<p> This qualitative study was designed to evaluate the impact internationalization initiatives in U.S. institutions of higher education have had on a school of music. The critical approach of intercultural communication served as the conceptual framework to guide understanding of internationalization initiatives or efforts within higher education institutions toward preparing students, in particular music graduates, for the global society (Issa, 2015). Data collected from questionnaires and interviews with various stakeholders, organizational documents and the institution&rsquo;s website provided a more thorough understanding of the approach to, and challenges and benefits of internationalization initiatives in a school of music. This data was coded for consistencies and emerging themes in terms of approaches to, challenges, and benefits.</p><p> The results of this study could create social change for society and communities in better understanding the impact of internationalization initiatives implemented within higher education music departments toward enhancing the artistic and intellectual abilities and contributions of individuals, institutions, and the field of music as a whole. Findings from this study will also inform practices of administrators of music departments within higher education toward attracting and preparing international students as well as preparing current domestic students for a globalized society.</p><p>

This study examines the music programs in liberal arts colleges through the historical lens of three Catholic Universities in the state of Florida. Although there are numerous historical dissertations and theses written about individual music schools and departments, and a few that compare music programs in similar types of institutions, none have compared music programs in Catholic universities within the same state. After teaching at Saint Leo University and experiencing the process of rebuilding a music program after it was almost completely lost in the mid-1990s, I wanted to study the histories of Saint Leo and other Florida Catholic institutions that have struggled through similar circumstances, but with very different outcomes. I examined each music program through interviews with past and current faculty, administrators, and students; archival documents; published histories; school newspapers and yearbooks; and local newspapers and magazines. I visited each campus, photographed the physical facilities, and observed faculty and students. Gradually the stories of three music programs emerged. By comparing the data from each institution I was able to address the following research questions: 1. When and how did each music program begin? 2. How did each one develop (i.e., organization, curriculum, faculty, facilities, performing groups)? 3. What are the relationships between the Catholic affiliation of each of these institutions and the development of their respective music programs/departments? 4. What role does music play in the overall vision of the universities and their development? 5. What are the implications of this study for music education in these and other liberal arts colleges?