Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Music in Conducting, Specialization in Choral Ministry

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ed.D. in Faith-Based Music in Conducting, Specialization in Choral Ministry

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 in Conducting 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 Music in Conducting, with a specialization in Choral Ministry, provides a rigorous scholarly and artistic framework for advanced conductors seeking to excel in both the music conservatory tradition and the choral ministry landscape. This program emphasizes the intersection of advanced baton technique, historical performance practice, and the development of choral organizational structures that thrive within institutional and community settings. Through a blend of high-level performance preparation and advanced academic inquiry, students analyze the role of the conductor as an artistic leader and organizational steward. The curriculum is designed to foster a deep understanding of musical literature while cultivating leadership capabilities that emphasize ethical decision-making and excellence in artistic communication. Students engage in sustained research and creative projects that bridge the gap between technical expertise and the reflective practice required to lead choral ensembles in various professional and community-focused environments.

The Doctor of Education in Faith-Based Music in Conducting, Specialization in Choral Ministry is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced faith-based music in conducting, specialization in choral ministry 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 in conducting, specialization in choral ministry-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 Development Seminar

• 3
• RES850
• CON811 — Conducting Masterclass II: Building on the previous masterclass, this course focuses on large-scale work interpretation and orchestral collaborations. Candidates refine their collaborative artistic vision and leadership style. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MUS840 — Vocal Health and Pedagogy: An advanced exploration of physiological vocal health and the management of choral pedagogy within diverse age groups. Students create strategies for protecting the voices of ensemble members. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CHR850 — Community Engagement in the Arts: This course examines the role of choral music in community building and outreach. Students develop strategies for mission-based artistic growth and engagement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES860 — Dissertation Development Seminar: A seminar designed to provide peer review and faculty guidance for the dissertation research phase. Focus is on addressing specific methodological challenges and drafting core chapters. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation I

• 6
• RES860
• MIN892
• Reflective Leadership Seminar
• 3
• MIN720
• CON890 — Directed Research in Conducting: Individualized study focusing on the specific repertoire or historical topic of the dissertation. Candidates engage in deep archival research and practical score analysis. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MUS891 — Advanced Performance Practicum: A supervised performance project where candidates lead ensembles in live contexts. This provides the performance foundation for the final dissertation requirement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• DIS895 — Dissertation I: The first phase of the dissertation, involving the completion of preliminary analysis and research synthesis. Students demonstrate competence in scholarly documentation and artistic interpretation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN892 — Reflective Leadership Seminar: This capstone leadership seminar integrates previous coursework with practical experience in ethical decision-making. Students evaluate their personal development and leadership philosophy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation II

• 6
• DIS895
• CON895
• Advanced Conducting Internship
• 3
• MIN892
• MUS898
• Scholarly Presentation Seminar
• 3
• DIS895
• CHR899
• Character Formation and Professional Ethics
• 3
• None
• DIS896 — Dissertation II: The final phase of the dissertation, including final composition, performance defense, and submission of the scholarly document. The student completes their culminating contribution to the field. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CON895 — Advanced Conducting Internship: A field-based experience involving observation and practice of choral leadership in a professional ministry or arts setting. Students reflect on their administrative and artistic efficacy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MUS898 — Scholarly Presentation Seminar: Students prepare their dissertation work for professional presentation or publication. The focus is on translating complex research into accessible language for stakeholders. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CHR899 — Character Formation and Professional Ethics: This final seminar reviews the intersection of professional artistic work and the personal ethics of leadership and service. Students demonstrate their commitment to character-based professional practice. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The Dissertation serves as the culminating academic experience for the Doctor of Philosophy, requiring the candidate to synthesize artistic mastery, historical research, and original inquiry within the context of choral ministry. This project, carrying 12 credit hours, must result in a substantial written document and a series of public performances that demonstrate both technical excellence and scholarly rigor. It is expected that the dissertation addresses the practical challenges of choral leadership while providing a theoretical framework rooted in principles of ethical stewardship and servant leadership. By integrating musicological research with applied organizational strategies, students demonstrate their ability to apply academic knowledge to real-world scenarios within faith-based community organizations. This process ensures that graduates are not only masters of the podium but also intentional practitioners who model integrity, spiritual depth, and professional competence in their artistic work. The dissertation represents the intersection of the student’s academic discipline and their commitment to facilitating community and congregational growth through choral music.

Career Opportunities

• Director of Choral Music at a faith-based university
• Minister of Music and Worship Arts
• Artistic Director of a Community Choral Organization
• Choral Music Researcher and Educator
• Consultant for Music Ministry and Organizational Leadership
• Administrator for Fine Arts Non-Profit 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 | Ed.D. in Faith-Based Music in Conducting, Specialization in Choral Ministry
• 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 in Conducting 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 Methods in Musicology | 3 | None
• CON710 | Advanced Conducting Seminar I | 3 | None
• MIN720 | Ethical Leadership in Ministry | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CON711 | Advanced Conducting Seminar II | 3 | CON710
• MUS730 | Choral Literature Analysis | 3 | None
• RES705 | Academic Writing and Dissertation Prospectus | 3 | RES700
• CHR740 | Theology of Music and Stewardship | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CON810 | Conducting Masterclass | 4 | CON711
• MGT820 | Nonprofit Arts Administration | 3 | MIN720
• MUS830 | Performance Practice and Pedagogy | 3 | MUS730
• RES850 | Advanced Quantitative Research | 3 | RES700
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CON811 | Conducting Masterclass II | 4 | CON810
• MUS840 | Vocal Health and Pedagogy | 3 | None
• CHR850 | Community Engagement in the Arts | 3 | CHR740
• RES860 | Dissertation Development Seminar | 3 | RES850
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CON890 | Directed Research in Conducting | 3 | RES860
• MUS891 | Advanced Performance Practicum | 3 | CON811
• DIS895 | Dissertation I | 6 | RES860
• MIN892 | Reflective Leadership Seminar | 3 | MIN720
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS896 | Dissertation II | 6 | DIS895
• CON895 | Advanced Conducting Internship | 3 | MIN892
• MUS898 | Scholarly Presentation Seminar | 3 | DIS895
• CHR899 | Character Formation and Professional Ethics | 3 | None