The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies
The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies is a nonprofit graduate theological school in Jacksonville, Florida, offering accredited Master and Doctor of Worship Studies degrees through hybrid on-campus intensives and distance learning for Christian worship leaders worldwide.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1999
- HeadquartersJacksonville, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies does
The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies (IWS) is a private, nonprofit graduate theological institution founded in 1999 in Jacksonville, Florida, by Dr. Robert E. Webber. It is the only accredited school in the world dedicated exclusively to graduate-level worship studies, offering the Master of Worship Studies (M.W.S., 36 credits over 2 years), the Doctor of Worship Studies (D.W.S.), and Graduate and Advanced Graduate Certificates. The educational model is hybrid: students attend one-week on-campus intensives in Jacksonville twice a year (January and June) and complete the remainder of coursework through distance learning over five-month semesters, leveraging Populiweb for admissions and student management. The curriculum is anchored in Dr. Webber's "ancient-future" worship paradigm, which bridges the wisdom of the historic church with contemporary ministry practice.
IWS is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE, since 2010) and by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), and is SEVIS-certified to issue I-20 forms for F-1 international students. Revenue derives primarily from tuition and fees (a $50 application fee, a $500 non-refundable enrollment deposit, per-course fees, and a $350 I-901 SEVIS fee per campus visit for international students) supplemented by donations, bequests, and scholarship funds. The institution intentionally operates as a lean school with no full-time faculty, relying instead on practitioner-scholar adjuncts and co-taught doctoral courses. Customer segments include worship leaders and music ministers, pastors and senior church leaders, academic professionals, and international and cross-cultural ministry leaders; alumni have come from 35+ countries and 100+ denominations, with 774 cumulative graduates as of June 2024 (469 D.W.S., 241 M.W.S., and 62 certificates), a graduation rate exceeding 80%, and retention above 91%.
In June 2026 IWS announced a program transfer agreement with Fuller Theological Seminary under which its core academic mission, educational resources, and distinctive worship philosophy will transition to Fuller, with a comprehensive teach-out plan for currently enrolled students. IWS will conclude operations as an independent institution at the end of the 2025-2026 academic year, with its final commencement held on June 21, 2026 in Jacksonville.
The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies
- Legal name
- The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies
- Website
- https://iws.edu
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1999
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies is a nonprofit graduate theological school in Jacksonville, Florida, offering accredited Master and Doctor of Worship Studies degrees through hybrid on-campus intensives and distance learning for Christian worship leaders worldwide.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Graduate Theological Education
- NAICS
- Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310), Religious Organizations (81311)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Seminaries (Graduate Theology & Ministry) (EDAHAKAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Faith-Based Education & Formation (Seminaries, Religious Schools, Catechesis) (BPAGAJAD), Denominational Theological Colleges (e.g., Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, Evangelical) (EDAHAKAM)
Keywords
Where The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Jacksonville
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Tuition and Fees: Revenue from tuition for the Master of Worship Studies (MWS) and Doctor of Worship Studies (DWS) programs. Application fee of $50, $500 non-refundable enrollment deposit, and per-course fees for additional requirements like BIB 501 and WR 701.
- Donations and Charitable Giving: Tax-deductible donations accepted online via credit card or eCheck, by mail, or by phone. Legacy giving through bequests, retirement plan beneficiary designations, and life insurance policies. In 2009, IWS received its first official bequest from an alumnus.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Application Fee |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Enrollment Deposit |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | International Student SEVIS Fee |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels6 records
The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies delivers graduate-level worship studies education through a hybrid model combining week-long on-campus intensives in Jacksonville, Florida with five-month distance-learning semesters. The institution awards the Master of Worship Studies (MWS, 36 credits, 2-year completion), Doctor of Worship Studies (DWS), Graduate Certificate in Worship Studies (GCWS), and Advanced Graduate Certificate in Worship Studies (AGCWS). Curriculum is built on the proprietary Ancient-Future Worship Paradigm pioneered by founder Dr. Robert E. Webber, integrating biblical, historical, theological, cultural, and missiological disciplines for working worship leaders, pastors, musicians, and missionaries.
Product overview
The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies offers a unique portfolio of graduate-level worship studies programs centered around two degree programs: the Master of Worship Studies (M.W.S.) and Doctor of Worship Studies (D.W.S.), along with Graduate and Advanced Graduate Certificates. The educational model combines hybrid on-campus intensives held in January and June with distance learning components spanning five-month semesters. Supporting services include a Host Home Program for student housing during intensives, annual Worship Seminars featuring guest scholars, and the IWS Choir performing at ceremonial events. The institution is concluding independent operations in 2026, with programs transferring to Fuller Theological Seminary.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Master of Worship Studies (M.W.S.) A 36-credit-hour master's degree program combining hybrid on-campus intensives with online learning components, designed to be completed in 2 years. Intended for church leaders including worship leaders, pastors, and musicians seeking graduate-level worship education.
- Doctor of Worship Studies (D.W.S.) A doctoral degree program focused on advanced worship studies combining biblical, historical, theological, and missiological reflection. Features co-taught courses with two qualified professors and requires a supervised ministry internship. Designed for senior church leaders, pastors, and academics.
