Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Music Production, Theater

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Music Production, Theater

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

Academic unit

HBIU College of Performing Arts

Total credits

120

Duration

4 years

• Analyze the technical and aesthetic principles of music production and theatrical design within a professional framework.
• Apply ethical reasoning and servant leadership models to real-world creative collaboration projects.
• Evaluate the impact of performing arts on community development and individual well-being.
• Design sophisticated audio and theatrical productions using industry-standard equipment and software.
• Demonstrate artistic proficiency in both performance and behind-the-scenes production roles.
• Integrate a Christian worldview into the creative process, promoting stewardship and cultural stewardship.
• Communicate artistic concepts effectively to diverse audiences, stakeholders, and community groups.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MUS 101
• Music Theory I
• 3
• None
• THE 105
• Principles of Theatrical Design
• 3
• None
• ENG 101
• Academic Composition
• 3
• None
• CHR 110
• Foundations of Ethical Inquiry
• 3
• None
• MUS 101 — Music Theory I: This course covers the fundamentals of music theory, including notation, rhythm, and basic harmonic structure. Students analyze classic and contemporary arrangements to understand composition styles. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE 105 — Principles of Theatrical Design: An introduction to the visual and spatial elements of theatrical production including set design, lighting, and costume planning. Students learn to translate scripts into visual experiences. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ENG 101 — Academic Composition: Focuses on the development of clear, academic writing and the synthesis of research sources. Students learn to construct persuasive and analytical essays. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CHR 110 — Foundations of Ethical Inquiry: Explores the philosophical and theological foundations of ethics and character development. Students investigate frameworks for moral decision-making in professional settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MUS 102
• Digital Audio Workstation Fundamentals
• 4
• MUS 101
• THE 110
• Fundamentals of Acting
• 3
• None
• HIS 150
• World History and Culture
• 3
• None
• COM 120
• Public Speaking and Communication
• 3
• ENG 101
• MUS 102 — Digital Audio Workstation Fundamentals: Provides technical training in industry-standard recording software and basic signal processing. Students complete practical exercises in mixing and editing. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE 110 — Fundamentals of Acting: Explores the creative process of acting, focusing on physical expression, vocal projection, and text analysis. Students perform in controlled stage scenarios to develop stage presence. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS 150 — World History and Culture: Examines significant historical developments and their impact on global culture and artistic expression. Students evaluate historical events through a broad lens. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM 120 — Public Speaking and Communication: Develops the skills necessary for effective verbal communication and audience engagement in various contexts. Students practice presentation techniques for small and large groups. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MUS 201
• Advanced Recording Techniques
• 4
• MUS 102
• THE 205
• Stage Management and Production
• 3
• THE 105
• MAT 210
• Applied Statistics
• 3
• None
• PSY 200
• Interpersonal Dynamics
• 3
• None
• MUS 201 — Advanced Recording Techniques: Covers multi-track recording, microphone techniques, and advanced mixing procedures for live and studio audio. Students engage in collaborative studio sessions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE 205 — Stage Management and Production: Covers the responsibilities of stage management, including budgeting, scheduling, and personnel coordination. Students apply these skills to small-scale productions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MAT 210 — Applied Statistics: Introduces statistical methods and data analysis techniques relevant to organizational decision-making. Students interpret data trends to assess programmatic success. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY 200 — Interpersonal Dynamics: Investigates human interaction, group dynamics, and conflict resolution in collaborative environments. Students explore psychological frameworks for team leadership. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MUS 210
• Music Arrangement and Composition
• 3
• MUS 101
• THE 220
• Theatrical Directing
• 3
• THE 110
• RES 250
• Research Methods for the Arts
• 3
• ENG 101
• MIN 200
• Servant Leadership in Practice
• 3
• CHR 110
• MUS 210 — Music Arrangement and Composition: Explores the techniques of musical arrangement for contemporary and classical ensembles. Students compose original works tailored to specific dramatic narratives. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE 220 — Theatrical Directing: Introduces the fundamentals of theatrical directing, including blocking, interpretation of text, and actor coaching. Students observe and practice directing techniques in classroom labs. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES 250 — Research Methods for the Arts: Teaches methodology for researching artistic trends, history, and community needs. Students develop proposals for evidence-based creative projects. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN 200 — Servant Leadership in Practice: Examines models of servant leadership and their application within organizational and ministry contexts. Students design a project centered on community outreach. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MUS 301
• Live Sound Reinforcement
• 4
• MUS 201
• THE 305
• Lighting and Sound Design
• 3
• THE 205
• BUS 310
• Nonprofit Management
• 3
• None
• SOC 300
• Sociology of Culture
• 3
• None
