Certificate in Faith Based Information Systems 101 (Christian Ethics in Tech)

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 the technical infrastructure of information systems to optimize operational efficiency within organizational environments.
• Evaluate current trends in data management and cybersecurity through the framework of institutional ethics and professional responsibility.
• Develop strategies for digital stewardship that prioritize data integrity and user privacy in a collaborative context.
• Apply principles of servant leadership to the design and implementation of information technology solutions.
• Integrate ethical decision-making models into the lifecycle management of software and hardware resources.
• Communicate complex technical requirements to diverse stakeholders with clarity and professional maturity.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CIS 101
• Foundations of Information Systems
• 2
• None
• ETH 105
• Ethics in Professional Practice
• 2
• None
• BUS 110
• Organizational Stewardship
• 2
• None
• COM 120
• Professional Communication
• 3
• None
• CIS 101 — Foundations of Information Systems: This course provides an overview of hardware, software, and networking fundamentals. It explores the role of technology in supporting organizational objectives. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ETH 105 — Ethics in Professional Practice: This course examines ethical decision-making frameworks within a professional context. Students analyze case studies involving integrity, accountability, and moral responsibility. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS 110 — Organizational Stewardship: Students study the principles of responsible resource management and leadership. The course focuses on building capacity and sustaining organizational vision. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM 120 — Professional Communication: This course focuses on effective verbal and written communication within the professional workplace. Students learn to translate technical data for varied audiences. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CIS 202
• Data Management and Security
• 3
• CIS 101
• MGT 210
• Servant Leadership in Technology
• 2
• BUS 110
• RES 200
• Community Engagement Research
• 2
• None
• CAP 250
• Applied Systems Capstone
• 2
• All Core Courses
• CIS 202 — Data Management and Security: This course addresses the security and protection of institutional data assets. Students learn to apply protocols that ensure privacy and system resilience. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT 210 — Servant Leadership in Technology: This course explores the application of servant leadership principles in technical project management. It emphasizes empowering teams and fostering collaborative environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES 200 — Community Engagement Research: This course introduces methods for assessing the technological needs of community organizations. Students engage in needs-analysis and resource evaluation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP 250 — Applied Systems Capstone: Students complete an integrative project that demonstrates the application of technical skills and ethical frameworks to a real-world organizational challenge. The final deliverable demonstrates professional readiness and commitment to institutional service. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants must hold a high school diploma or its equivalent (GED). Prospective students are expected to demonstrate an interest in the alignment of professional practice with ethical principles and community service. Admission is open to individuals seeking to advance their skill sets in information systems while grounding their career trajectory in values-based organizational stewardship. Culminating Project The Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic experience for the Certificate in Faith Based Information Systems 101, requiring students to synthesize their learning through a comprehensive applied project. Students identify a real-world technological challenge within a community or nonprofit setting, designing a solution that demonstrates technical mastery and adherence to ethical stewardship practices. This project requires students to articulate how their proposed systems support the long-term sustainability and mission-focused objectives of the organization. Valued at 3 credit hours, this project integrates spiritual formation and ethical reasoning by necessitating a reflection on the broader societal implications of technology. Students must document how their work reflects principles of servant leadership, accountability, and the responsible use of organizational resources. The successful completion of this project serves as a demonstration of both professional readiness and the student’s commitment to faith-informed integrity in their field.

• Graduation requires the successful completion of 18 credit hours with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0. Students must earn a passing grade in all courses, ensuring that all technical, theoretical, and ethical competencies outlined in the curriculum have been fully met. The Capstone Project must be completed to a professional standard, reflecting the student’s ability to apply their training within a faith-based or service-oriented environment.
• Beyond academic requirements, students are expected to demonstrate spiritual and professional maturity throughout their course of study. This includes active participation in the academic community, a demonstrated commitment to ethical integrity, and a willingness to engage in community service. The program emphasizes that intellectual achievement must be coupled with a heart for service, preparing graduates for a lifetime of faith-informed contribution and professional excellence.
• Career Opportunities
• Nonprofit Operations Analyst
• Faith-Based Organization Systems Administrator
• Community Outreach Technology Coordinator
• Stewardship Data Specialist
• Church Administrative Technology Lead
• Information Resources Manager
• 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 Information Systems 101 (Christian Ethics in Tech)
• Total program length | 18 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Six to nine months
• General education | Not required
• Foundational faith based information systems courses | 12 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 3 credit hours
• Final applied project | 3 credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CIS 101 | Foundations of Information Systems | 2 | None
• ETH 105 | Ethics in Professional Practice | 2 | None
• BUS 110 | Organizational Stewardship | 2 | None
• COM 120 | Professional Communication | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CIS 202 | Data Management and Security | 3 | CIS 101
• MGT 210 | Servant Leadership in Technology | 2 | BUS 110
• RES 200 | Community Engagement Research | 2 | None
• CAP 250 | Applied Systems Capstone | 2 | All Core Courses