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

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Cyber Forensics, Digital Safety Awareness

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced faith-based cyber forensics, digital safety awareness core

27 credit hours

Research, assessment, and program evaluation

12 credit hours

Professional application and field experience

12 credit hours

Graduate capstone requirement

9 credit hours

The Master of Arts in Faith-Based Cyber Forensics and Digital Safety Awareness provides a rigorous academic framework for professionals seeking to navigate the complexities of digital security through a lens of ethical integrity and servant leadership. The program bridges the gap between technical forensic investigation and the organizational challenges of maintaining digital safety within community-focused environments. Students engage with advanced concepts in data preservation, network security, and forensic analysis while evaluating the societal impacts of technology on human behavior and organizational vulnerability. The curriculum emphasizes a holistic approach to stewardship of information, recognizing the profound responsibility inherent in protecting data and digital assets within faith-based institutions. Through both technical coursework and theoretical reflection, learners are equipped to address the evolving landscape of cyber threats while maintaining a commitment to professional excellence and service. This program prepares students to become leaders who can interpret and respond to the technological challenges faced by diverse community stakeholders.

The 60-credit master's program provides advanced preparation in faith-based cyber forensics, digital safety awareness theory, human behavior, ethics, assessment awareness, research, program evaluation, crisis response, leadership, referral, and faith-based cyber forensics, digital safety awareness-support services.

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based cyber forensics, digital safety awareness-support program; A professional training manual; A program-development and evaluation project; Another faculty-approved scholarly project.

The program is designed for completion within two academic years by students maintaining the University's prescribed full-time course load. Part-time students may require additional time.

Florida establishes a minimum of 24 semester credits beyond the bachelor's degree for a master's program. The University's 60-credit requirement is an institutional academic standard that exceeds that minimum.

Program Details

• Total Credits: 60
• Duration: 2 years
• Degree Level: Master

Capstone Preparation Seminar

• 3
• Completion of 30+ credits
• CYB640 — Cyber Incident Response: Development of incident response plans and recovery strategies following cyber security breaches. Emphasis on maintaining continuity of service during digital emergencies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• LAW650 — Cyber Law and Digital Compliance: Examination of regulatory frameworks and legal requirements for data protection. Students study the interplay between legal compliance and internal organizational policy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU660 — Designing Digital Literacy Initiatives: Methods for creating effective digital safety education programs for diverse community populations. Focus is on pedagogical strategies for non-technical audiences. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP700 — Capstone Preparation Seminar: Foundational work for the final project, including proposal development and ethical approval. This phase focuses on identifying a site for practical application. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The Capstone Project serves as the final academic demonstration of the student’s mastery in cyber forensics and digital safety. Students are required to design, implement, and present a comprehensive digital security or forensic audit for a real-world community organization, documenting their methodology, findings, and strategic recommendations. This project carries 4 credit hours and is designed to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical application within a professional setting.
• Beyond technical competence, the Capstone integrates faith-based perspectives by requiring an analysis of the ethical implications of the proposed security solutions. Students must reflect on how their project promotes the mission of the organization, protects the privacy and dignity of the individuals they serve, and models biblical stewardship of technical resources. The final deliverable includes a formal project report and an oral defense, demonstrating both the technical rigor expected of a graduate student and the character development required for servant leadership in the digital age.

Career Opportunities

• Digital Safety Consultant for Nonprofits
• Cyber Forensic Analyst for Faith-Based Organizations
• Information Security Coordinator for Community Ministries
• Data Stewardship Officer for Academic Institutions
• Compliance and Ethics Auditor for Public-Facing Foundations
• Digital Policy Analyst for Service-Oriented NGOs

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 | M.A. in Faith-Based Cyber Forensics, Digital Safety Awareness
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced faith-based cyber forensics, digital safety awareness core | 27 credit hours
• Research, assessment, and program evaluation | 12 credit hours
• Professional application and field experience | 12 credit hours
• Graduate capstone requirement | 9 credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CYB500 | Foundations of Digital Forensics | 4 | None
• ETH510 | Ethics in Information Technology | 4 | None
• NET520 | Network Architecture and Security | 3 | None
• RES530 | Research Methods for Cyber Policy | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CYB600 | Advanced Forensic Analysis | 4 | CYB500
• SOC610 | Digital Safety and Human Behavior | 4 | None
• MGT620 | Stewardship of Information Assets | 3 | None
• CHR630 | Leadership and Servant Service | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CYB640 | Cyber Incident Response | 4 | CYB600
• LAW650 | Cyber Law and Digital Compliance | 4 | None
• EDU660 | Designing Digital Literacy Initiatives | 3 | None
• CAP700 | Capstone Preparation Seminar | 3 | Completion of 30+ credits
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CYB670 | Emerging Technologies and Threats | 4 | None
• MGT680 | Strategic Technology Planning | 4 | None
• COM690 | Advanced Technical Communication | 3 | None
• CAP710 | Final Capstone Project | 4 | CAP700