Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Music Composition, Specialization in Music

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Music Composition

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 Arts and Humanities

Total credits

120

Duration

4 years

• Analyze complex musical structures and harmonic language using advanced theoretical frameworks.
• Apply technical skills in digital audio workstation environments to produce professional-quality musical arrangements.
• Evaluate historical and contemporary musical traditions to inform original creative compositions.
• Design original musical works that align with the mission and values of diverse nonprofit and community-serving organizations.
• Integrate ethical decision-making and servant leadership principles into the professional practice of music composition.
• Communicate artistic intent clearly through both written discourse and musical performance.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MUS101
• Music Theory I
• 4
• None
• ENG101
• College Composition
• 3
• None
• ART105
• Aesthetics and Cultural Expression
• 3
• None
• MUS110
• Piano Proficiency I
• 3
• None
• MUS101 — Music Theory I: Exploration of fundamental harmonic structures and melodic development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ENG101 — College Composition: Focus on academic writing, research methodologies, and argumentative structure. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ART105 — Aesthetics and Cultural Expression: This course examines the philosophical foundations of aesthetic theory and the development of artistic expression across diverse societies. Students analyze the impact of visual and auditory media on collective cultural identity and historical societal trends. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MUS110 — Piano Proficiency I: Development of keyboard skills for functional accompaniment and composition. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MUS102
• Music Theory II
• 4
• MUS101
• HIS120
• World History
• 3
• None
• MUS111
• Piano Proficiency II
• 3
• MUS110
• PSY101
• Intro to Psychology
• 3
• None
• MUS102 — Music Theory II: Advancing into chromatic harmony and formal analysis of musical structures. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS120 — World History: Survey of global historical events and their impact on modern society. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MUS111 — Piano Proficiency II: Advanced keyboard techniques focusing on ensemble reading and transposition. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY101 — Intro to Psychology: Overview of behavioral principles and psychological development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MUS201
• Composition I
• 4
• MUS102
• MUS210
• Aural Skills I
• 3
• MUS102
• ENG202
• Technical Writing
• 3
• ENG101
• SOC201
• Social Institutions
• 3
• None
• MUS201 — Composition I: Foundational techniques in original music writing and motif development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MUS210 — Aural Skills I: Training in ear training and rhythmic dictation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ENG202 — Technical Writing: Refining professional communication skills for organizational settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC201 — Social Institutions: Study of how social structures impact community health and development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MUS202
• Composition II
• 4
• MUS201
• MUS220
• Digital Audio Production
• 3
• None
• MAT101
• College Mathematics
• 3
• None
• CHR201
• Ethics and Leadership
• 3
• None
• MUS202 — Composition II: Development of mid-scale works using various instrumentation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MUS220 — Digital Audio Production: Utilization of DAW software for sound synthesis and mixing. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MAT101 — College Mathematics: Applied mathematics for real-world analytical problems. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CHR201 — Ethics and Leadership: Examination of ethical decision-making frameworks within organizational leadership. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MUS301
• Advanced Orchestration
• 4
• MUS202
• MUS315
• Music History I
• 3
• None
• BUS300
• Nonprofit Management
• 3
• None
• BIO101
• Biology Survey
• 3
• None
• MUS301 — Advanced Orchestration: Learning how to write effectively for different instrumental ensembles. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MUS315 — Music History I: Analysis of music development from antiquity through the Baroque era. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS300 — Nonprofit Management: Understanding the operational structures of charitable organizations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BIO101 — Biology Survey: Foundations of life sciences and environmental stewardship. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MUS302
• Choral Composition
• 4
• MUS301
• MUS316
• Music History II
• 3
• MUS315
• COM301
• Professional Communication
• 3
• None
• PSY301
• Human Development and Personal Growth
• 3
• None
• MUS302 — Choral Composition: Developing vocal arrangements and choral textures. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MUS316 — Music History II: Analysis of music development from the Classical period to modern times. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM301 — Professional Communication: Techniques for effective public relations and institutional messaging. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY301 — Human Development and Personal Growth: This course explores psychological frameworks of human development, focusing on the stages of individual maturation and internal motivation. Students engage with academic theories concerning identity formation and character development within interpersonal and social contexts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 7 — Year 4
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MUS401
• Composition Seminar I
• 4
• MUS302
• MUS410
• Applied Music Technology
• 3
• MUS220
• MGT405
• Organizational Leadership
• 3
• None
• HIS401
• Cultural Studies
• 3
• None
• MUS401 — Composition Seminar I: Advanced workshop for individual creative development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MUS410 — Applied Music Technology: Integrating sound tech in community spaces and event production. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT405 — Organizational Leadership: Analyzing leadership styles and their impact on institutional culture. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS401 — Cultural Studies: Examines cultural trends and the role of art in societal change. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 8 — Year 4
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CAP499
• Senior Capstone Project
• 4
• All Core Courses
• MUS402
• Composition Seminar II
• 3
• MUS401
• EDU401
• Instructional Strategies
• 3
• None
• MIN405
• Community Engagement
• 3
• None
• CAP499 — Senior Capstone Project: The final integrative project representing the culmination of academic learning and faith-informed service. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MUS402 — Composition Seminar II: Final review of creative portfolio and professional presentation skills. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU401 — Instructional Strategies: Methods for teaching music in community-based educational settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN405 — Community Engagement: Practical application of service-oriented work in diverse populations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Prospective students must possess a high school diploma or equivalent with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants are required to submit an audition recording demonstrating foundational musical competency and a brief essay outlining their personal interest in the intersection of music composition and community service. Senior Capstone Project The Senior Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic experience for the program, requiring students to conceptualize, draft, and finalize a substantial original musical work or production portfolio. Students must demonstrate the synthesis of their theoretical training, technical proficiency, and ethical integration developed throughout their tenure at HBI University. The scope of the project requires that students research the specific needs of a chosen nonprofit entity and create a musical resource that addresses those institutional requirements. This project serves as a practical demonstration of servant leadership and biblical stewardship, as students apply their artistic gifts to benefit a community-focused mission. Deliverables include the final musical product, a technical documentation report, and an integrative essay detailing how their work reflects their spiritual formation and commitment to ethical practice. Students receive 4 credits for the project, reflecting the significant time and academic rigor required to bridge the gap between creative excellence and faith-informed service.

