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Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Cyber Forensics, Specialization in Digital Safety Awareness

Academic unitHBIU College of Computer ScienceTotal credits120Estimated duration4 years

Program Overview

Official program overview

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Cyber Forensics

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-Based Cyber Forensics core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Cyber Forensics with a specialization in Digital Safety Awareness provides a comprehensive curriculum that bridges the gap between advanced cybersecurity methodologies and ethical, values-driven leadership. Students gain deep technical proficiency in network security, data integrity, and forensic investigation, complemented by a strong emphasis on digital ethics and organizational risk management. This program is designed to produce practitioners who are capable of safeguarding digital assets while operating with the highest standards of integrity and social responsibility.

The curriculum integrates standard technical training with a robust commitment to stewardship and servant leadership. By exploring the societal impact of digital threats, students learn to apply critical thinking and technological expertise within the context of community protection and long-term organizational viability. The program prepares graduates to serve as trusted professionals who promote safety and ethical digital practice in a variety of institutional settings.

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Cyber Forensics program combines a rigorous general education foundation with a comprehensive study of cyber forensic theory, behavioral science, human development, ethics, research, digital crisis awareness, referral protocols, program development, and community-based support strategies.

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 Arts. This curriculum exceeds the general-education minimum.

Program Facts

Program facts

Degree abbreviation
B.A. in Faith-Based Cyber Forensics
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 digital evidence to determine the origin and impact of cyber incidents.
  • Evaluate legal and ethical frameworks governing digital privacy and forensic investigation.
  • Design comprehensive digital safety awareness training programs for diverse organizational environments.
  • Apply technical proficiency in network security to protect organizational data infrastructures.
  • Integrate Christian ethical principles into decision-making processes regarding information security.
  • Communicate complex technical findings to non-technical stakeholders with clarity and professional maturity.
  • Develop servant leadership strategies to foster cultures of cyber responsibility within non-profit and community entities.
  • Course Outline
  • Semester 1 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • ENG101
  • Academic Writing
  • 3
  • None
  • MAT110
  • Foundational Mathematics
  • 3
  • None
  • SOC105
  • Individual and Social Identity
  • 3
  • None
  • CSC101
  • Introduction to Computer Systems
  • 3
  • None
  • ENG101 — Academic Writing: This course focuses on advanced composition, rhetoric, and research techniques. Students learn to articulate complex ideas clearly. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MAT110 — Foundational Mathematics: An introduction to algebraic structures and statistical analysis relevant to data management. Topics include data sets and basic probability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • SOC105 — Individual and Social Identity: This course examines the construction of personal and group identity within modern social frameworks and organizational settings. Students analyze developmental psychology and social integration processes to better understand human motivation and behavior. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • CSC101 — Introduction to Computer Systems: An overview of hardware, software, and networking architectures. Basic technical terminology is introduced. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 2 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • CSC110
  • Network Security Fundamentals
  • 3
  • CSC101
  • BUS150
  • Ethics in Management
  • 3
  • None
  • SOC120
  • Sociology of Digital Cultures
  • 3
  • None
  • COM130
  • Professional Communication
  • 3
  • ENG101
  • CSC110 — Network Security Fundamentals: An examination of network protocols, firewalls, and secure communications. Emphasis is placed on protecting institutional data. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS150 — Ethics in Management: A study of professional ethics, integrity, and servant leadership in organizational settings. Students analyze case studies involving moral decision-making. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • SOC120 — Sociology of Digital Cultures: The course examines the impact of technology on social interactions and community dynamics. It analyzes digital trends through a societal lens. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • COM130 — Professional Communication: Developing oral and written communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences. Presentation styles are refined for diverse community outreach. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 3 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • CRJ205
  • Introduction to Cyber Forensics
  • 4
  • CSC110
  • RES210
  • Research Methodology
  • 3
  • MAT110
  • PSY220
  • Human Behavior in Digital Spaces
  • 3
  • None
  • MIN230
  • Community Engagement Strategies
  • 3
  • CHR105
  • CRJ205 — Introduction to Cyber Forensics: Introduction to the tools and methodologies for acquiring and analyzing digital evidence. The course focuses on legal and chain-of-custody protocols. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • RES210 — Research Methodology: Introduction to qualitative and quantitative research techniques for analyzing social and technical problems. Students develop investigative proposals. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • PSY220 — Human Behavior in Digital Spaces: The study of human interaction patterns, cyber-harassment, and the psychological impact of digital safety. It focuses on empathetic engagement with users. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MIN230 — Community Engagement Strategies: A study of community service initiatives, leadership, and public engagement for non-profit entities. Focuses on servant-leadership models. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 4 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • CRJ250
  • Data Privacy and Law
  • 3
  • CRJ205
  • CSC260
  • Security Awareness Training Design
  • 3
  • COM130
  • HIS270
  • History of Technology and Culture
  • 3
  • None
  • BUS280
  • Nonprofit Financial Stewardship
  • 3
  • BUS150
