Minor in Sacred Music and Literature
When you choose the Sacred Music and Literature minor, you’ll dive into music, poetry, art, theology, and history to grow both as a disciple of Christ and as a creative leader. You’ll learn through research, analysis, public presentations, and hands-on collaboration as you explore how sacred art shapes the church and the world.
When you choose the Sacred Music and Literature minor, you’ll dive into music, poetry, art, theology, and history to grow both as a disciple of Christ and as a creative leader. You’ll learn through research, analysis, public presentations, and hands-on collaboration as you explore how sacred art shapes the church and the world.
At CCU, you’ll study in a community that believes the Bible is the inspired Word of God and that artistic expression is one of the ways He reveals Himself. Through this program, you’ll learn to use your gifts in music and literature as an act of worship, becoming a faithful steward of the creativity God has given you.
Program FAQs
What are the audition requirements for the School of Music at CCU?
If you are planning to major or minor in music or theatre, you are required to audition for participation in most ensembles and for consideration for School of Music scholarships.
What is the sacred music and literature minor at CCU?
The sacred music and literature minor at Colorado Christian University is an interdisciplinary course of study in Christian aesthetics, music, poetry, art, theology, and history. This minor prepares you to serve in ministry, pursue graduate study, and live as a disciple of Christ through exploration of how sacred music, poetry, and art affect our lives as followers of Christ in the church and the world. The program is offered through CCU's School of Music.
Colorado Christian University believes that the Bible is the sacred, inspired, and authoritative Word of God. From the beginning of time, God has used artistic means to express parts of Himself, and as followers of Christ, we are allowed to express our love to God through music, literature, and the study of His Word. The sacred music and literature program provides you with the chance to be a steward of the gift of art that God has given us.
What can you do with a sacred music and literature minor?
The sacred music and literature minor prepares you for service in church music ministry, worship leadership, graduate study in sacred music or theology, and vocations that integrate faith with artistic expression. You can serve as a church music director, worship coordinator, or ministry leader who understands the theological and historical foundations of sacred art. The minor also prepares you for academic pursuits in musicology, liturgical studies, or theological aesthetics.
This minor complements majors in music, theology, ministry, history, English, or any field where understanding sacred art enriches your calling. You will develop skills in research and analysis, public presentation, and collaborative exploration that serve you in ministry, education, and cultural engagement. The interdisciplinary nature of the program makes you a more thoughtful and well-rounded servant leader in the church and world.
What courses will you take in the sacred music and literature minor?
The sacred music and literature minor includes coursework across multiple disciplines, including music, poetry, art, theology, and history. You will study Christian aesthetics to understand how beauty and art relate to faith, music history to trace the development of sacred music traditions, and liturgical practice to learn how music functions in Christian worship. Courses in sacred poetry and literature explore how writers have expressed faith through the written word.
The curriculum emphasizes research and analysis skills as you examine how sacred art has shaped Christian life throughout history. You will engage in public presentation opportunities and collaborative exploration with classmates studying these rich traditions. The interdisciplinary approach integrates your studies in theology, history, music, art, and literature into a cohesive understanding of how the arts serve the church and glorify God.
How does the sacred music and literature minor complement other majors?
The sacred music and literature minor pairs naturally with many majors at CCU. Music majors gain a deeper theological and historical context for sacred repertoire and church music ministry. Theology and biblical studies majors develop an appreciation for how art and music communicate theological truth. History majors explore the role of sacred art in shaping Christian culture and worship practices across centuries.
English and literature majors benefit from studying sacred poetry and the intersection of faith with creative writing. Ministry and youth ministry majors prepare to lead worship and integrate arts into congregational life. The minor is designed to enhance your major field of study by providing concentrated coursework in sacred aesthetics that enriches your understanding of faith, art, and their intersection in the life of the church.
What makes CCU's sacred music and literature program unique?
CCU's sacred music and literature minor is distinctive because it integrates multiple disciplines, including music, poetry, art, theology, and history, into a cohesive exploration of Christian aesthetics. Rather than studying sacred music in isolation, you examine how music connects with literature, visual art, and theological reflection to form a complete picture of how the arts serve faith and worship.
The program is grounded in CCU's conviction that the Bible is the sacred, inspired, and authoritative Word of God, and that artistic expression flows from this foundation. You will learn alongside faculty committed to both academic excellence and spiritual formation, preparing you to engage sacred art with intellectual rigor and heartfelt devotion. This combination of scholarly depth and faith commitment distinguishes CCU's approach to sacred music and literature studies.
Is the sacred music and literature minor right for you?
The sacred music and literature minor is right for you if you are passionate about the intersection of faith, art, and worship. If you find yourself moved by hymns, sacred choral music, religious poetry, or church art, this program provides the academic framework to deepen your understanding and appreciation of these forms. The minor is ideal for students who want to serve the church through music ministry or who plan to pursue graduate study in sacred music, theology, or related fields.
This minor also benefits students who simply want a richer understanding of how Christians have expressed faith through artistic means throughout history. You do not need to be a music major to pursue this minor, as it welcomes students from any field who want to integrate sacred aesthetics into their education. If you desire to be a steward of the gift of art that God has given us, the sacred music and literature minor at CCU provides the foundation for that calling.
View the course catalog.
