Doctor of Philosophy in Sacred Music

GEA University of San Marco

Fully Online | 3–5 Years | 60–90 Credit Hours

Aligned with FLDOE §1005.06(1)(f), SCNS, SARA, and ABHE Standards

Program Description

The Doctor of Philosophy in Sacred Music ✠ is a research-intensive degree designed to advance scholarship in the intersection of theology, musicology, and liturgy. It equips scholars and future faculty members to contribute to the academic field of sacred music through original research, teaching, and writing. The program includes historical, systematic, and ethnomusicological approaches, and it prepares graduates for careers in Christian higher education, liturgical scholarship, or sacred music publishing.

Program Objectives

• Develop original research contributing to the field of sacred music and worship studies.

• Prepare graduates for teaching roles in seminaries, universities, and music conservatories.

• Cultivate deep understanding of theology, liturgy, and music history.

• Foster integration of music scholarship with church life and mission.

Admission Requirements

• Master’s degree in sacred music, theology, or musicology.

• GPA of 3.3 or higher.

• Academic writing sample (15–25 pages).

• Statement of research interests.

• Two academic recommendations.

• Interview (Zoom-based).

Program Curriculum

Year 1

MUS 7105 – Sacred Music History and Theology (3 cr)

THE 7150 – Liturgical Theology and Practice (3 cr)

RES 7001 – Doctoral Research Design and Methods (3 cr)

MUS 7205 – Music and Doctrine in the Christian Tradition (3 cr)

Year 2

MUS 7300 – Ethnomusicology and Global Worship (3 cr)

MUS 7315 – Hermeneutics of Sacred Music Texts (3 cr)

RES 7100 – Dissertation Proposal Development (3 cr)

RES 7105 – Comprehensive Exam Preparation (3 cr)

Year 3+

RES 7990 – Dissertation Research and Writing (12–24 cr)

RES 7996 – Dissertation Defense and Publication (3 cr)

Program Delivery

The Ph.D. in Sacred Music is delivered fully online with access to theological databases, virtual workshops, and personal mentorship. Students engage in scholarly inquiry, live seminars, and digital archival research as part of a flexible, rigorous doctoral framework.