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

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Robotics

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Robotics 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 Robotics, Specialization in Technological Innovation for Development, provides a comprehensive academic foundation in advanced robotics, automation, and systems engineering. The program integrates technical proficiency with a framework of ethical stewardship, emphasizing how complex engineering solutions can be leveraged to address human needs and foster community development. Students engage with emerging technologies while grounding their work in principles of servant leadership and social responsibility.

The curriculum is designed to challenge students to bridge the gap between technical innovation and societal impact. By exploring the intersection of robotics, artificial intelligence, and global development, the program equips graduates to serve as leaders who utilize technology to enhance human flourishing and address humanitarian challenges through rigorous engineering practices and ethical foresight.

The 60-credit master's program provides advanced preparation in Faith-Based Robotics theory, human behavior, ethics, assessment awareness, research, program evaluation, crisis response, leadership, referral, and faith-based robotics-support services.

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based robotics-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 Thesis Project

• 4
• All Core Courses
• ROB650
• Advanced Systems Integration
• 4
• ROB610
• THE660
• Integrated Perspectives in Technology
• 3
• None
• BUS670
• Management of Non-Profit Technology
• 3
• None
• CAP690 — Capstone Thesis Project: A comprehensive project involving the research, design, and implementation of a robotics solution addressing a community need. Students demonstrate technical competency alongside ethical leadership. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ROB650 — Advanced Systems Integration: Integration of sensors, actuators, and software into comprehensive systems capable of autonomous operation. Focus on reliability and durability in field settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE660 — Integrated Perspectives in Technology: Synthesis of spiritual, ethical, and technological paradigms to form a holistic professional worldview. Focuses on the role of the individual in promoting global well-being. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS670 — Management of Non-Profit Technology: Administrative and financial oversight of technology initiatives within organizational contexts. Focuses on budgeting, resource allocation, and grant writing for technical projects. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The Master's Thesis represents the culminating academic achievement of the program, requiring students to execute an original project that addresses a specific development challenge through robotics. Students must conduct a rigorous review of literature, perform original technical research, and propose a solution that demonstrates both advanced technical mastery and a profound commitment to ethical, sustainable, and biblically informed stewardship.
• This project serves as a demonstration of the student’s ability to synthesize technical engineering proficiency with character-driven leadership. By documenting the social impact and ethical considerations of their design, students prove their readiness to apply their skills in a professional capacity that prioritizes human dignity. The thesis must be defended before a faculty panel, ensuring both the technical integrity of the work and the student’s development of a professional identity rooted in integrity and service.

Career Opportunities

• Robotics Engineering Lead for Humanitarian Nonprofits
• Social Innovation Strategist in Technology
• Sustainability Project Manager in Engineering
• Technology Consultant for Faith-Based Development Organizations
• Community Development Roboticist
• Systems Architect for Accessible Technology
• Ethical Technology Policy Analyst

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 Robotics
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Robotics 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
• ROB500 | Foundations of Robotics Systems | 4 | None
• ETH510 | Engineering Ethics and Stewardship | 4 | None
• DEV520 | Sociotechnical Development Models | 3 | None
• RES505 | Research Methods for Innovation | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ROB530 | Advanced Control Systems | 4 | ROB500
• MGT550 | Leadership in Engineering Projects | 4 | None
• AI560 | Artificial Intelligence for Development | 3 | None
• SOC570 | Community Engagement Strategies | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ROB610 | Robotics for Humanitarian Aid | 4 | ROB530
• ENV620 | Sustainable Design and Stewardship | 4 | None
• COM630 | Advocacy and Technical Communication | 3 | None
• HIS640 | Technology and Society Seminar | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP690 | Capstone Thesis Project | 4 | All Core Courses
• ROB650 | Advanced Systems Integration | 4 | ROB610
• THE660 | Integrated Perspectives in Technology | 3 | None
• BUS670 | Management of Non-Profit Technology | 3 | None