Certificate in Faith Based Artificial Intelligence Ethics, Governance

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 ethical dimensions of artificial intelligence through the lens of moral philosophy and institutional responsibility.
• Evaluate the impact of algorithmic bias on vulnerable populations and develop mitigation strategies based on justice and equity.
• Design governance frameworks for technological implementation that ensure transparency, accountability, and the protection of private data.
• Apply biblical principles of stewardship and servant leadership to the management and oversight of emerging digital infrastructures.
• Communicate complex technical concepts to diverse stakeholder groups within non-profit and faith-based settings.
• Integrate spiritual formation practices with professional ethical standards to foster a culture of responsible technological engagement.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• TEC 105
• Introduction to Artificial Intelligence Systems
• 2
• None
• ETH 210
• Ethics in Digital Governance
• 2
• None
• SOC 220
• Sociology of Technology and Culture
• 2
• None
• MIN 250
• Foundations of Servant Leadership in Tech
• 3
• None
• TEC 105 — Introduction to Artificial Intelligence Systems: This course covers the fundamental mechanics of machine learning and data processing from a functional perspective. It explores how automated systems categorize information and make inferences. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ETH 210 — Ethics in Digital Governance: Students examine the major moral frameworks concerning technology and the potential impacts of digital infrastructure on social structures. The course emphasizes moral agency and the responsibilities of stewardship. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC 220 — Sociology of Technology and Culture: This course explores the intersection of technological advancement and community health. It addresses themes of equity, access, and the role of the individual in an automated world. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN 250 — Foundations of Servant Leadership in Tech: This course integrates leadership theory with practices of service and humility in a professional environment. Students identify strategies for leading teams through technological change with character. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• BUS 315
• Data Management and Institutional Stewardship
• 3
• TEC 105
• PHI 340
• Philosophy of Human Agency and Autonomous Systems
• 3
• ETH 210
• COM 360
• Communication and Ethical Advocacy
• 3
• None
• CAP 490
• Capstone in AI Ethics and Governance
• 3
• Completion of all other program courses
• BUS 315 — Data Management and Institutional Stewardship: This course addresses the logistical and legal aspects of data governance, focusing on privacy, compliance, and responsible resource allocation. Students learn to handle institutional data with respect and accountability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PHI 340 — Philosophy of Human Agency and Autonomous Systems: This course examines philosophical theories regarding human intention, free will, and decision-making within the context of autonomous algorithmic influence. Students analyze how individual autonomy is balanced against structured governance frameworks in digital environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM 360 — Communication and Ethical Advocacy: This modular course focuses on the articulation of ethical policies to diverse audiences within the organizational framework. It emphasizes transparency and the building of trust through clear communication. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP 490 — Capstone in AI Ethics and Governance: This project integrates technical analysis and ethical reflection to address a specific challenge in organizational AI governance. Students produce a comprehensive plan demonstrating professional and moral maturity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants must possess a minimum of a high school diploma or its equivalent, though preference is given to those holding an earned associate or bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Candidates must submit a statement of purpose detailing their professional interest in technology ethics and their commitment to the institutional mission of servant leadership. All applicants are required to provide official transcripts for prior postsecondary coursework and must demonstrate basic proficiency in written academic communication. Culminating Project The Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic experience, requiring students to develop a comprehensive AI Governance and Ethical Stewardship plan for a real-world, faith-based organization. This project tasks students with auditing current or proposed data practices and constructing a robust ethical policy manual that addresses systemic risk, human oversight, and long-term organizational impact. Students are evaluated on their ability to synthesize technical knowledge with rigorous ethical reasoning, demonstrating their capacity to protect institutional integrity while advancing the mission of community service. This project is worth 3 credit hours. It requires the submission of both a formal technical document and a reflective narrative that articulates how biblical principles—such as integrity, wisdom, and sacrificial service—informed every stage of their project design. By engaging in this intensive analysis, students provide evidence of their readiness to act as moral intermediaries in technological decision-making, ensuring that their work remains grounded in faith-informed character and academic precision.

• To graduate from the Certificate in Faith-Based Artificial Intelligence Ethics and Governance, students must successfully complete 18 total credit hours with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0. All coursework must be passed, and the Capstone Project must receive a satisfactory evaluation, confirming that the student has met all academic and professional standards required for the credential. Beyond academic achievement, graduation requirements include the completion of a reflective spiritual formation portfolio. This portfolio assesses the student's personal growth in integrity and ethical decision-making, ensuring that the acquisition of knowledge is paired with a commitment to living out the institution’s values in their respective fields of influence. Graduation serves as a formal recognition of a student’s readiness to participate in faith-informed service, demonstrating both the competency to navigate a complex digital era and the character required to maintain a witness of grace, equity, and responsibility in all professional endeavors.
• Career Opportunities
• Non-Profit Technology Strategist
• Faith-Based Institutional Ethics Consultant
• Digital Communications Director for Ministries
• Organizational Governance Lead
• Community Outreach Technology Coordinator
• Policy Analyst for Faith-Informed NGOs
• 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 Artificial Intelligence Ethics, Governance
• Total program length | 18 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Six to nine months
• General education | Not required
• Foundational faith based artificial intelligence ethics, governance courses | 12 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 3 credit hours
• Final applied project | 3 credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• TEC 105 | Introduction to Artificial Intelligence Systems | 2 | None
• ETH 210 | Ethics in Digital Governance | 2 | None
• SOC 220 | Sociology of Technology and Culture | 2 | None
• MIN 250 | Foundations of Servant Leadership in Tech | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BUS 315 | Data Management and Institutional Stewardship | 3 | TEC 105
• PHI 340 | Philosophy of Human Agency and Autonomous Systems | 3 | ETH 210
• COM 360 | Communication and Ethical Advocacy | 3 | None
• CAP 490 | Capstone in AI Ethics and Governance | 3 | Completion of all other program courses