Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Music Technology

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Music Technology

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 acoustic and digital sound phenomena using advanced signal processing and computational modeling methods.
• Evaluate the ethical implications of emerging music technologies in the context of contemporary cultural and community environments.
• Design and execute original, peer-reviewed research projects that contribute to the theoretical and practical advancement of music technology.
• Demonstrate advanced scholarly communication skills through the publication and presentation of research findings to diverse professional audiences.
• Integrate biblical principles of stewardship and service into the development and implementation of creative music technology infrastructures.
• Develop strategic leadership initiatives that utilize technological resources to facilitate community engagement and outreach.
• Interpret historical trends in music evolution to anticipate and address future challenges in the digital music industry.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES801
• Advanced Research Methodologies
• 3
• None
• MUS701
• Acoustic Theory and Signal Processing
• 3
• None
• MIN705
• Ethics in Creative Leadership
• 3
• None
• RES801 — Advanced Research Methodologies: This course covers advanced qualitative and quantitative research techniques for the music technology industry. Students learn to design robust studies to assess technological efficacy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MUS701 — Acoustic Theory and Signal Processing: An in-depth study of physical acoustics and advanced digital signal processing algorithms. Theoretical foundations are linked to practical implementation for audio systems. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN705 — Ethics in Creative Leadership: This course explores the intersection of professional ethics and organizational leadership in the arts. Students examine case studies through the lens of stewardship and integrity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MUS702
• Advanced Audio Production Systems
• 4
• MUS701
• RES802
• Statistical Analysis for the Arts
• 3
• RES801
• LDR710
• Organizational Leadership and Human Capital Development
• 3
• None
• MUS715
• Music Technology in Historical Context
• 3
• None
• MUS702 — Advanced Audio Production Systems: Students master complex multi-track recording environments and large-scale audio system design. Technical excellence is prioritized to serve artistic environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES802 — Statistical Analysis for the Arts: An introduction to statistical software and analytical methods applied to music technology data. Students interpret data trends to inform organizational decision-making. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• LDR710 — Organizational Leadership and Human Capital Development: This course examines contemporary leadership theories and practices within complex organizational structures, focusing on personnel development and team cohesion. Students analyze management strategies for fostering professional growth and ethical decision-making in diverse environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MUS715 — Music Technology in Historical Context: An exploration of the technological evolution of music and its sociocultural impact throughout history. Students critically analyze how tools influence artistic creation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MUS805
• Computational Musicology
• 4
• MUS702
• BUS820
• Nonprofit Administration and Stewardship
• 3
• None
• RES810
• Dissertation Prospectus Design
• 3
• RES802
• HUM750
• Arts, Culture, and Social Responsibility
• 3
• None
• MUS805 — Computational Musicology: Advanced study of algorithmic music composition and computational analysis of music patterns. Students leverage technology to expand creative output. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS820 — Nonprofit Administration and Stewardship: A comprehensive overview of managing music technology departments within the nonprofit sector. Emphasis is placed on fiscal stewardship and resource allocation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES810 — Dissertation Prospectus Design: Students define their research problem, literature review, and methodology for their final dissertation. Faculty provide rigorous feedback to ensure viability and academic significance. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HUM750 — Arts, Culture, and Social Responsibility: An analysis of the role of the arts in contemporary society and the responsibilities of cultural practitioners. Students identify opportunities for community service through the arts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MUS810
• Emerging Technologies in Audio
• 4
• MUS805
• RES815
• Advanced Academic Writing and Presentation
• 3
• RES810
• SOC720
• Sociology of Labor and Professional Identity
• 3
• None
• MUS780
• Special Topics in Music Technology
• 3
• MUS702
• MUS810 — Emerging Technologies in Audio: Exploration of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and immersive audio in the music industry. Students evaluate how these innovations align with organizational missions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES815 — Advanced Academic Writing and Presentation: Focused instruction on publishing scholarly findings and delivering conference-level presentations. Students refine their voice as emerging experts in their field. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC720 — Sociology of Labor and Professional Identity: This course investigates the socio-economic factors influencing professional life and the evolving structure of the modern workforce. Students explore the intersection of institutional goals and personal career trajectories through historical and sociopsychological lenses. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MUS780 — Special Topics in Music Technology: A deep dive into specialized niche areas such as psychoacoustics or archival digital preservation. Students engage in advanced technical problem solving. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MUS890
• Dissertation Research I
• 4
• RES810
• EDU850
• Pedagogy for the Arts in Higher Education
• 3
• None
• BUS855
• Strategic Planning for Creative Organizations
• 3
• BUS820
• SOC730
• Community Engagement through the Arts
• 3
• None
• MUS890 — Dissertation Research I: Primary data collection and preliminary analysis for the doctoral dissertation. Students work closely with their advisors to advance their scholarship. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU850 — Pedagogy for the Arts in Higher Education: Methods for teaching music technology at the collegiate level. Students develop instructional materials and assessment strategies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS855 — Strategic Planning for Creative Organizations: Strategic framework development for mission-driven music technology initiatives. Students focus on long-term sustainability and impact. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC730 — Community Engagement through the Arts: Analysis of arts-based community development strategies. Students evaluate outreach models for diverse populations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MUS899
• Dissertation Defense and Completion
• 4
• MUS890
• RES850
• Advanced Ethics in Research and Publication
• 3
• None
• MUS825
• Technological Advocacy and Public Policy
• 3
• None
• TEC895
• Technological Systems and Societal Integration
• 3
• None
• MUS899 — Dissertation Defense and Completion: Final synthesis of research, writing of the dissertation, and oral defense before a faculty committee. Completion signifies the student's readiness for terminal-level scholarship. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES850 — Advanced Ethics in Research and Publication: A focus on the ethical integrity required for doctoral-level research and professional conduct. Students review compliance standards and research ethics. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MUS825 — Technological Advocacy and Public Policy: Examination of how technology policy affects the music industry and creative arts practitioners. Students engage in advocacy initiatives. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• TEC895 — Technological Systems and Societal Integration: This seminar provides a comprehensive overview of how emerging digital infrastructures influence social connectivity and organizational efficiency. Students evaluate the implementation of new technology to solve operational challenges in administrative and artistic sectors. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree from an accredited institution in a relevant field such as Music, Sound Engineering, or Technology. Admission requires submission of official academic transcripts, a comprehensive statement of research intent, three professional letters of recommendation, and a portfolio demonstrating prior mastery of music technology concepts. Candidates are evaluated on their academic readiness, the alignment of their research interests with program objectives, and their commitment to the institution’s values of ethical leadership and community service. Dissertation Requirement The Dissertation represents the pinnacle of the doctoral experience, requiring candidates to produce a substantial and original scholarly contribution to the field of music technology. This research-based endeavor focuses on the development of new methodologies, pedagogical frameworks, or technological innovations that address real-world challenges within the creative arts and nonprofit sectors. The scope is broad, allowing students to explore technical challenges while maintaining a focus on the ethical application of their work and its capacity to serve the public good. Throughout the process, students demonstrate the integration of faith-informed character development, applying principles of servant leadership and biblical stewardship to their research design. The dissertation must be defended before a faculty committee, serving as a platform for students to demonstrate both their high-level technical expertise and their commitment to applying their professional gifts toward meaningful community and organizational impact. The final deliverable consists of a scholarly manuscript that adheres to the rigorous standards of academic publication.

