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Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Cyber Security

Academic unitHBIU College of Computer ScienceTotal credits120Estimated duration4 years

Program Overview

Official program overview

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.S. in Faith-Based Cyber Security

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-Based Cyber Security core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Cyber Security program at HBI University provides a rigorous academic foundation in information technology, network defense, and systems security. Students explore the technical complexities of protecting organizational assets while developing an analytical framework rooted in ethical stewardship and professional integrity. The curriculum balances theoretical knowledge with hands-on applications to address the evolving landscape of digital vulnerabilities.

Beyond technical proficiency, this program emphasizes the cultivation of discernment and accountability in digital environments. Graduates are prepared to navigate complex security challenges by integrating traditional academic excellence with a commitment to serving organizations through responsible, moral, and transparent technological practices.

The Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Cyber Security program combines a foundational general education curriculum with a comprehensive study of cyber security theory, behavioral science, human development, ethics, research, crisis awareness, referral, program development, and community-based support. This integration provides students with a multidisciplinary approach to protecting digital infrastructure through a lens of faith-based principles and organizational integrity.

Florida's current standard establishes a minimum of 120 semester credits for a bachelor's degree and at least 30 general-education credits for a Bachelor of Science. This curriculum exceeds the general-education minimum.

Program Facts

Program facts

Degree abbreviation
B.S. in Faith-Based Cyber Security
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

