Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Music Business, Specialization in Music Ministry Management

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ed.D. in Faith-Based Music Business

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 music business 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 Music Business, with a specialization in Music Ministry Management, is an advanced research-oriented degree designed for scholars and high-level practitioners. The program integrates rigorous business administration and music industry principles with the stewardship-based operational needs of faith-based nonprofit organizations. Students engage in critical inquiry regarding the intersection of artistic leadership, administrative efficiency, and institutional sustainability within diverse community contexts. The curriculum emphasizes the application of ethical leadership, evidence-based organizational development, and strategic management to the complex landscape of sacred and performing arts entities. By fostering a deep understanding of organizational behavior and music sector economics, the program empowers leaders to address the challenges of contemporary ministry-focused creative environments. Participants develop the capability to lead complex musical organizations with integrity and academic rigor, grounded in a philosophy of servant leadership.

The Doctor of Education in Faith-Based Music Business is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced faith-based music business 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 music business-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 Research I

• 6
• RES870
• MGT910
• Legal Issues in the Music Industry
• 3
• None
• BUS920
• Organizational Change and Innovation
• 3
• BUS710
• MIN930
• Formation and Leadership Ethics
• 3
• MIN860
• DIS900 — Dissertation Research I: This course initiates the formal data collection and research phase for the doctoral dissertation. Students work closely with their advisors to advance their investigations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT910 — Legal Issues in the Music Industry: Students review legal frameworks including copyright law, contracts, and liability relevant to managing music-oriented entities. The course emphasizes risk management. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS920 — Organizational Change and Innovation: This course examines strategies for leading organizational transformation and adopting innovative practices in established nonprofit structures. It emphasizes flexibility and resilience. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN930 — Formation and Leadership Ethics: Students engage in reflective practice regarding their personal leadership style and ethical development. The course integrates spiritual maturity with professional decision-making. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Research II

• 6
• DIS900
• BUS960
• Capital Campaign and Fundraising Strategy
• 3
• BUS810
• MGT970
• Crisis Management for Nonprofits
• 3
• None
• RES980
• Doctoral Defense Preparation
• 3
• DIS950
• DIS950 — Dissertation Research II: Students complete the analysis and writing of their dissertation and prepare for the final defense. This phase culminates in a scholarly work that demonstrates expertise in the field. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS960 — Capital Campaign and Fundraising Strategy: This course analyzes successful fundraising techniques, donor relations, and capital campaign management within the nonprofit sector. It emphasizes ethical donor stewardship. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT970 — Crisis Management for Nonprofits: Students study protocols for managing organizational crises, including communication strategies and resilience planning. The course prepares leaders to remain steady under pressure. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES980 — Doctoral Defense Preparation: This course focuses on the final synthesis of the dissertation and preparation for the oral defense. Students demonstrate the ability to articulate their findings to professional peers. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The Dissertation represents the culminating scholarly requirement of the doctoral program, carrying a weight of 12 credit hours. It requires students to conduct original, independent research that addresses a significant problem in the field of music ministry management or faith-based creative organizational behavior. Candidates are expected to synthesize business theory, empirical data, and theological reflection to propose innovative solutions or frameworks that advance the discourse of the discipline.
• The dissertation process is mentored by a faculty committee and ensures the integration of faith-informed character development, emphasizing biblical stewardship and servant leadership. Students must demonstrate that their research not only meets the rigorous academic standards of the university but also offers practical, ethical, and sustainable contributions to faith-based communities. Successful completion requires a formal defense before the faculty, signaling the student's transition to a scholar-practitioner who is intellectually competent and spiritually mature.

Career Opportunities

• Executive Director of Faith-Based Arts Organizations
• Music Ministry Administrator
• Nonprofit Development Officer for Performing Arts
• Higher Education Faculty in Music Business
• Strategic Consultant for Religious Nonprofits
• Director of Creative Development and Programming
• Denominational Music and Arts Coordinator

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 Music Business
• 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 music business 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
• RES700 | Research Design and Methodology | 3 | None
• BUS710 | Strategic Organizational Leadership | 3 | None
• MIN720 | Biblical Stewardship of Resources | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT730 | Music Industry Economics | 3 | RES700
• RES740 | Advanced Data Analysis in Nonprofit Contexts | 4 | RES700
• BUS750 | Strategic Marketing for Arts Ministries | 3 | None
• MIN760 | Ethical Governance in Religious Organizations | 3 | BUS710
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT800 | Project Management for Creative Arts | 3 | None
• BUS810 | Nonprofit Financial Management | 4 | MIN720
• EDU820 | Mentoring and Team Development | 3 | BUS710
• RES830 | Proposal Writing and Dissertation Planning | 3 | RES740
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT840 | Global Trends in Music Ministry | 3 | None
• BUS850 | Advocacy and Public Relations | 3 | BUS750
• MIN860 | Theology of Leadership and Service | 3 | MIN720
• RES870 | Advanced Dissertation Seminar | 4 | RES830
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS900 | Dissertation Research I | 6 | RES870
• MGT910 | Legal Issues in the Music Industry | 3 | None
• BUS920 | Organizational Change and Innovation | 3 | BUS710
• MIN930 | Formation and Leadership Ethics | 3 | MIN860
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS950 | Dissertation Research II | 6 | DIS900
• BUS960 | Capital Campaign and Fundraising Strategy | 3 | BUS810
• MGT970 | Crisis Management for Nonprofits | 3 | None
• RES980 | Doctoral Defense Preparation | 3 | DIS950