Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Musicology, Specialization in Christian Music History

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Musicology

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-based musicology core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Musicology with a specialization in Christian Music History offers a comprehensive study of the intersection between music, culture, and theology. Students examine historical trends, liturgical development, and the sociological impact of sacred music throughout Western and global history, while engaging in rigorous academic inquiry into the role of sound in human expression. This program integrates interdisciplinary research methods with critical cultural analysis to prepare scholars who understand the profound capacity of music to shape community identity and communal experience. Through a sequence of core historical and musicological courses, students develop the analytical frameworks necessary to interpret musical artifacts and practices. The curriculum emphasizes the historical evolution of worship traditions and the intellectual history that underpins various musical expressions. Faculty mentorship guides students through the complexities of archival research, historical analysis, and the critical evaluation of music as both an art form and a vessel for cultural communication within faith-based contexts.

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Musicology combines a rigorous general education foundation with comprehensive study in music theory, music history, aesthetics, research methodology, liturgical studies, ethical foundations, and cultural analysis. Students examine the historical trajectory of Christian music while developing skills in musicological research, program development, and community-based arts engagement.

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 musicology core | 63 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours

Capstone Preparation Seminar

• 4
• RES200
• HIS401 — Seminar in Christian Music History: Advanced seminar focusing on specific eras of musical innovation in church historyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• MUS410 — Liturgical Form and Function: Analysis of how musical forms have been adapted to serve specific liturgical needsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• BUS420 — Non-Profit Management Essentials: Business principles for the management of faith-based and community organizationsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• RES400 — Capstone Preparation Seminar: Formulation of research proposals, literature review, and methodology designThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG101 | Academic Writing and Research | 3 | None
• HIS101 | Western Civilizations I | 3 | None
• THE101 | Foundations of Christian Thought | 3 | None
• MUS101 | Music Theory Fundamentals | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG102 | Advanced Rhetoric | 3 | ENG101
• HIS102 | Western Civilizations II | 3 | HIS101
• MIN110 | Servant Leadership Principles | 3 | None
• MUS105 | History of Global Liturgical Music | 4 | MUS101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HIS201 | Church History I: Early Church to Reformation | 3 | THE101
• RES200 | Methods in Historical Research | 3 | HIS102
• MUS201 | Musicology and Aesthetics | 3 | MUS105
• SOC210 | Sociology of Culture and Religion | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HIS202 | Church History II: Reformation to Modern | 3 | HIS201
• CHR220 | Christian Ethical Reasoning | 3 | THE101
• MUS210 | History of Western Sacred Music | 3 | MUS201
• COM220 | Intercultural Communication | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HIS301 | Historical Analysis of Hymnody | 3 | HIS202
• MUS305 | Theology of Worship and Art | 3 | THE101
• MGT310 | Organizational Stewardship | 3 | MIN110
• HUM320 | Humanities Elective | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HIS310 | Music and Social Movements | 3 | HIS301
• MUS315 | Contemporary Sacred Music Trends | 3 | MUS210
• PSY330 | Psychology of Community and Belonging | 3 | None
• HIS350 | Historical Inquiry Practicum | 4 | RES200
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HIS401 | Seminar in Christian Music History | 3 | HIS310
• MUS410 | Liturgical Form and Function | 3 | MUS305
• BUS420 | Non-Profit Management Essentials | 3 | MGT310
• RES400 | Capstone Preparation Seminar | 4 | RES200
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP490 | Senior Capstone Project | 3 | RES400
• HIS420 | Global Trends in Religious Music | 3 | HIS401
• THE450 | Theology of Community Engagement | 3 | THE101
• MUS450 | Advanced Musicological Analysis | 4 | MUS410

Career Opportunities

• Archivist for historical church collections
• Music librarian in academic or religious settings
• Historical researcher for denominational agencies
• Program coordinator for arts and music non-profits
• Content specialist for educational publishing in musicology
• Community outreach liaison for faith-based arts organizations
• Editorial assistant for scholarly journals in music and theology

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 Musicology
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years