Top 10 Christian Colleges With Music Programs 2025

Many Christian schools offer degrees in music specializations. These programs lead to bachelor's and master's degrees and can often be completed online.

If you're planning to attend a Christian music college, you may be wondering about the opportunities available. Are there Christian schools offering music degrees, and what specific types of degree specializations are available?

Keep reading as we explore these questions in greater detail. We'll look at some top Christian colleges with music degrees and answer various related questions you may be asking.

Best Christian Colleges That Offer Christian Music Degrees

If you're looking for a Christian music degree at Christian music schools, explore the following sections. We discuss some top schools with Christian music degrees online or in flexible formats.

1. Liberty University

Liberty University is a large Christian school headquartered in Lynchburg, VA, offering many of its programs remotely. Students can earn two undergraduate music degrees at this school: a Bachelor of Science (BS) in worship music studies and a BS in commercial music.

This school is a great option for students pursuing worship ministry degrees online, as it offers flexible eight-week classes and a generous transfer policy. The Liberty University music degrees also offer highly affordable tuition rates starting at just $390 per credit hour.

  • Estimated tuition cost: $390 per credit hour
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Cairn University

Cairn University has two campuses in Pennsylvania, located in Middletown Township and Langhorne Manor. It offers an online Master of Arts (MA) in worship and music.

This program is designed for students hoping to deepen their understanding of faith and theology as they expand their church music career options. All courses are offered entirely online in seven-week course sessions.

  • Estimated tuition cost: $400 per credit hour
  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

3. Calvary University

Calvary University is a small Christian school in Kansas City, MO. It offers a Bachelor of Music in worship arts degree that students can pursue either online or on campus.

Students in the worship arts major complete 126 credit hours and can choose from three areas of emphasis to personalize their degree. The degree is designed to help students develop their musical gifts as they prepare for careers in ministry.

  • Estimated tuition cost: $432 to $470 per credit hour
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

4. Campbellsville University

Campbellsville University is located in Campbellsville, KY. This private Christian institution provides numerous online degrees, including a Master of Music (MM) in music education.

Students in this graduate program enjoy flexible online courses and a generous transfer policy, and they have the option to choose between capstone and thesis tracks. Students learn about music from different periods as they prepare to merge their God-given talents with educational careers.

  • Estimated tuition cost: $460 per credit hour
  • Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Dallas Baptist University

Dallas Baptist University is a private school with campuses throughout Texas in Dallas, Plano, and Hurst. It offers a Master of Music Education (MME) program entirely online.

The 30-credit program provides an array of music courses from a Christian worldview, helping students prepare for various educational career opportunities. Courses are highly flexible, allowing busy students to balance school with other parts of their lives.

  • Estimated tuition cost: $550 per credit hour
  • Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Union University

Union University is a Baptist school located in Jackson, TN. Online learners at this college can pursue an MM degree in music technology.

The school strives to help students develop their talents and pursue the professions God has called them to. This mission infuses the music technology program, allowing learners to pursue career paths in live performance or studio recording/post-production by completing this flexible remote degree.

  • Estimated tuition cost: $605 per credit hour
  • Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. Gordon College

Gordon College is a Christian school in Wenham, MA. It offers a unique, hybrid MME program that students complete during summer semesters only.

Learners in this program complete online coursework along with five weeks of on-campus residencies. In addition, students have opportunities to participate in professional development workshops as they pursue careers in music education.

  • Estimated tuition cost: $650 per credit hour
  • Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

8. Messiah University

Messiah University is located in Upper Allen Township, PA. This evangelical Christian school provides an MME program featuring flexible online coursework designed for busy professionals.

The program helps working educators prepare for roles in musical instruction and takes about two to three years to complete. Students gain a high-quality education that fits around their work schedules and develops their Christ-centered values as they advance their education careers.

  • Estimated tuition cost: $800 per credit hour
  • Accreditation: MSCHE

9. Rider University

Rider University is a private school in Lawrence Township, NJ. It provides an online Master of Sacred Music (MSM) degree for students planning careers in worship and ministry.

