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Master of Science in Faith-Based Data Science, Analytics for Social Impact

Academic unitHBIU College of Computer ScienceTotal credits60Estimated duration2 years

Program Overview

Official program overview

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.S. in Faith-Based Data Science, Analytics for Social Impact

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced faith-based data science, analytics for social impact 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 Data Science, Analytics for Social Impact, is a rigorous graduate program designed to equip professionals with the technical acumen and ethical framework necessary to address complex social challenges. Through a curriculum that bridges advanced statistical modeling, machine learning, and data visualization with principles of stewardship and community service, students acquire the tools to transform raw data into actionable insights for the public good. The program emphasizes the intersection of quantitative methodology and human-centered design, ensuring that technological interventions align with the values of compassion, justice, and community development. By fostering a culture of excellence and integrity, the program prepares graduates to lead data-driven initiatives that serve the most vulnerable populations while maintaining the highest standards of professional ethics. Students will engage in complex problem-solving that reflects a commitment to service, recognizing that data science is a powerful instrument for advancing the common good when guided by sound moral reasoning and servant leadership.

The 60-credit master's program provides advanced preparation in faith-based data science, analytics for social impact theory, human behavior, ethics, assessment awareness, research, program evaluation, crisis response, leadership, referral, and faith-based data science, analytics for social impact-support services.

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based data science, analytics for social impact-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 Data Science, Analytics for Social Impact
Total program length
60 graduate semester credit hours
Normal completion time
Two academic years of full-time study
Academic unit
HBIU College of Computer Science
Total credits
60
Duration
2 years

