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Master of Arts in Faith-Based Music in Composition, Specialization in Sacred Music

Academic unitHBIU College of Arts and HumanitiesTotal credits60Estimated duration2 years

Program Overview

Official program overview

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Music in Composition

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Music in Composition 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 Composition, with a specialization in Sacred Music, is an advanced graduate program designed to cultivate sophisticated musical composition skills within the context of liturgical and community service environments. This program fosters technical proficiency in traditional and contemporary composition while emphasizing the theological and philosophical underpinnings of musical expression. Students are encouraged to develop their unique creative voice through rigorous theoretical analysis and original creative production. The curriculum promotes a robust understanding of how music serves as a vehicle for community formation and spiritual reflection. By integrating advanced musicianship with a commitment to service, the program prepares graduates to operate as effective musical leaders who demonstrate both creative excellence and ethical stewardship in their artistic practice.

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

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

Program facts

Degree abbreviation
M.A. in Faith-Based Music in Composition
Total program length
60 graduate semester credit hours
Normal completion time
Two academic years of full-time study
Academic unit
HBIU College of Arts and Humanities
Total credits
60
Duration
2 years

Program Description

Official program description

Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes

  • Compose original musical works for diverse instrumental and vocal ensembles using advanced harmonic and structural techniques.
  • Analyze the historical and theological development of sacred music to inform contemporary composition practices.
  • Evaluate the relationship between musical aesthetics and community service through a lens of ethical responsibility.
  • Design musical programs that demonstrate servant leadership and effective stewardship of creative resources.
  • Integrate a coherent worldview that reflects personal spiritual formation and professional integrity within artistic outputs.
  • Communicate complex musical ideas clearly to diverse audiences through performance and scholarly writing.
  • Course Outline
  • Semester 1 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • MUS 501
  • Advanced Composition Techniques
  • 4
  • Bachelor of Music in Composition or equivalent
  • MUS 510
  • Sociology and Aesthetics of Music
  • 4
  • None
  • MUS 520
  • Ethical Stewardship in the Arts
  • 3
  • None
  • RES 500
  • Research Methods in the Humanities
  • 3
  • None
  • MUS 501 — Advanced Composition Techniques: This course explores contemporary compositional methods and their application in diverse musical settings. It focuses on orchestration and structure as a means to express complex ideas. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MUS 510 — Sociology and Aesthetics of Music: This course examines the cultural and psychological impacts of musical practices on diverse audience demographics and community gatherings. Students analyze how auditory art forms function as social phenomena within various communal settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MUS 520 — Ethical Stewardship in the Arts: This course examines the moral responsibilities of the artist in society. Students explore models of servant leadership in musical management. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • RES 500 — Research Methods in the Humanities: A study of qualitative and analytical research methodologies applied to the arts. Students refine skills in academic documentation and critical writing. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 2 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • MUS 530
  • Sacred Music Literature
  • 4
  • MUS 501
  • MUS 540
  • Advanced Counterpoint and Harmony
  • 4
  • MUS 501
  • COM 610
  • Leadership in Nonprofits
  • 3
  • None
  • MUS 550
  • Contemporary Electronic Composition
  • 3
  • MUS 501
  • MUS 530 — Sacred Music Literature: A comprehensive survey of vocal and instrumental sacred music from antiquity to the present. Students examine form, function, and performance practice. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MUS 540 — Advanced Counterpoint and Harmony: Study of advanced harmonic progressions and contrapuntal textures for various ensembles. Emphasis is placed on creating coherent, tonally sound structures. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • COM 610 — Leadership in Nonprofits: Exploration of leadership strategies and organizational management within the nonprofit sector. Focus is placed on team building and strategic planning. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MUS 550 — Contemporary Electronic Composition: Utilization of digital technologies to expand compositional possibilities. Students develop skills in sound design and digital orchestration. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 3 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • MUS 601
  • Advanced Seminar in Composition
  • 4
  • MUS 530
  • MUS 610
  • Community Music Engagement
  • 4
  • None
  • HIS 620
  • Cultural Influences on Musical Practice
  • 3
  • None
  • PSY 625
  • Seminar in Applied Psychology of Artistic Development
  • 3
  • None
  • MUS 601 — Advanced Seminar in Composition: A high-level workshop focusing on the development of individual creative portfolios. Peer critique and faculty mentorship are central components of this experience. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MUS 610 — Community Music Engagement: Practical application of musical pedagogy in diverse community settings. Students develop projects to foster artistic growth in non-traditional environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • HIS 620 — Cultural Influences on Musical Practice: Analysis of global musical traditions and their impact on contemporary expressions. This course encourages critical thinking regarding intercultural dialogue. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • PSY 625 — Seminar in Applied Psychology of Artistic Development: This course explores developmental theories and cognitive processes involved in sustained artistic engagement and personal creative growth. Students evaluate methods for fostering resilience and long-term commitment in creative practitioners and volunteers. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 4 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • CAP 690
  • Thesis in Composition
  • 6
  • Approval of Thesis Proposal
  • MUS 650
  • Advanced Performance and Analysis
  • 3
  • MUS 601
  • BUS 630
  • Grant Writing for Arts Organizations
  • 3
  • COM 610
  • MUS 660
  • Professionalism in the Creative Sector
  • 3
  • None
  • CAP 690 — Thesis in Composition: Students complete a capstone project involving a major original musical work and a significant analytical research paper. This project serves as a demonstration of technical expertise and philosophical integration. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MUS 650 — Advanced Performance and Analysis: Detailed analysis of scores to improve performance comprehension and conducting accuracy. Students analyze complex works to better facilitate community music education. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS 630 — Grant Writing for Arts Organizations: Practical instruction on securing financial resources for creative and community initiatives. Topics include proposal design and budgeting for nonprofits. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MUS 660 — Professionalism in the Creative Sector: Investigation into the business of music, including copyright, publishing, and career development. Emphasis is placed on maintaining integrity in a competitive industry. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Admission Requirements

