HIU provides students with the opportunity to impact the world as future worship leaders as they learn in the classroom and in real ministry settings. Students will learn from artists in the Christian music industry and will cross the barrier between learning and application through the direct mentorship of faculty who are immersed in full-time ministry.

Our program prepares students with skills that will serve as a foundation for effective music ministry. Balanced between theory and practice, our students learn how to design and facilitate meaningful worship experiences and how to serve alongside pastoral staff. Practical skills such as instrumental and voice lessons, leadership of a worship service, training others for ministry, and technical knowledge serve to craft a strong foundation for each graduate.

Training Leaders for 21st Century Worship
The CMWA is laser-focused on one primary Mission: to train, equip, mentor, empower, and inspire gifted young musicians and singers to impact the world for Christ. If you are serious about launching your career in Music Ministry, HIU's CMWA is the place for you!

Practical hands-on training
The CMWA is as much about experiencing and living worship as it is about skills and training. Through our student Praise Teams and our close relationships with the largest churches in America, you’ll be using your gifts the minute you step on campus!

Unprecedented access to active, experienced industry professionals

  • Students have the opportunity to study songwriting with today's top Christian Music Industry songwriters
  • Vocal students gain insight and inspiration from some of the world's best-loved worship leaders
  •  Instrumentalists can take private lessons from the accomplished professional musicians

The program includes a strong Biblical foundation and the curriculum provides a foundation that blends theory and experience. The Bachelor of Music in Worship Arts degree is 121 units.

Get answers to all your questions - contact us and speak directly to one of our faculty, an admissions expert, or one of our Praise Team Worship Coaches.Call 888.352.HOPE.

// Listen to HIU's own worship team "The Hope Collective's" worship album on Spotify and iTunes


Career Opportunities

  • Music Pastor and Music Director
  • Music Teacher
  • Professional Musician
  • Worship Leader
  • Worship/Arts Coordinator

Real World Opportunities

Two internships are required of each Worship Arts major. The first internship, which is completed in the student's junior year, focuses on training in sound, lighting and other technical aspects of worship. This internship is to be completed in a church or organization that utilizes state of the art technology on a regular basis.

The second internship, which is completed in the student's senior year, serves as a training ground for leadership in the worship ministry of a local church. In this internship, the student will work with an approved mentor at a church or organization and will have opportunities for hands-on experience in leading worship, planning worship services, working with volunteers, and directing choirs or ensembles.

All students are encouraged to be involved in the worship ministry at a local church not only during the period of their formal internships, but throughout their careers as Worship Arts Majors. Experience in a real ministry setting is vital to the student's growth as a leader. Students also have the opportunity to play in Hope's chapel worship band.