Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Music Technology

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Music Technology

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

Four to six academic years, depending on approved transfer credit, enrollment status, research progress, and dissertation completion

Advanced faith-based music technology theory and specialization

30 credit hours

Research methods, statistics, and scholarly inquiry

24 credit hours

Professional leadership and higher-education teaching

15 credit hours

Advanced electives and concentration courses

18 credit hours

Scholarly writing and publication

9 credit hours

Comprehensive examination and doctoral candidacy

6 credit hours

Program Details

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

Dissertation research and defense

• 18 credit hours
• Total
• 120 semester credit hours
• The Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Music Technology is a terminal research degree designed for scholars and practitioners seeking to integrate advanced technological proficiency with ethical leadership in the arts. The program provides a rigorous exploration of acoustic theory, digital signal processing, and sound design, framed within an interdisciplinary context that emphasizes professional integrity and the stewardship of creative resources. Students engage with both the historical foundations of music and the future of sonic innovation, developing the capacity to conduct original research that serves community and cultural enrichment. Through a balance of theoretical study and practical application, the curriculum prepares graduates to contribute meaningfully to the scholarly discourse on the intersection of faith, technology, and artistic expression. By fostering a climate of intellectual curiosity and collaborative inquiry, the program ensures that candidates are well-equipped to serve in roles requiring advanced analytical, technical, and leadership competencies within the global arts landscape.
• The Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Music Technology is a research-intensive doctoral program emphasizing advanced faith-based music technology theory, original research, quantitative and qualitative methodology, scholarly publication, higher-education teaching, ethical leadership, and the development and evaluation of faith-based music technology-support programs.
• 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 student's remaining coursework and anticipated completion time. A student receiving the maximum transfer-credit award must complete at least 80 semester credit hours through the University.
• The Ph.D. requires successful completion of all required coursework, comprehensive examinations, admission to doctoral candidacy, approval of a dissertation proposal, original scholarly research, submission of an approved written dissertation, 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.

Dissertation Prospectus Design

• 3
• RES802
• HUM750
• Arts, Culture, and Social Responsibility
• 3
• None
• MUS805 — Computational Musicology: Advanced study of algorithmic music composition and computational analysis of music patterns. Students leverage technology to expand creative output. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS820 — Nonprofit Administration and Stewardship: A comprehensive overview of managing music technology departments within the nonprofit sector. Emphasis is placed on fiscal stewardship and resource allocation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES810 — Dissertation Prospectus Design: Students define their research problem, literature review, and methodology for their final dissertation. Faculty provide rigorous feedback to ensure viability and academic significance. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HUM750 — Arts, Culture, and Social Responsibility: An analysis of the role of the arts in contemporary society and the responsibilities of cultural practitioners. Students identify opportunities for community service through the arts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Research I

• 4
• RES810
• EDU850
• Pedagogy for the Arts in Higher Education
• 3
• None
• BUS855
• Strategic Planning for Creative Organizations
• 3
• BUS820
• SOC730
• Community Engagement through the Arts
• 3
• None
• MUS890 — Dissertation Research I: Primary data collection and preliminary analysis for the doctoral dissertation. Students work closely with their advisors to advance their scholarship. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU850 — Pedagogy for the Arts in Higher Education: Methods for teaching music technology at the collegiate level. Students develop instructional materials and assessment strategies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS855 — Strategic Planning for Creative Organizations: Strategic framework development for mission-driven music technology initiatives. Students focus on long-term sustainability and impact. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC730 — Community Engagement through the Arts: Analysis of arts-based community development strategies. Students evaluate outreach models for diverse populations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Defense and Completion

