Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Public Safety (Specialization in Emergency Preparedness)

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

A.A. in Faith-Based Public Safety

Total program length

60 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years

General education

18 credit hours

Faith-Based Public Safety core

30 credit hours

Professional application courses

9 credit hours

Capstone requirement

3 credit hours

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Public Safety with a specialization in Emergency Preparedness offers a comprehensive foundation in the critical principles of disaster management, risk assessment, and public policy within a framework of ethical stewardship. Students engage with the academic disciplines of sociology, criminal justice, and emergency management to develop a nuanced understanding of how community safety initiatives are designed and deployed. The curriculum emphasizes the intersection of technical proficiency and humanitarian service, preparing graduates to address the complexities of emergency response through the lens of community resilience and proactive planning.

Beyond theoretical grounding, the program provides practical insights into organizational coordination, legislative compliance, and community outreach. By examining both national protocols and local operational needs, students learn to synthesize academic theory with practical application, ensuring they are well-equipped to support the resilience of their neighborhoods. The program maintains a focus on the ethical dimensions of public safety, encouraging students to consider the moral responsibilities inherent in managing public resources and safeguarding the vulnerable.

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Public Safety (Specialization in Emergency Preparedness) provides a comprehensive foundational study in public safety protocols integrated with a biblical worldview. The curriculum explores human development, effective communication strategies, organizational ethics, community resource management, and supportive service practices necessary for individuals preparing for roles within faith-based safety and emergency management contexts.

Program Details

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

General education | 18 credit hours

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

Capstone Project

• 4
• RES200, CRJ250
• CRJ280 — Emergency Response Systems: An in-depth look at the infrastructure of emergency services, including interoperability and communication networks. Students analyze case studies of successful community disaster coordination. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT230 — Nonprofit Resource Management: A practical study of resource acquisition, financial stewardship, and operational logistics in a nonprofit setting. The course focuses on maximizing impact through efficient planning. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HUM250 — Cultural Awareness in Public Safety: Explores the significance of cultural competence in delivering public services to diverse communities. Students study the barriers to communication and social equity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP299 — Capstone Project: The capstone project serves as the culminating integration of theory and practice, requiring students to develop an emergency preparedness plan for a real-world community partner. Students synthesize coursework in risk management, ethics, and leadership to propose actionable community safety strategies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Capstone requirement | 3 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG101 | College Composition | 3 | None
• SOC105 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• CRJ110 | Introduction to Public Safety | 3 | None
• THE101 | Foundations of Ethical Inquiry | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MAT120 | Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | None
• PSY110 | Foundations of Human Behavior | 3 | None
• CRJ215 | Crisis Management Fundamentals | 4 | CRJ110
• MIN200 | Leadership and Servant Stewardship | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM220 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 | None
• CRJ250 | Hazard Analysis and Mitigation | 4 | CRJ215
• HIS210 | History of Public Policy and Reform | 3 | None
• RES200 | Introduction to Community Research | 3 | MAT120
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CRJ280 | Emergency Response Systems | 4 | CRJ250
• MGT230 | Nonprofit Resource Management | 3 | None
• HUM250 | Cultural Awareness in Public Safety | 3 | SOC105
• CAP299 | Capstone Project | 4 | RES200, CRJ250

Career Opportunities

• Community Emergency Response Team Coordinator
• Faith-Based Nonprofit Disaster Relief Manager
• Local Government Public Safety Liaison
• Nonprofit Operations Safety Specialist
• Public Policy Advocacy Assistant
• Community Outreach and Preparedness Director
• Emergency Management Program Associate

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 Public Safety
• Total program length | 60 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years