← Programs CatalogAuthoritative HBIU program data

degree · Master · v1

Master of Arts in Faith-Based Disaster Management, Crisis Response Humanitarian Aid

Academic unitHBIU College of Business and EconomicsTotal credits60Estimated duration2 years

Program Overview

Official program overview

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Disaster Management, Crisis Response Humanitarian Aid

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced disaster management, crisis response, and humanitarian aid 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 Arts in Faith-Based Disaster Management, Crisis Response, and Humanitarian Aid is a specialized graduate program designed to equip leaders with the theoretical framework and practical skill sets necessary to serve vulnerable populations during times of crisis. The curriculum balances organizational management, logistics, and psychosocial support strategies with the ethical considerations inherent in mission-driven service. Students engage in rigorous academic inquiry regarding global disaster resilience, resource allocation, and the complexities of international aid coordination. By integrating professional management methodologies with a commitment to compassionate stewardship, the program develops leaders who are capable of navigating the logistical and moral challenges of large-scale humanitarian response. The program emphasizes the role of community-based entities in fostering long-term recovery and systemic resilience. Through research, case analysis, and collaborative field-based simulations, participants examine the intersection of institutional administration and humanitarian ethics. Graduates are prepared to serve as effective administrators, coordinators, and strategic planners who can lead organizations with integrity, wisdom, and technical precision.

The 60-credit master's program provides advanced preparation in faith-based disaster management, crisis response humanitarian aid theory, human behavior, ethics, assessment awareness, research, program evaluation, crisis response, leadership, referral, and faith-based disaster management, crisis response humanitarian aid-support services.

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based disaster management, crisis response humanitarian aid-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.A. in Faith-Based Disaster Management, Crisis Response Humanitarian Aid
Total program length
60 graduate semester credit hours
Normal completion time
Two academic years of full-time study
Academic unit
HBIU College of Business and Economics
Total credits
60
Duration
2 years

