Master of Arts in Faith-Based Music in Sound Design, Specialization in Audio Technology

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Music in Sound Design

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Music in Sound Design 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 in Sound Design with a specialization in Audio Technology is a comprehensive graduate program designed for professionals seeking to advance their technical proficiency in audio engineering while grounding their creative practice in ethical stewardship. The curriculum bridges the gap between advanced acoustic principles and the practical application of sound design in communal and organizational settings. Students engage with industry-standard technologies and methodologies to develop sophisticated sonic landscapes that serve specific institutional objectives.

By integrating technical rigor with a curriculum centered on servant leadership and ethical responsibility, this program prepares graduates to manage and develop audio initiatives with professional excellence and integrity. The program provides a structured environment where technical innovation meets a commitment to community impact, ensuring that graduates are equipped to lead in various professional capacities within the intersection of media, arts, and mission-driven work.

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

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based music in sound design-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 Project in Audio Technology

• 4
• MUS601
• MUS620
• Audio Systems Integration
• 3
• MUS615
• BUS625
• Strategic Media Management
• 3
• MGT525
• MUS630
• Advanced Digital Mastering
• 3
• MUS601
• CAP690 — Thesis Project in Audio Technology: Students develop a major professional audio project that demonstrates technical mastery and personal integration of ethics and mission. The project includes a formal written thesis document. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MUS620 — Audio Systems Integration: Focuses on the integration of disparate hardware and software systems into cohesive, efficient networks. Students study reliable system maintenance in high-demand environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS625 — Strategic Media Management: Addresses the management of large-scale audio media strategies for organizational outreach and expansion. Students engage with lifecycle management of technical assets. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MUS630 — Advanced Digital Mastering: Explores advanced concepts in audio finalization, including loudness standards and format delivery. Students refine their critical listening skills for broadcast and archive quality. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The Master of Arts Thesis is the culminating academic experience of the program, requiring students to synthesize their technical expertise with the ethical and missional foundations of their graduate studies. This project serves as a demonstration of both professional audio engineering competence and the student's ability to apply a Christian worldview to the complexities of modern sound design. The scope involves a comprehensive audio production project, such as a multi-layered environmental sound installation or an original multi-media production, accompanied by a formal written thesis that articulates the theological and ethical motivations behind the creative decisions.
• Students are expected to deliver a high-fidelity final production that reflects academic rigor, technical precision, and a commitment to servant leadership. The project is weighted at 4 credit hours and emphasizes the student's capacity for independent research, critical analysis, and practical problem-solving. Through the final defense, students demonstrate how their work serves as an act of stewardship, addressing the needs of organizations through thoughtful, intentionally designed sonic content that promotes community enrichment and mission-focused messaging.

Career Opportunities

• Audio Director for Non-Profit Media Organizations
• Sound Design Consultant for Religious Institutions
• Technical Production Specialist for Community Arts Centers
• Educational Audio Curriculum Developer
• Media Stewardship Liaison for Humanitarian Foundations
• Acoustic Systems Architect for Public Spaces
• Project Lead for Faith-Based Audio Production Studios

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 in Sound Design
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Music in Sound Design 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 Workstations | 4 | None
• RES505 | Research Methods in Media and Culture | 3 | None
• THE510 | Ethics in Media Production | 3 | None
• MUS515 | Acoustics and Sound Physics | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS520 | Audio Technology for Live Environments | 4 | MUS515
• MGT525 | Nonprofit Resource Management | 3 | None
• MUS530 | Advanced Sound Synthesis and Design | 4 | MUS501
• COM535 | Organizational Communication Strategy | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS601 | Advanced Post-Production Audio | 4 | MUS530
• MIN605 | Servant Leadership in Creative Teams | 3 | None
• MUS610 | Audio Engineering Innovation Seminar | 3 | MUS530
• MUS615 | Immersive and Spatial Audio | 4 | MUS601
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP690 | Thesis Project in Audio Technology | 4 | MUS601
• MUS620 | Audio Systems Integration | 3 | MUS615
• BUS625 | Strategic Media Management | 3 | MGT525
• MUS630 | Advanced Digital Mastering | 3 | MUS601