Program Description

Official program description

Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes

  • Apply advanced statistical and machine learning algorithms to extract meaningful trends from large datasets.
  • Evaluate the ethical implications of data collection and algorithmic decision-making in diverse social contexts.
  • Design robust data-driven strategies that optimize the operational impact of non-profit and faith-based community organizations.
  • Communicate complex quantitative findings to non-technical stakeholders through intuitive visualization and storytelling.
  • Integrate principles of biblical stewardship into the lifecycle of data management and decision-support systems.
  • Develop servant leadership competencies by mentoring others in the ethical use of information technology.
  • Analyze social phenomena through quantitative research to identify opportunities for advocacy and intervention.
  • Course Outline
  • Semester 1 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • DSCI 500
  • Data Science Foundations
  • 4
  • None
  • DSCI 510
  • Ethical Analytics and Stewardship
  • 4
  • None
  • RES 520
  • Quantitative Research Methods
  • 4
  • None
  • MGT 530
  • Servant Leadership in Nonprofits
  • 3
  • None
  • DSCI 500 — Data Science Foundations: This course covers fundamental concepts in programming and mathematical foundations necessary for data analysis. It introduces students to scripting environments and exploratory data methods. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • DSCI 510 — Ethical Analytics and Stewardship: This course explores the intersection of data ethics, privacy, and biblical stewardship principles in information systems. Students evaluate the moral consequences of automated data collection. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • RES 520 — Quantitative Research Methods: Students learn to design robust research studies and interpret statistical output for social analysis. Emphasis is placed on validity and reliability in community-based research. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MGT 530 — Servant Leadership in Nonprofits: This course examines organizational theory through the framework of servant leadership and relational management. It focuses on motivating teams toward a common, mission-oriented goal. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 2 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • DSCI 540
  • Applied Machine Learning
  • 4
  • DSCI 500
  • DSCI 550
  • Data Visualization and Communication
  • 4
  • DSCI 500
  • SOC 560
  • Community Impact Analysis
  • 4
  • RES 520
  • BUS 570
  • Financial Stewardship and Strategy
  • 3
  • None
  • DSCI 540 — Applied Machine Learning: This course introduces predictive modeling, classification, and clustering techniques for analyzing community datasets. Practical application involves identifying trends that impact resource allocation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • DSCI 550 — Data Visualization and Communication: Focuses on the art of presenting technical insights to non-technical stakeholders for actionable decision making. Students learn to create compelling visual narratives that inform policy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • SOC 560 — Community Impact Analysis: An interdisciplinary approach to evaluating social outcomes and community development strategies. This course utilizes spatial data to assess the needs of underserved populations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS 570 — Financial Stewardship and Strategy: Explores financial management and strategic planning within the context of non-profit organizational budgets. Students learn to align fiscal resources with long-term mission goals. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 3 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • DSCI 600
  • Big Data Architecture
  • 4
  • DSCI 540
  • DSCI 610
  • Advanced Algorithmic Logic
  • 4
  • DSCI 540
  • COM 620
  • Digital Transformation and Advocacy
  • 4
  • None
  • SOC 630
  • Social Policy and Institutional Change
  • 3
  • None
  • DSCI 600 — Big Data Architecture: Covers scalable infrastructure for managing large data repositories securely. Students focus on optimizing systems to handle high-volume data streams in real time. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • DSCI 610 — Advanced Algorithmic Logic: Explores complex algorithms and their optimization for limited-resource environments. Emphasis is placed on efficient computation that maximizes impact for community partners. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • COM 620 — Digital Transformation and Advocacy: Investigates how digital platforms can be leveraged to advocate for policy change and community welfare. Students develop digital engagement strategies for stakeholders. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • SOC 630 — Social Policy and Institutional Change: This course examines the mechanisms of large-scale social movements and the influence of institutional policy on community development. Students will evaluate organizational strategies for fostering systemic change through data-driven advocacy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 4 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • CAP 690
  • Capstone: Social Impact Initiative
  • 4
  • DSCI 600
  • BUS 640
  • Operations and Systems Thinking
  • 3
  • None
  • SOC 650
  • Social Justice and Data Equity
  • 4
  • SOC 560
  • HIS 660
  • Global Perspectives on Humanitarian Aid
  • 3
  • None
  • CAP 690 — Capstone: Social Impact Initiative: Students execute a comprehensive project that integrates analytical skills with a heart for service to solve a real-world community challenge. The capstone requires a formal presentation of findings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS 640 — Operations and Systems Thinking: Examines how systems thinking can improve operational efficiency in complex human services environments. Students analyze organizational processes to enhance service delivery. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • SOC 650 — Social Justice and Data Equity: Investigates the role of data in identifying and mitigating systemic inequities. Students apply equitable design principles to their analytical projects. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • HIS 660 — Global Perspectives on Humanitarian Aid: Provides a historical and critical perspective on humanitarian aid systems and their impact on global communities. Students assess effective practices for cross-cultural engagement. This 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. Prospective students are required to submit official transcripts, a statement of intent detailing their commitment to ethical service, two letters of recommendation, and evidence of foundational coursework in statistics or programming. Thesis or Capstone Project The Capstone Project serves as the definitive synthesis of the student's academic and spiritual formation, requiring the design and execution of a data-intensive solution for a real-world social problem. Students will identify an organizational need, gather relevant data, apply sophisticated analytical methods, and present a comprehensive implementation plan that honors principles of justice and stewardship. This project enables students to demonstrate proficiency in their technical specialization while illustrating their capacity to navigate complex organizational dynamics with integrity and professional maturity. Beyond technical achievement, the capstone serves as a platform for demonstrating character development, requiring students to document how their project aligns with a mission of servant leadership and ethical responsibility. Students must justify their methodology through a lens of biblical stewardship, ensuring that the resources deployed and the outcomes pursued contribute positively to human flourishing. The final deliverable includes a formal report and a public presentation, reflecting the student's mastery of the discipline and their readiness to serve as a bridge between high-level analytics and impactful community engagement.