The interdenominational program helps students explore new spiritual depth through music and encourages them to apply their skills in professional church settings. Graduates of the program can pursue careers such as choral director, director of music, and music minister.

  • Estimated tuition cost: $1,460 per credit hour
  • Accreditation: MSCHE

10. Visible Music College

Visible Music College is a Christian music school located in Memphis, TN. It provides a wide range of music degrees in areas such as:

  • music business
  • music production
  • modern music

Students can complete degrees either online or remotely through flexible online courses. Christian values are the foundation of all programs, which prepare students to pursue careers in the music industry or church ministry.

  • Estimated tuition cost: $11,000 to $22,000 per year
  • Accreditation: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools Accreditation Commission

Benefits of Attending a Christian School for Music

Whether you're looking for a contemporary Christian music degree, a program in music education, or a degree leading to careers in music technology, studying at a Christian school can have many benefits. For one thing, many Christian schools offer music degrees, so you'll have plenty of options to choose from.

What's more, Christian colleges provide a faith-filled environment for students to develop their skills and pursue their career goals while growing in their walk with God. These schools provide classes and faculty that not only offer high-quality academics but also promote Christian values.

Finally, many top Christian music degrees provide affordable tuition rates, allowing students to get a private school education without breaking the bank. Some of these programs are also available online, making them more accessible for busy students.

Admissions Requirements for Christian Music Colleges

Admission requirements can vary depending on the school and degree level. That said, for those enrolling in a bachelor's degree program, common admission requirements include:

  • high school diploma or equivalent level of education
  • official transcripts demonstrating a minimum GPA (often 2.5)
  • ACT/SAT test scores (may be optional)
  • letters of recommendation
  • essay or personal statement
  • completed application and fee
  • audition

Master's degree programs may have additional requirements, such as a bachelor's degree and GRE/GMAT scores. Check with your specific program of choice to find out about all applicable admission requirements.

FAQs About Christian Music Colleges

If you still have questions about attending a Christian music school, you're not alone. Keep reading as we provide answers to some frequently asked questions that may be on your mind.

How Much Does a Degree in Music Cost at a Christian College?

Different schools charge different tuition rates, and these rates can vary further depending on the type of school you attend, your degree level, and whether you study online or in person. Among the schools featured above, tuition rates range from $390 to $1,460 per credit hour.

Do I Need To Believe in the Same Faith To Attend a Christian Institution?

You can attend most Christian schools regardless of your faith, though some may require students to follow certain beliefs. Some schools are associated with specific faiths, such as the Baptist or Methodist churches; others promote Christian values without affiliating with a specific faith. Regardless, Christian schools rarely consider a student's faith as part of their admissions decision.

What Can I Do With a Music Degree From a Christian College?

There are many career possibilities in music, though specific career paths may vary depending on the type of music degree you earn. For example, if you get a music ministry degree online or in person, you can pursue careers as worship leaders or Christian musicians; other church music degree programs can lead to similar careers.

On the other hand, if you earn a degree in music education, you can teach music in public or private schools � same with a major in music technology that leads to careers in music recording or production or a degree in music performance for a career as a professional musician.

What Is the #1 Christian College in the U.S.?

Many different media outlets provide school rank lists, but there is no definitive list that determines the top Christian school in the country. It's impossible to give an objective answer to this question, since various factors may go into determining the top Christian college. That said, schools like Liberty University, Campbellsville University, and Dallas Baptist University are considered some of the top options due to their wide variety of degree programs, educational quality, online learning opportunities, and affordability.

What Christian College Has the Best Music Program?

There are many Christian schools offering church music degrees and other types of music programs. While it's impossible to say which school offers the single best program, the schools featured above offer various top options for online worship degrees and other music specializations. Students are encouraged to explore the different options available to find out which school offers the best Christian music program for them.