- Graduate Certificate in Worship Studies (GCWS) A graduate-level certificate program in worship studies for students seeking specialized credentials without pursuing a full degree.
- Advanced Graduate Certificate in Worship Studies (AGCWS) An advanced graduate-level certificate program building on foundational worship studies coursework for continued professional development.
- Worship Seminar Annual seminar events featuring guest speakers on worship topics, including sessions by faculty and external scholars, accompanied by alumni dinner gatherings.
Quantifiable outcome
- 80%+ graduation rate with 91%+ retention
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration3 records
Feature3 records
The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
One partnership is on record.
- Fuller Theological SeminaryflagshipIWS has signed a program transfer agreement with Fuller Theological Seminary to sustain and advance the mission, legacy, and vision of IWS for future generations. After 27 years of faithful ministry, IWS will conclude operations as an independent institution at the end of the current academic year. The agreement provides a comprehensive teach-out plan for current IWS students to complete their degrees through Fuller Seminary. Fuller will preserve and advance the distinctive worship philosophy and educational methodology pioneered by IWS founder Dr. Robert E. Webber, including the ancient-future vision. Fuller Seminary President Dr. David Emmanuel Goatley will serve as commencement speaker for the final IWS Commencement on June 21, 2026.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights4 records
The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Dallas Theological Seminary: Dallas Theological Seminary is a major accredited graduate theological institution offering master's and doctoral programs across ministry disciplines, including worship-related training. It is comparable as a similarly accredited, multi-program evangelical seminary serving ministry professionals.
- Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary: Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is a large accredited seminary offering graduate programs in worship studies, music ministry, and theology. It is comparable as a peer institution granting graduate-level credentials in worship-related ministry within an accredited theological framework.
- Asbury Theological Seminary: Asbury Theological Seminary is an interdenominational graduate theological institution offering master's and doctoral degrees with a strong emphasis on worship and spiritual formation. It overlaps with IWS in mission to train worship leaders and pastors through graduate-level theological education.
- Wheaton College Graduate School: Wheaton College's Graduate School offers theological master's and doctoral programs with biblical and theological studies relevant to worship leaders. It is comparable as an evangelical graduate institution offering accredited theological training for ministry professionals.
- Calvin Theological Seminary: Calvin Theological Seminary is a graduate theological institution with a Reformed worship tradition that trains ministry leaders in worship and liturgy. It is comparable as an accredited seminary delivering graduate-level worship formation with a strong liturgical and historical theology emphasis.
- Southern Baptist Theological Seminary: The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary is one of the largest accredited seminaries in the U.S., offering master's and doctoral programs including worship and music ministry tracks. It is comparable as a peer institution delivering graduate theological credentials with worship specialization.
- Baylor University Truett Theological Seminary: Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University offers graduate theological degrees including worship-related curricula within a Baptist heritage. It is comparable as an accredited seminary offering graduate-level ministry training with a worship and liturgy component.
- Liberty University School of Divinity: Liberty University's School of Divinity offers accredited online and residential graduate programs in worship, theology, and ministry. It is comparable as an institution providing graduate-level worship and ministry training with significant online and distance learning infrastructure.
Direct peers
- Northern Seminary: Northern Seminary partnered with IWS founder Dr. Robert E. Webber in the 1990s to launch a Doctor of Ministry program in worship studies. It is directly comparable as a seminary that co-developed early IWS programming and continues to offer worship-related graduate theological degrees.
- Fuller Theological Seminary: Fuller Theological Seminary is the direct counterpart receiving IWS's program transfer and houses the Brehm Center for Worship, Theology, and the Arts, one of the most prominent worship studies centers in theological education. It is the institution assuming IWS's academic mission and, post-transfer, becomes the closest functional comparator.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies social profiles
Digital presenceThe Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies
What does The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies do?
The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies delivers graduate-level worship studies education through a hybrid model combining week-long on-campus intensives in Jacksonville, Florida with five-month distance-learning semesters. The institution awards the Master of Worship Studies (MWS, 36 credits, 2-year completion), Doctor of Worship Studies (DWS), Graduate Certificate in Worship Studies (GCWS), and Advanced Graduate Certificate in Worship Studies (AGCWS). Curriculum is built on the proprietary Ancient-Future Worship Paradigm pioneered by founder Dr. Robert E. Webber, integrating biblical, historical, theological, cultural, and missiological disciplines for working worship leaders, pastors, musicians, and missionaries.
Is The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies a public or private company?
The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies founded?
The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies was founded in 1999. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies based?
The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies is headquartered in Jacksonville, United States, in the North America region.
How does The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Tuition and Fees are the primary driver. The others are donations and Charitable Giving.
Who are The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Dallas Theological Seminary, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Asbury Theological Seminary, Wheaton College Graduate School, Calvin Theological Seminary, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Baylor University Truett Theological Seminary and Liberty University School of Divinity. Direct peers are Northern Seminary and Fuller Theological Seminary.
Does The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies have an API?
No public API is recorded for The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies.
What industry is The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies in?
The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies's product category is Graduate Theological Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAHAKAA, Seminaries (Graduate Theology & Ministry), with a secondary code of BPAGAJAD, Faith-Based Education & Formation (Seminaries, Religious Schools, Catechesis). Its NAICS code is 6113 and its SIC code is 8200.