• To earn the degree, students must successfully complete 120 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. This includes the fulfillment of all general education requirements, music core credits, and the successful completion of the Senior Capstone Project. The program demands consistent progress through a prescribed curriculum that balances technical training with reflective practice.
• Beyond academic attainment, graduates are expected to demonstrate spiritual maturity and integrity through active participation in institutional community service and character development initiatives. Readiness for faith-informed service is assessed through a combination of pedagogical milestones and institutional expectations, ensuring that each graduate is prepared to offer professional-grade contributions to organizations characterized by their commitment to the common good.
• Career Opportunities
• Nonprofit Music Director
• Community Arts Program Coordinator
• Independent Composer for Educational Media
• Church Music Producer
• Digital Sound Designer for Nonprofits
• Arts-Based Community Outreach Manager
• 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 Composition
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years
• General education | 36 credit hours
• Music composition core | 63 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours
• Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS101 | Music Theory I | 4 | None
• ENG101 | College Composition | 3 | None
• ART105 | Aesthetics and Cultural Expression | 3 | None
• MUS110 | Piano Proficiency I | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS102 | Music Theory II | 4 | MUS101
• HIS120 | World History | 3 | None
• MUS111 | Piano Proficiency II | 3 | MUS110
• PSY101 | Intro to Psychology | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS201 | Composition I | 4 | MUS102
• MUS210 | Aural Skills I | 3 | MUS102
• ENG202 | Technical Writing | 3 | ENG101
• SOC201 | Social Institutions | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS202 | Composition II | 4 | MUS201
• MUS220 | Digital Audio Production | 3 | None
• MAT101 | College Mathematics | 3 | None
• CHR201 | Ethics and Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS301 | Advanced Orchestration | 4 | MUS202
• MUS315 | Music History I | 3 | None
• BUS300 | Nonprofit Management | 3 | None
• BIO101 | Biology Survey | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS302 | Choral Composition | 4 | MUS301
• MUS316 | Music History II | 3 | MUS315
• COM301 | Professional Communication | 3 | None
• PSY301 | Human Development and Personal Growth | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS401 | Composition Seminar I | 4 | MUS302
• MUS410 | Applied Music Technology | 3 | MUS220
• MGT405 | Organizational Leadership | 3 | None
• HIS401 | Cultural Studies | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP499 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | All Core Courses
• MUS402 | Composition Seminar II | 3 | MUS401
• EDU401 | Instructional Strategies | 3 | None
• MIN405 | Community Engagement | 3 | None