Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Music Composition

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Music Composition

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four to six academic years, depending on approved transfer credit, enrollment status, research progress, and dissertation completion

Academic unit

HBIU College of Arts and Humanities

Total credits

120

Duration

3 years

• Analyze complex musical structures through advanced theoretical and analytical frameworks.
• Develop original musical compositions that demonstrate technical mastery and creative innovation.
• Evaluate historical and contemporary compositional methodologies through a multidisciplinary lens.
• Integrate ethical decision-making and stewardship principles into professional creative practice.
• Communicate complex musical concepts and research findings to both academic and public audiences.
• Demonstrate servant leadership in collaborative musical and institutional environments.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MUS701
• Advanced Compositional Techniques I
• 3
• Graduate standing
• RES705
• Advanced Research Methods in Musicology
• 3
• Graduate standing
• THE710
• Ethical Frameworks in Artistic Leadership
• 3
• Graduate standing
• MUS701 — Advanced Compositional Techniques I: This course explores contemporary trends in orchestral and chamber music composition. It focuses on orchestration strategies and harmonic innovation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES705 — Advanced Research Methods in Musicology: Students investigate scholarly approaches to musical research and archival analysis. The course emphasizes documentation and critical review of primary sources. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE710 — Ethical Frameworks in Artistic Leadership: This course addresses the application of ethical decision-making and servant leadership within the arts. It explores the responsibility of the composer toward the public sphere. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MUS702
• Advanced Compositional Techniques II
• 4
• MUS701
• MUS715
• Structural Analysis of 20th and 21st Century Works
• 4
• MUS701
• HUM720
• Philosophy of Aesthetics and Culture
• 4
• Graduate standing
• RES730
• Thesis Proposal Development
• 4
• RES705
• MUS702 — Advanced Compositional Techniques II: A continuation of compositional study with a focus on electronic media and interdisciplinary collaboration. Students develop original works for modern ensembles. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MUS715 — Structural Analysis of 20th and 21st Century Works: An in-depth analysis of modern musical scores, focusing on pitch-class set theory and temporal structures. This course enhances technical critical listening skills. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HUM720 — Philosophy of Aesthetics and Culture: This course examines the relationship between artistic production and cultural values. It explores the philosophical foundations of human creative expression. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES730 — Thesis Proposal Development: Students draft their initial research questions and project scopes for their dissertation work. This course focuses on methodology and literature review development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MUS801
• Directed Creative Studio I
• 4
• MUS702
• MIN805
• Stewardship and Organizational Management
• 4
• THE710
• MUS810
• Global Perspectives in Musical Tradition
• 4
• Graduate standing
• RES815
• Quantitative and Qualitative Inquiry
• 4
• RES705
• MUS801 — Directed Creative Studio I: Students engage in one-on-one mentorship to develop core sections of their creative portfolios. This course emphasizes artistic voice and technical refinement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN805 — Stewardship and Organizational Management: An examination of how arts professionals can practice financial and organizational stewardship. Focus is on sustainable leadership in community contexts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MUS810 — Global Perspectives in Musical Tradition: An investigation of non-Western musical systems and their integration into contemporary Western composition. Students analyze the impact of cross-cultural engagement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES815 — Quantitative and Qualitative Inquiry: An advanced methods course covering data collection techniques relevant to artistic research. Students apply these methods to their current creative projects. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MUS802
• Directed Creative Studio II
• 4
• MUS801
• MUS820
• Pedagogy in Musical Arts
• 4
• Graduate standing
• MUS825
• Critical Theory and Social Engagement
• 4
• HUM720
• RES830
• Advanced Dissertation Research I
• 4
• RES730
• MUS802 — Directed Creative Studio II: Advanced composition mentorship continues, focusing on large-scale formal structures. Students refine their works for final production. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MUS820 — Pedagogy in Musical Arts: This course focuses on teaching musical theory and composition at the collegiate level. It covers instructional design and student mentoring. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MUS825 — Critical Theory and Social Engagement: An exploration of critical theory's role in evaluating the social impact of artistic works. Students learn to contextualize their art within society. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES830 — Advanced Dissertation Research I: Focused research and writing on the analytical component of the doctoral thesis. Students begin drafting their critical narrative. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MUS850
• Advanced Orchestration Seminar
• 3
• MUS802
• MUS855
• Contemporary Performance Practice
• 3
• Graduate standing
• RES860
• Advanced Dissertation Research II
• 3
• RES830
• CAP870
• Doctoral Portfolio Seminar
• 3
• Completion of all other coursework
• MUS850 — Advanced Orchestration Seminar: An examination of complex scoring techniques for varied instrumental ensembles. This course focuses on color, texture, and performance feasibility. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MUS855 — Contemporary Performance Practice: This course analyzes the interaction between composer and performer. It focuses on the communication of artistic intent through scores. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES860 — Advanced Dissertation Research II: Refining the dissertation research and creative portfolio under faculty supervision. Students finalize the document for upcoming committee review. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP870 — Doctoral Portfolio Seminar: A comprehensive review of student artistic work and research preparedness. This course ensures readiness for the defense process. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• DIS890
• Doctoral Dissertation Defense
• 4
• Completion of all core coursework
• MUS891
• Creative Portfolio Review
• 3
• Completion of all core coursework
• MUS892
• Contemporary Professional Seminar in Artistic Practice
• 3
• Completion of all core coursework
• RES893
• Professional Field Practicum
• 3
• Completion of all core coursework
• DIS890 — Doctoral Dissertation Defense: Final submission, public defense, and completion of the dissertation. This work represents the student's primary contribution to the field. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MUS891 — Creative Portfolio Review: Final compilation of the student's original compositional works for review by an external panel. This serves as a summative assessment of technical skill. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MUS892 — Contemporary Professional Seminar in Artistic Practice: This course examines the intersection of professional artistic practice and public community engagement within modern societal contexts. Students will explore strategies for developing sustainable projects and organizational partnerships. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES893 — Professional Field Practicum: Application of research and composition skills within a professional arts environment. Students document the implementation of their creative projects. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in Music, Composition, or a closely related field from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. A portfolio of original compositions, a statement of intent detailing research interests, and three letters of professional or academic recommendation are required for consideration. Dissertation Requirement The dissertation serves as the culmination of the doctoral program, requiring candidates to produce an original, large-scale musical work accompanied by a substantial analytical thesis. The dissertation requires students to synthesize advanced technical skill with a coherent, evidence-based research project that addresses a significant gap in contemporary musical literature or theory. It is a 12-credit requirement that mandates deep intellectual rigor and a demonstrated capacity for independent, scholarly inquiry. Beyond technical musical output, the dissertation integrates faith-based perspectives by challenging students to demonstrate how their creative work embodies principles of ethical reasoning, biblical stewardship, and servant leadership. Candidates are expected to frame their compositional choices within a broader context of spiritual formation and service, ensuring their scholarship contributes positively to the flourishing of community-based cultural institutions. This project acts as a bridge between academic mastery and character development, requiring students to articulate their work's societal and ethical impact.

