Master of Arts in Faith-Based Music Education

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Music Education

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Music Education 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 Education is an advanced graduate degree designed for educators, practitioners, and leaders seeking to bridge the gap between rigorous musical pedagogical inquiry and the practice of servant leadership. This program emphasizes the cultivation of high-level instructional strategies, organizational management, and curriculum development within the context of community-based and faith-centered music programs. Through an interdisciplinary approach, students engage with contemporary research in music theory, pedagogy, and educational administration to refine their capacity for excellence in diverse educational settings. The curriculum is rooted in the philosophy that artistic excellence serves as a vital component of holistic human development and community enrichment. Students are encouraged to develop a sophisticated understanding of how musical stewardship and ethical leadership can transform learning environments, ensuring that their pedagogical practices contribute meaningfully to the well-being of their constituents. The program fosters critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving, preparing graduates to navigate the complexities of modern educational landscapes while maintaining a steadfast commitment to moral integrity and community service.

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

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based music education-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

Capstone Project

• 4
• All Core Courses
• MUS 650
• Seminar in Performance Practice
• 4
• None
• EDU 660
• Assessment and Program Evaluation
• 3
• RES 520
• SOC 670
• Sociology of Cultural Institutions
• 3
• None
• CAP 699 — Capstone Project: The final integration of pedagogical and leadership knowledge through an applied project that demonstrates professional scholarship and ethical commitment. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MUS 650 — Seminar in Performance Practice: Refining artistic communication to enhance the effectiveness of musical programming in public and community spaces. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU 660 — Assessment and Program Evaluation: Data-driven techniques for evaluating the impact and effectiveness of community-based music initiatives. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC 670 — Sociology of Cultural Institutions: This course explores the sociological impact of community-based organizations on cultural development and social cohesion. Students will examine the role of non-profit entities in shaping public identity and community engagement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The Master’s Capstone Project represents the culminating academic experience for the degree, requiring students to synthesize their learning through the development of a substantive project that addresses a real-world need within a music education context. Students are expected to identify a specific community or organizational challenge and apply academic theory to design a project that reflects professional excellence, scholarly rigor, and evidence-based practice. The project must demonstrate a comprehensive grasp of musical pedagogy and organizational leadership, as well as a capacity for reflective practice.
• Beyond technical competence, the capstone integrates the student's faith-informed worldview by requiring a formal assessment of how the project fosters servant leadership, promotes stewardship of resources, and contributes to the ethical fabric of the community. This component encourages students to articulate how their scholarly work manifests their core values and supports the long-term sustainability of music-driven missions. The final deliverable includes a written academic report and a formal presentation, showcasing the student’s growth as a practitioner who leads with integrity and purpose.

Career Opportunities

• Music Education Administrator
• Community Music Program Director
• Nonprofit Music Outreach Coordinator
• Faith-Based Institutional Music Specialist
• Arts Education Consultant
• Pedagogical Program Developer
• Youth Ministry Music Supervisor

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 Education
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Music Education 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
• EDU 500 | Advanced Foundations of Education | 4 | None
• MUS 510 | Music Pedagogy and Instructional Design | 4 | None
• RES 520 | Research Methods in the Arts | 3 | None
• MGT 530 | Organizational Leadership and Professional Development | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• EDU 540 | Curriculum Development for Music Education | 4 | EDU 500
• MGT 550 | Organizational Stewardship and Management | 4 | None
• MUS 560 | Advanced Music Theory and Analysis | 3 | None
• PSY 570 | Psychology of Artistic Learning | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• EDU 610 | Inclusive Pedagogies in Music | 4 | EDU 540
• MUS 620 | History of Sacred and Community Music | 4 | None
• MGT 630 | Leadership in Community Engagement | 3 | MGT 550
• BUS 640 | Ethics in Professional Practice | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP 699 | Capstone Project | 4 | All Core Courses
• MUS 650 | Seminar in Performance Practice | 4 | None
• EDU 660 | Assessment and Program Evaluation | 3 | RES 520
• SOC 670 | Sociology of Cultural Institutions | 3 | None