Master of Arts in Faith-Based Music Therapy

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Music Therapy

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based 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 Therapy is a graduate-level program designed to integrate advanced music theory, psychology, and therapeutic practice with a robust framework of servant leadership. The curriculum explores the intersection of creative arts and human wellness, emphasizing the role of music as a vehicle for community building and emotional support within diverse cultural contexts. Students engage in rigorous academic inquiry while developing the technical competencies necessary for professional service in community-oriented environments. Through a blend of theoretical study and practical application, the program addresses the complexities of interpersonal dynamics and the transformative potential of music within a community-focused setting. The program fosters an academic environment that prioritizes ethical conduct, stewardship of professional resources, and a commitment to serving individuals through the arts.

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

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

• 4
• RES 500
• MUS 605 — Advanced Therapeutic Music Applications: This course delves into advanced techniques for using music to foster community wellbeing. Students analyze historical and contemporary perspectives on music-based support programs. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC 610 — Sociology of Community Engagement: This course explores the sociology of community structure and the mechanisms of collective action. Students identify strategies for effective outreach within diverse populations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU 625 — Pedagogy for Community Instruction: This course examines effective teaching strategies for diverse learners in non-traditional educational environments. Students develop curricula for community arts workshops. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES 650 — Thesis Proposal Development: This course provides structure for the development and approval of a thesis research project. Students identify a research question and establish a literature review. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The Master’s Thesis represents the culminating academic experience of the program, requiring students to conduct original research or develop an extensive project that addresses a critical need within a community or nonprofit setting. The thesis requires students to synthesize theoretical knowledge with practical service, demonstrating academic rigor, critical thinking, and the ability to contribute to the field of music-based social support. The scope of the project must be defined in collaboration with faculty advisors to ensure it meets both disciplinary standards and institutional goals for excellence. Students are expected to produce a significant body of work, such as a formal research paper or a comprehensive program evaluation, which undergoes a rigorous defense process. This project carries 6 credits and serves as the final measure of student achievement. By integrating ethical reasoning and servant leadership, the thesis demonstrates how faith-informed character development translates into professional service. The work reflects the student's ability to steward organizational resources and fulfill institutional missions with integrity, linking academic competence to the broader vision of community restoration.

Career Opportunities

• Music Program Director for Nonprofit Organizations
• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Faith-Based Arts Ministry Leader
• Nonprofit Development Officer
• Social Service Program Evaluator
• Volunteer Coordinator in Community Care Centers
• Community Arts Educator

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 Therapy
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based 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 | Music Theory and Human Experience | 4 | None
• PSY 505 | Foundations of Human Behavior | 4 | None
• MIN 510 | Servant Leadership and Organizational Ethics | 4 | None
• RES 500 | Research Methods in Social Sciences | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS 520 | Music Composition for Community Programs | 4 | MUS 501
• COU 515 | Group Dynamics and Facilitation | 4 | PSY 505
• BUS 530 | Nonprofit Resource Stewardship | 4 | MIN 510
• PSY 550 | Professional Ethics and Personal Development in Clinical Practice | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS 605 | Advanced Therapeutic Music Applications | 4 | MUS 520
• SOC 610 | Sociology of Community Engagement | 4 | SOC 500
• EDU 625 | Pedagogy for Community Instruction | 4 | None
• RES 650 | Thesis Proposal Development | 4 | RES 500
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP 699 | Master's Thesis | 6 | RES 650
• BUS 640 | Program Development and Evaluation | 3 | BUS 530
• HUM 660 | Ethics in Creative Arts | 3 | MIN 510
• MIN 680 | Advanced Servant Leadership Practicum | 3 | MIN 510