• Graduation requires the successful completion of 120 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Students must demonstrate competency in all core and elective courses, including the successful defense and submission of the dissertation. Beyond academic requirements, students are expected to engage in consistent spiritual formation activities, including regular community service and participation in institutional character development initiatives that reflect a commitment to ethical integrity and servant leadership.
• Candidates must exhibit not only scholarly achievement but also the professional maturity and spiritual grounding necessary for lifelong service. The culmination of the degree confirms that graduates have attained the necessary expertise to serve as leaders who honor their institutional mission through their work, providing service to others with excellence, humility, and a clear sense of purpose in the professional world.
• Career Opportunities
• Higher Education Faculty in Music Technology
• Digital Arts Program Director for Nonprofits
• Music Technology Research Consultant
• Sound Design and Production Consultant for Faith-Based Organizations
• Creative Technical Director
• Arts and Culture Policy Analyst
• Media Development Specialist for Community Engagement
• 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 Technology
• 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 technology 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
• RES801 | Advanced Research Methodologies | 3 | None
• MUS701 | Acoustic Theory and Signal Processing | 3 | None
• MIN705 | Ethics in Creative Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS702 | Advanced Audio Production Systems | 4 | MUS701
• RES802 | Statistical Analysis for the Arts | 3 | RES801
• LDR710 | Organizational Leadership and Human Capital Development | 3 | None
• MUS715 | Music Technology in Historical Context | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS805 | Computational Musicology | 4 | MUS702
• BUS820 | Nonprofit Administration and Stewardship | 3 | None
• RES810 | Dissertation Prospectus Design | 3 | RES802
• HUM750 | Arts, Culture, and Social Responsibility | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS810 | Emerging Technologies in Audio | 4 | MUS805
• RES815 | Advanced Academic Writing and Presentation | 3 | RES810
• SOC720 | Sociology of Labor and Professional Identity | 3 | None
• MUS780 | Special Topics in Music Technology | 3 | MUS702
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS890 | Dissertation Research I | 4 | RES810
• EDU850 | Pedagogy for the Arts in Higher Education | 3 | None
• BUS855 | Strategic Planning for Creative Organizations | 3 | BUS820
• SOC730 | Community Engagement through the Arts | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MUS899 | Dissertation Defense and Completion | 4 | MUS890
• RES850 | Advanced Ethics in Research and Publication | 3 | None
• MUS825 | Technological Advocacy and Public Policy | 3 | None
• TEC895 | Technological Systems and Societal Integration | 3 | None