Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Music Education

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Music Education

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

Academic unit

HBIU College of Education and Human Development

Total credits

120

Duration

4 years

• Analyze historical and contemporary musical pedagogies to inform the design of effective music instruction.
• Evaluate the role of music in community development through the lens of ethical reasoning and stewardship.
• Demonstrate advanced proficiency in musical performance and collaborative ensemble participation.
• Develop innovative curriculum plans that integrate music education with principles of servant leadership.
• Integrate a Christian worldview into the professional practice of music instruction to foster moral and spiritual growth in students.
• Apply administrative and organizational skills to manage musical programs within nonprofit or community-focused organizations.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• ENG101
• College Composition
• 3
• None
• MUS101
• Music Theory I
• 3
• None
• PSY105
• Foundations of Human Development
• 3
• None
• PSY101
• Foundations of Human Wellness
• 3
• None
• ENG101 — College Composition: Students analyze various rhetorical styles and develop formal research writing skills. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MUS101 — Music Theory I: An introduction to the fundamentals of musical notation, rhythm, and harmony. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY105 — Foundations of Human Development: Examination of physical, cognitive, and social development across the lifespan. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY101 — Foundations of Human Wellness: This course explores psychological and physiological principles of personal growth and self-regulation. Students analyze developmental models of identity and habit formation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MAT110
• Quantitative Reasoning
• 3
• None
• MUS102
• Music Theory II
• 3
• MUS101
• EDU120
• Introduction to Education
• 4
• None
• COM101
• Public Speaking
• 3
• None
• MAT110 — Quantitative Reasoning: Exploration of applied mathematics in real-world contexts including basic statistics. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MUS102 — Music Theory II: Intermediate study of diatonic harmony and musical structure. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU120 — Introduction to Education: An overview of educational history, philosophies, and the role of the teacher in society. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM101 — Public Speaking: Fundamentals of oral communication and effective message delivery. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MUS201
• Music History I
• 3
• MUS102
• EDU205
• Learning Theory and Pedagogy
• 3
• EDU120
• SOC210
• Sociology of Communities
• 3
• None
• BUS200
• Introduction to Nonprofit Management
• 3
• None
• MUS201 — Music History I: A survey of western music from antiquity through the Baroque era. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU205 — Learning Theory and Pedagogy: Analysis of instructional strategies based on cognitive learning models. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC210 — Sociology of Communities: Examination of social structures, dynamics, and community engagement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS200 — Introduction to Nonprofit Management: Principles of leadership and operational management in the nonprofit sector. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MUS202
• Music History II
• 3
• MUS201
• EDU215
• Assessment in Education
• 3
• EDU205
• THE201
• Ethics and Stewardship
• 3
• None
• MUS220
• Choral Conducting Fundamentals
• 4
• MUS102
• MUS202 — Music History II: A survey of music history from the Classical era to the contemporary period. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU215 — Assessment in Education: Developing and utilizing instruments to measure educational progress. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE201 — Ethics and Stewardship: Exploration of ethical frameworks and the concept of stewardship in professional life. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MUS220 — Choral Conducting Fundamentals: Techniques for directing choral ensembles with focus on leadership and score study. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MUS301
• Music Pedagogy Methods
• 3
• EDU205
• EDU310
• Diversity and Inclusion in Education
• 3
• EDU120
• MGT305
• Leadership in Service Organizations
• 3
• BUS200
• RES301
• Research Methods for Education
• 4
• MAT110
• MUS301 — Music Pedagogy Methods: Advanced instructional methodologies for individual and group music education. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU310 — Diversity and Inclusion in Education: Strategies for creating equitable learning environments for diverse populations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT305 — Leadership in Service Organizations: Application of servant leadership theories within community organizations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES301 — Research Methods for Education: Foundations of quantitative and qualitative research inquiry in educational settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MUS350
• Contemporary Music Trends
• 3
• MUS202
• EDU360
• Technology in Education
• 3
• EDU205
• MIN310
• Organizational Stewardship
• 3
• BUS200
• HUM300
• Critical Inquiry and Worldview
• 3
• None
• MUS350 — Contemporary Music Trends: Analysis of current trends and technological impacts on musical expression and education. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU360 — Technology in Education: Integrating digital tools to enhance music instruction and curriculum development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN310 — Organizational Stewardship: Managing resources and assets for the health of community institutions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HUM300 — Critical Inquiry and Worldview: Examination of worldviews and their role in framing social and artistic perspectives. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 7 — Year 4
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MUS401
• Advanced Music Seminar
• 3
• MUS301
• EDU420
• Educational Law and Ethics
• 3
• EDU120
• BUS410
• Strategic Planning in Nonprofits
• 3
• BUS200
• RES400
• Applied Project Research
• 3
• RES301
• MUS401 — Advanced Music Seminar: Seminar style course focusing on specialized topics in music education. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU420 — Educational Law and Ethics: Legal foundations and ethical responsibilities in the educational landscape. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS410 — Strategic Planning in Nonprofits: Designing mission-aligned strategic goals for organizational sustainability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES400 — Applied Project Research: Directed research preparation for the senior capstone project. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 8 — Year 4
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CAP490
• Senior Capstone Project
• 4
• RES400
• EDU450
• Advanced Pedagogy Practicum
• 4
• EDU310
• MUS460
• Career Development for Music Professionals
• 3
• None
• BUS480
• Resource Development
• 3
• BUS410
• CAP490 — Senior Capstone Project: The design and implementation of a community-based musical initiative demonstrating academic competence and ethical application. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU450 — Advanced Pedagogy Practicum: Supervised experience applying educational theories in a real-world setting. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MUS460 — Career Development for Music Professionals: This course focuses on practical strategies for navigating the music industry, including networking, business contracts, and portfolio management. Students develop professional skills necessary for sustainable careers in educational and arts-related fields. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS480 — Resource Development: Strategies for resource cultivation to sustain educational and nonprofit programs. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants must hold a high school diploma or equivalent with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Prospective students should submit a statement of purpose outlining their commitment to ethical leadership, academic interests, and interest in community service, along with official transcripts from all previously attended secondary or postsecondary institutions. Senior Capstone Project The Senior Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic achievement for the Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Music Education, accounting for 4 credit hours of the degree requirements. Students are expected to design and implement a comprehensive music education initiative that addresses a specific need within a community or nonprofit organization, demonstrating both advanced artistic competence and the application of servant leadership principles. This project mandates that students utilize data-informed decision-making to measure the project's impact on its target population, documenting the process through a formal research report and an oral presentation. Beyond technical mastery, the capstone provides a vital space for synthesizing the student’s spiritual formation with professional practice. Students must reflect on how biblical stewardship and ethical reasoning guided their project design, ensuring that their work upholds the values of their organization while serving the common good. This project serves as a clear demonstration of the student’s readiness to lead with integrity, grace, and professional excellence in their future vocation, confirming their ability to contribute to the mission-driven work of faith-based community organizations.

