and outboard equipment. Our Control Room is a great place to work with comfortable leather sofas and a warm atmosphere. The Studio A recording room is over 1200 square feet with enough room to record a choir, a big band, or an orchestra. Studio A also features a Yamaha grand piano with full MIDI capability. There are two additional rooms when isolation is needed for the session.
Artists who have recorded with us:
- 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
Return on Your Investment
College of Fine Arts students receive hands-on experience and peer mentoring from the first day of class to graduation right in the heart of Minneapolis, a city known for its music and music connections. On top of that, North Central is one of the most affordable accredited Christian colleges in the nation, making it an easy choice to commit to NCU.
financial aid
Traditional undergraduate students receive financial aid
internships
Completed an internship in their chosen field (our students have resumes that reflect someone that has been in their career field for 3+ years at graduation)
Recent Jobs after Graduation:
- Music Educator
- Conductor
- Recording Artist
- Worship Leader
- Composer
- Private Instructor
- Recording Artist
- Manager
- Booking Agent
- Recording and Sound Engineer
- Music Critic
- Professional Performer
- Actor
- Scriptwriter
- Producer
- Stage Technician
- Designer
- Worship Pastor
- Audio Editor
The fine arts 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
