Certificate in Faith Based AI Professional Certificates

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 College of Computer Science

Total credits

18

Duration

1 years

• Analyze the fundamental theories and mathematical principles underlying machine learning algorithms.
• Develop functional AI models using industry-standard programming languages and data analysis frameworks.
• Evaluate the ethical implications of algorithmic decision-making and data privacy within diverse organizational contexts.
• Design innovative computational solutions that reflect the principles of servant leadership and stewardship.
• Integrate technical expertise with responsible data governance to ensure transparency and accountability in technological deployment.
• Communicate complex technical concepts to diverse stakeholders using clear and professional academic standards.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CS 210
• Foundations of Artificial Intelligence
• 2
• None
• MAT 220
• Mathematical Foundations for Data Science
• 2
• None
• CS 230
• Programming for Intelligent Systems
• 3
• None
• PHI 301
• Technology and Professional Ethics
• 2
• None
• CS 210 — Foundations of Artificial Intelligence: This course introduces fundamental concepts in artificial intelligence, including problem-solving, state-space search, and knowledge representation. Students examine the historical development and current trends of intelligent agents within computing systems. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MAT 220 — Mathematical Foundations for Data Science: This course explores essential mathematical concepts for data analysis, including linear algebra, probability, and statistical methods. The curriculum emphasizes the application of quantitative models to solve real-world data challenges. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CS 230 — Programming for Intelligent Systems: This course focuses on practical software development techniques for implementing artificial intelligence algorithms using contemporary programming languages. Topics include syntax, library utilization, and architectural design for intelligent applications. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PHI 301 — Technology and Professional Ethics: This course examines the moral, legal, and social implications of emerging technologies within modern society. Students analyze ethical frameworks to address privacy, algorithmic bias, and digital responsibility. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CS 310
• Machine Learning Applications
• 3
• CS 230
• IS 320
• Data Governance and Information Security
• 2
• CS 230
• CS 330
• Neural Networks and Advanced Architectures
• 2
• CS 310
• CAP 490
• Artificial Intelligence Applied Capstone
• 2
• CS 310, ETH 301
• CS 310 — Machine Learning Applications: This course provides an overview of supervised and unsupervised learning techniques applied to diverse data sets. Students engage in the design and implementation of predictive models to extract insights from complex information environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• IS 320 — Data Governance and Information Security: This course covers the strategic management of organizational data assets through robust governance policies and security protocols. Students investigate industry standards for data privacy, risk assessment, and information lifecycle management. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CS 330 — Neural Networks and Advanced Architectures: This course explores the design and training of deep learning architectures, focusing on neural network models for complex data processing. Advanced topics include architecture optimization, weight initialization, and feature representation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP 490 — Artificial Intelligence Applied Capstone: This capstone course requires students to design and implement a comprehensive artificial intelligence solution to address an identified technical problem. Students integrate learning from throughout the certificate program into a final professional project. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants must possess a high school diploma or equivalent, with a demonstrated proficiency in college-level mathematics, specifically algebra and introductory statistics. Prior exposure to fundamental computer science concepts or programming logic is strongly encouraged. Prospective students should submit official transcripts and a personal statement outlining their professional aspirations and their commitment to the university's mission of integrating rigorous academic study with a character-centered approach to community engagement. Culminating Project The AI Professional Certificate concludes with the completion of the CAP 490 Capstone Project, a three-credit integrative experience that requires students to design and deploy an artificial intelligence project centered on solving a real-world problem. Students are challenged to bridge the gap between abstract technical theory and practical application by developing a solution that demonstrates both advanced data proficiency and a commitment to the ethical common good. Deliverables include a comprehensive technical report, a functional model implementation, and an analytical reflection on the project's societal implications. The Capstone Project serves as a platform for demonstrating faith-informed character development, requiring students to articulate how their design choices promote stewardship and integrity. Students must evaluate their project through a framework of servant leadership, justifying how their technological contribution serves the needs of the community rather than merely pursuing technical novelty. This final requirement ensures that graduates demonstrate not only academic competence but also the ability to apply a principled, Christian worldview to the complex challenges of the digital age.

• To graduate from the AI Professional Certificate program, students must successfully complete all 18 required credit hours with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0. Graduates must also achieve a passing grade on the final Capstone Project, demonstrating mastery of the technical curriculum and a mature application of ethical reasoning. This academic success is intended to reflect a broader commitment to professional excellence and intellectual growth within the context of the university's community standards.
• Beyond technical completion, graduates are expected to demonstrate spiritual and professional readiness for faith-informed service. This includes active participation in campus community life and a reflective engagement with the university's values of integrity, compassion, and service. Students should exhibit an ongoing commitment to personal character development, ensuring that their technological skills are always tempered by the principles of justice, humility, and a deep respect for their vocational calling to serve others.
• Career Opportunities
• AI Systems Coordinator
• Data Analyst
• Machine Learning Operations Specialist
• Digital Transformation Consultant
• Research Assistant in Computational Science
• Technical Ethics Liaison
• Systems Integration Specialist
• 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 AI Professional Certificates
• Total program length | 18 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Six to nine months
• General education | Not required
• Foundational faith-based ai professional certificates courses | 12 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 3 credit hours
• Final applied project | 3 credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CS 210 | Foundations of Artificial Intelligence | 2 | None
• MAT 220 | Mathematical Foundations for Data Science | 2 | None
• CS 230 | Programming for Intelligent Systems | 3 | None
• PHI 301 | Technology and Professional Ethics | 2 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CS 310 | Machine Learning Applications | 3 | CS 230
• IS 320 | Data Governance and Information Security | 2 | CS 230
• CS 330 | Neural Networks and Advanced Architectures | 2 | CS 310
• CAP 490 | Artificial Intelligence Applied Capstone | 2 | CS 310, ETH 301