Master of Arts in Faith-Based Music Composition, Music Therapy

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Music Composition, Music Therapy

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Academic unit

HBIU College of Arts and Humanities

Total credits

60

Duration

2 years

• Analyze advanced music composition techniques to develop original works that address specific cultural or community needs.
• Evaluate the efficacy of various musical intervention strategies within non-clinical, support-oriented environments.
• Apply ethical decision-making frameworks to navigate complex scenarios in musical ministry and community engagement.
• Integrate Christian worldview perspectives into the professional practice of music composition and facilitation.
• Design comprehensive music-based service programs that promote social cohesion and spiritual vitality.
• Communicate complex musical and therapeutic concepts to diverse stakeholders effectively.
• Demonstrate advanced scholarly research skills through the completion of a capstone project.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MUS 501
• Advanced Compositional Techniques
• 4
• Bachelor of Music or equivalent
• MUS 505
• Music, Culture, and Community
• 4
• None
• RES 510
• Research Methods in the Humanities
• 4
• None
• ETH 515
• Professional Ethics and Behavioral Standards
• 3
• None
• MUS 501 — Advanced Compositional Techniques: This course covers advanced methods in contemporary music composition and thematic development. Students examine how to structure soundscapes that reflect intentional artistic and social objectives. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MUS 505 — Music, Culture, and Community: An investigation into how music functions as a social force within diverse communities. Students analyze historical and contemporary musical traditions through a lens of stewardship. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES 510 — Research Methods in the Humanities: An introduction to qualitative and quantitative research methodologies relevant to the arts and community service. Students develop the skills to perform data collection and scholarly analysis. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ETH 515 — Professional Ethics and Behavioral Standards: This course examines the foundational principles of ethical decision-making within clinical and social services environments. Students analyze case studies involving professional conduct and accountability to establish a framework for moral practice. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MUS 520
• Music Intervention Strategies
• 4
• MUS 501
• MUS 525
• Advanced Instrumentation and Arranging
• 4
• MUS 501
• MGT 530
• Non-profit Leadership and Stewardship
• 4
• None
• COM 540
• Communication and Community Outreach
• 3
• None
• MUS 520 — Music Intervention Strategies: Examination of supportive music-based activities designed for non-clinical, community, and group settings. Focus is placed on facilitating social connection and individual emotional expression. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MUS 525 — Advanced Instrumentation and Arranging: In-depth study of orchestration and arranging for diverse ensemble settings. Students refine their ability to adapt musical scores for varied skill levels and contexts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT 530 — Non-profit Leadership and Stewardship: Focuses on the management of community-focused programs through the lens of stewardship and fiscal responsibility. Students examine organizational structures that serve the common good. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM 540 — Communication and Community Outreach: Advanced training in interpersonal communication, public advocacy, and effective messaging. Students learn to articulate their programmatic visions to broad audiences. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MUS 601
• Advanced Creative Arts Facilitation
• 4
• MUS 520
• ART 605
• Sociology of the Arts and Culture
• 4
• CHR 515
• MUS 610
• Advanced Theory for Community Practice
• 4
• MUS 525
• RES 620
• Thesis Development Seminar
• 3
• RES 510
• MUS 601 — Advanced Creative Arts Facilitation: Practical workshops on facilitating group music activities and community workshops. Emphasis is placed on creating inclusive environments that welcome all participants. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ART 605 — Sociology of the Arts and Culture: This course explores the intersection of creative expression, cultural movements, and their impact on community identity. Students evaluate how artistic practices function as primary drivers for social cohesion and cultural preservation within diverse populations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MUS 610 — Advanced Theory for Community Practice: Exploration of music theory applications for diverse cultural expressions and collaborative composition. Students integrate technical expertise with sensitivity to local community traditions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES 620 — Thesis Development Seminar: A seminar focusing on the research, proposal writing, and planning phases of the final capstone project. Students outline their contributions to their chosen field. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MUS 650
• Capstone Thesis Project
• 4
• RES 620
• MUS 660
• Music and Social Advocacy
• 4
• None
• MUS 670
• Advanced Musical Ensemble Leadership
• 3
• None
• MIN 680
• Servant Leadership in Practice
• 3
• CHR 515
• MUS 650 — Capstone Thesis Project: The culmination of the degree, consisting of a scholarly thesis and a portfolio of practical musical application. Students demonstrate the integration of faith, theory, and professional skill. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MUS 660 — Music and Social Advocacy: A study on how artists use their platforms to drive social justice and community improvements. Students develop models for engaging systemic issues through musical action. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MUS 670 — Advanced Musical Ensemble Leadership: Development of leadership skills for directing complex ensembles in community and worship settings. Students refine conducting and pedagogical strategies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN 680 — Servant Leadership in Practice: A study of leadership paradigms that prioritize the needs of others and organizational mission. Students prepare for long-term service and professional endurance. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Admission to the Master of Arts program requires a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Music degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Applicants must submit a portfolio of original compositions, official transcripts, three letters of professional or academic reference, and a personal statement outlining their commitment to ethical service and community-based musical engagement. Thesis or Capstone Project The Master of Arts Thesis serves as the culminating academic experience, requiring students to synthesize their theoretical, compositional, and community-engagement learning into a substantial project. Students must propose, research, and execute a project that addresses a specific need within a community or non-profit context, demonstrating technical mastery and ethical foresight. The project includes a formal written thesis, a portfolio of original musical compositions or recorded therapeutic programs, and a reflective analysis of the work's alignment with their personal commitment to servant leadership and biblical stewardship. This project evaluates the student's ability to integrate academic competence with a mature, faith-informed character, ensuring that their professional outputs are not only musically rigorous but also designed to advance the mission and wellbeing of the communities they serve.

