Certificate in Faith Based Data Science Decision Making

Total program length

18 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Six to nine months

General education

Not required

Professional application courses

3 credit hours

Academic unit

HBIU Training Institute

Total credits

18

Duration

1 years

• Analyze complex datasets using statistical software to identify operational trends and opportunities.
• Evaluate the ethical implications of data collection and algorithmic usage through the lens of institutional stewardship.
• Design effective data visualizations to communicate organizational impact to stakeholders.
• Apply predictive modeling techniques to enhance resource allocation and strategic planning efforts.
• Integrate Christian ethical frameworks into the decision-making process when interpreting data-driven insights.
• Develop a comprehensive analytical report that demonstrates both technical proficiency and commitment to community service.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES201
• Foundations of Statistical Inquiry
• 2
• None
• BUS210
• Data Governance and Ethical Stewardship
• 2
• None
• COM220
• Visual Storytelling for Organizations
• 2
• None
• MGT305
• Data-Informed Decision Making
• 3
• None
• RES201 — Foundations of Statistical Inquiry: This course introduces basic statistical techniques and methods for data gathering. Students analyze research design protocols within the context of organizational accountability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS210 — Data Governance and Ethical Stewardship: This course examines the moral and legal frameworks surrounding data privacy and organizational ethics. It focuses on the responsible management of stakeholder information. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM220 — Visual Storytelling for Organizations: Students learn to design dashboards and reports that translate data into meaningful organizational narratives. Emphasis is placed on transparency and accessibility. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT305 — Data-Informed Decision Making: This course evaluates how empirical evidence influences executive and programmatic decisions. Students study case studies in organizational leadership and efficiency. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES310
• Applied Predictive Analytics
• 3
• RES201
• BUS350
• Principles of Institutional Resource Management
• 2
• None
• BUS390
• Analytical Strategy for Nonprofits
• 2
• MGT305
• CAP400
• Capstone in Data Science Decision Making
• 2
• All Core Courses
• RES310 — Applied Predictive Analytics: This course explores advanced modeling techniques to forecast trends and optimize resource distribution. Students apply mathematical logic to complex organizational challenges. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS350 — Principles of Institutional Resource Management: This course examines the theoretical and practical frameworks for managing organizational assets, human capital, and fiscal sustainability. Students explore best practices in accountability, transparency, and strategic resource allocation within the nonprofit sector. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS390 — Analytical Strategy for Nonprofits: This course focuses on aligning technical analysis with the core goals and values of the nonprofit sector. Students assess long-term sustainability and growth strategies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP400 — Capstone in Data Science Decision Making: The culminating project where students demonstrate mastery of data analysis, ethical stewardship, and effective communication through a comprehensive professional report. Students finalize their work as a capstone for the certificate. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants must hold a high school diploma or a recognized equivalent such as a GED. Preference is given to individuals with professional or volunteer experience in nonprofit, religious, or community-based organizations. All applicants must submit a personal statement outlining their career goals and their interest in applying data science to faith-based organizational work, alongside official transcripts from previous postsecondary education, if applicable. Culminating Project The Capstone Project serves as the final, integrative experience for the Certificate in Faith Based Data Science Decision Making. Students are expected to identify a specific data-driven problem within a real-world community or faith-based organizational setting, design an analytical research plan, and provide actionable recommendations based on their findings. The project requires a formal written report and a presentation that demonstrates technical competence in data synthesis and ethical decision-making. Students must articulate how their proposed solutions reflect the principles of servant leadership and biblical stewardship. This project emphasizes the transition from academic learning to practical application, requiring students to demonstrate how their analytical work contributes to the advancement of institutional missions. The capstone evaluates the student's ability to balance technical accuracy with a commitment to organizational health and ethical integrity. By integrating spiritual reflection with quantitative research, students demonstrate both their intellectual development and their growth in faith-informed character, ensuring they are prepared to serve as responsible stewards of information in their professional roles.

• To qualify for the Certificate in Faith Based Data Science Decision Making, students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 throughout the 18-credit curriculum. Completion of all required coursework is mandatory, with students demonstrating mastery of the technical and ethical dimensions of the program. Satisfactory completion of the Capstone Project is a primary requirement, serving as an assessment of the student's ability to synthesize data skills with values-based leadership. Beyond academic benchmarks, students are encouraged to engage in institutional community life, reflecting a commitment to ongoing spiritual formation and character development. Graduates are expected to leave the program not only with refined quantitative abilities but also with a deepened understanding of how their professional life reflects their faith, characterized by ethical integrity, readiness for service, and a dedication to the holistic well-being of the communities they serve.
• Career Opportunities
• Data Analyst for Non-Profit Organizations
• Church Administrative Operations Manager
• Community Outreach Program Coordinator
• Institutional Advancement Analyst
• Mission-Driven Resource Specialist
• Strategic Planning Associate
• Nonprofit Development Researcher
• 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.
• Credential abbreviation | Certificate in Faith Based Data Science Decision Making
• Total program length | 18 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Six to nine months
• General education | Not required
• Foundational faith based data science courses | 12 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 3 credit hours
• Final applied project | 3 credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES201 | Foundations of Statistical Inquiry | 2 | None
• BUS210 | Data Governance and Ethical Stewardship | 2 | None
• COM220 | Visual Storytelling for Organizations | 2 | None
• MGT305 | Data-Informed Decision Making | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES310 | Applied Predictive Analytics | 3 | RES201
• BUS350 | Principles of Institutional Resource Management | 2 | None
• BUS390 | Analytical Strategy for Nonprofits | 2 | MGT305
• CAP400 | Capstone in Data Science Decision Making | 2 | All Core Courses