Music school’s new Th.M. offers ‘next level’ of theological study

The new Master of Theology (Th.M.) in the School of Church Music and Worship will expand music students’ opportunities for advanced study and research at the master’s level, and also serve as “an incredible launch point” for them to advance to the Ph.D. program, says the school’s administration. The degree was approved by The Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary’s Board of Trustees during their spring meeting, April 7.

Associate Professor of Church Music and Worship Scott Aniol, who is leading the Th.M. as well as the Ph.D. program in the music school, explains that the new Th.M. “will allow students who have already received an excellent Master of Music in Worship Leadership gain a higher level of competency in the scholarly study of Christian worship.”

The program consists of a 25- (thesis) or 24-hour (non-thesis) curriculum including a graduate research seminar (3 hours), a reading seminar in Christian worship (3 hours), three advanced master’s electives (6 hours), three specialized research seminars (9 hours), and a thesis (4 hours) or additional research seminar in place of the thesis.

“Students receive advanced instruction in research and writing methodology as well as specialized research seminars in worship theology, worship history, congregational song, and worship ministry philosophy,” Aniol says. “The program will enhance worship leadership practice and also serve as preparation for doctoral studies.”

Joseph R. Crider, dean of the School of Church Music and Worship, says the Th.M. provides students the opportunity to focus on research and theological study, particularly in the area of church music and worship.

“So not only does it give our students a wonderful entrée into more rigorous research,” Crider says, “it also leads beautifully into our research doctoral studies degree—our Ph.D. in Christian worship.”

Charles T. Lewis, associate dean and professor of church music and worship, says the new Th.M. offers “the next level of deeper and more intense theological study in the area of Christian worship.”

“For students who loved the rigor of our Master of Music in Worship Leadership and its related research components,” he says, the Th.M. “will provide substantial opportunities for research and writing, contributing to both the academic and applicational aspects of the theology of worship to the end that Christ will be exalted and His church edified.”