Master of Arts in Faith-Based Fine Arts in Music Production, Specialization in Music Production

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Fine Arts in Music Production

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Fine Arts in Music Production core

27 credit hours

Research, assessment, and program evaluation

12 credit hours

Professional application and field experience

12 credit hours

Graduate capstone requirement

9 credit hours

The Master of Arts in Faith-Based Fine Arts in Music Production is a rigorous, 60-credit graduate program designed to integrate advanced technical proficiency in audio engineering with the theological and ethical foundations of professional ministry and arts leadership. Students engage in a comprehensive curriculum that bridges the gap between high-level studio production techniques and the missional application of creative arts within global and local communities. The program emphasizes the role of the producer as both a technician and a leader, fostering environments that prioritize excellence, collaboration, and the stewardship of artistic talents. By combining critical analysis of music production methodologies with a deep commitment to ethical decision-making, the curriculum ensures that graduates are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of contemporary media landscapes. Students develop a portfolio that reflects their technical mastery and their ability to produce work that serves as a vehicle for community building and cultural enrichment.

The 60-credit master's program provides advanced preparation in faith-based fine arts in music production theory, human behavior, ethics, assessment awareness, research, program evaluation, crisis response, leadership, referral, and faith-based fine arts in music production-support services.

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based fine arts in music production-support program; A professional training manual; A program-development and evaluation project; Another faculty-approved scholarly project.

The program is designed for completion within two academic years by students maintaining the University's prescribed full-time course load. Part-time students may require additional time.

Florida establishes a minimum of 24 semester credits beyond the bachelor's degree for a master's program. The University's 60-credit requirement is an institutional academic standard that exceeds that minimum.

Program Details

• Total Credits: 60
• Duration: 2 years
• Degree Level: Master

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The Master of Arts Thesis in Music Production serves as the culminating academic experience, requiring students to conceptualize, produce, and finalize a comprehensive audio project or scholarly research paper. This project provides the student with an opportunity to demonstrate advanced technical proficiency while reflecting on the intersection of their faith-based values and their professional creative practice. Students are tasked with navigating complex production challenges while adhering to a standard of excellence that reflects stewardship of their time, talent, and resources. The thesis emphasizes the development of professional-grade deliverables, such as a full-length musical album, an audio-documentary series, or a deep-dive analysis of music in faith-based community spaces. Through this work, students show how they use their creative voice to serve the needs of organizations, ensuring that their technical output aligns with ethical reasoning and communal growth. This capstone is worth 6 credits and serves as the final barrier of competency for graduation, requiring a formal defense before faculty members.

Career Opportunities

• Music Production Manager for Non-Profit Organizations
• Creative Director for Faith-Based Media Ministries
• Audio Engineering Specialist for Community Arts Centers
• Independent Producer for Educational and Cultural Content
• Media Production Consultant for International Missions Agencies
• Technical Director for Performing Arts and Worship Environments

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 | M.A. in Faith-Based Fine Arts in Music Production
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Fine Arts in Music Production core | 27 credit hours
• Research, assessment, and program evaluation | 12 credit hours
• Professional application and field experience | 12 credit hours
• Graduate capstone requirement | 9 credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS501 | Advanced Digital Audio Theory | 4 | None
• THE505 | Ethics and Aesthetics in the Arts | 4 | None
• MUS510 | Recording Studio Management | 4 | None
• RES520 | Research Methods for the Creative Arts | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS530 | Advanced Mixing Techniques | 4 | MUS501
• MIN540 | Servant Leadership in Creative Teams | 4 | None
• MUS550 | Sound Design for Multimedia | 4 | MUS501
• HIS560 | History and Philosophy of Sacred Arts | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS600 | Audio Mastering and Delivery | 4 | MUS530
• BUS610 | Nonprofit Arts Administration | 4 | None
• MUS620 | Advanced Composition and Arrangement | 4 | None
• MGT630 | Organizational Leadership and Professional Development | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP690 | Master Thesis Capstone | 6 | All Core Courses
• MUS650 | Emerging Technologies in Audio | 4 | None
• MUS660 | Collaborative Production Lab | 4 | None
• COM670 | Strategic Communication for Artists | 1 | None