Program Description

Official program description

Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes

  • Evaluate the logistical, economic, and sociopolitical frameworks that dictate the effectiveness of international and domestic disaster response operations.
  • Design comprehensive crisis management strategies that prioritize the safety, dignity, and long-term wellbeing of displaced or affected populations.
  • Apply principles of servant leadership and ethical organizational governance to the challenges of resource management and inter-agency collaboration.
  • Analyze the socioeconomic and cultural factors that influence community vulnerability and resilience in diverse geographic contexts.
  • Demonstrate advanced proficiency in humanitarian project lifecycle management, including assessment, planning, implementation, and rigorous evaluation.
  • Synthesize institutional mission, ethical integrity, and academic research to address contemporary dilemmas in humanitarian intervention.
  • Course Outline
  • Semester 1 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • MGT501
  • Organizational Leadership and Ethics
  • 4
  • None
  • RES505
  • Research Methods for Humanitarian Aid
  • 4
  • None
  • SOC510
  • Community Resilience and Vulnerability
  • 3
  • None
  • PUB520
  • Public Resource Management and Service Delivery
  • 4
  • None
  • MGT501 — Organizational Leadership and Ethics: This course examines leadership theories and their application in nonprofit organizational contexts. It explores ethical decision-making frameworks within a service-oriented environment. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • RES505 — Research Methods for Humanitarian Aid: Students learn to design, implement, and analyze research to support humanitarian decision-making. Topics include data collection in resource-constrained environments and ethical research practices. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • SOC510 — Community Resilience and Vulnerability: This course explores the sociopolitical and economic factors contributing to community vulnerability during disasters. Strategies for strengthening local capacity are analyzed. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • PUB520 — Public Resource Management and Service Delivery: This course explores strategies for the sustainable management of public resources and the effective delivery of community services. Students examine frameworks for resource allocation and impact assessment in social sectors. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 2 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • MGT530
  • Disaster Logistics and Supply Chain Management
  • 4
  • MGT501
  • CRJ540
  • Crisis Response and Emergency Management
  • 4
  • RES505
  • COM550
  • Communications and Public Policy in Crises
  • 3
  • None
  • BUS560
  • Nonprofit Financial Management
  • 4
  • MGT501
  • MGT530 — Disaster Logistics and Supply Chain Management: This course covers the complexities of procuring and transporting goods in crisis settings. Emphasis is placed on inventory management and inter-agency coordination. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • CRJ540 — Crisis Response and Emergency Management: This course provides an overview of emergency management phases and incident command structures. Students apply simulation techniques to real-world crisis scenarios. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • COM550 — Communications and Public Policy in Crises: Students develop strategies for effective communication with stakeholders during disaster response. The course also examines how public policy impacts humanitarian relief operations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS560 — Nonprofit Financial Management: Focuses on financial accountability, grant procurement, and budgeting for humanitarian projects. Students learn to manage donor funding with high standards of stewardship. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 3 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • MGT610
  • Strategic Human Resource Planning
  • 4
  • MGT501
  • HUM620
  • International Humanitarian Law and Ethics
  • 3
  • THE520
  • PSY630
  • Psychological First Aid and Community Well-being
  • 4
  • SOC510
  • MGT640
  • Advanced Project Management
  • 3
  • BUS560
  • MGT610 — Strategic Human Resource Planning: This course covers the recruitment, training, and management of humanitarian staff and volunteers. It emphasizes the importance of psychosocial support and leadership stability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • HUM620 — International Humanitarian Law and Ethics: An analysis of the international frameworks governing human rights and humanitarian intervention. It addresses the ethical dilemmas inherent in field operations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • PSY630 — Psychological First Aid and Community Well-being: This course introduces evidence-based approaches to providing initial support during crises. Students learn to address trauma within communities through an empathetic, servant-leadership approach. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MGT640 — Advanced Project Management: Students master the lifecycle of humanitarian projects from assessment to post-project evaluation. Tools for project tracking and reporting are utilized. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 4 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • CAP690
  • Humanitarian Capstone Project
  • 4
  • RES505, MGT640
  • MGT650
  • Program Evaluation and Sustainability
  • 3
  • RES505
  • BUS660
  • Global Humanitarian Partnerships
  • 3
  • COM550
  • LDR670
  • Organizational Leadership and Professional Development
  • 3
  • THE520
  • CAP690 — Humanitarian Capstone Project: This culminating project requires students to design a comprehensive intervention for a real-world humanitarian challenge. The project integrates faith-based ethical standards with professional operational strategy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MGT650 — Program Evaluation and Sustainability: Students learn to measure the long-term impact of humanitarian programs and foster organizational sustainability. The course focuses on accountability and improvement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS660 — Global Humanitarian Partnerships: Explores the dynamics of cross-sector collaboration between local, national, and international aid agencies. Focuses on networking and resource synergy for maximized impact. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • LDR670 — Organizational Leadership and Professional Development: This course analyzes leadership theories and the cultivation of professional competencies necessary for managing complex humanitarian environments. Students assess personal leadership styles and strategies for fostering organizational growth and integrity. 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. Candidates are required to submit a statement of purpose outlining their professional goals and commitment to community service, along with three letters of professional or academic recommendation. Proficiency in English and a demonstrated interest in the intersection of humanitarian aid and organizational management are essential for successful program candidacy. Thesis or Capstone Project The Master’s Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic experience, requiring students to conduct an original, field-integrated analysis of a specific challenge in disaster management or humanitarian relief. Students must propose a strategic solution or programmatic framework that addresses an urgent need within an existing organizational setting, demonstrating their ability to synthesize theoretical knowledge with practical application. The project requires a formal written report and a defense that illustrates professional competency and critical problem-solving skills. Substantively, the project mandates the integration of a Christian worldview, focusing on the concepts of biblical stewardship, ethical decision-making, and servant leadership. Students must articulate how their proposed humanitarian interventions uphold the dignity of the individual and reflect an ongoing commitment to spiritual formation and moral integrity. By bridging the gap between technical efficacy and faith-informed character, the capstone demonstrates that the graduate is prepared to lead with both competence and a commitment to serving the common good through faith-based initiatives.

