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Courses | B.M. in Worship Arts

Below are the course requirements for this academic program. In addition to these program-specific requirements, all majors include Biola's traditional undergraduate core curriculum. For more program details, including a sample course sequence, .

Transfer of Credits

Most courses taken at other regionally accredited colleges and universities in the United States will be accepted on a comparable course basis. The following core courses will transfer directly:

  • Theory I and II ( and)
  • Musicianship I, II, III, and IV (, , , and
  • Introduction to Piano and Keyboard Skills I ( and )

In order to pass out of Theory III () or Keyboard Skills II (), the student must display proficiency by achieving favorable scores on the Theory and Keyboard placement surveys.

No credit(s) will be given for waived courses. Waiver of courses on the basis of placement surveys without comparable prior course credit will increase elective credits required.

Credit for courses taken at a non-accredited college or university will be granted only through placement or challenge surveys.

Applied Music

In order to graduate, music students must reach primary applied proficiency level standards designated for each degree program. Applied Music lessons are guided by faculty or studio artists who have expertise and professional experience in either the voice or instrument under study, or in composition. Studio artists are affiliated with Biola via "special employee" contracts and thus do not undergo the same process for hire as do faculty. The studio artists are all highly competent individuals who appreciate Biola and endorse the goals of the Conservatory. For more information, see the Conservatory Office.

GPA Requirements

Students in the degree program must maintain a 2.0 GPA in the major and receive a minimum grade of C in each required course.

Curriculum Requirements

Integration Seminar Requirement

All students enrolled in the Bachelor of Music degree program are required to take a Biblical Studies Integration Seminar. This requirement must be fulfilled by taking  Integration Seminar: Redeeming Culture Through Music.

Candidates for the Bachelor of Music degree in Worship Arts meet the Core Curriculum requirement of 3 credits in integration seminar within the major and are exempt from the Core Curriculum requirement in foreign language, literature, and fine arts.
Introduction to Music Technology2
Music Production I2
Applied Music (Primary Instrument) 16
Musicianship I 21
Theory I 33
Essential Technologies for Musicians I1
Musicianship II 21
Theory II 33
Worship Foundations2
Performing Arts Forum 42
Music Area Seminar 50
History of Western Art Music I: Medieval through Baroque3
History of Western Art Music II: Classical through Romantic3
Basic Conducting2
Musicianship III 21
Theory III 33
Pop Theory for Worship and Commercial Music2
Pop Theory II for Worship and Commercial Music2
Survey of Contemporary Keyboard Styles and Techniques 62
Congregational Music3
Spiritual Formation and Worship2
The Calling, Character, Competencies of the Worship Leader2
Worship Design and Leadership2
Career Skills for the Entrepreneurial Musician2
Applied Music (Electives) 74
Worship Arts Forum 84
Worship Internship5
Senior Worship Recital/Portfolio1
Integration Seminar: Redeeming Culture Through Music 93
Ensemble Courses
Worship and Popular Music Ensemble 104
Select 2 credits from the following courses:2
Biola Chorale
University Chorus
Women's Chorus
Men's Chorus
Proficiency Courses
The following proficiencies are required in order to complete the program: 11
Keyboard proficiency equivalent to three semesters of piano class:
Keyboard Skills II
Guitar proficiency equivalent to one semester of guitar class:
Introduction to Guitar
Voice proficiency equivalent to one semester of voice class, or one semester of private voice:
Voice Class
Applied Music
Program Course Requirements: 75 credits
Core Curriculum Requirements 1257
Total Credits132
1

Must be taken for a total of 6 credits in primary instrument through proficiency: level 326. 

Guitar, Piano and Voice students need to complete 2 credits with Classical applied lessons. Drumset students should complete 2 credits with Percussion applied lessons.

2

Students may take the Musicianship Placement Survey to potentially pass out of some or all of the Musicianship requirements. Students who do not take the survey will automatically be placed in Musicianship I. Musicianship courses already taken at the college/university level will directly transfer for credit.

3

Students may take the Theory Placement Survey to potentially pass out of some or all of their Theory requirements. Students who do not take the survey will automatically be placed in Introduction to Theory. The first two semesters of Written Theory courses already taken at the college/university level will directly transfer for credit.

4

4 semesters of Performing Arts Forum required for graduation; at least 2 semesters must be taken for 1 credit.

5

Taken every semester in conjunction with Applied Music ( or ).

6

Required for Piano emphasis students only. Students who do not have a piano emphasis are exempt from  and are required to complete 73 program course credits and a total of 130 credits for the degree.

7

Electives; must be taken for a total of 4 credits. 

8

Must be taken for a total of four semesters.

9

​Fulfills the  Biblical and Theological Studies Integration Seminar requirement.

10

Must be taken for a total of 4 credits.

11

Met by MUSC courses or survey.

12

See  for details.

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