• Graduation requires the successful completion of 60 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Students must earn a grade of B or better in all core courses and successfully defend their final Thesis or Capstone Project before a faculty committee. Beyond academic performance, students are expected to demonstrate spiritual formation and character development through active participation in community service, weekly chapel attendance, and the completion of a designated spiritual formation seminar. These requirements ensure that graduates emerge as individuals of integrity who are prepared to apply their musical expertise within a framework of faith-informed service and ethical excellence.
• Career Opportunities
• Non-profit Music Program Director
• Faith-Based Community Arts Coordinator
• Music Minister and Composer
• Community Outreach Specialist
• Music Enrichment Facilitator for Non-clinical Settings
• Adaptive Music Curriculum Developer
• Mission-based Performing Arts Administrator
• Important Notices
• The program educates ethical professionals who demonstrate technical excellence, servant leadership, professional integrity, and a commitment to apply sound principles to advance faith-based organizations, strengthen communities, and contribute responsibly.
• HBIU is a lawfully operating nonpublic faith-based postsecondary institution that maintains its status under section 1005.06(1)(f), Florida Statutes. The University annually affirms its compliance with the requirements applicable to faith-based institutions in Florida through Commission for Independent Education.
• HBIU accreditation from QAHE (for quality assurance in pre-tertiary and higher education mechanisms). QAHE offers globally recognized accreditation and quality assurance for higher education, training providers, and professional institutions worldwide. Students should consider the nature and scope of this recognition in relation to their individual certification and professional goals.
• Transfer credit is evaluated individually based on course content, credit hours, grades, institutional documentation, program requirements, and applicable university policies. Although HBIU provides academically structured programs, no institution can guarantee that another college, university, employer, licensing board, or credential-evaluation service will accept its credits or credentials. Students are encouraged to obtain advance written confirmation from the intended receiving organization.
• The program develops academic knowledge and applied competencies for service in faith-based organizations, nonprofit institutions, community programs, and related professional environments. Some occupations associated with the subject area may be regulated by governmental or professional authorities. A degree from HBIU demonstrates completion of the University's academic requirements but does not, by itself, confer professional licensure or legal authority to perform regulated services.
• Where a program is related to an external certification, eligibility is determined exclusively by the applicable certifying organization. Certification bodies may establish additional requirements involving education, examinations, experience, background screening, continuing education, or membership. HBIU does not guarantee certification eligibility or examination approval unless a formal written agreement expressly provides otherwise.
• Career and occupational information is provided to help students make informed educational decisions. Employment outcomes depend on factors such as the graduate's experience, geographic location, professional qualifications, employer requirements, economic conditions, interviewing ability, and any applicable licensure or certification requirements. Completion of a program does not constitute a promise of employment, promotion, job placement, or a particular occupational title.
• This program is delivered through online instruction. Students must have access to the technology, equipment, internet service, software, and learning resources identified in the University's technology requirements.
• Internship or field-experience participation is subject to academic eligibility, site availability, supervisor approval, and the requirements of the participating organization. The University assists students with the placement process but cannot guarantee placement with a particular organization, supervisor, location, or schedule.
• Students are responsible for reviewing the catalog, understanding program requirements, providing accurate information, meeting academic and financial obligations, and verifying whether the program supports their intended educational or professional goals.
• Completion of a University program does not authorize a graduate to use a professional title that is protected or restricted by law. Graduates must use titles that accurately reflect their education, credentials, employment role, and current licensure or certification status.
• Degree abbreviation | M.A. in Faith-Based Music Composition, Music Therapy
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Music Composition, Music Therapy core | 27 credit hours
• Research, assessment, and program evaluation | 12 credit hours
• Professional application and field experience | 12 credit hours
• Graduate capstone requirement | 9 credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS 501 | Advanced Compositional Techniques | 4 | Bachelor of Music or equivalent
• MUS 505 | Music, Culture, and Community | 4 | None
• RES 510 | Research Methods in the Humanities | 4 | None
• ETH 515 | Professional Ethics and Behavioral Standards | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS 520 | Music Intervention Strategies | 4 | MUS 501
• MUS 525 | Advanced Instrumentation and Arranging | 4 | MUS 501
• MGT 530 | Non-profit Leadership and Stewardship | 4 | None
• COM 540 | Communication and Community Outreach | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS 601 | Advanced Creative Arts Facilitation | 4 | MUS 520
• ART 605 | Sociology of the Arts and Culture | 4 | CHR 515
• MUS 610 | Advanced Theory for Community Practice | 4 | MUS 525
• RES 620 | Thesis Development Seminar | 3 | RES 510
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS 650 | Capstone Thesis Project | 4 | RES 620
• MUS 660 | Music and Social Advocacy | 4 | None
• MUS 670 | Advanced Musical Ensemble Leadership | 3 | None
• MIN 680 | Servant Leadership in Practice | 3 | CHR 515