Master of Arts in Faith-Based Musicology, Music History

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Musicology, Music History

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Musicology, Music History 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 Musicology and Music History provides a rigorous scholarly examination of musical traditions, historical contexts, and the sociological impact of music within global societies. This program emphasizes critical inquiry into how music functions as a cultural and theological artifact, encouraging students to develop sophisticated analytical frameworks for understanding artistic expression through the lens of history and music theory. Through comprehensive research and analytical study, students engage with diverse musical periods while cultivating an understanding of the responsibility inherent in stewarding artistic heritage for future generations. The curriculum is designed to balance advanced academic training with a commitment to the ethical application of musical knowledge, preparing scholars to serve as leaders who bridge the gap between historical understanding and contemporary community impact. Students explore the intersection of aesthetic beauty, historical development, and the human condition, fostering an environment of intellectual growth and professional integrity.

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

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based musicology, music history-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 and Methodology

• 3
• MUS 501
• CAP 695
• Master's Thesis Project
• 6
• CAP 690
• MUS 620
• Advanced Seminar in Musicology
• 3
• None
• EDU 625
• Pedagogy and Arts Engagement
• 2
• None
• CAP 690 — Thesis Proposal and Methodology: Students develop their thesis research questions, review literature, and finalize their proposal under faculty supervision. Establishes the framework for the final project. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP 695 — Master's Thesis Project: The completion and defense of an original research thesis investigating a specific musicological or historical topic. Represents the synthesis of academic and faith-informed research. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MUS 620 — Advanced Seminar in Musicology: A forum for discussing current trends and contemporary debates within the field of music history. Promotes scholarly collaboration and critical peer engagement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU 625 — Pedagogy and Arts Engagement: Introduces methods for teaching music history and music appreciation in diverse educational environments. Focuses on effective knowledge dissemination. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The culminating experience for this program is a formal Master’s Thesis, representing the synthesis of the student's academic journey and faith-informed professional development. Students will design, research, and execute an original scholarly project that addresses a significant gap in musicological knowledge while demonstrating the application of ethical research standards and critical inquiry. The thesis requires the production of a high-quality, peer-reviewed-style manuscript that upholds the highest academic standards. This project carries 6 credit hours and is conducted under the guidance of a faculty advisor. Through this work, students demonstrate how their academic training serves a higher purpose, reflecting a commitment to intellectual humility, truth-seeking, and the cultivation of character that aligns with servant leadership. By engaging in deep, sustained research, students model stewardship of knowledge, ensuring their contributions provide lasting value to their professional fields and the broader community.

Career Opportunities

• Archivist for music collections in faith-based organizations
• Music history curriculum developer for private or Christian education
• Nonprofit consultant for arts-focused community outreach
• Editor or researcher for musicology journals and academic publications
• Director of music history programs in museum or cultural institutions
• Consultant for stewardship of sacred and historical music libraries

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 Musicology, Music History
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Musicology, Music History 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 Research Methods in Musicology | 4 | None
• HIS 505 | Historical Foundations of Sacred Music | 4 | None
• HUM 510 | Ethics and Stewardship in the Arts | 3 | None
• COM 515 | Professional Communication for Scholars | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS 520 | Music Theory and Analysis | 4 | MUS 501
• HIS 525 | Cultural History of Western Music | 4 | HIS 505
• SOC 530 | Sociology of Music and Community | 3 | None
• BUS 535 | Nonprofit Arts Administration | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS 601 | Global Music Perspectives | 4 | MUS 520
• HIS 605 | Modernist Transitions in Music | 4 | HIS 525
• PHI 610 | Philosophy and Aesthetic Theory | 3 | None
• MGT 615 | Leadership in Cultural Organizations | 3 | BUS 535
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP 690 | Thesis Proposal and Methodology | 3 | MUS 501
• CAP 695 | Master's Thesis Project | 6 | CAP 690
• MUS 620 | Advanced Seminar in Musicology | 3 | None
• EDU 625 | Pedagogy and Arts Engagement | 2 | None