  • CRJ250 — Data Privacy and Law: An examination of legal statutes governing digital data protection and ethical information handling. Students evaluate regulatory compliance requirements. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • CSC260 — Security Awareness Training Design: Students learn to develop curricula for digital safety awareness for diverse age groups and technical backgrounds. Emphasis is on instructional design. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • HIS270 — History of Technology and Culture: The evolution of information systems and their influence on societal and religious institutions. A historical analysis of innovation and human responsibility. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS280 — Nonprofit Financial Stewardship: Principles of ethical resource management and financial oversight for mission-driven organizations. Students learn basic budgeting and accountability practices. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 5 — Year 3
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • CRJ310
  • Advanced Forensic Analysis
  • 4
  • CRJ205
  • CSC320
  • Cloud Security Architecture
  • 3
  • CSC110
  • COU330
  • Conflict Resolution and Mediation
  • 3
  • PSY220
  • SOC340
  • Professionalism and Public Service
  • 3
  • CHR105
  • CRJ310 — Advanced Forensic Analysis: Advanced techniques in data recovery and forensic imaging. Students engage in practical exercises involving complex data environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • CSC320 — Cloud Security Architecture: Evaluation of security models for cloud-based storage solutions commonly used by non-profits. The focus is on resilience and access control. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • COU330 — Conflict Resolution and Mediation: Interpersonal mediation techniques for organizational settings. Students practice facilitating dialogue to resolve digital safety disputes. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • SOC340 — Professionalism and Public Service: This course explores the sociological dimensions of professional work, civic engagement, and altruistic contributions in a globalized economy. Students analyze the impact of public service mandates and organizational mission statements on workplace ethics and community development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 6 — Year 3
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • CRJ350
  • Digital Incident Response
  • 3
  • CRJ310
  • MGT360
  • Organizational Risk Management
  • 3
  • BUS150
  • EDU370
  • Instructional Technology
  • 3
  • CSC260
  • HUM380
  • Global Ethics and Digital Rights
  • 3
  • None
  • CRJ350 — Digital Incident Response: Protocols for responding to cybersecurity breaches and threats in community-based infrastructures. Emphasis is on calm, measured, and effective leadership. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MGT360 — Organizational Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating operational risks for non-profit entities. Includes physical and digital asset security strategies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • EDU370 — Instructional Technology: Techniques for delivering educational content regarding digital safety to varying audiences. Focuses on pedagogy and accessibility. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • HUM380 — Global Ethics and Digital Rights: Comparative analysis of digital rights globally and the application of ethical standards in diverse cultures. Addresses global stewardship issues. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 7 — Year 4
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • CRJ410
  • Advanced Threat Intelligence
  • 3
  • CRJ350
  • CSC420
  • Policy Development and Governance
  • 3
  • CRJ250
  • MGT430
  • Nonprofit Leadership and Ethics
  • 3
  • BUS280
  • RES440
  • Applied Ethics Research
  • 3
  • RES210
  • CRJ410 — Advanced Threat Intelligence: Monitoring and analyzing emerging digital threats to organizational safety. Students learn to implement proactive defense mechanisms. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • CSC420 — Policy Development and Governance: Drafting institutional policies that govern digital safety and responsible technology usage. Focuses on clarity, enforcement, and values. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MGT430 — Nonprofit Leadership and Ethics: Advanced leadership principles for managing organizational growth and mission sustainability. Focuses on legacy and ethics. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • RES440 — Applied Ethics Research: Researching specific ethical dilemmas in technological security. Students produce independent work on emerging topics. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 8 — Year 4
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • CAP490
  • Senior Capstone Project
  • 4
  • All Core Courses
  • CRJ460
  • Advanced Incident Management
  • 3
  • CRJ350
  • SOC470
  • Digital Stewardship in Community
  • 3
  • SOC120
  • BUS480
  • Consulting and Organizational Advocacy
  • 3
  • MGT430
  • CAP490 — Senior Capstone Project: Culminating experience involving the research, development, and implementation of a digital safety program. Includes a formal presentation and evaluation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • CRJ460 — Advanced Incident Management: Advanced strategy for long-term incident recovery and structural security planning. Students analyze high-impact scenarios. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • SOC470 — Digital Stewardship in Community: Reflecting on the responsibility of digital professionals to preserve community values and security. A seminar on legacy and impact. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS480 — Consulting and Organizational Advocacy: Training in consulting methods for helping community organizations align technology with core values. Focuses on professional advocacy. 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 equivalent with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Admissions committees evaluate the applicant's academic record, a personal statement regarding the candidate’s alignment with the university’s mission of faith-based academic excellence, and evidence of proficiency in foundational mathematics and writing. Transfer students must submit official transcripts from all previously attended post-secondary institutions. Senior Capstone Project The Senior Capstone Project represents the culminating academic experience of the Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Cyber Forensics. Spanning the final semester and carrying 4 credit hours, this project requires students to synthesize their technical training with an applied digital safety initiative designed for a specific community or non-profit organization. Students must identify a genuine security or safety vulnerability, propose a research-based resolution, and implement an educational or mitigation strategy that adheres to the highest ethical and stewardship standards. The project deliverables include a comprehensive technical research report, a refined risk assessment document, and a presentation detailing the community impact of the proposed safety awareness strategy. By addressing real-world organizational needs, students demonstrate their proficiency in forensic analysis and digital advocacy. This project fosters a synthesis of professional capability and character development, ensuring graduates are prepared to apply a Christ-centered perspective to the complex challenges of the modern digital landscape through servant leadership and dedicated service to their community.