Admission and entry requirements

Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a major in music, music composition, or a related field. Candidates are required to submit a portfolio of original compositions, official transcripts demonstrating a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA, a statement of intent outlining their commitment to faith-based community service, and two professional letters of recommendation. Thesis or Capstone Project The Master’s Thesis in Composition serves as the culminating academic experience, requiring students to compose a substantial original work and accompany it with an extensive analytical research document. This project demonstrates mastery in technical musical craft, including orchestration, form, and developmental logic, while providing an interpretive framework for the work's intended application in community or institutional settings. Students must defend their work before a faculty panel, discussing the technical and ethical dimensions of their creative process. Beyond technical competence, the capstone integrates the student's personal faith journey and commitment to servant leadership. The research component requires students to articulate how their work reflects principles of biblical stewardship and ethical engagement with diverse community populations. This synthesis demonstrates that the graduate possesses the character and capacity to use artistic gifts as a meaningful contribution to the common good, ensuring that their creative output aligns with their vocational commitment to service-oriented, faith-informed leadership.

Protected Curriculum

Complete program outline available after verification

Graduation Requirements

Graduation and completion requirements

  • Graduation requires the successful completion of 60 total credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Students must earn a grade of B or better in all core courses and receive a satisfactory evaluation on their Thesis in Composition project. This rigorous academic standard ensures that graduates possess the foundational knowledge and advanced skills necessary for high-level artistic contribution.
  • Furthermore, candidates are expected to demonstrate spiritual maturity and ethical integrity throughout their tenure at the university. This involves active participation in institutional community engagement initiatives and reflection on their professional identity. By pairing academic achievement with these indicators of character development, the university ensures that graduates are not only professionally competent but also prepared to offer faithful, ethical, and compassionate leadership in their chosen communities.
  • Career Opportunities
  • Director of Music for faith-based institutional environments
  • Professional liturgical composer
  • Music educator in community-focused organizations
  • Nonprofit consultant for artistic outreach initiatives
  • Creative director for faith-oriented community programs
  • Independent researcher in musicology and theology
  • 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 Composition
  • Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
  • Advanced Faith-Based Music in Composition 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 Composition Techniques | 4 | Bachelor of Music in Composition or equivalent
  • MUS 510 | Sociology and Aesthetics of Music | 4 | None
  • MUS 520 | Ethical Stewardship in the Arts | 3 | None
  • RES 500 | Research Methods in the Humanities | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • MUS 530 | Sacred Music Literature | 4 | MUS 501
  • MUS 540 | Advanced Counterpoint and Harmony | 4 | MUS 501
  • COM 610 | Leadership in Nonprofits | 3 | None
  • MUS 550 | Contemporary Electronic Composition | 3 | MUS 501
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • MUS 601 | Advanced Seminar in Composition | 4 | MUS 530
  • MUS 610 | Community Music Engagement | 4 | None
  • HIS 620 | Cultural Influences on Musical Practice | 3 | None
  • PSY 625 | Seminar in Applied Psychology of Artistic Development | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CAP 690 | Thesis in Composition | 6 | Approval of Thesis Proposal
  • MUS 650 | Advanced Performance and Analysis | 3 | MUS 601
  • BUS 630 | Grant Writing for Arts Organizations | 3 | COM 610
  • MUS 660 | Professionalism in the Creative Sector | 3 | None

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

  • Director of Music for faith-based institutional environments
  • Professional liturgical composer
  • Music educator in community-focused organizations
  • Nonprofit consultant for artistic outreach initiatives
  • Creative director for faith-oriented community programs
  • Independent researcher in musicology and theology

Additional Official Information

Additional source information

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 Composition
  • Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
  • Advanced Faith-Based Music in Composition 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 Composition Techniques | 4 | Bachelor of Music in Composition or equivalent
  • MUS 510 | Sociology and Aesthetics of Music | 4 | None
  • MUS 520 | Ethical Stewardship in the Arts | 3 | None
  • RES 500 | Research Methods in the Humanities | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • MUS 530 | Sacred Music Literature | 4 | MUS 501
  • MUS 540 | Advanced Counterpoint and Harmony | 4 | MUS 501
  • COM 610 | Leadership in Nonprofits | 3 | None
  • MUS 550 | Contemporary Electronic Composition | 3 | MUS 501
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • MUS 601 | Advanced Seminar in Composition | 4 | MUS 530
  • MUS 610 | Community Music Engagement | 4 | None
  • HIS 620 | Cultural Influences on Musical Practice | 3 | None
  • PSY 625 | Seminar in Applied Psychology of Artistic Development | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CAP 690 | Thesis in Composition | 6 | Approval of Thesis Proposal
  • MUS 650 | Advanced Performance and Analysis | 3 | MUS 601
  • BUS 630 | Grant Writing for Arts Organizations | 3 | COM 610
  • MUS 660 | Professionalism in the Creative Sector | 3 | None