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

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ed.D. in Faith-Based Arts in Musicology

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Maximum approved transfer credit

Up to 40 semester credit hours

Minimum credits completed through the University after maximum transfer

80 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Three to six academic years, depending on approved transfer credit, enrollment status, academic progress, and completion of the doctoral project

Advanced faith-based arts in musicology and specialization courses

30 credit hours

Leadership, administration, and professional practice

21 credit hours

Research methods and program evaluation

18 credit hours

Professional application and doctoral residency

15 credit hours

Advanced electives or concentration courses

12 credit hours

Comprehensive examination and doctoral candidacy

6 credit hours

Applied doctoral project and defense

18 credit hours

Total

120 semester credit hours

The Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Arts in Musicology, Specialization in Christian Music History, is a rigorous terminal degree designed for scholars and practitioners seeking to advance the academic study of music within the context of historical and cultural Christian influence. This program facilitates deep inquiry into the intersection of musicological methodology, theological reflection, and the historical development of sacred musical repertoires from the early church to the contemporary era. Students are challenged to engage in original research, contributing to the academic discourse while maintaining a commitment to scholarly excellence and historical accuracy.

Throughout the curriculum, candidates will explore the sociocultural impacts of music on the faith community and the broader public square. By analyzing the evolution of musical forms, notation, and aesthetic traditions, the program fosters critical thinking and a sophisticated understanding of how music serves as a vehicle for cultural transmission and spiritual expression. Graduates emerge as leaders equipped to bridge the gap between academic musicology and the ongoing development of the arts in diverse, faith-informed communities.

The Doctor of Education in Faith-Based Arts in Musicology is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced faith-based arts in musicology knowledge, organizational leadership, ethical stewardship, program development, community-care systems, higher-education instruction, and evidence-informed professional practice.

Students may receive up to 40 semester credit hours of approved graduate or doctoral transfer credit. Accepted transfer credits are applied toward the 120-credit graduation requirement and may reduce the number of courses and the amount of time required to complete the degree. A student receiving the maximum transfer-credit award must complete at least 80 semester credit hours through the University.

The applied doctoral project must address a documented faith-based arts in musicology-support, educational, organizational, or community-care need. The project must include scholarly research, an implementation model, measurable outcomes, ethical safeguards, an evaluation plan, and a successful oral defense.

DOCTORAL TRANSFER-CREDIT POLICY: The Doctor of Education and Doctor of Philosophy programs each require 120 semester credit hours. Students may transfer up to 40 semester credit hours of eligible graduate or doctoral coursework toward either degree. Transfer credit is not automatically awarded. Each request is evaluated individually according to: The academic level of the previous coursework; The relevance of the coursework to the doctoral curriculum; Course content and learning outcomes; Credit-hour equivalency; Grades earned; The age of the coursework; Official institutional documentation; The University's residency and transfer-credit policies. Accepted transfer credit may reduce the number of courses and the amount of time required to complete the degree. Students awarded the maximum 40 transfer credits will have 80 semester credit hours remaining in the 120-credit doctoral program. Comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidacy, doctoral residency, the applied doctoral project, dissertation research, and the final oral defense must ordinarily be completed through the University. These requirements may not be satisfied through transfer credit unless expressly permitted under a published University policy.

Program Details

• Total Credits: 120
• Duration: 3 years
• Degree Level: Doctorate

Dissertation Drafting Seminar

• 3
• RES901
• MIN920
• Professionalism in Artistic Leadership
• 3
• None
• RES901 — Advanced Dissertation Research II: A continuation of the dissertation research process, including comprehensive data synthesis and chapter development. Focuses on producing original scholarly conclusions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS905 — Ethical Stewardship in Artistic Research: A specialized seminar on the ethical implications of archival access and the responsible use of historical materials. Focuses on the preservation of community integrity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES910 — Dissertation Drafting Seminar: Focused peer-review and faculty mentorship aimed at finalizing the dissertation manuscript. Students refine their arguments and theoretical frameworks. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN920 — Professionalism in Artistic Leadership: Refining professional leadership practices within academic and arts administration. Emphasis is placed on lifelong learning and community influence. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Final Defense

