A New Kind of Cybersecurity Degree for a New Digital Era

Faith-based organizations are facing a rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape. Churches, ministries, and religious institutions increasingly rely on digital systems for communication, finances, pastoral care, live streaming, and community outreach. This shift has created unprecedented opportunities—but also new forms of cyber threats targeting these trusted spaces. In response, Ebed-Melech University has developed a groundbreaking graduate program: the Master of Science in Faith-Based Cyber Defense and Strategy.

This program was created for individuals who feel called to protect sacred digital environments, support ministry operations, and lead cybersecurity initiatives with both technical mastery and spiritual grounding. As one of the world’s first cybersecurity degrees built specifically for faith-based organizations, the M.S. in Faith-Based Cyber Defense and Strategy offers a rare blend of technology, theology, leadership, and real-world defensive strategies.

If you are ready to be a defender of digital faith communities, this program invites you to apply and join a mission that matters.

A Graduate Program Designed for Purpose and Impact

The M.S. in Faith-Based Cyber Defense and Strategy is not just another cybersecurity degree. It is a program shaped by the unique needs of churches, religious nonprofits, and faith-led institutions across the globe. Students gain advanced cybersecurity knowledge while also developing the ethical and spiritual leadership necessary to protect communities guided by compassion, trust, and mission.

Each course has been intentionally crafted to prepare graduates for critical roles such as Cybersecurity Director for Religious Institutions, Ministry Technology Strategist, Church IT Security Consultant, Faith-Based Intelligence Analyst, and Digital Risk Officer for global missions.

The curriculum is delivered through deep academic study, hands-on labs, leadership case studies, and strategic planning exercises tailored specifically to the faith-based context. This distinctive approach ensures that students are prepared not only to manage cyber threats but to build resilient, values-driven digital ecosystems.

A Curriculum That Integrates Technology, Theology, and Strategy

Foundations of Cybersecurity (CDS 501)

The program begins with a comprehensive study of cybersecurity principles, exploring the foundations of confidentiality, integrity, and availability within digital infrastructures. Students analyze how cyber threats impact faith institutions differently, building a strong foundation for advanced learning.

Theological Perspectives on Cybersecurity (CDS 502)

In this unique course, students explore the ethical and spiritual dimensions of cybersecurity. How do theology, stewardship, and pastoral responsibility shape digital protection? What does it mean to defend a ministry’s digital presence with integrity? This course sets the moral tone for the program.

Risk Management in Faith-Based Cybersecurity (CDS 503)

Students learn how to identify, assess, and prioritize risks that specifically affect religious organizations. Topics include financial fraud prevention, donor data security, and safeguarding pastoral communications.

Cybersecurity Governance and Compliance (CDS 504)

As faith organizations adapt to global compliance requirements, students study governance structures, policy creation, and legal considerations relevant to ministries, churches, religious charities, and international missions.

Advanced Technical and Strategic Mastery

Cyber Threat Intelligence and Analysis (CDS 505)

Learners analyze threats targeting faith-based institutions, including ransomware, identity theft, fraud, and ideological attacks. Students develop threat intelligence reports tailored to ministry leaders.

Cybersecurity Strategies for Faith-Based Organizations (CDS 506)

This course equips students to design holistic defense strategies—from secure operations management to strategic resource planning.

Secure Communication in Faith-Based Cyber Defense (CDS 507)

Students explore tools and technologies for safeguarding private pastoral conversations, counseling records, and internal communications essential to ministry operations.

Digital Forensics for Faith-Based Organizations (CDS 511)

This hands-on course trains students to collect and analyze digital evidence ethically, supporting ministries in incident response, investigations, and crisis communication.

Leadership for a New Generation of Cyber Defenders

Advanced Faith-Based Cyber Defense Techniques (CDS 509)

Students master the technical skills needed to counter sophisticated attacks and fortify digital infrastructures.

Cybersecurity Leadership in Faith-Based Contexts (CDS 510)

This leadership-focused course helps students understand how to guide teams, build resilient digital cultures, and inspire trust within faith communities.

Capstone Experience: Real Cyber Solutions for Real Ministries

Capstone Project in Faith-Based Cyber Defense and Strategy (CAP 523)

The program culminates in a six-credit capstone where students design and execute a major cybersecurity project for a real or simulated faith-based organization. This project may include risk assessments, cybersecurity audits, strategy development, or digital infrastructure upgrades.

The capstone demonstrates mastery, leadership, and practical impact—making graduates highly competitive in cybersecurity roles across diverse faith institutions.

Why Students Choose This Program

Students choose the M.S. in Faith-Based Cyber Defense and Strategy because it is academically rigorous, uniquely mission-driven, and astonishingly relevant to the real challenges facing modern ministries. They graduate as leaders who can protect digital spaces, empower teams, and serve communities with excellence and compassion.

Ebed-Melech University has built a program that blends faith, technology, and strategy into a transformative educational experience. For students seeking purpose-driven cybersecurity careers, there is truly nothing like it.

Take the Next Step:

👉Prospective students who feel called to this journey can begin the application process here
👉 Explore Our Master’s Programs