Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Robotics, Specialization in Technological Innovation for Development

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Robotics

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

Academic unit

HBIU College of Computer Science

Total credits

120

Duration

4 years

• Analyze complex technical challenges in robotics through the lens of ethical reasoning and community benefit.
• Apply mechanical and computational principles to design innovative robotic systems that address specific social development needs.
• Evaluate the long-term societal and environmental impacts of robotic innovation to ensure alignment with sustainable and humanitarian goals.
• Integrate a servant leadership framework into the collaborative management of interdisciplinary technical teams.
• Demonstrate advanced proficiency in programming and mechatronic design within a capstone project framework.
• Communicate complex technical concepts to diverse stakeholders using clear, professional, and accessible language.
• Develop strategic, technology-driven interventions that reflect institutional commitments to stewardship and integrity.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MAT101
• Calculus for Engineering I
• 4
• None
• COM101
• Technical Communications
• 3
• None
• PHI101
• Principles of Moral Philosophy
• 3
• None
• CS101
• Logic and Programming Fundamentals
• 3
• None
• MAT101 — Calculus for Engineering I: This course covers fundamental concepts of differentiation and integration with applications to mechanical systems. It establishes the mathematical basis for robotic motion and system analysis. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM101 — Technical Communications: Students practice professional writing and presentation skills essential for documenting technical projects. Emphasis is placed on communicating complex ideas to diverse, non-technical audiences. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PHI101 — Principles of Moral Philosophy: This course examines the foundational frameworks of moral reasoning and the historical development of ethical theories. Students analyze case studies to apply logical reasoning to contemporary professional dilemmas. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CS101 — Logic and Programming Fundamentals: An introduction to computational thinking and basic programming languages used in embedded systems. Students learn to structure code for efficient and reliable performance. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MAT102
• Linear Algebra for Robotics
• 4
• MAT101
• ENG102
• Academic Writing and Research
• 3
• COM101
• CHR102
• Servant Leadership and Society
• 3
• THE101
• CS102
• Embedded Systems Basics
• 3
• CS101
• MAT102 — Linear Algebra for Robotics: This course explores vector spaces, matrices, and linear transformations essential for modeling robotic movement. Mathematical tools are applied to 3D simulation environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ENG102 — Academic Writing and Research: Students refine their research capabilities and argumentative writing techniques to support inquiry into social and technical problems. Attention is given to academic integrity and source synthesis. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CHR102 — Servant Leadership and Society: This course examines the principles of servant leadership and their application to modern collaborative environments. Students assess how personal leadership styles contribute to group efficacy and community development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CS102 — Embedded Systems Basics: A study of hardware-software integration using microcontrollers to control simple mechanical functions. Students build and test circuit interfaces for basic automation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• ROB201
• Introduction to Mechatronics
• 4
• CS102
• BUS201
• Nonprofit Management Principles
• 3
• CHR102
• PHY201
• Physics for Robotics
• 4
• MAT101
• SOC201
• Community Impact Analysis
• 3
• None
• ROB201 — Introduction to Mechatronics: This course covers the design and integration of mechanical systems with electronic control systems. Practical labs focus on building systems that interact with physical environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS201 — Nonprofit Management Principles: An introduction to the organizational structures, funding models, and mission-driven focus of nonprofit enterprises. Students study best practices in organizational governance and resource management. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PHY201 — Physics for Robotics: A study of classical mechanics, statics, and dynamics as they apply to the movement and stability of robotic systems. Students analyze the physical forces affecting hardware design. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC201 — Community Impact Analysis: Students research the sociological dimensions of technological adoption within local communities. The course focuses on identifying genuine needs rather than assuming technological solutions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• ROB202
• Sensors and Actuators
• 4
• ROB201
• RES201
• Research Methods for Social Development
• 3
• ENG102
• HUM201
• History of Technology and Ethics
• 3
• THE101
• CS202
• Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
• 3
• CS102
• ROB202 — Sensors and Actuators: A detailed study of sensor feedback loops and the mechanics of actuators in robotic platforms. Students design and test interfaces for environmental data collection. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES201 — Research Methods for Social Development: An overview of quantitative and qualitative methodologies relevant to community-based technical research. Students learn how to assess program efficacy through empirical observation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HUM201 — History of Technology and Ethics: A survey of the historical progression of technology and its influence on human social structures and ethical standards. Students evaluate the moral implications of past and future innovation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CS202 — Introduction to Artificial Intelligence: A survey of computational intelligence, including basic pathfinding, decision trees, and logic systems. The focus is on ethical implementation and predictability in automated systems. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• ROB301
• Robotic Kinematics and Dynamics
• 4
• ROB202, PHY201
• MGT301
• Resource Stewardship and Sustainability
• 3
• BUS201
• CS301
• Embedded Software Architecture
• 3
• CS202
• EDU301
• Technical Training and Mentorship
• 3
• COM101