Protected Curriculum

Complete program outline available after verification

Graduation Requirements

Graduation and completion requirements

  • To qualify for graduation, students must complete a minimum of 120 credit hours with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0. All core requirements, including the successful completion of the 4-credit Senior Capstone Project, must be satisfied with a grade of 'C' or better in all major-specific coursework. Beyond academic success, students must demonstrate growth in faith-informed character through consistent engagement in the university’s spiritual formation program, which includes regular chapel attendance and specified community service hours.
  • Graduation is viewed as a milestone in both the academic and spiritual development of the student. By pairing rigorous technical training with a commitment to integrity, spiritual maturity, and ethical stewardship, the university ensures that graduates are prepared for a life of service. The student’s readiness for graduation reflects both their mastery of cyber forensics and their dedication to supporting the missions of community organizations through moral, purposeful, and compassionate professional practice.
  • Career Opportunities
  • Digital Safety Awareness Coordinator
  • Nonprofit Cyber Risk Advisor
  • Community Data Integrity Specialist
  • Faith-Based Information Security Consultant
  • Technical Support Liaison for Charitable Organizations
  • Community Outreach Cybersecurity Specialist
  • 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 Cyber Forensics
  • Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Four academic years
  • General education | 36 credit hours
  • Faith-Based Cyber Forensics core | 63 credit hours
  • Professional application courses | 15 credit hours
  • Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • ENG101 | Academic Writing | 3 | None
  • MAT110 | Foundational Mathematics | 3 | None
  • SOC105 | Individual and Social Identity | 3 | None
  • CSC101 | Introduction to Computer Systems | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CSC110 | Network Security Fundamentals | 3 | CSC101
  • BUS150 | Ethics in Management | 3 | None
  • SOC120 | Sociology of Digital Cultures | 3 | None
  • COM130 | Professional Communication | 3 | ENG101
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CRJ205 | Introduction to Cyber Forensics | 4 | CSC110
  • RES210 | Research Methodology | 3 | MAT110
  • PSY220 | Human Behavior in Digital Spaces | 3 | None
  • MIN230 | Community Engagement Strategies | 3 | CHR105
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CRJ250 | Data Privacy and Law | 3 | CRJ205
  • CSC260 | Security Awareness Training Design | 3 | COM130
  • HIS270 | History of Technology and Culture | 3 | None
  • BUS280 | Nonprofit Financial Stewardship | 3 | BUS150
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CRJ310 | Advanced Forensic Analysis | 4 | CRJ205
  • CSC320 | Cloud Security Architecture | 3 | CSC110
  • COU330 | Conflict Resolution and Mediation | 3 | PSY220
  • SOC340 | Professionalism and Public Service | 3 | CHR105
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CRJ350 | Digital Incident Response | 3 | CRJ310
  • MGT360 | Organizational Risk Management | 3 | BUS150
  • EDU370 | Instructional Technology | 3 | CSC260
  • HUM380 | Global Ethics and Digital Rights | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CRJ410 | Advanced Threat Intelligence | 3 | CRJ350
  • CSC420 | Policy Development and Governance | 3 | CRJ250
  • MGT430 | Nonprofit Leadership and Ethics | 3 | BUS280
  • RES440 | Applied Ethics Research | 3 | RES210
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CAP490 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | All Core Courses
  • CRJ460 | Advanced Incident Management | 3 | CRJ350
  • SOC470 | Digital Stewardship in Community | 3 | SOC120
  • BUS480 | Consulting and Organizational Advocacy | 3 | MGT430

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

  • Digital Safety Awareness Coordinator
  • Nonprofit Cyber Risk Advisor
  • Community Data Integrity Specialist
  • Faith-Based Information Security Consultant
  • Technical Support Liaison for Charitable Organizations
  • Community Outreach Cybersecurity Specialist

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