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 complete all core and elective coursework, including the final capstone project, with a passing grade. Academic progress is monitored for both intellectual rigor and personal character development, reflecting the institution's commitment to cultivating leaders of integrity.
  • Beyond academic requirements, students are expected to participate in scheduled spiritual formation activities, including community service and engagement sessions that foster a culture of service. Graduation signifies that the student has not only achieved mastery in their discipline but has also demonstrated the maturity and ethical commitment necessary to operate within faith-based, nonprofit, and humanitarian contexts. The degree is conferred upon those who have shown a dedication to the mission of service, demonstrating that their academic journey has been grounded in both professional capability and a profound sense of calling to community stewardship.
  • Career Opportunities
  • Director of Humanitarian Operations
  • Disaster Relief Program Coordinator
  • Emergency Management Strategic Planner
  • Nonprofit Organizational Consultant
  • International Development Project Manager
  • Faith-Based Community Resilience Liaison
  • Humanitarian Resource Development Officer
  • 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.A. in Faith-Based Disaster Management, Crisis Response Humanitarian Aid
  • Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
  • Advanced disaster management, crisis response, and humanitarian aid 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
  • MGT501 | Organizational Leadership and Ethics | 4 | None
  • RES505 | Research Methods for Humanitarian Aid | 4 | None
  • SOC510 | Community Resilience and Vulnerability | 3 | None
  • PUB520 | Public Resource Management and Service Delivery | 4 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • MGT530 | Disaster Logistics and Supply Chain Management | 4 | MGT501
  • CRJ540 | Crisis Response and Emergency Management | 4 | RES505
  • COM550 | Communications and Public Policy in Crises | 3 | None
  • BUS560 | Nonprofit Financial Management | 4 | MGT501
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • MGT610 | Strategic Human Resource Planning | 4 | MGT501
  • HUM620 | International Humanitarian Law and Ethics | 3 | THE520
  • PSY630 | Psychological First Aid and Community Well-being | 4 | SOC510
  • MGT640 | Advanced Project Management | 3 | BUS560
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CAP690 | Humanitarian Capstone Project | 4 | RES505, MGT640
  • MGT650 | Program Evaluation and Sustainability | 3 | RES505
  • BUS660 | Global Humanitarian Partnerships | 3 | COM550
  • LDR670 | Organizational Leadership and Professional Development | 3 | THE520

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

  • Director of Humanitarian Operations
  • Disaster Relief Program Coordinator
  • Emergency Management Strategic Planner
  • Nonprofit Organizational Consultant
  • International Development Project Manager
  • Faith-Based Community Resilience Liaison
  • Humanitarian Resource Development Officer

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.A. in Faith-Based Disaster Management, Crisis Response Humanitarian Aid
  • Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
  • Advanced disaster management, crisis response, and humanitarian aid 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
  • MGT501 | Organizational Leadership and Ethics | 4 | None
  • RES505 | Research Methods for Humanitarian Aid | 4 | None
  • SOC510 | Community Resilience and Vulnerability | 3 | None
  • PUB520 | Public Resource Management and Service Delivery | 4 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • MGT530 | Disaster Logistics and Supply Chain Management | 4 | MGT501
  • CRJ540 | Crisis Response and Emergency Management | 4 | RES505
  • COM550 | Communications and Public Policy in Crises | 3 | None
  • BUS560 | Nonprofit Financial Management | 4 | MGT501
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • MGT610 | Strategic Human Resource Planning | 4 | MGT501
  • HUM620 | International Humanitarian Law and Ethics | 3 | THE520
  • PSY630 | Psychological First Aid and Community Well-being | 4 | SOC510
  • MGT640 | Advanced Project Management | 3 | BUS560
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CAP690 | Humanitarian Capstone Project | 4 | RES505, MGT640
  • MGT650 | Program Evaluation and Sustainability | 3 | RES505
  • BUS660 | Global Humanitarian Partnerships | 3 | COM550
  • LDR670 | Organizational Leadership and Professional Development | 3 | THE520