• ROB301 — Robotic Kinematics and Dynamics: Analysis of the mathematical foundations for movement in articulated robotic systems. The course emphasizes precise control and stability in challenging operational environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT301 — Resource Stewardship and Sustainability: Exploration of environmental and economic stewardship as it relates to technological deployment in developing communities. Students study the long-term maintenance and viability of projects. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CS301 — Embedded Software Architecture: Advanced software design techniques for real-time systems, focusing on reliability and fault tolerance in mission-critical hardware. Students build robust control firmware. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU301 — Technical Training and Mentorship: Strategies for teaching technical skills to community members to ensure local project autonomy. The course emphasizes accessible pedagogy and skill transfer. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• ROB302
• Autonomous Navigation Systems
• 4
• ROB301
• BUS302
• Technological Innovation for Social Good
• 3
• MGT301
• SOC301
• Sociology of Work and Professional Development
• 3
• CHR102
• CS302
• Human-Robot Interaction
• 3
• CS301
• ROB302 — Autonomous Navigation Systems: A study of navigation algorithms, mapping, and obstacle avoidance for mobile robotics. Emphasis is placed on safe operation in unpredictable, non-industrial environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS302 — Technological Innovation for Social Good: Analysis of case studies concerning successful and failed technological interventions in low-resource settings. Students evaluate market and mission-driven approaches. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC301 — Sociology of Work and Professional Development: This course explores the sociological impact of work environments on individual identity and community structures. The curriculum focuses on career development strategies, labor market trends, and organizational culture. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CS302 — Human-Robot Interaction: Focuses on the ergonomics and usability of robotic systems when integrated into daily human activities. Design principles center on user-centered development and accessibility. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 7 — Year 4
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CAP401
• Senior Capstone Project I: Design and Proposal
• 4
• All Core 300-level courses
• ROB401
• Advanced Robotics Lab
• 3
• ROB302
• BUS401
• Project Lifecycle and Logistics
• 3
• MGT301
• PHI401
• Ethics in Emerging Technology
• 3
• HUM201
• CAP401 — Senior Capstone Project I: Design and Proposal: The first phase of the capstone project, where students identify a community development problem, develop a design proposal, and conduct preliminary research. Students present their ethical justification for the chosen design. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ROB401 — Advanced Robotics Lab: Intensive hands-on lab experience focused on complex integration of sensors, actuators, and code. Students solve multi-stage mechanical engineering problems. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS401 — Project Lifecycle and Logistics: Overview of project management techniques for field implementation, including sourcing, maintenance, and documentation. Focuses on the logistical realities of remote development work. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PHI401 — Ethics in Emerging Technology: A philosophical evaluation of emerging technology and the inherent responsibilities of the creators. Students consider moral implications of autonomy, surveillance, and data security. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 8 — Year 4
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CAP402
• Senior Capstone Project II: Implementation and Final Report
• 4
• CAP401
• BUS402
• Organizational Leadership and Integrity
• 3
• BUS401
• SOC402
• Social Innovation Seminar
• 3
• SOC201
• BUS405
• Strategic Development and Organizational Consulting
• 3
• MIN301
• CAP402 — Senior Capstone Project II: Implementation and Final Report: The concluding phase where students build, test, and present their final robotic solution. Students synthesize their technical, ethical, and spiritual insights in a final project defense. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS402 — Organizational Leadership and Integrity: The study of leadership in nonprofit organizations with a focus on crisis management, stakeholder trust, and transparency. Examines the role of character in high-stakes professional environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC402 — Social Innovation Seminar: A seminar exploring global trends in social enterprise and the role of faith-based organizations in technological implementation. Focuses on collaborative networking and advocacy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS405 — Strategic Development and Organizational Consulting: This seminar provides a synthesis of project management skills and leadership strategies for complex organizational environments. Students work on applying theoretical frameworks to solve real-world problems in the technological and nonprofit sectors. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants must hold a high school diploma or equivalent, demonstrating a strong academic record with foundational coursework in mathematics and physical sciences. Candidates are evaluated based on their demonstrated potential for rigorous technical study, their commitment to academic integrity, and their alignment with the institutional mission of service and community stewardship. Senior Capstone Project The Senior Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic experience of the Bachelor of Arts program, requiring students to synthesize their technical training with their development of a faith-informed ethical framework. Over two semesters, students identify a real-world community development challenge, design a functional robotic solution, and document the implementation process with a focus on sustainable stewardship. This project mandates that students demonstrate both academic competence in robotics and the ability to articulate how their design decisions honor their commitment to service and ethical responsibility. Deliverables include a working prototype, a comprehensive technical report, and a reflective analysis detailing how the project promotes human dignity and communal well-being. By engaging in this rigorous process, students provide evidence of their readiness to integrate faith-based values with high-level professional work in technological innovation. The project underscores the importance of character formation as an essential element of successful engineering practice, reflecting a Christian worldview that prizes humility, accountability, and the application of gifts for the benefit of others.

