Master of Arts in Faith-Based Music Composition, Music Therapy

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Music Composition, Music Therapy

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Music Composition, Music Therapy 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 Music Composition and Music Therapy provides an advanced, interdisciplinary framework for professionals seeking to synthesize musical expertise with therapeutic support and community-centered service. Students explore the intersection of aesthetic creation and the therapeutic application of sound, grounded in ethical stewardship and service to diverse populations. Through rigorous inquiry, candidates develop the skills necessary to engage in creative and supportive musical practices within varied organizational settings.

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

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based music composition, music therapy-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 Development Seminar

• 3
• RES 510
• MUS 601 — Advanced Creative Arts Facilitation: Practical workshops on facilitating group music activities and community workshops. Emphasis is placed on creating inclusive environments that welcome all participants. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ART 605 — Sociology of the Arts and Culture: This course explores the intersection of creative expression, cultural movements, and their impact on community identity. Students evaluate how artistic practices function as primary drivers for social cohesion and cultural preservation within diverse populations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MUS 610 — Advanced Theory for Community Practice: Exploration of music theory applications for diverse cultural expressions and collaborative composition. Students integrate technical expertise with sensitivity to local community traditions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES 620 — Thesis Development Seminar: A seminar focusing on the research, proposal writing, and planning phases of the final capstone project. Students outline their contributions to their chosen field. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Capstone Thesis Project

• 4
• RES 620
• MUS 660
• Music and Social Advocacy
• 4
• None
• MUS 670
• Advanced Musical Ensemble Leadership
• 3
• None
• MIN 680
• Servant Leadership in Practice
• 3
• CHR 515
• MUS 650 — Capstone Thesis Project: The culmination of the degree, consisting of a scholarly thesis and a portfolio of practical musical application. Students demonstrate the integration of faith, theory, and professional skill. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MUS 660 — Music and Social Advocacy: A study on how artists use their platforms to drive social justice and community improvements. Students develop models for engaging systemic issues through musical action. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MUS 670 — Advanced Musical Ensemble Leadership: Development of leadership skills for directing complex ensembles in community and worship settings. Students refine conducting and pedagogical strategies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN 680 — Servant Leadership in Practice: A study of leadership paradigms that prioritize the needs of others and organizational mission. Students prepare for long-term service and professional endurance. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The Master of Arts Thesis serves as the culminating academic experience, requiring students to synthesize their theoretical, compositional, and community-engagement learning into a substantial project. Students must propose, research, and execute a project that addresses a specific need within a community or non-profit context, demonstrating technical mastery and ethical foresight. The project includes a formal written thesis, a portfolio of original musical compositions or recorded therapeutic programs, and a reflective analysis of the work's alignment with their personal commitment to servant leadership and biblical stewardship. This project evaluates the student's ability to integrate academic competence with a mature, faith-informed character, ensuring that their professional outputs are not only musically rigorous but also designed to advance the mission and wellbeing of the communities they serve.

Career Opportunities

• Non-profit Music Program Director
• Faith-Based Community Arts Coordinator
• Music Minister and Composer
• Community Outreach Specialist
• Music Enrichment Facilitator for Non-clinical Settings
• Adaptive Music Curriculum Developer
• Mission-based Performing Arts Administrator

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 Music Composition, Music Therapy
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Music Composition, Music Therapy 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
• MUS 501 | Advanced Compositional Techniques | 4 | Bachelor of Music or equivalent
• MUS 505 | Music, Culture, and Community | 4 | None
• RES 510 | Research Methods in the Humanities | 4 | None
• ETH 515 | Professional Ethics and Behavioral Standards | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS 520 | Music Intervention Strategies | 4 | MUS 501
• MUS 525 | Advanced Instrumentation and Arranging | 4 | MUS 501
• MGT 530 | Non-profit Leadership and Stewardship | 4 | None
• COM 540 | Communication and Community Outreach | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS 601 | Advanced Creative Arts Facilitation | 4 | MUS 520
• ART 605 | Sociology of the Arts and Culture | 4 | CHR 515
• MUS 610 | Advanced Theory for Community Practice | 4 | MUS 525
• RES 620 | Thesis Development Seminar | 3 | RES 510
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS 650 | Capstone Thesis Project | 4 | RES 620
• MUS 660 | Music and Social Advocacy | 4 | None
• MUS 670 | Advanced Musical Ensemble Leadership | 3 | None
• MIN 680 | Servant Leadership in Practice | 3 | CHR 515