Master of Science in Faith-Based Data Science, Analytics for Social Impact

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.S. in Faith-Based Data Science, Analytics for Social Impact

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced faith-based data science, analytics for social impact 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 Science in Faith-Based Data Science, Analytics for Social Impact, is a rigorous graduate program designed to equip professionals with the technical acumen and ethical framework necessary to address complex social challenges. Through a curriculum that bridges advanced statistical modeling, machine learning, and data visualization with principles of stewardship and community service, students acquire the tools to transform raw data into actionable insights for the public good. The program emphasizes the intersection of quantitative methodology and human-centered design, ensuring that technological interventions align with the values of compassion, justice, and community development. By fostering a culture of excellence and integrity, the program prepares graduates to lead data-driven initiatives that serve the most vulnerable populations while maintaining the highest standards of professional ethics. Students will engage in complex problem-solving that reflects a commitment to service, recognizing that data science is a powerful instrument for advancing the common good when guided by sound moral reasoning and servant leadership.

The 60-credit master's program provides advanced preparation in faith-based data science, analytics for social impact theory, human behavior, ethics, assessment awareness, research, program evaluation, crisis response, leadership, referral, and faith-based data science, analytics for social impact-support services.

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based data science, analytics for social impact-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: Social Impact Initiative

• 4
• DSCI 600
• BUS 640
• Operations and Systems Thinking
• 3
• None
• SOC 650
• Social Justice and Data Equity
• 4
• SOC 560
• HIS 660
• Global Perspectives on Humanitarian Aid
• 3
• None
• CAP 690 — Capstone: Social Impact Initiative: Students execute a comprehensive project that integrates analytical skills with a heart for service to solve a real-world community challenge. The capstone requires a formal presentation of findings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS 640 — Operations and Systems Thinking: Examines how systems thinking can improve operational efficiency in complex human services environments. Students analyze organizational processes to enhance service delivery. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC 650 — Social Justice and Data Equity: Investigates the role of data in identifying and mitigating systemic inequities. Students apply equitable design principles to their analytical projects. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS 660 — Global Perspectives on Humanitarian Aid: Provides a historical and critical perspective on humanitarian aid systems and their impact on global communities. Students assess effective practices for cross-cultural engagement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The Capstone Project serves as the definitive synthesis of the student's academic and spiritual formation, requiring the design and execution of a data-intensive solution for a real-world social problem. Students will identify an organizational need, gather relevant data, apply sophisticated analytical methods, and present a comprehensive implementation plan that honors principles of justice and stewardship. This project enables students to demonstrate proficiency in their technical specialization while illustrating their capacity to navigate complex organizational dynamics with integrity and professional maturity.
• Beyond technical achievement, the capstone serves as a platform for demonstrating character development, requiring students to document how their project aligns with a mission of servant leadership and ethical responsibility. Students must justify their methodology through a lens of biblical stewardship, ensuring that the resources deployed and the outcomes pursued contribute positively to human flourishing. The final deliverable includes a formal report and a public presentation, reflecting the student's mastery of the discipline and their readiness to serve as a bridge between high-level analytics and impactful community engagement.

Career Opportunities

• Data Scientist for Non-Profit Organizations
• Social Impact Analytics Consultant
• Director of Community Development and Strategy
• Program Evaluation Specialist
• Policy Analyst for Faith-Based Agencies
• Database Architect for Humanitarian Relief Efforts
• Operations Manager in Mission-Driven Enterprises

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.S. in Faith-Based Data Science, Analytics for Social Impact
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced faith-based data science, analytics for social impact 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
• DSCI 500 | Data Science Foundations | 4 | None
• DSCI 510 | Ethical Analytics and Stewardship | 4 | None
• RES 520 | Quantitative Research Methods | 4 | None
• MGT 530 | Servant Leadership in Nonprofits | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DSCI 540 | Applied Machine Learning | 4 | DSCI 500
• DSCI 550 | Data Visualization and Communication | 4 | DSCI 500
• SOC 560 | Community Impact Analysis | 4 | RES 520
• BUS 570 | Financial Stewardship and Strategy | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DSCI 600 | Big Data Architecture | 4 | DSCI 540
• DSCI 610 | Advanced Algorithmic Logic | 4 | DSCI 540
• COM 620 | Digital Transformation and Advocacy | 4 | None
• SOC 630 | Social Policy and Institutional Change | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP 690 | Capstone: Social Impact Initiative | 4 | DSCI 600
• BUS 640 | Operations and Systems Thinking | 3 | None
• SOC 650 | Social Justice and Data Equity | 4 | SOC 560
• HIS 660 | Global Perspectives on Humanitarian Aid | 3 | None