Do you love the ways in which music and faith are richly intertwined? Do you have a passion for sharing music and forming communities of worship? Can you imagine yourself using your gifts and talents to serve God and all his people? If so, you should consider a degree in music with a concentration in music and ministry.
PLNU students of music and ministry learn to become musicians who can work in any worship situation, whether it be at a liturgical church service or in a worship band, and develop the tools to prepare and conduct worship services.
With a concentration in music and ministry, you can look forward to courses in worship ministry, instruments of worship, hymnology, and more. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to complete a semester-long internship where you will be placed in a church music ministry setting and given leadership responsibilities with the support of a professional music staff member. A minor in youth and family ministries, theatre, communication, or media communication is a great supplement to this area of study.
For music and ministry alum Josh Miller, his time at PLNU can be described as a journey toward "a life of excellence."
Are you ready to take the next step to begin your PLNU journey? Whether you’re a high school senior, college transfer student, or international student, find out what we’re looking for in our applicants and how you can apply.
For most students, the transition into college life is one full of adjustments. There is the excitement of newfound freedoms, but also some uncertainty as you begin to make choices and take responsibility for your own future.
At PLNU, we’re committed to supporting you — academically, professionally, spiritually, personally — so that you may be successful both in your time as a student and beyond. That’s why we offer a holistic support system that focuses on your unique experiences, particular needs, and personal and professional goals — resulting from our deep concern for you, our student.
With a focus on authentic relationships and personalized attention, our goal is to help transform you so you can follow your calling in your own career and life.
With a degree from PLNU’s music program, you will be well prepared to pursue both graduate studies and an array of career options that will allow you to live out your passion for music while making a lasting impact in the lives of those who hear it.
A Bachelor of Arts in Music with a concentration in music and ministry can lead to careers such as:
Praise and worship leader
Minister of music
Youth minister
Music director
Singer/Songwriter
Vocalist
Composer
Music therapist
Music teacher
Music publisher
Music editor
Music and ministry as a career
Jobs in the music industry will remain steady, but competitive. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of musicians and singers is projected to grow 1% from 2019 to 2029. However, with the knowledge you’ll gain from your music studies, you’ll be prepared for many jobs within the music industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of broadcast, sound, and video technicians is projected to grow 9% from 2019 to 2029.
Student Profile
Julius Obregón Jr. (16)
How do we re-examine our spiritual practices in ways that reflect our presence and full attention, even in the whirlwind of everyday life? For Julius Obregón Jr. (16), navigating questions like has been a part of the journey he’s stepped into both personally and as a leader.
If you are passionate about music and ready to dedicate your life to it, once you graduate PLNU with a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a concentration in music and ministry, you will be prepared to seek out a musically centered career that suits you, your interests, and specializations.
The following are examples of positions people with degrees in music with a concentration in music and ministry may hold:
Worship Director
2020 Median annual salary $38,288
Worship directors are primarily responsible for planning the weekly liturgy by choosing and organizing the music to be played at each worship service. They prepare and assemble musicians to lead the congregation in worship. Worship directors often work closely with pastoral staff to create a worship service that correlates with the message of a sermon.
What it takes to be a worship director:
Knowledge of Scripture
Organization and administration skills
Communication skills
Humility
Minister of Music
2020 Median annual salary $58,398
Ministers of music work to encourage and recruit members of the congregation of any age to join musical group activities such as handbells, chimes, choral groups, or orchestral groups and bands. They also lead the congregation in worship music during church services. Ministers of music often are responsible for organizing and leading the church's children’s music ministry. They also sometimes work with other churches or music groups to exchange and join talents to foster a community of Christ through the love of music.
Singer/Songwriter
2020 Median annual salary $52,752
Singer/songwriters are talented and dedicated musicians who play one or more musical instruments or sing. They read, write, perform, and record their music in a variety of environments, such as live performances, on-air broadcasting, or for sound or video recording.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the following are the industries with the highest levels of employment of musicians and singers:
Performing arts companies
Religious organizations
Elementary and secondary schools
Colleges, universities, and professional schools
Independent artists, writers, and performers
Music and ministry as more than just a degree
By graduating from PLNU with a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a concentration in music and ministry, you will leave with a better understanding of music, technology, religion, and worship.
A music degree with a concentration in music and ministry provides you with extensive knowledge of leading, organizing, and performing worship music while also equipping you with a high level of professionalism that will aid you on whatever path you choose to take.
Start off on a strong note, and apply to PLNU today. To learn more, get connected with one of our counselors for additional support and to answer any questions you may have.
