Student Achievement and Institutional Effectiveness [March 2014]

The Institute for Worship Studies recognizes the importance of assessing how well students are doing in their degree programs, and how effective the Institute for Worship Studies is in the pursuit of its institutional goals. Here is the latest summary of our findings as of Spring 2014:

The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies has identified and evaluated various measurements of student achievement. Based on an annual assessment, IWS enjoys a healthy graduation rate: 74% of students graduate with a degree (MWS or DWS) and 81% of students graduate with a degree or certificate (GCWS or AGCWS). Further, as of June 2013 the student retention rate was 91%. Also, based on the completion of the June 2013 term the overall student grade point average was 3.67/4.0.

Over the past 3 years, on average, 54 new students have enrolled each year. During that same time period, on average, 35 students have graduated each year.

The purpose of the Doctor of Worship Studies (D.W.S.) and Master of Worship Studies (M.W.S.) programs, offered uniquely through The Institute for Worship Studies, is to further equip worship leaders, instructors, and others interested in the theory and practice of Christian worship, for their responsibilities in the local church and other settings. Given this purpose a number of program outcomes have been identified and academic assessments completed. Following the completion of their January 2013 and June 2013 coursework, students indicated that the courses had a positive impact on developing their understanding and abilities on some of these outcomes. Based on assessment instruments utilizing a 1 to 5 rating scale, from strongly disagree to strongly agree, the following indicators and the extent to which the courses helped fulfill them were as follows:

  • Students demonstrating understanding of and the ability to articulate the story of the Triune God as expressed in the Christian Scriptures: 4.7/5.0
  • Students demonstrating the ability to critique historical expressions of Christian worship in light of the story of the Triune God: 4.6/5.0
  • Students demonstrating the ability to plan and lead worship rooted in declaring the story of the Triune God: 4.5/5.0
  • Students demonstrating the ability to communicate effectively in writing and speech concepts related to Christian worship: 4.6/5.0
  • Students demonstrating the ability to articulate key concepts related to Christian worship to persons in their local ministry setting: 4.6/5.0

Updated March 2014 

Student Achievement and Institutional Effectiveness Reports

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Director of Enrollment Management.

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