• MUS 301 — Live Sound Reinforcement: Explores the systems and techniques required for professional live sound engineering. Students troubleshoot hardware configurations and manage sound for public events. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE 305 — Lighting and Sound Design: Provides advanced instruction on lighting console programming and atmospheric sound design for the theater. Students create design plans for complex theatrical works. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS 310 — Nonprofit Management: Examines the structures and operational challenges of managing non-profit organizations. Focuses on stewardship, development, and community impact strategies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC 300 — Sociology of Culture: Studies the interaction between societal trends and artistic production. Students assess how cultural values influence contemporary theatrical and musical output. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MUS 320
• Studio Production Portfolio
• 3
• MUS 201
• THE 330
• Advanced Performance and Dramaturgy
• 3
• THE 220
• MGT 350
• Volunteer Management
• 3
• MIN 200
• ART 320
• Philosophy of Aesthetics and Cultural Value
• 3
• CHR 110
• MUS 320 — Studio Production Portfolio: Students compile a professional portfolio of recorded and produced audio tracks. Focuses on high-fidelity standards and effective project communication. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE 330 — Advanced Performance and Dramaturgy: Analyzes the dramaturgy and performance of complex texts in contemporary performance venues. Students research and critique existing theatrical works. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT 350 — Volunteer Management: Teaches the recruitment, training, and supervision of volunteers within community organizations. Emphasizes character development and effective delegation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ART 320 — Philosophy of Aesthetics and Cultural Value: This course examines the theoretical and historical frameworks used to evaluate artistic expression and cultural significance within various societies. Students analyze the impact of design and performance on public perception and community engagement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 7 — Year 4
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MUS 401
• Post-Production and Mastering
• 4
• MUS 301
• THE 405
• Advanced Production Design Lab
• 3
• THE 305
• BUS 420
• Strategic Planning in Non-Profits
• 3
• BUS 310
• CAP 480
• Capstone Pre-Production
• 3
• RES 250
• MUS 401 — Post-Production and Mastering: Provides final preparation for professional audio delivery, focusing on mastering and sound post-production for film or theater. Students finalize project assets. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE 405 — Advanced Production Design Lab: An intensive workshop focusing on creating immersive stage environments for large-scale performances. Students manage specialized production teams. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS 420 — Strategic Planning in Non-Profits: Covers long-term strategic development, fundraising, and mission-aligned operations for community organizations. Students create a hypothetical strategic plan. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP 480 — Capstone Pre-Production: Students research and propose the creative, financial, and technical plans for their senior capstone production. Emphasizes feasibility and ethical alignment. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 8 — Year 4
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CAP 490
• Senior Capstone Project
• 4
• CAP 480
• THE 450
• Professionalism and Career Development
• 3
• None
• EDU 410
• Community Arts Education
• 3
• None
• PRO 495
• Professional Ethics and Career Integration
• 3
• CHR 110
• CAP 490 — Senior Capstone Project: The final execution of a student-led artistic production, demonstrating mastery of music or theater and integrating faith-informed ethical decision-making. Students deliver a final report documenting the project's impact and their professional maturation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE 450 — Professionalism and Career Development: Focuses on career preparation including portfolio building, grant writing for the arts, and professional ethics. Students develop a plan for lifelong professional growth. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU 410 — Community Arts Education: Examines methodologies for teaching music or theater in non-formal, community-based educational settings. Students design a workshop curriculum for diverse learners. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PRO 495 — Professional Ethics and Career Integration: This seminar focuses on the intersection of professional responsibility, workplace ethics, and the practical application of disciplinary skills in the performing arts. Students develop career strategies and reflect on the ethical implications of managing professional artistic productions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants must provide official transcripts showing completion of a secondary education program, typically a high school diploma or equivalent, with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Prospective students should submit a portfolio or audition tape demonstrating their current skill level in music or theater, accompanied by a written statement articulating their goals for academic and personal growth. Admissions decisions are holistic, considering the applicant's prior academic performance, commitment to ethical conduct, and expressed interest in integrating faith-based principles with artistic excellence. Senior Capstone Project The Senior Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic experience, requiring students to synthesize their learning through the production of a significant original creative work. Students act as lead directors or producers, overseeing every technical and creative aspect of a public-facing performance or audio project. The scope of this project demands high-level project management, technical proficiency, and evidence of collaborative leadership, weighted at 4 credit hours. Beyond technical achievement, the capstone integrates faith-based perspectives by requiring students to document their decision-making processes through the lens of ethical reasoning and spiritual formation. Students must justify their artistic choices in relation to their personal values, stewardship of resources, and the project's utility to the community. This component demonstrates both academic mastery of the performing arts and the student’s readiness to serve others as an ethical, faith-informed professional.

