Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Meteorology (Specialization in Climate Change, Disaster Relief)

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

A.A. in Faith-Based Meteorology

Total program length

60 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years

General education

18 credit hours

Faith-Based Meteorology core

30 credit hours

Professional application courses

9 credit hours

Capstone requirement

3 credit hours

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Meteorology offers a rigorous foundation in atmospheric science, disaster management, and climate dynamics, integrated with a commitment to ethical stewardship and community resilience. The curriculum balances scientific principles with social science applications, ensuring students understand the intersection of environmental change and the vulnerabilities of local populations. By emphasizing scientific literacy alongside compassionate community service, the program prepares individuals to address climate-related challenges through a lens of service and responsibility. Students are encouraged to develop a professional identity grounded in the principles of integrity and stewardship, facilitating their ability to serve in diverse community contexts where environmental sustainability and crisis mitigation are paramount.

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Meteorology provides students with foundational study in the mechanics of climate change, disaster relief logistics, and the ethical implications of environmental stewardship. This program integrates rigorous scientific inquiry with theological reflection, preparing individuals to engage in human development, effective communication, and the strategic distribution of community resources. Through specialized coursework and supportive service practices, graduates are equipped to address the intersections of atmospheric science and human need within a faith-centered framework.

Program Details

• Total Credits: 60
• Duration: 2 years
• Degree Level: Associate

General education | 18 credit hours

• Faith-Based Meteorology core | 30 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 9 credit hours

Capstone: Disaster Mitigation Project

• 4
• RES200, MET210, SOC230
• MGT210
• Nonprofit Administration
• 3
• None
• MET250
• Meteorological Data Visualization
• 3
• RES200
• HIS220
• Global Environmental History
• 3
• None
• CAP299 — Capstone: Disaster Mitigation Project: Practical implementation of research and strategy to solve a localized climate risk. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT210 — Nonprofit Administration: Foundations of managing nonprofit organizations, focusing on operations and ethical governance. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MET250 — Meteorological Data Visualization: Application of software tools to map weather trends and share findings with communities. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS220 — Global Environmental History: Historical perspective on environmental change and its impact on human civilization. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Capstone requirement | 3 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BIO101 | Earth Science Foundations | 4 | None
• ENG101 | College Composition | 3 | None
• PHI101 | Foundations of Environmental Ethics | 3 | None
• MAT110 | Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MET150 | Introduction to Meteorology | 4 | BIO101
• SOC120 | Sociology of Community Development | 3 | None
• COM105 | Public Communication | 3 | ENG101
• MIN110 | Servant Leadership Principles | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MET210 | Climate Change Science | 4 | MET150
• SOC230 | Disaster Management and Relief | 3 | SOC120
• RES200 | Research Methods | 3 | MAT110
• ENV205 | Principles of Environmental Stewardship | 3 | THE101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP299 | Capstone: Disaster Mitigation Project | 4 | RES200, MET210, SOC230
• MGT210 | Nonprofit Administration | 3 | None
• MET250 | Meteorological Data Visualization | 3 | RES200
• HIS220 | Global Environmental History | 3 | None

Career Opportunities

• Emergency Management Coordinator
• Community Outreach Specialist
• Nonprofit Disaster Relief Liaison
• Environmental Policy Analyst
• Climate Education Coordinator
• Faith-Based Aid Administrator
• Geographic Information System Assistant

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 | A.A. in Faith-Based Meteorology
• Total program length | 60 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years