• Graduation requires the successful completion of 120 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Students must fulfill all core coursework and demonstrate mastery through the completion and public defense of the dissertation, which must be approved by a faculty committee. The program emphasizes both intellectual rigor and spiritual formation as foundational components of professional life.
• Students are expected to participate in community engagement activities and periodic faculty-mentored spiritual formation seminars throughout their tenure. These requirements ensure that candidates graduate not only as technically proficient composers but as individuals of high ethical integrity prepared for long-term service. Success is defined by the synergy of scholarly accomplishment and the application of one's talents toward the stewardship of institutional and community missions.
• Career Opportunities
• University Professor of Music Composition
• Choral and Orchestral Director
• Nonprofit Arts Administrator
• Director of Creative Arts for Faith-Based Organizations
• Music Archivist and Research Scholar
• Professional Composer for Media and Concert Halls
• Consultant for Community Cultural Development
• 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 | Ph.D. in Faith-Based Music Composition
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Maximum approved transfer credit | Up to 40 semester credit hours
• Minimum credits completed through the University after maximum transfer | 80 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four to six academic years, depending on approved transfer credit, enrollment status, research progress, and dissertation completion
• Advanced faith-based music composition theory and specialization | 30 credit hours
• Research methods, statistics, and scholarly inquiry | 24 credit hours
• Professional leadership and higher-education teaching | 15 credit hours
• Advanced electives and concentration courses | 18 credit hours
• Scholarly writing and publication | 9 credit hours
• Comprehensive examination and doctoral candidacy | 6 credit hours
• Dissertation research and defense | 18 credit hours
• Total | 120 semester credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS701 | Advanced Compositional Techniques I | 3 | Graduate standing
• RES705 | Advanced Research Methods in Musicology | 3 | Graduate standing
• THE710 | Ethical Frameworks in Artistic Leadership | 3 | Graduate standing
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS702 | Advanced Compositional Techniques II | 4 | MUS701
• MUS715 | Structural Analysis of 20th and 21st Century Works | 4 | MUS701
• HUM720 | Philosophy of Aesthetics and Culture | 4 | Graduate standing
• RES730 | Thesis Proposal Development | 4 | RES705
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS801 | Directed Creative Studio I | 4 | MUS702
• MIN805 | Stewardship and Organizational Management | 4 | THE710
• MUS810 | Global Perspectives in Musical Tradition | 4 | Graduate standing
• RES815 | Quantitative and Qualitative Inquiry | 4 | RES705
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS802 | Directed Creative Studio II | 4 | MUS801
• MUS820 | Pedagogy in Musical Arts | 4 | Graduate standing
• MUS825 | Critical Theory and Social Engagement | 4 | HUM720
• RES830 | Advanced Dissertation Research I | 4 | RES730
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS850 | Advanced Orchestration Seminar | 3 | MUS802
• MUS855 | Contemporary Performance Practice | 3 | Graduate standing
• RES860 | Advanced Dissertation Research II | 3 | RES830
• CAP870 | Doctoral Portfolio Seminar | 3 | Completion of all other coursework
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS890 | Doctoral Dissertation Defense | 4 | Completion of all core coursework
• MUS891 | Creative Portfolio Review | 3 | Completion of all core coursework
• MUS892 | Contemporary Professional Seminar in Artistic Practice | 3 | Completion of all core coursework
• RES893 | Professional Field Practicum | 3 | Completion of all core coursework