“Imagine a spiritually vibrant community where students can receive top-tier musical, academic, professional and personal preparation for a variety of diverse musical careers. This is the vision of the Collinsworth School of Performing Arts at California Baptist University.”
Dr.
Joseph Bolin
Dean, Collinsworth School of Performing Arts
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With a flexible format that can be completed in as quickly as one year, this fully-accredited degree represents an accessible and economical option for current worship leaders/pastors to deepen their ministry impact while laying the foundation for a potential career in academia.
Over the course of two consecutive summers, students participate in on-campus residencies that focus on leadership and skill development. Our students stay on the beautiful CBU campus and live in community as they study together. This cohort model enables our students to build lasting relationships with peers across a variety of worship traditions and experiences.
The program’s three-part approach gives necessary training in theology, musicianship and leadership. Students will be able to better understand and apply the Bible, gain the practice they need to hone their musical abilities and be challenged in leadership courses which are designed to help them more effectively serve their congregations. 03
Shelby
and Ferne Collinsworth
Program Length
34 units
1 and 2 year tracks
Program Cost*
$22,384
$585 per unit
$150 program fee (per semester)
$365 general semester fee
$350 worship arts digital resources fee
$599 worship arts residency fee
Program Start Term
Fall (September) Spring (January) Summer (June)
8-week long classes
Week-long summer residencies in two consecutive summers
Synchronous and asynchronous courses
*Based on current academic year. Subject to change.
Accreditation
WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)
To inspire students to the highest standards of craft and character, preparing them to impact the world through careers in the performing arts.
The JoAnn Hawkins Music Building, home to the Collinsworth School of Performing Arts, sits in the middle of the CBU campus and is a beautiful, state-of-the-art facility featuring numerous expansive classrooms and rehearsal spaces containing the latest in music technology, a pair of multimillion-dollar professional recording studios, and 26 student practice rooms all equipped with Yamaha pianos.
The Collinsworth School is known as an educational environment distinguished by rigorous scholarship, rich musical diversity, vibrant teaching, a prolific performance culture (featuring over 300 concert performances annually) and a strong emphasis on the building of personal and professional life habits that are essential for career success and advancement. Whether students are interested in music education, instrumental or vocal performance, composition, or worship studies, the Collinsworth School features fully-accredited graduate degrees taught by world-class faculty who are committed to holistic student mentorship and excellence in the academic process.
Features at a glance:
• Two recording studios
• 51 Yamaha grand pianos
• An expansive 16-station computer classroom
• 26 soundproof practice rooms
• Large rehearsal and classroom spaces
Shelby and Ferne Collinsworth
My first day at CBU came in the summer of 2019 to launch our first summer residency for the Master of Arts in Worship Arts. It’s been my joy to see this program thrive as worship pastors and leaders from across the country have developed their skills to lead their congregations more effectively.
I have served as a worship pastor and educator in a variety of capacities for over twenty years. I believe that it is critical to balance the study of God’s word and the development of worship leadership skills with practical pastoral leadership in local ministry. This integration of academics and
David Toledo, PhD
Associate Dean for Educational Effectiveness, Collinsworth School of Performing Arts
practical application form the core of my teaching approach. The best learning occurs when the heart and the mind are engaged and empowered.
Because of my passion for teaching and learning, my research and efforts are focused on curricular design, emerging teaching technologies and faith integration in higher education. When engaged students encounter energized and equipped faculty members, transformative educational experiences occur.
I am so thankful that I pursued my MA in Worship Arts at California Baptist University! Distance learning and flexible class times were important to me because I have firm roots in my church. Still, the ability to interact with my professors and classmates was equally important. CBU provided both! While I expected to learn more about the theology of worship, I loved that I additionally walked away with a rich understanding of the history of corporate worship. This program has broadened my perspectives, informed my theology, enriched my leadership, and given me a deep well to draw from as I craft worship sets and lead worship teams and leaders about worship.
Application for admission with a $45 application fee.
Official transcript from an accredited college or university reflecting the completion of a baccalaureate degree.
2.75 or last 60/90 unit GPA. Additional opportunities may be available for a student to overcome an unsatisfactory GPA.
Written statement of purpose OR in-person/virtual program interview (student’s choice). Written statement (500-word maximum) or interview will address:
• What are your educational goals?
• How will this program help meet those goals?
• What makes you a good fit for CBU?
Additional requirements may be requested.
Provide any supplemental documents required. 01
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Submit a graduate application at calbaptist.edu/gradapp.
Send official college or university transcripts.
Ready to take the next step? Follow this QR code to start your application!
Graduate Admissions
8432 Magnolia Avenue Riverside, CA 92504
951.343.4249 calbaptist.edu
Shelby and Ferne Collinsworth School of Performing Arts
8432 Magnolia Avenue Riverside, CA 92504
951.343.4251
performingarts.calbaptist.edu