Program Description

Official program description

Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes

  • Analyze complex cyber security threats and design multi-layered defense strategies to protect digital assets.
  • Evaluate ethical dilemmas in information technology through the lens of biblical stewardship and professional accountability.
  • Apply technical methodologies to safeguard sensitive data within institutional and community-based environments.
  • Demonstrate servant leadership in technical team collaboration and incident response management.
  • Integrate a Christian worldview into the development of institutional security policies and practices.
  • Design comprehensive risk assessment and management protocols for non-profit and faith-based organizations.
  • Course Outline
  • Semester 1 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • ENG 101
  • Academic Writing and Rhetoric
  • 4
  • None
  • MAT 110
  • Discrete Mathematics for Computing
  • 4
  • None
  • PHI 101
  • Professional Ethics and Moral Philosophy
  • 4
  • None
  • COM 100
  • Professional Communication
  • 4
  • None
  • ENG 101 — Academic Writing and Rhetoric: Focuses on the development of clear, persuasive writing through research and analysis of complex texts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MAT 110 — Discrete Mathematics for Computing: Examines logic, set theory, and graph theory applied to computing systems. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • PHI 101 — Professional Ethics and Moral Philosophy: This course examines foundational theories of ethics and their application to complex decision-making processes in modern professional environments. Students analyze frameworks for integrity and social responsibility in diverse organizational settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • COM 100 — Professional Communication: Develops verbal and written communication strategies for professional environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 2 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • CS 101
  • Foundations of Computer Science
  • 4
  • None
  • CS 105
  • Network Systems and Connectivity
  • 4
  • CS 101
  • PSY 120
  • Interpersonal Dynamics
  • 4
  • None
  • BUS 150
  • Organizational Stewardship
  • 4
  • None
  • CS 101 — Foundations of Computer Science: Introduces basic programming, hardware architecture, and software development lifecycles. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • CS 105 — Network Systems and Connectivity: Covers network topology, protocols, and standard internetworking technologies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • PSY 120 — Interpersonal Dynamics: Studies human behavior and social interaction within group settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS 150 — Organizational Stewardship: Examines financial and operational oversight principles in non-profit contexts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 3 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • CS 210
  • Introduction to Cyber Security
  • 4
  • CS 105
  • CS 220
  • Systems Administration
  • 4
  • CS 105
  • RES 200
  • Methods of Inquiry
  • 4
  • ENG 101
  • HIS 210
  • History of Technology and Society
  • 4
  • None
  • CS 210 — Introduction to Cyber Security: Provides an overview of security models, cryptography, and defense mechanisms. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • CS 220 — Systems Administration: Instructs on the management and security of server environments and user access. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • RES 200 — Methods of Inquiry: Teaches quantitative and qualitative research methodologies for academic investigation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • HIS 210 — History of Technology and Society: Surveys the impact of technological advancement on cultural and community structures. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 4 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • CS 250
  • Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing
  • 4
  • CS 210
  • CS 280
  • Database Management and Security
  • 4
  • CS 101
  • LDR 230
  • Principles of Organizational Leadership
  • 4
  • THE 101
  • SOC 250
  • Community Engagement
  • 4
  • None
  • CS 250 — Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing: Covers methodologies for vulnerability assessment and defensive system strengthening. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • CS 280 — Database Management and Security: Focuses on the design, maintenance, and protection of data repositories. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • LDR 230 — Principles of Organizational Leadership: This course covers core theories of leadership including collaborative management, team motivation, and organizational culture development. Emphasis is placed on servant leadership models and effective communication strategies for diverse workforces. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • SOC 250 — Community Engagement: Studies social structures and the role of service in community development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 5 — Year 3
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • CS 310
  • Network Defense and Response
  • 4
  • CS 210
  • CS 330
  • Information Governance and Privacy
  • 4
  • CS 280
  • MGT 300
  • Project Management
  • 4
  • BUS 150
  • HUM 300
  • Cultural Studies and Ethics
  • 4
  • THE 101
  • CS 310 — Network Defense and Response: Deep dives into firewall implementation, intrusion detection, and disaster recovery. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • CS 330 — Information Governance and Privacy: Reviews the regulatory and ethical frameworks governing digital data protection. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MGT 300 — Project Management: Teaches planning, execution, and monitoring of technical and operational projects. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • HUM 300 — Cultural Studies and Ethics: Provides a deep analysis of global cultural trends and ethical implications in digital society. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 6 — Year 3
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • CS 350
  • Cloud Security Architecture
  • 4
  • CS 310
  • CS 370
  • Forensics and Incident Analysis
  • 4
  • CS 250
  • COU 320
  • Crisis Management and Resilience
  • 4
  • PSY 120
  • CRJ 350
  • Technology and Law
  • 4
  • None
  • CS 350 — Cloud Security Architecture: Examines security configurations within cloud-based infrastructures and environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • CS 370 — Forensics and Incident Analysis: Introduces post-incident response procedures and digital forensic investigation techniques. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • COU 320 — Crisis Management and Resilience: Studies strategies for psychological and structural resilience during organizational crises. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • CRJ 350 — Technology and Law: Examines the legal landscape regarding intellectual property and digital liability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 7 — Year 4
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • CS 410
  • Advanced Security Operations
  • 4
  • CS 350
  • CS 420
  • Secure Application Development
  • 4
  • CS 101
  • MGT 400
  • Strategic Leadership
  • 4
  • MGT 300
  • EDU 405
  • Mentoring and Team Development
  • 4
  • CHR 230
  • CS 410 — Advanced Security Operations: Integrates advanced monitoring and continuous security improvement methodologies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • CS 420 — Secure Application Development: Focuses on writing secure code and mitigating common application-level vulnerabilities. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MGT 400 — Strategic Leadership: Explores long-term planning and mission alignment for non-profit organizations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • EDU 405 — Mentoring and Team Development: Focuses on the development of technical teams and knowledge transfer within organizations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 8 — Year 4
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • CAP 490
  • Senior Capstone Project
  • 4
  • All Core Courses
  • CS 450
  • Current Issues in Cyber Security
  • 4
  • CS 410
  • CAR 420
  • Professional Career Development and Ethics
  • 4
  • CHR 230
  • BUS 480
  • Nonprofit Resource Management
  • 4
  • MGT 400
  • CAP 490 — Senior Capstone Project: A comprehensive project involving the design and implementation of security protocols for a community-based organization. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • CS 450 — Current Issues in Cyber Security: Analyzes emerging threats and ethical challenges in modern information technology. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • CAR 420 — Professional Career Development and Ethics: This course assists students in aligning personal values with professional trajectories within the cyber security and non-profit sectors. It covers career planning, professional networking, and long-term vocational sustainability in service-oriented roles. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS 480 — Nonprofit Resource Management: Focuses on the ethical acquisition and allocation of resources within non-profit frameworks. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Admission Requirements

Admission and entry requirements

Applicants must hold a high school diploma or recognized equivalent, demonstrating a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. The admissions process requires the submission of official transcripts, a statement of purpose outlining personal and professional goals, and two letters of recommendation from academic or character references who can attest to the applicant's readiness for rigorous undergraduate study. Senior Capstone Project The Senior Capstone Project serves as the final academic demonstration of a student's proficiency in cyber security, professional ethics, and character integration. Students are required to design, implement, and document a secure digital infrastructure project that addresses a specific security challenge faced by an actual faith-based or community-oriented organization. This 4-credit endeavor requires students to perform a comprehensive risk assessment, build defensive protocols, and produce a detailed professional report that reflects academic rigor and technical precision. Throughout the project, students must articulate the intersection of their technical choices with their ethical convictions and servant-leadership principles. By demonstrating how their design promotes trust, resource sustainability, and the protection of vulnerable stakeholders, students exhibit the integration of a Christian worldview with high-level professional practice. The final deliverable is presented to a faculty panel, representing the culmination of the student’s spiritual and academic formation at HBI University.

