Master of Arts in Faith-Based Music Technology

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Music Technology

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced faith-based music technology 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 Technology is a rigorous graduate program designed to integrate advanced technical proficiency with ethical leadership and stewardship within the creative arts. Students engage in a curriculum that balances industry-standard digital audio production, acoustics, and software development with the philosophical study of aesthetics and community service. The program fosters a sophisticated understanding of how technology serves the human experience and enhances institutional mission-driven work.

Central to the program is the commitment to technical excellence paired with professional integrity. Through theoretical exploration and hands-on creative projects, students refine their technical skills while cultivating a reflective approach to the role of the creator in a global context. This program is uniquely suited for individuals who seek to leverage creative digital tools to serve organizations that prioritize service, character, and communal impact.

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

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based music technology-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’s Thesis serves as the culminating academic experience of the program, requiring students to execute an original project that bridges technical innovation with the practical needs of a community or nonprofit entity. This project challenges students to demonstrate mastery of the curriculum while applying principles of stewardship and ethical decision-making to a real-world technological challenge. The scope includes the design, development, and implementation of a music technology system or creative media product that serves as an asset to a mission-based organization.
• Students must deliver a comprehensive technical documentation package alongside a substantive reflective report that articulates the integration of their project with their developing professional character. The thesis carries 4 credit hours and is evaluated on both technical rigor and the ability to articulate a Christian worldview through the lens of servant leadership. Through this process, students demonstrate that their creative contributions are informed by both academic excellence and a profound commitment to ethical, community-focused professional practice.

Career Opportunities

• Director of Creative Media for nonprofit organizations
• Technical Director for faith-based event production
• Audio Production Specialist for community media outreach
• Digital Arts Coordinator in educational or community settings
• Studio Systems Manager for service-oriented media firms
• Nonprofit Media and Technology Consultant
• Creative Director for community development programs

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 Technology
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced faith-based music technology 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 Production | 4 | None
• ART502 | Sociocultural Foundations of Creative Industries | 3 | None
• MUS503 | Acoustics and Room Design | 3 | None
• MGT504 | Stewardship in Technical Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS510 | Live Sound Systems and Integration | 4 | MUS501
• RES511 | Research Methods for Creative Arts | 3 | None
• MUS512 | Electronic Music Composition | 3 | MUS501
• CHR513 | Ethical Leadership in Creative Media | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS601 | Post-Production and Mastering | 4 | MUS501
• MUS602 | Visual Media and Synchronized Sound | 4 | MUS512
• MGT603 | Nonprofit Administration and Operations | 3 | MGT504
• MUS604 | Advanced Studio Management | 3 | MUS501
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP699 | Master's Thesis Project | 4 | RES511
• MUS611 | Immersive Audio Technology | 4 | MUS501
• MUS612 | Hardware Development and Programming | 4 | MUS501
• COM613 | Digital Communication Strategy | 3 | None