Certificate in Faith Based Graphic Design, Digital Evangelism

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

• Design sophisticated visual media assets that effectively communicate organizational objectives and core values.
• Analyze digital media trends to develop strategic engagement plans for diverse digital audiences.
• Apply ethical principles and biblical stewardship to the selection and distribution of digital media content.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of digital campaigns using industry-standard metrics to ensure organizational goals are met.
• Demonstrate proficiency in professional software suites for vector illustration, photo editing, and layout design.
• Integrate a servant-leadership framework into digital content production and community management.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• COM101
• Principles of Visual Communication
• 2
• None
• COM110
• Digital Graphics Production I
• 3
• None
• THE120
• Ethics in Digital Media
• 2
• None
• MGT150
• Introduction to Digital Strategy
• 2
• None
• COM101 — Principles of Visual Communication: This course examines the foundational theories of visual design, including color theory, composition, and typography as applied to digital platforms. Students explore the balance between aesthetic beauty and effective messaging. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM110 — Digital Graphics Production I: An introduction to industry-standard graphic design software for vector manipulation and bitmap image editing. Students develop practical skills in creating logos, brochures, and digital assets. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE120 — Ethics in Digital Media: This course explores the intersection of digital media, ethics, and biblical stewardship in contemporary society. It addresses issues of intellectual property, privacy, and truth in advertising. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT150 — Introduction to Digital Strategy: Students investigate how organizations use digital tools to build community and fulfill their operational goals. Focus is placed on planning campaigns that align with long-term institutional health. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• COM210
• Digital Graphics Production II
• 3
• COM110
• COM220
• Social Media and Digital Engagement
• 2
• MGT150
• MIN230
• Servant Leadership in Digital Spaces
• 2
• None
• CAP290
• Capstone: Digital Communication Portfolio
• 2
• COM210, COM220, MIN230
• COM210 — Digital Graphics Production II: Building on foundational skills, this course covers advanced layout design and the preparation of complex visual media for cross-platform distribution. Emphasis is placed on workflow optimization and professional quality standards. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM220 — Social Media and Digital Engagement: A study of techniques for managing digital communities, including content scheduling, audience interaction, and platform-specific engagement strategies. Students learn to foster growth through relational and authentic digital interaction. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN230 — Servant Leadership in Digital Spaces: This course examines the application of servant leadership within professional and online environments. It emphasizes the importance of empathy, service, and humility when communicating on behalf of an organization. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP290 — Capstone: Digital Communication Portfolio: Students compile a comprehensive professional portfolio demonstrating proficiency in design, strategy, and ethical communication. The final project requires an integrated presentation of work that reflects the learner's maturation as a digital communicator. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants must provide evidence of a high school diploma or equivalent secondary education credential. Prospective students should demonstrate an aptitude for creative production and a commitment to academic integrity and ethical professional conduct as defined by the institution's standards for community engagement. Culminating Project The capstone project serves as the culminating academic experience for the certificate, requiring students to synthesize their technical design skills and strategic communication knowledge through the development of a comprehensive digital engagement portfolio. Students are challenged to design a multi-faceted digital media campaign for a hypothetical or existing non-profit entity, requiring them to demonstrate both technical mastery of design software and the ability to articulate how their work reflects institutional values and servant leadership. This project encourages the application of critical thinking to real-world challenges, emphasizing the importance of ethical reasoning in content creation and the stewardship of digital resources. Beyond technical competence, the capstone provides a vehicle for spiritual and professional reflection. Students must articulate how their work aligns with a Christian worldview, addressing themes of integrity, truth-telling, and community building. By submitting a cohesive body of work—including branding elements, social media strategy, and long-form visual communication—students demonstrate their readiness for professional service. The project is assessed on the basis of professional quality, strategic alignment with organizational mission, and the capacity to integrate faith-informed ethical standards into contemporary digital practice.

• Graduation from the Certificate in Faith Based Graphic Design and Digital Evangelism 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 core and elective courses, with particular emphasis on the successful defense of the capstone project. Academic excellence is viewed as an extension of character development; therefore, students are expected to maintain the highest standards of integrity throughout their studies.
• In addition to academic achievement, graduates are expected to demonstrate evidence of spiritual formation and commitment to community service. Students must fulfill internal requirements related to chapel attendance and participation in professional development workshops that focus on leadership ethics. By pairing rigorous academic rigor with intentional character growth, the program ensures that graduates emerge as prepared practitioners ready to serve with both professional competence and a foundation of spiritual maturity.
• Career Opportunities
• Digital Communications Specialist
• Visual Content Coordinator
• Nonprofit Marketing Assistant
• Social Media Strategist
• Graphic Design Associate
• Ministry Communications Director
• Creative Media Coordinator
• 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 Graphic Design, Digital Evangelism
• Total program length | 18 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Six to nine months
• General education | Not required
• Foundational faith based graphic design and digital evangelism courses | 12 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 3 credit hours
• Final applied project | 3 credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM101 | Principles of Visual Communication | 2 | None
• COM110 | Digital Graphics Production I | 3 | None
• THE120 | Ethics in Digital Media | 2 | None
• MGT150 | Introduction to Digital Strategy | 2 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM210 | Digital Graphics Production II | 3 | COM110
• COM220 | Social Media and Digital Engagement | 2 | MGT150
• MIN230 | Servant Leadership in Digital Spaces | 2 | None
• CAP290 | Capstone: Digital Communication Portfolio | 2 | COM210, COM220, MIN230