Master of Science in Faith-Based Intelligence, Security, Cyber Diplomacy

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.S. in Faith-Based Intelligence, Security, Cyber Diplomacy

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Intelligence, Security, Cyber Diplomacy 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 Intelligence, Security, and Cyber Diplomacy is a comprehensive graduate program designed for professionals seeking to address global security challenges through the lens of ethical leadership and strategic stewardship. The curriculum provides an advanced interdisciplinary framework that integrates intelligence analysis, cybersecurity policy, and diplomatic engagement within a context of principled moral decision-making. Students examine the complexities of modern security environments, focusing on the intersection of statecraft, digital resilience, and the historical evolution of geopolitical conflicts. By fostering critical inquiry into institutional security architectures, the program empowers scholars to apply rigorous analytical methodologies to contemporary threats while upholding a commitment to the common good and human flourishing. This program bridges the gap between technical expertise and humanistic values, ensuring that graduates are prepared to lead with integrity in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

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

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based intelligence, security, cyber diplomacy-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 Project in Security and Diplomacy

• 4
• RES-600
• CRJ-650
• Intelligence Systems and Analysis
• 4
• RES-501
• SOC-640
• Global Community and Humanitarian Security
• 4
• None
• MIN-610
• Leadership Formation and Character Development
• 3
• None
• CAP-699 — Capstone Project in Security and Diplomacy: The culminating project where students design a strategic security intervention rooted in ethical and faith-based principles. Requires a formal report and oral defenseThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• CRJ-650 — Intelligence Systems and Analysis: Examines advanced intelligence collection and analysis techniques within complex systems. Focuses on the evaluation of information for national and international decision-makersThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SOC-640 — Global Community and Humanitarian Security: Focuses on the role of security in sustaining healthy, stable communities globally. Analyzes the intersection of human security needs and international intervention policiesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• MIN-610 — Leadership Formation and Character Development: Investigates the spiritual and personal development necessary for sustainable leadership. Emphasizes character integrity and personal formation within professional serviceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The Capstone Project serves as the final, integrative experience for the program, requiring students to demonstrate mastery by designing a comprehensive security or policy initiative. Students must identify a real-world geopolitical or cybersecurity challenge and propose a solution that balances technical efficiency with ethical responsibility. The project must articulate how Christian principles of stewardship and the preservation of human dignity inform the proposed intervention. Deliverables include a formal research paper and a strategic presentation, both evaluated on academic rigor, analytical clarity, and the depth of faith-based moral reasoning applied to the identified problem. This work functions as a synthesis of the student's learning, showcasing their capability to navigate complex security landscapes while maintaining an unwavering commitment to character-driven leadership. Through this process, students integrate their intellectual knowledge with their spiritual formation, demonstrating that true security leadership is rooted in service and the commitment to the ethical welfare of the global community.

Career Opportunities

• Intelligence Analyst
• Cybersecurity Policy Advisor
• International Diplomatic Consultant
• Security Operations Director
• Risk Management Specialist
• Humanitarian Policy Advocate
• Institutional Security Strategist

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 Intelligence, Security, Cyber Diplomacy
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Intelligence, Security, Cyber Diplomacy 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
• RES-501 | Research Methods in Intelligence | 4 | None
• CRJ-510 | Foundations of National Security | 4 | None
• THE-505 | Ethics in International Affairs | 4 | None
• MGT-520 | Servant Leadership in Global Organizations | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CRJ-530 | Cybersecurity Policy and Infrastructure | 4 | CRJ-510
• HIS-540 | Geopolitical Analysis and Conflict | 4 | None
• COM-550 | Diplomacy and Strategic Communication | 4 | None
• BUS-515 | Resource Stewardship and Governance | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CRJ-610 | Advanced Cyber Diplomacy | 4 | CRJ-530
• SOC-620 | Human Rights and Social Equity in Global Security | 4 | THE-505
• MGT-630 | Strategic Crisis Management | 4 | MGT-520
• RES-600 | Advanced Research and Ethics | 3 | RES-501
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP-699 | Capstone Project in Security and Diplomacy | 4 | RES-600
• CRJ-650 | Intelligence Systems and Analysis | 4 | RES-501
• SOC-640 | Global Community and Humanitarian Security | 4 | None
• MIN-610 | Leadership Formation and Character Development | 3 | None