How Does IWS Work?

    The Institute for Worship Studies holds two semesters each year, with each semester involving an eight-day intensive session on campus. One intensive is held in January (“the January semester”), and one in June (“the June semester”). New students may begin their degree program in either semester, but note that the work for these intensives actually begins several weeks prior to the on-campus session. For students unable to attend two sessions per year, an Extended Track is available.

    The Master of Worship Studies requires four total trips to the IWS campus; the Doctor of Worship Studies requires five (assuming the successful completion of each course).

    When students and faculty are not on campus, interaction takes place in an online learning environment. Instructors are available through online chats and message boards, e-mail, telephone and even video chat (e.g. Skype). Coursework and projects are submitted electronically at the end of the semester (guidelines and due dates are of course specific to each course’s syllabus).

    Master of Worship Studies Matriculation Example Regular Track January Start Regular Track June Start Extended Track January Start Extended Track June Start
    MWS 501: A Biblical Theology of Worship*  January 2025 June 2024 January 2025 June 2024
    MWS 502: History of Christian Worship June 2025 January 2025 January 2026 June 2025
    MWS 503: Contextualization, Spirituality and Christian Worship and half of MWS 601: Ministry Internship January 2026 June 2025 January 2027 June 2026
    MWS 504: Cross-Cultural Perspectives in Christian Worship and half of MWS 601: Ministry Internship June 2026 January 2026 January 2028 June 2027
    Graduation** January 2027 June 2026 January 2029 June 2028
    *Students will take BIB 501(A) (2 credits, online) prior to the on-campus intensive, BIB 501(B) (2 credits, online) immediately following the on-campus visit, and WR 501 (2 credits, online) following that (not more than 2 classes or 8 credits at one time). **MWS students who have completed all of the requirements to graduate may begin working toward their DWS prior to “walking” at graduation, with the approval of the Academic Dean and if accepted to the doctoral program. For example, a student who completes MWS 504 and MWS 601 by November 1, 2023 may apply to begin the DWS program beginning in January 2024, and graduate with their MWS in June 2024.

    Doctor of Worship Studies Matriculation Example Regular Track January Start Regular Track June Start Extended Track January Start Extended Track June Start
    DWS 701: The Biblical Foundations and Historical Development of Christian Worship January 2025 June 2024 January 2025 June 2024
    DWS 702: The Renewal of Sunday Worship: Music and the Arts and DWS 702-P: Practicum June 2025 January 2025 January 2026 June 2025
    DWS 703: The Christian Year: Forming Congregational Spirituality and DWS 703-P: Practicum January 2026 June 2025 January 2027 June 2026
    DWS 704: The Sacred Actions and Ministries of Christian Worship and DWS 704-P: Practicum June 2026 January 2026 January 2028 June 2027
    DWS 801: The Thesis* January 2027 June 2026 January 2029 June 2028
    Graduation June 2028 June 2027 June 2030 June 2029
    *One year is allotted for work on a student’s Thesis. Continuations are available subject to the terms and conditions set out in the Academic Catalog.