Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Music Therapy

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Music Therapy

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 advanced theoretical frameworks in music therapy to evaluate their impact on communal health and wellbeing.
• Design and conduct original, ethically-sound research that contributes new knowledge to the discipline of music therapy.
• Evaluate the intersection of personal ethics, faith-based values, and professional practice in complex social environments.
• Communicate scholarly findings effectively through academic writing, peer-reviewed presentations, and publication.
• Demonstrate advanced leadership skills in managing music-based programs within non-profit and community-oriented organizations.
• Integrate biblically-informed perspectives on stewardship and servant leadership into the design of community support systems.
• Apply rigorous quantitative and qualitative research methodologies to address challenges within social and therapeutic health sectors.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES700
• Advanced Research Methodology
• 4
• None
• THE710
• Foundations of Ethical Stewardship
• 3
• None
• MUS705
• Music Therapy Theory and Practice
• 3
• None
• RES700 — Advanced Research Methodology: Explores the intersection of qualitative and quantitative inquiry in the social sciences. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE710 — Foundations of Ethical Stewardship: An examination of organizational stewardship and moral leadership in the arts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MUS705 — Music Therapy Theory and Practice: A deep study into contemporary theories informing music-based clinical interventions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES710
• Qualitative Research Design
• 3
• RES700
• PSY720
• Psychological Perspectives in Music
• 3
• None
• MIN730
• Servant Leadership in Community Care
• 3
• None
• MUS715
• Advanced Clinical Improvisation
• 4
• MUS705
• RES710 — Qualitative Research Design: Focuses on ethnographic and phenomenological research methods within the arts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY720 — Psychological Perspectives in Music: Analyzes the psychological impact of musical stimuli on human development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN730 — Servant Leadership in Community Care: Examines models of leadership that prioritize service to community and organizational stability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MUS715 — Advanced Clinical Improvisation: Refines the practitioner’s skill in using musical spontaneity to meet organizational goals. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES720
• Quantitative Data Analysis
• 3
• RES700
• MUS750
• Music in Cultural Contexts
• 3
• None
• ETH740
• Applied Ethics in Social Services
• 3
• THE710
• EDU760
• Pedagogical Leadership in Music Therapy
• 4
• None
• RES720 — Quantitative Data Analysis: Advanced statistical applications for research in social services and music. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MUS750 — Music in Cultural Contexts: Examines the role of music as a vehicle for community cohesion and cultural preservation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ETH740 — Applied Ethics in Social Services: This course examines moral frameworks and ethical decision-making models within the context of clinical practice and social advocacy. Students analyze professional codes of conduct and navigate complex regulatory environments in public service settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU760 — Pedagogical Leadership in Music Therapy: Focuses on teaching and supervision strategies for music-based service organizations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES800
• Dissertation Seminar I
• 3
• RES710
• MUS780
• Community-Based Program Design
• 3
• None
• SOC790
• Sociology of Public Service
• 3
• None
• RES810
• Research Ethics and Compliance
• 4
• RES700
• RES800 — Dissertation Seminar I: Introduction to the dissertation process including topic selection and literature review. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MUS780 — Community-Based Program Design: Strategies for creating and sustaining service-oriented music initiatives. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC790 — Sociology of Public Service: An analysis of the role of institutions in community social welfare. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES810 — Research Ethics and Compliance: Addresses the legal and moral requirements for conducting institutional research. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES820
• Dissertation Seminar II
• 3
• RES800
• MGT770
• Management of Non-Profit Music Organizations
• 3
• None
• COM740
• Strategic Communication for Non-Profits
• 3
• None
• MUS805
• Advanced Clinical Supervision
• 4
• MUS705
• RES820 — Dissertation Seminar II: Drafting of the dissertation chapters and preliminary data analysis. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT770 — Management of Non-Profit Music Organizations: Operational and financial stewardship for arts-based service organizations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM740 — Strategic Communication for Non-Profits: Techniques for effective outreach and mission advocacy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MUS805 — Advanced Clinical Supervision: Focuses on providing professional oversight in diverse service settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES850
• Doctoral Dissertation
• 6
• RES820
• RES830
• Scholarly Publishing and Dissemination
• 3
• None
• MIN840
• Capstone of Service Leadership
• 3
• None
• CAP860
• Professional Development for Academic Careers
• 2
• None
• RES850 — Doctoral Dissertation: Completion and defense of the original doctoral research project. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES830 — Scholarly Publishing and Dissemination: Prepares candidates to publish research findings in academic journals. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN840 — Capstone of Service Leadership: Integrative assessment of leadership competencies within the organizational mission. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP860 — Professional Development for Academic Careers: Final synthesis of professional skills and portfolio readiness for post-doctoral transition. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Admission to the Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Music Therapy requires a completed Master’s degree from an accredited institution in a related field such as Music Therapy, Psychology, Counseling, or Music Education. Applicants must submit official transcripts, a statement of purpose outlining their research interests and alignment with the program’s faith-based mission, three letters of professional or academic recommendation, and a writing sample demonstrating doctoral-level research capacity. A minimum cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0 is required for consideration. Dissertation Requirement The Dissertation serves as the culminating academic experience for the PhD program, requiring students to execute an original research project that advances the intersection of music, therapeutic practice, and faith-based community leadership. The scope of this research must be broad enough to provide substantive contributions to the field while remaining focused on empirical or theoretical integrity. Deliverables include a formal proposal, a comprehensive literature review, a rigorous methodology section, and a full scholarly defense before a faculty committee. This project serves as a vehicle for integrating faith-based perspectives, challenging students to apply principles of ethical reasoning, biblical stewardship, and servant leadership to their specific research questions. The dissertation demonstrates both academic competence and the candidate’s development of a character-centered, faith-informed professional identity. Students are expected to articulate how their work supports the flourishing of vulnerable populations while maintaining professional excellence, thereby bridging the gap between rigorous scholarship and dedicated, ethical service.