Protected Curriculum

Complete program outline available after verification

Graduation Requirements

Graduation and completion requirements

  • Graduation requires the successful completion of 120 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0, ensuring mastery of core disciplinary concepts and general education competencies. Students must earn a passing grade in the Senior Capstone Project and complete all required spiritual formation benchmarks, including documented service-learning hours and participation in university-sponsored community gatherings. These requirements ensure that graduates have demonstrated both intellectual depth and the moral character necessary for responsible service.
  • Furthermore, students are expected to exhibit alignment with the university’s mission through consistent adherence to institutional ethical standards and active participation in the academic community. By integrating academic achievement with spiritual maturity, graduates are prepared to serve as stewards of digital systems, upholding institutional integrity and promoting the values of a faith-informed life in their professional and personal conduct.
  • Career Opportunities
  • Cyber Security Analyst
  • Network Security Specialist
  • IT Systems Administrator
  • Information Security Consultant for Non-profits
  • Risk Management Coordinator
  • Technical Ministry Support Specialist
  • Compliance Auditor
  • 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.S. in Faith-Based Cyber Security
  • Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Four academic years
  • General education | 36 credit hours
  • Faith-Based Cyber Security core | 63 credit hours
  • Professional application courses | 15 credit hours
  • Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • ENG 101 | Academic Writing and Rhetoric | 4 | None
  • MAT 110 | Discrete Mathematics for Computing | 4 | None
  • PHI 101 | Professional Ethics and Moral Philosophy | 4 | None
  • COM 100 | Professional Communication | 4 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CS 101 | Foundations of Computer Science | 4 | None
  • CS 105 | Network Systems and Connectivity | 4 | CS 101
  • PSY 120 | Interpersonal Dynamics | 4 | None
  • BUS 150 | Organizational Stewardship | 4 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CS 210 | Introduction to Cyber Security | 4 | CS 105
  • CS 220 | Systems Administration | 4 | CS 105
  • RES 200 | Methods of Inquiry | 4 | ENG 101
  • HIS 210 | History of Technology and Society | 4 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CS 250 | Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing | 4 | CS 210
  • CS 280 | Database Management and Security | 4 | CS 101
  • LDR 230 | Principles of Organizational Leadership | 4 | THE 101
  • SOC 250 | Community Engagement | 4 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CS 310 | Network Defense and Response | 4 | CS 210
  • CS 330 | Information Governance and Privacy | 4 | CS 280
  • MGT 300 | Project Management | 4 | BUS 150
  • HUM 300 | Cultural Studies and Ethics | 4 | THE 101
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CS 350 | Cloud Security Architecture | 4 | CS 310
  • CS 370 | Forensics and Incident Analysis | 4 | CS 250
  • COU 320 | Crisis Management and Resilience | 4 | PSY 120
  • CRJ 350 | Technology and Law | 4 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CS 410 | Advanced Security Operations | 4 | CS 350
  • CS 420 | Secure Application Development | 4 | CS 101
  • MGT 400 | Strategic Leadership | 4 | MGT 300
  • EDU 405 | Mentoring and Team Development | 4 | CHR 230
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CAP 490 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | All Core Courses
  • CS 450 | Current Issues in Cyber Security | 4 | CS 410
  • CAR 420 | Professional Career Development and Ethics | 4 | CHR 230
  • BUS 480 | Nonprofit Resource Management | 4 | MGT 400

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

  • Cyber Security Analyst
  • Network Security Specialist
  • IT Systems Administrator
  • Information Security Consultant for Non-profits
  • Risk Management Coordinator
  • Technical Ministry Support Specialist
  • Compliance Auditor

Additional Official Information

Additional source information

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.S. in Faith-Based Cyber Security
  • Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Four academic years