• To graduate with the Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Music Education, students must complete the full 120-credit curriculum with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. In addition to academic coursework, students must achieve a passing grade in the Senior Capstone Project and fulfill all institutional requirements for spiritual formation and community service. These requirements ensure that graduates have balanced academic achievement with the development of moral character and a commitment to service-oriented living.
• Graduation represents the culmination of a journey involving both intellectual rigor and personal transformation. Students are expected to demonstrate consistent ethical integrity and readiness to engage in faith-informed service. By meeting these standards, graduates are prepared to apply their skills as stewards of their musical talents, contributing meaningfully to the social, ethical, and spiritual health of the communities they serve.
• Career Opportunities
• Community Music Director
• Nonprofit Arts Administrator
• Music Ministry Coordinator
• Youth Outreach Program Specialist
• Private Music Instructor
• Educational Programming Manager
• Community Choir Conductor
• 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 | B.A. in Faith-Based Music Education
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years
• General education | 36 credit hours
• Music education core | 63 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours
• Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG101 | College Composition | 3 | None
• MUS101 | Music Theory I | 3 | None
• PSY105 | Foundations of Human Development | 3 | None
• PSY101 | Foundations of Human Wellness | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MAT110 | Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | None
• MUS102 | Music Theory II | 3 | MUS101
• EDU120 | Introduction to Education | 4 | None
• COM101 | Public Speaking | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS201 | Music History I | 3 | MUS102
• EDU205 | Learning Theory and Pedagogy | 3 | EDU120
• SOC210 | Sociology of Communities | 3 | None
• BUS200 | Introduction to Nonprofit Management | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS202 | Music History II | 3 | MUS201
• EDU215 | Assessment in Education | 3 | EDU205
• THE201 | Ethics and Stewardship | 3 | None
• MUS220 | Choral Conducting Fundamentals | 4 | MUS102
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS301 | Music Pedagogy Methods | 3 | EDU205
• EDU310 | Diversity and Inclusion in Education | 3 | EDU120
• MGT305 | Leadership in Service Organizations | 3 | BUS200
• RES301 | Research Methods for Education | 4 | MAT110
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS350 | Contemporary Music Trends | 3 | MUS202
• EDU360 | Technology in Education | 3 | EDU205
• MIN310 | Organizational Stewardship | 3 | BUS200
• HUM300 | Critical Inquiry and Worldview | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS401 | Advanced Music Seminar | 3 | MUS301
• EDU420 | Educational Law and Ethics | 3 | EDU120
• BUS410 | Strategic Planning in Nonprofits | 3 | BUS200
• RES400 | Applied Project Research | 3 | RES301
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP490 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | RES400
• EDU450 | Advanced Pedagogy Practicum | 4 | EDU310
• MUS460 | Career Development for Music Professionals | 3 | None
• BUS480 | Resource Development | 3 | BUS410