• 4
• RES910
• RES925
• Final Manuscript Revision
• 3
• RES910
• THE910
• Synthesis of Faith and Musical Scholarship
• 3
• None
• HIS930
• Public Scholarship in Music History
• 3
• None
• CAP999 — Dissertation Final Defense: The final defense of the doctoral dissertation before a faculty panel, demonstrating mastery of the subject matter and academic rigor. This process includes the submission of the completed, approved manuscript. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES925 — Final Manuscript Revision: Final polish of the dissertation manuscript based on committee feedback to ensure alignment with high scholarly standards. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE910 — Synthesis of Faith and Musical Scholarship: A concluding seminar exploring the integration of one's research with broader commitments to service and personal development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS930 — Public Scholarship in Music History: Preparing students to communicate their research findings to broader, non-academic audiences effectively. Focuses on public service and cultural engagement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The Dissertation serves as the culminating scholarly endeavor, requiring the candidate to conduct an original, substantive research project that expands the knowledge base within Christian Music History. Students are expected to demonstrate critical mastery of primary and secondary sources, rigorous application of musicological analytical techniques, and a profound synthesis of faith-based perspectives. The scope of the work should address a significant historical or theoretical gap, culminating in a written thesis that meets professional publication standards.
• Beyond technical proficiency, the Dissertation is an exercise in character development and stewardship. Candidates must demonstrate how their research honors the historical record while addressing the ethical implications of their findings. Through this project, students are guided to exercise servant leadership in their scholarly contributions, ensuring that their intellectual pursuits contribute positively to the flourishing of community organizations and the preservation of cultural heritage. The final defense requires the student to articulate their research findings with clarity, integrity, and spiritual maturity.

Career Opportunities

• University Professor of Music History
• Archival Researcher for Religious Institutions
• Curator for Sacred Music Collections
• Nonprofit Arts Organization Director
• Denominational Music Coordinator
• Historical Consultant for Media and Arts
• Academic Editor for Musicology Journals

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 | Ed.D. in Faith-Based Arts in Musicology
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Maximum approved transfer credit | Up to 40 semester credit hours
• Minimum credits completed through the University after maximum transfer | 80 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Three to six academic years, depending on approved transfer credit, enrollment status, academic progress, and completion of the doctoral project
• Advanced faith-based arts in musicology and specialization courses | 30 credit hours
• Leadership, administration, and professional practice | 21 credit hours
• Research methods and program evaluation | 18 credit hours
• Professional application and doctoral residency | 15 credit hours
• Advanced electives or concentration courses | 12 credit hours
• Comprehensive examination and doctoral candidacy | 6 credit hours
• Applied doctoral project and defense | 18 credit hours
• Total | 120 semester credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES701 | Advanced Research Methods in Musicology | 4 | None
• HIS705 | Foundations of Sacred Music History | 3 | None
• MIN710 | Leadership in Faith-Based Arts | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HIS715 | Renaissance and Reformation Music | 4 | HIS705
• RES720 | Archival Research and Digital Humanities | 3 | RES701
• THE705 | Theology and Aesthetic Expression | 3 | None
• HIS730 | Baroque Era Christian Musical Form | 3 | HIS715
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HIS801 | 19th Century Movements in Sacred Music | 4 | HIS730
• RES810 | Advanced Dissertation Proposal Seminar | 3 | RES720
• CHR805 | Spiritual Formation and Professional Integrity | 3 | None
• HIS820 | Global Perspectives on Christian Music | 3 | HIS801
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HIS830 | 20th Century Sacred Music Innovations | 4 | HIS801
• EDU805 | Pedagogy for Higher Education in Arts | 3 | None
• RES840 | Advanced Dissertation Research I | 3 | RES810
• SOC815 | Community Arts and Social Impact | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES901 | Advanced Dissertation Research II | 4 | RES840
• HIS905 | Ethical Stewardship in Artistic Research | 3 | None
• RES910 | Dissertation Drafting Seminar | 3 | RES901
• MIN920 | Professionalism in Artistic Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP999 | Dissertation Final Defense | 4 | RES910
• RES925 | Final Manuscript Revision | 3 | RES910
• THE910 | Synthesis of Faith and Musical Scholarship | 3 | None
• HIS930 | Public Scholarship in Music History | 3 | None