Certificate in Faith Based Cybersecurity, Information Integrity

Total program length

18 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Six to nine months

General education

Not required

Professional application courses

3 credit hours

Academic unit

HBIU Training Institute

Total credits

18

Duration

1 years

• Analyze current cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities within complex information systems.
• Apply technical protocols to secure organizational data and ensure information integrity.
• Evaluate the ethical implications of data privacy, stewardship, and digital security practices.
• Design robust security frameworks that support organizational mission and operational continuity.
• Communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders in a manner that promotes institutional transparency.
• Integrate principles of servant leadership and ethical responsibility into technical decision-making processes.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CYB101
• Fundamentals of Cybersecurity
• 2
• None
• CYB110
• Information Integrity and Ethics
• 2
• None
• NET120
• Network Defense Protocols
• 3
• CYB101
• MGT150
• Stewardship in Technical Leadership
• 2
• None
• CYB101 — Fundamentals of Cybersecurity: This course covers basic principles of network security, risk assessment, and threat detection. It emphasizes the importance of data protection as a core element of institutional stewardship. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CYB110 — Information Integrity and Ethics: Students examine the ethical responsibilities associated with data management and the maintenance of information accuracy. The course explores how integrity, as an organizational value, informs technical decision-making. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• NET120 — Network Defense Protocols: This course provides an overview of network architectures, firewall configurations, and intrusion detection systems. It focuses on securing organizational communication pathways against external threats. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT150 — Stewardship in Technical Leadership: The course explores the intersection of leadership, service, and technical management within nonprofit contexts. It emphasizes the role of the technical lead as a servant leader who prioritizes the sustainability of institutional assets. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CYB205
• Data Privacy and Compliance
• 3
• CYB110
• CYB215
• Threat Mitigation and Incident Response
• 2
• NET120
• CAP299
• Capstone in Cybersecurity Integrity
• 2
• All Core Courses
• SOC230
• Technology and Community Engagement
• 2
• None
• CYB205 — Data Privacy and Compliance: Students study legal frameworks and best practices for protecting sensitive personal and organizational data. The course addresses the nuances of maintaining privacy in a collaborative and community-focused environment. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CYB215 — Threat Mitigation and Incident Response: This course focuses on identifying, evaluating, and responding to security breaches and organizational threats. Students learn to develop contingency plans that ensure operational resilience. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP299 — Capstone in Cybersecurity Integrity: The capstone project requires the application of technical skills and ethical frameworks to a real-world security case study. Students demonstrate their ability to provide comprehensive, integrity-focused solutions for digital protection. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC230 — Technology and Community Engagement: This course analyzes how technology affects organizational interaction and community trust. It emphasizes strategies for utilizing digital tools to enhance mission-driven service and stakeholder relationships. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants must hold a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent. Candidates should demonstrate a foundational understanding of basic computing concepts and a commitment to maintaining high standards of ethical conduct consistent with the institution's values. Official transcripts and a statement of intent detailing the applicant's interest in the intersection of technology and ethical organizational stewardship are required for consideration. Culminating Project The Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic experience for the Certificate in Faith Based Cybersecurity and Information Integrity, requiring students to design a comprehensive security strategy for a specified organizational case study. This project challenges students to synthesize technical skills with ethical reasoning, demonstrating their ability to act as stewards of digital infrastructure while adhering to the highest standards of integrity. Students must evaluate organizational vulnerabilities, propose remediation strategies, and establish protocols for long-term information governance. The project deliverables include a detailed technical security audit and a narrative reflection on the ethical implications of the proposed solutions. Through this work, students demonstrate how professional technical competence is inseparable from character development and the commitment to servant leadership. By integrating a Christian worldview into their approach, students articulate how their technical contributions serve the broader goals of community-based organizations, ensuring that digital practices foster trust and reliability.

• Graduation requires the successful completion of 18 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. Students must earn a passing grade in all core and capstone courses, demonstrating both technical mastery and a commitment to ethical standards. Academic achievement is viewed as a prerequisite to effective service, reflecting a readiness to contribute to the mission-driven work of nonprofit and community organizations.
• Beyond academic requirements, students are expected to participate in institutional formation activities, including character development seminars and service-learning opportunities. These activities ensure that graduates are not only professionally proficient but also embody the spiritual and ethical integrity required for responsible stewardship in their professional roles. Readiness for service is validated through the completion of all requirements in a manner that honors the institution's commitment to faith-informed practice.
• Career Opportunities
• Information Security Analyst
• Network Integrity Specialist
• Nonprofit Data Privacy Coordinator
• IT Systems Administrator
• Compliance Officer for Faith-Based Organizations
• Digital Asset Manager
• Technical Support Coordinator
• 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.
• Credential abbreviation | Certificate in Faith Based Cybersecurity, Information Integrity
• Total program length | 18 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Six to nine months
• General education | Not required
• Foundational faith based cybersecurity and information integrity courses | 12 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 3 credit hours
• Final applied project | 3 credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CYB101 | Fundamentals of Cybersecurity | 2 | None
• CYB110 | Information Integrity and Ethics | 2 | None
• NET120 | Network Defense Protocols | 3 | CYB101
• MGT150 | Stewardship in Technical Leadership | 2 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CYB205 | Data Privacy and Compliance | 3 | CYB110
• CYB215 | Threat Mitigation and Incident Response | 2 | NET120
• CAP299 | Capstone in Cybersecurity Integrity | 2 | All Core Courses
• SOC230 | Technology and Community Engagement | 2 | None