Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Fine Arts in Music Production, Specialization in Music Production

Program Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy in Fine Arts in Music Production is an advanced research and practice-based terminal degree designed for music professionals seeking to integrate technical mastery with sophisticated aesthetic inquiry and ethical leadership. The curriculum explores the intersection of creative sound design, production technology, and the humanities, emphasizing the role of the music producer as a cultural steward within a global society. Through rigorous engagement with both industry-standard production methodologies and critical theory, students develop the capacity to lead creative projects that reflect excellence and purpose. This program cultivates a deep understanding of the sonic landscape, preparing scholars to innovate within the recording arts while maintaining a commitment to professional integrity and the development of sustainable, community-oriented musical expressions. By synthesizing technical proficiency with a reflective, faith-informed perspective on art and culture, graduates are equipped to influence the music industry as practitioners, educators, and thoughtful leaders who prioritize artistic stewardship and ethical engagement.

Program Details

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

Dissertation Seminar I

• 4
• RES715
• MUS801 — Advanced Mixing and Mastering Aesthetics: Exploration of the psychological and artistic dimensions of sound balance and final processing. Students critique master-level production work and develop their own sonic signatures. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MUS805 — Sound Design for Multi-Media: Focus on the technical and creative aspects of sound design for visual media, gaming, and interactive environments. Students synthesize technical skill with storytelling principles. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM810 — Cross-Cultural Communication in the Arts: Examines the role of music production in communicating effectively across cultural and demographic boundaries. Emphasis is placed on inclusivity and community resonance. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES815 — Dissertation Seminar I: Guidance on initial dissertation research, literature review, and methodology development. Students present preliminary findings to faculty peers. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Seminar II

• 4
• RES815
• MUS820 — Music Production and Cultural Development: Investigates the role of music as a tool for social and cultural transformation within diverse community contexts. Students apply production knowledge to community-based programming. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS825 — Management of Creative Intellectual Property: Examines legal and business frameworks for protecting creative assets. Focuses on balancing revenue management with community access and educational goals. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MUS830 — Immersive Audio and Emerging Formats: Advanced technical exploration of surround sound, spatial audio, and VR audio technologies. Students develop high-level production strategies for future-facing media. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES835 — Dissertation Seminar II: Continued development of dissertation research including project implementation and early draft drafting. Focuses on academic rigor and internal consistency. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The Dissertation serves as the culminating academic experience of the Ph.D. program, representing a rigorous and original contribution to the field of music production. Students are required to conduct substantive research that addresses a complex problem within the discipline, bridging theoretical inquiry with practical application in a studio or professional setting. The final deliverable includes a comprehensive written manuscript and a related production project, both of which must demonstrate advanced technical competence and critical scholarship. Valued at 12 credit hours, the Dissertation process spans the final two semesters, requiring a formal defense before a faculty committee. Through this process, students integrate their faith-informed worldviews, demonstrating how artistic choices reflect principles of stewardship and ethical service. The project evaluates the student’s ability to conduct independent inquiry while modeling the character, integrity, and servant leadership expected of a doctoral-level professional in the faith-based community.

Career Opportunities

• University Professor of Music Production
• Director of Creative Arts for Nonprofits
• Audio Production Studio Owner
• Music Technology Consultant
• Digital Media Production Manager
• Educational Arts Program Director
• Executive Producer for Faith-Based Media

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.
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES701 | Research Methodologies in the Arts | 4 | None
• MUS705 | Advanced Acoustic Theory | 4 | None
• THE710 | Ethics and Stewardship in Creative Arts | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS720 | Digital Audio Workstation Architectures | 4 | None
• MUS725 | Modern Recording Techniques and Innovation | 4 | None
• RES715 | Scholarly Inquiry in Music Production | 4 | RES701
• MIN730 | Servant Leadership in Creative Organizations | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS801 | Advanced Mixing and Mastering Aesthetics | 4 | None
• MUS805 | Sound Design for Multi-Media | 4 | None
• COM810 | Cross-Cultural Communication in the Arts | 4 | None
• RES815 | Dissertation Seminar I | 4 | RES715
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS820 | Music Production and Cultural Development | 4 | None
• BUS825 | Management of Creative Intellectual Property | 4 | None
• MUS830 | Immersive Audio and Emerging Formats | 4 | None
• RES835 | Dissertation Seminar II | 4 | RES815
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS840 | Advanced Studio Management | 4 | None
• EDU845 | Pedagogy in Music Production | 4 | None
• CAP850 | Doctoral Dissertation Research I | 6 | RES835
• PSY855 | Psychology of Artistic Professionalism and Ethics | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP860 | Doctoral Dissertation Research II | 6 | CAP850
• MUS865 | Professional Development in the Arts | 4 | None
• MUS870 | Critical Issues in Global Music Culture | 4 | None
• MIN875 | Community Engagement in Creative Arts | 4 | None