• Graduation from the program requires the successful completion of 120 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. In addition to technical coursework, students must fulfill requirements in spiritual formation, including designated community service hours and regular participation in institutional chapel programs, which foster ongoing reflection on the intersection of faith and professional calling. Students must also receive a passing grade in the Senior Capstone Project, demonstrating mastery of the technical curriculum and the ability to apply ethical integrity to complex problem-solving scenarios. Ultimately, the program seeks to graduate individuals who possess both the academic acumen and the spiritual maturity to serve as leaders who prioritize character, ethical conduct, and the purposeful stewardship of their professional talents for the betterment of society.
• Career Opportunities
• Nonprofit Technology Consultant
• Robotics Research Associate for International Development Agencies
• Community Infrastructure Strategist
• Technical Program Coordinator for Humanitarian Organizations
• Ethical Technology Policy Analyst
• Faith-Based Social Enterprise Developer
• STEM Education Program Lead
• 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 | B.A. in Faith-Based Robotics
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years
• General education | 36 credit hours
• Faith-Based Robotics core | 63 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours
• Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MAT101 | Calculus for Engineering I | 4 | None
• COM101 | Technical Communications | 3 | None
• PHI101 | Principles of Moral Philosophy | 3 | None
• CS101 | Logic and Programming Fundamentals | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MAT102 | Linear Algebra for Robotics | 4 | MAT101
• ENG102 | Academic Writing and Research | 3 | COM101
• CHR102 | Servant Leadership and Society | 3 | THE101
• CS102 | Embedded Systems Basics | 3 | CS101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ROB201 | Introduction to Mechatronics | 4 | CS102
• BUS201 | Nonprofit Management Principles | 3 | CHR102
• PHY201 | Physics for Robotics | 4 | MAT101
• SOC201 | Community Impact Analysis | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ROB202 | Sensors and Actuators | 4 | ROB201
• RES201 | Research Methods for Social Development | 3 | ENG102
• HUM201 | History of Technology and Ethics | 3 | THE101
• CS202 | Introduction to Artificial Intelligence | 3 | CS102
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ROB301 | Robotic Kinematics and Dynamics | 4 | ROB202, PHY201
• MGT301 | Resource Stewardship and Sustainability | 3 | BUS201
• CS301 | Embedded Software Architecture | 3 | CS202
• EDU301 | Technical Training and Mentorship | 3 | COM101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ROB302 | Autonomous Navigation Systems | 4 | ROB301
• BUS302 | Technological Innovation for Social Good | 3 | MGT301
• SOC301 | Sociology of Work and Professional Development | 3 | CHR102
• CS302 | Human-Robot Interaction | 3 | CS301
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP401 | Senior Capstone Project I: Design and Proposal | 4 | All Core 300-level courses
• ROB401 | Advanced Robotics Lab | 3 | ROB302
• BUS401 | Project Lifecycle and Logistics | 3 | MGT301
• PHI401 | Ethics in Emerging Technology | 3 | HUM201
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP402 | Senior Capstone Project II: Implementation and Final Report | 4 | CAP401
• BUS402 | Organizational Leadership and Integrity | 3 | BUS401
• SOC402 | Social Innovation Seminar | 3 | SOC201
• BUS405 | Strategic Development and Organizational Consulting | 3 | MIN301