• 4
• MUS890
• RES850
• Advanced Ethics in Research and Publication
• 3
• None
• MUS825
• Technological Advocacy and Public Policy
• 3
• None
• TEC895
• Technological Systems and Societal Integration
• 3
• None
• MUS899 — Dissertation Defense and Completion: Final synthesis of research, writing of the dissertation, and oral defense before a faculty committee. Completion signifies the student's readiness for terminal-level scholarship. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES850 — Advanced Ethics in Research and Publication: A focus on the ethical integrity required for doctoral-level research and professional conduct. Students review compliance standards and research ethics. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MUS825 — Technological Advocacy and Public Policy: Examination of how technology policy affects the music industry and creative arts practitioners. Students engage in advocacy initiatives. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• TEC895 — Technological Systems and Societal Integration: This seminar provides a comprehensive overview of how emerging digital infrastructures influence social connectivity and organizational efficiency. Students evaluate the implementation of new technology to solve operational challenges in administrative and artistic sectors. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The Dissertation represents the pinnacle of the doctoral experience, requiring candidates to produce a substantial and original scholarly contribution to the field of music technology. This research-based endeavor focuses on the development of new methodologies, pedagogical frameworks, or technological innovations that address real-world challenges within the creative arts and nonprofit sectors. The scope is broad, allowing students to explore technical challenges while maintaining a focus on the ethical application of their work and its capacity to serve the public good.
• Throughout the process, students demonstrate the integration of faith-informed character development, applying principles of servant leadership and biblical stewardship to their research design. The dissertation must be defended before a faculty committee, serving as a platform for students to demonstrate both their high-level technical expertise and their commitment to applying their professional gifts toward meaningful community and organizational impact. The final deliverable consists of a scholarly manuscript that adheres to the rigorous standards of academic publication.

Dissertation research and defense | 18 credit hours

• Total | 120 semester credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES801 | Advanced Research Methodologies | 3 | None
• MUS701 | Acoustic Theory and Signal Processing | 3 | None
• MIN705 | Ethics in Creative Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS702 | Advanced Audio Production Systems | 4 | MUS701
• RES802 | Statistical Analysis for the Arts | 3 | RES801
• LDR710 | Organizational Leadership and Human Capital Development | 3 | None
• MUS715 | Music Technology in Historical Context | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS805 | Computational Musicology | 4 | MUS702
• BUS820 | Nonprofit Administration and Stewardship | 3 | None
• RES810 | Dissertation Prospectus Design | 3 | RES802
• HUM750 | Arts, Culture, and Social Responsibility | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS810 | Emerging Technologies in Audio | 4 | MUS805
• RES815 | Advanced Academic Writing and Presentation | 3 | RES810
• SOC720 | Sociology of Labor and Professional Identity | 3 | None
• MUS780 | Special Topics in Music Technology | 3 | MUS702
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS890 | Dissertation Research I | 4 | RES810
• EDU850 | Pedagogy for the Arts in Higher Education | 3 | None
• BUS855 | Strategic Planning for Creative Organizations | 3 | BUS820
• SOC730 | Community Engagement through the Arts | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS899 | Dissertation Defense and Completion | 4 | MUS890
• RES850 | Advanced Ethics in Research and Publication | 3 | None
• MUS825 | Technological Advocacy and Public Policy | 3 | None
• TEC895 | Technological Systems and Societal Integration | 3 | None

Career Opportunities

• Higher Education Faculty in Music Technology
• Digital Arts Program Director for Nonprofits
• Music Technology Research Consultant
• Sound Design and Production Consultant for Faith-Based Organizations
• Creative Technical Director
• Arts and Culture Policy Analyst
• Media Development Specialist for Community Engagement

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 | Ph.D. in Faith-Based Music Technology
• 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 | Four to six academic years, depending on approved transfer credit, enrollment status, research progress, and dissertation completion
• Advanced faith-based music technology theory and specialization | 30 credit hours
• Research methods, statistics, and scholarly inquiry | 24 credit hours
• Professional leadership and higher-education teaching | 15 credit hours
• Advanced electives and concentration courses | 18 credit hours
• Scholarly writing and publication | 9 credit hours
• Comprehensive examination and doctoral candidacy | 6 credit hours