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

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

Faith-based 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 with a specialization in Music Therapy at HBI University offers a rigorous interdisciplinary curriculum that bridges the creative arts and the behavioral sciences. Students engage in advanced study of music theory, composition techniques, and the therapeutic applications of auditory stimuli, all framed within a holistic understanding of human flourishing. The program emphasizes the development of technical proficiency in contemporary musical settings while fostering a deep commitment to ethical stewardship and service within community contexts. By synthesizing technical music skills with an understanding of human psychology and developmental needs, students are equipped to serve diverse populations through the power of music. This curriculum encourages students to approach their creative work as a form of ministry and professional service, ensuring that every composition and therapeutic intervention is grounded in principles of servant leadership and compassion. Through rigorous training, students learn to cultivate environments that promote holistic well-being and social cohesion.

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Music Composition, Specialization in Music Therapy program uniquely combines a foundational general education curriculum with comprehensive study in music theory, behavioral science, human development, ethical frameworks, academic research, crisis awareness, clinical referral protocols, program development, and community-based support strategies.

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

• Faith-based 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
• PSY101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | None
• ENG101 | Academic Writing | 3 | None
• SOC101 | Foundations of Human Development | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS102 | Music Theory II | 4 | MUS101
• PSY102 | Developmental Psychology | 3 | PSY101
• ENG102 | Research and Composition | 3 | ENG101
• MIN105 | Servant Leadership | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS201 | Composition I | 4 | MUS102
• COU201 | Foundations of Counseling | 3 | PSY101
• PHI201 | Professional and Social Ethics | 3 | None
• HUM210 | Arts and Community | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS202 | Composition II | 4 | MUS201
• COU202 | Group Dynamics | 3 | COU201
• HIS250 | History of Arts in Culture | 3 | None
• SOC201 | Sociology of Community | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS301 | Music Technology | 4 | MUS202
• PSY310 | Psychology of Music | 3 | PSY101
• BUS305 | Nonprofit Administration | 3 | None
• COM302 | Interpersonal Communication | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS302 | Orchestration and Arrangement | 4 | MUS301
• COU350 | Trauma-Informed Care | 3 | COU201
• MGT320 | Resource Management | 3 | BUS305
• RES300 | Research Methods | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS401 | Advanced Composition Project | 4 | MUS302
• COU410 | Professional Ethics and Law | 3 | COU350
• EDU405 | Educational Psychology | 3 | PSY102
• CAR400 | Career Development and Professional Identity | 4 | CHR101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP490 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | MUS401
• MUS420 | Professional Practice Seminar | 3 | MUS401
• COU420 | Crisis Intervention | 3 | COU410
• BUS450 | Nonprofit Fundraising and Grants | 4 | BUS305

Career Opportunities

• Music Program Director for Community Outreach
• Nonprofit Arts Coordinator
• Church Music Ministry Lead
• Adaptive Music Specialist in Educational Settings
• Hospice and Palliative Care Arts Support
• Community Advocacy and Development Officer
• Creative Program Evaluator for Faith-Based Organizations

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