• Graduation requires the successful completion of 120 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 and the successful defense of the Senior Capstone Project. Beyond academic benchmarks, students must complete requirements related to spiritual formation, including regular participation in institutional chapel programs and verified service hours within local non-profit or community organizations. These requirements ensure that graduates leave the university not only with technical competence but also with a foundation of spiritual maturity and ethical integrity.
• The university expects all graduates to demonstrate consistent character development, as evidenced by their conduct in academic and service settings. Students are encouraged to reflect on the intersection of their faith and their artistic pursuits throughout their tenure, ensuring that they are prepared for a life of faith-informed service and professional excellence in their chosen fields.
• Career Opportunities
• Music Producer for Non-Profit Media Ministries
• Technical Director for Community Theatrical Venues
• Performing Arts Coordinator for Faith-Based Organizations
• Audio Engineer for Educational and Outreach Media
• Creative Arts Director for Community Outreach Programs
• Stage Manager for Faith-Based Performance Events
• Production Consultant for Urban Mission 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 Production, Theater
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years
• General education | 36 credit hours
• Faith-Based Music Production, Theater core | 63 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours
• Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS 101 | Music Theory I | 3 | None
• THE 105 | Principles of Theatrical Design | 3 | None
• ENG 101 | Academic Composition | 3 | None
• CHR 110 | Foundations of Ethical Inquiry | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS 102 | Digital Audio Workstation Fundamentals | 4 | MUS 101
• THE 110 | Fundamentals of Acting | 3 | None
• HIS 150 | World History and Culture | 3 | None
• COM 120 | Public Speaking and Communication | 3 | ENG 101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS 201 | Advanced Recording Techniques | 4 | MUS 102
• THE 205 | Stage Management and Production | 3 | THE 105
• MAT 210 | Applied Statistics | 3 | None
• PSY 200 | Interpersonal Dynamics | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS 210 | Music Arrangement and Composition | 3 | MUS 101
• THE 220 | Theatrical Directing | 3 | THE 110
• RES 250 | Research Methods for the Arts | 3 | ENG 101
• MIN 200 | Servant Leadership in Practice | 3 | CHR 110
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS 301 | Live Sound Reinforcement | 4 | MUS 201
• THE 305 | Lighting and Sound Design | 3 | THE 205
• BUS 310 | Nonprofit Management | 3 | None
• SOC 300 | Sociology of Culture | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS 320 | Studio Production Portfolio | 3 | MUS 201
• THE 330 | Advanced Performance and Dramaturgy | 3 | THE 220
• MGT 350 | Volunteer Management | 3 | MIN 200
• ART 320 | Philosophy of Aesthetics and Cultural Value | 3 | CHR 110
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS 401 | Post-Production and Mastering | 4 | MUS 301
• THE 405 | Advanced Production Design Lab | 3 | THE 305
• BUS 420 | Strategic Planning in Non-Profits | 3 | BUS 310
• CAP 480 | Capstone Pre-Production | 3 | RES 250
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP 490 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | CAP 480
• THE 450 | Professionalism and Career Development | 3 | None
• EDU 410 | Community Arts Education | 3 | None
• PRO 495 | Professional Ethics and Career Integration | 3 | CHR 110