• Graduation requires the successful completion of 120 credit hours, including 35 transfer credits and 85 doctoral credits, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Candidates must successfully defend their dissertation and complete all research seminars to the satisfaction of the faculty committee. All coursework must reflect the high ethical standards of the University and demonstrate the candidate's mastery of the program’s learning outcomes.
• Beyond academic achievement, graduates must demonstrate spiritual maturity through ongoing participation in university-sponsored community service and character-formation activities. The graduation process signifies not only intellectual readiness but also a commitment to lifelong stewardship, integrity in practice, and a readiness to serve faith-informed organizations with humility and excellence. Completion confirms the candidate is prepared to serve as a leader in contexts that value both professional rigor and heart-centered ethical commitment.
• Career Opportunities
• Director of Music-Based Non-Profit Services
• University Faculty in Arts and Humanities
• Clinical Research Specialist for Social Services
• Community Outreach Program Administrator
• Faith-Based Organizational Development Consultant
• Director of Creative Arts Therapy Programming
• Policy Advisor for Faith-Inspired Health Initiatives
• 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 Therapy
• 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 Therapy 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
• RES700 | Advanced Research Methodology | 4 | None
• THE710 | Foundations of Ethical Stewardship | 3 | None
• MUS705 | Music Therapy Theory and Practice | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES710 | Qualitative Research Design | 3 | RES700
• PSY720 | Psychological Perspectives in Music | 3 | None
• MIN730 | Servant Leadership in Community Care | 3 | None
• MUS715 | Advanced Clinical Improvisation | 4 | MUS705
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES720 | Quantitative Data Analysis | 3 | RES700
• MUS750 | Music in Cultural Contexts | 3 | None
• ETH740 | Applied Ethics in Social Services | 3 | THE710
• EDU760 | Pedagogical Leadership in Music Therapy | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES800 | Dissertation Seminar I | 3 | RES710
• MUS780 | Community-Based Program Design | 3 | None
• SOC790 | Sociology of Public Service | 3 | None
• RES810 | Research Ethics and Compliance | 4 | RES700
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES820 | Dissertation Seminar II | 3 | RES800
• MGT770 | Management of Non-Profit Music Organizations | 3 | None
• COM740 | Strategic Communication for Non-Profits | 3 | None
• MUS805 | Advanced Clinical Supervision | 4 | MUS705
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES850 | Doctoral Dissertation | 6 | RES820
• RES830 | Scholarly Publishing and Dissemination | 3 | None
• MIN840 | Capstone of Service Leadership | 3 | None
• CAP860 | Professional Development for Academic Careers | 2 | None