Protected Curriculum

Complete program outline available after verification

Graduation Requirements

Graduation and completion requirements

  • Graduation from the program requires the completion of 60 total credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Students must successfully pass all core, elective, and capstone requirements, demonstrating both academic competence and the spiritual maturity expected of professionals dedicated to social impact. Academic excellence is assessed alongside the ability to apply ethical standards to technical challenges, ensuring graduates are prepared to model integrity in their professional lives.
  • In addition to curricular success, students must complete a portfolio demonstrating their personal and professional growth throughout the program. This portfolio includes reflections on spiritual formation, community engagement experiences, and evidence of leadership development. Completion of the program signifies that the student has integrated advanced technical knowledge with a commitment to faith-informed service, demonstrating the capacity to lead with character, ethical discernment, and a dedication to the stewardship of community resources.
  • Career Opportunities
  • Data Scientist for Non-Profit Organizations
  • Social Impact Analytics Consultant
  • Director of Community Development and Strategy
  • Program Evaluation Specialist
  • Policy Analyst for Faith-Based Agencies
  • Database Architect for Humanitarian Relief Efforts
  • Operations Manager in Mission-Driven Enterprises
  • 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 Data Science, Analytics for Social Impact
  • Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
  • Advanced faith-based data science, analytics for social impact 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
  • DSCI 500 | Data Science Foundations | 4 | None
  • DSCI 510 | Ethical Analytics and Stewardship | 4 | None
  • RES 520 | Quantitative Research Methods | 4 | None
  • MGT 530 | Servant Leadership in Nonprofits | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • DSCI 540 | Applied Machine Learning | 4 | DSCI 500
  • DSCI 550 | Data Visualization and Communication | 4 | DSCI 500
  • SOC 560 | Community Impact Analysis | 4 | RES 520
  • BUS 570 | Financial Stewardship and Strategy | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • DSCI 600 | Big Data Architecture | 4 | DSCI 540
  • DSCI 610 | Advanced Algorithmic Logic | 4 | DSCI 540
  • COM 620 | Digital Transformation and Advocacy | 4 | None
  • SOC 630 | Social Policy and Institutional Change | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CAP 690 | Capstone: Social Impact Initiative | 4 | DSCI 600
  • BUS 640 | Operations and Systems Thinking | 3 | None
  • SOC 650 | Social Justice and Data Equity | 4 | SOC 560
  • HIS 660 | Global Perspectives on Humanitarian Aid | 3 | None

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

  • Data Scientist for Non-Profit Organizations
  • Social Impact Analytics Consultant
  • Director of Community Development and Strategy
  • Program Evaluation Specialist
  • Policy Analyst for Faith-Based Agencies
  • Database Architect for Humanitarian Relief Efforts
  • Operations Manager in Mission-Driven Enterprises

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 Data Science, Analytics for Social Impact
  • Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
  • Advanced faith-based data science, analytics for social impact 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
  • DSCI 500 | Data Science Foundations | 4 | None
  • DSCI 510 | Ethical Analytics and Stewardship | 4 | None
  • RES 520 | Quantitative Research Methods | 4 | None
  • MGT 530 | Servant Leadership in Nonprofits | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • DSCI 540 | Applied Machine Learning | 4 | DSCI 500
  • DSCI 550 | Data Visualization and Communication | 4 | DSCI 500
  • SOC 560 | Community Impact Analysis | 4 | RES 520
  • BUS 570 | Financial Stewardship and Strategy | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • DSCI 600 | Big Data Architecture | 4 | DSCI 540
  • DSCI 610 | Advanced Algorithmic Logic | 4 | DSCI 540
  • COM 620 | Digital Transformation and Advocacy | 4 | None
  • SOC 630 | Social Policy and Institutional Change | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CAP 690 | Capstone: Social Impact Initiative | 4 | DSCI 600
  • BUS 640 | Operations and Systems Thinking | 3 | None
  • SOC 650 | Social Justice and Data Equity | 4 | SOC 560
  • HIS 660 | Global Perspectives on Humanitarian Aid | 3 | None