Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Music Composition, Specialization in Music

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Music Composition

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Music composition core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Music Composition, Specialization in Music, offers a comprehensive curriculum designed for students who seek to master the technical and artistic rigors of music creation while maintaining a commitment to ethical stewardship and servant leadership. Through intensive study of theory, composition, digital audio production, and music history, students gain a deep understanding of the structural and expressive potential of sound as a vehicle for community engagement and cultural expression.

Beyond technical musical proficiency, the program emphasizes the intersection of artistic discipline and institutional mission. Students are challenged to cultivate a unique creative voice that honors tradition while exploring contemporary innovations. By fostering an environment of collaborative learning and spiritual reflection, the curriculum equips graduates to serve as catalysts for artistic excellence within the diverse landscape of nonprofit organizations and community-based arts initiatives.

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Music Composition program combines a robust foundation in general education with comprehensive study in music theory, composition techniques, aesthetic development, ethics, research methodology, crisis awareness, theological integration, and the development of music-based community support initiatives.

Florida's current standard establishes a minimum of 120 semester credits for a bachelor's degree and at least 30 general-education credits for a Bachelor of Arts. This curriculum exceeds the general-education minimum.

Program Details

• Total Credits: 120
• Duration: 4 years
• Degree Level: Bachelor

General education | 36 credit hours

• Music composition core | 63 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours

Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS101 | Music Theory I | 4 | None
• ENG101 | College Composition | 3 | None
• ART105 | Aesthetics and Cultural Expression | 3 | None
• MUS110 | Piano Proficiency I | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS102 | Music Theory II | 4 | MUS101
• HIS120 | World History | 3 | None
• MUS111 | Piano Proficiency II | 3 | MUS110
• PSY101 | Intro to Psychology | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS201 | Composition I | 4 | MUS102
• MUS210 | Aural Skills I | 3 | MUS102
• ENG202 | Technical Writing | 3 | ENG101
• SOC201 | Social Institutions | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS202 | Composition II | 4 | MUS201
• MUS220 | Digital Audio Production | 3 | None
• MAT101 | College Mathematics | 3 | None
• CHR201 | Ethics and Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS301 | Advanced Orchestration | 4 | MUS202
• MUS315 | Music History I | 3 | None
• BUS300 | Nonprofit Management | 3 | None
• BIO101 | Biology Survey | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS302 | Choral Composition | 4 | MUS301
• MUS316 | Music History II | 3 | MUS315
• COM301 | Professional Communication | 3 | None
• PSY301 | Human Development and Personal Growth | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS401 | Composition Seminar I | 4 | MUS302
• MUS410 | Applied Music Technology | 3 | MUS220
• MGT405 | Organizational Leadership | 3 | None
• HIS401 | Cultural Studies | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP499 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | All Core Courses
• MUS402 | Composition Seminar II | 3 | MUS401
• EDU401 | Instructional Strategies | 3 | None
• MIN405 | Community Engagement | 3 | None

Career Opportunities

• Nonprofit Music Director
• Community Arts Program Coordinator
• Independent Composer for Educational Media
• Church Music Producer
• Digital Sound Designer for Nonprofits
• Arts-Based Community Outreach Manager

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 | B.A. in Faith-Based Music Composition
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years