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

Academic unitHBIU College of International StudiesTotal credits60Estimated duration2 years

Program Overview

Official program overview

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 Facts

Program facts

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
Academic unit
HBIU College of International Studies
Total credits
60
Duration
2 years

Program Description

Official program description

Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes

  • Analyze complex geopolitical challenges through the application of advanced intelligence gathering and security frameworks.
  • Develop evidence-based strategies to mitigate cybersecurity threats in international and organizational contexts.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of current diplomatic theories and their application in cross-cultural conflict resolution.
  • Integrate ethical reasoning and biblical stewardship into the formulation of security and intelligence policies.
  • Communicate complex technical and strategic information clearly to diverse stakeholders and international partners.
  • Design collaborative solutions to global security issues that promote social justice and ethical integrity.
  • Demonstrate servant leadership in the management of multi-disciplinary teams within high-stakes environments.
  • Course Outline
  • Semester 1 — Year 1
  • 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
  • RES-501 — Research Methods in Intelligence: Explores qualitative and quantitative methodologies for intelligence gathering and analysis. Students learn to evaluate the validity and reliability of data in high-stakes environmentsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • CRJ-510 — Foundations of National Security: Examines the historical and theoretical development of national security policy. Focuses on the role of government and ethical frameworks in protecting state interestsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • THE-505 — Ethics in International Affairs: Studies the application of moral philosophy and Christian ethical traditions to global conflict. Addresses issues of power, justice, and the role of the stateThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • MGT-520 — Servant Leadership in Global Organizations: Focuses on the application of servant leadership principles in organizational management. Analyzes strategies for fostering healthy, ethical, and collaborative work environmentsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 2 — Year 1
  • 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
  • CRJ-530 — Cybersecurity Policy and Infrastructure: Introduces the technical and policy frameworks governing cybersecurity, including threat assessment and risk management. Analyzes the protection of critical infrastructure in a digital ageThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • HIS-540 — Geopolitical Analysis and Conflict: Provides an overview of modern geopolitical tensions and the causes of international conflict. Emphasizes the role of diplomacy in mediating crises and fostering stabilityThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • COM-550 — Diplomacy and Strategic Communication: Examines the role of strategic communication in diplomatic engagements and public affairs. Students develop skills in negotiation and cross-cultural discourseThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • BUS-515 — Resource Stewardship and Governance: Explores the ethical stewardship of organizational resources and budget management. Discusses the moral implications of financial and operational decision-makingThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 3 — Year 2
  • 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
  • CRJ-610 — Advanced Cyber Diplomacy: Analyzes the intersection of international relations and digital policy, focusing on cyber warfare and international norms. Addresses the complexities of digital sovereigntyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • SOC-620 — Human Rights and Social Equity in Global Security: This course examines the intersection of human rights frameworks, social equity, and national security policies within global contexts. It analyzes how marginalized populations are impacted by security operations and explores strategies for inclusive humanitarian protection. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MGT-630 — Strategic Crisis Management: Provides a framework for responding to large-scale crises through effective leadership and decision-making. Utilizes case studies to evaluate response effectivenessThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • RES-600 — Advanced Research and Ethics: Prepares students for capstone research through advanced literature review and methodological design. Focuses on the ethical conduct of research in sensitive security fieldsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 4 — Year 2
  • 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
  • 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..

Admission Requirements

Admission and entry requirements

Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. The application process requires the submission of official transcripts, two letters of recommendation from professional or academic sources, and a personal statement articulating the applicant's commitment to ethical leadership and their professional objectives within the field of intelligence and security. 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.

Protected Curriculum

Complete program outline available after verification

Graduation Requirements

Graduation and completion requirements

  • Graduation requires the successful completion of 60 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Students must earn a passing grade in all core and elective courses, culminating in the successful defense of the Master’s Capstone Project. Beyond academic proficiency, candidates must demonstrate alignment with the university’s values through participation in designated community service and spiritual formation seminars. This holistic requirement ensures that students graduate not only as technically competent analysts and policymakers but as individuals of integrity, characterized by spiritual maturity and a dedication to faith-informed service within their respective professional sectors.
  • 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

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

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

Additional Official Information

Additional source information

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