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

Academic unitHBIU College of Business and EconomicsTotal credits120Estimated duration4 years

Program Overview

Official program overview

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Disaster Management

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-based disaster management core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Disaster Management with a specialization in Crisis Response Humanitarian Aid is designed to provide students with a robust academic framework for navigating the complexities of emergency relief. Through a rigorous examination of logistics, organizational behavior, and humanitarian principles, students develop the analytical skills necessary to lead effectively during periods of instability. The program emphasizes the intersection of professional management practices and the ethical commitment to service, preparing graduates to operate within diverse local and international relief landscapes.

Students will engage with curriculum that bridges the gap between academic theory and practical field application. By analyzing case studies, environmental impacts, and resource allocation strategies, learners gain a deep understanding of the systemic needs of vulnerable populations. The degree cultivates a foundation of stewardship and civic responsibility, ensuring that graduates possess the character and competence to lead with integrity in complex human service environments.

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Disaster Management combines a robust liberal arts foundation with comprehensive study in disaster management theory, behavioral science, human development, ethics, research methods, crisis awareness, social service referral, program development, and community-based support. This integrated curriculum is designed to equip students with the theoretical and practical competencies necessary to serve effectively within faith-based humanitarian organizations and non-profit settings.

Florida's current standard establishes a minimum of 120 semester credits for a bachelor's degree and at least 30 general-education credits for a Bachelor of Arts. This curriculum exceeds the general-education minimum.

Program Facts

Program facts

Degree abbreviation
B.A. in Faith-Based Disaster Management
Total program length
120 semester credit hours
Normal completion time
Four academic years
General education
36 credit hours
Professional application courses
15 credit hours
Capstone requirement
6 credit hours
Academic unit
HBIU College of Business and Economics
Total credits
120
Duration
4 years

Program Description

Official program description

Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes

  • Analyze the complex systemic factors contributing to humanitarian crises in diverse cultural and geographical contexts.
  • Evaluate standard operating procedures for large-scale disaster response and logistics coordination.
  • Apply principles of servant leadership and ethical decision-making to real-world community development scenarios.
  • Design comprehensive resource management plans that prioritize stewardship and long-term organizational sustainability.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in communicating humanitarian data to stakeholders within faith-based and secular organizations.
  • Integrate a Christian worldview into the development of policies that address human suffering and community resilience.
  • Evaluate the impact of diverse humanitarian aid models on the recovery trajectories of impacted communities.
  • Course Outline
  • Semester 1 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • ENG101
  • Academic Writing and Rhetoric
  • 4
  • None
  • SOC105
  • Introduction to Sociology
  • 3
  • None
  • HIS110
  • Western Civilization and Ethics
  • 3
  • None
  • SOC101
  • Introduction to Global Perspectives
  • 3
  • None
  • ENG101 — Academic Writing and Rhetoric: Students develop essential skills in formal academic writing, research methodology, and evidence-based argumentation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • SOC105 — Introduction to Sociology: This course examines the social structures and processes that influence human interaction and community dynamics. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • HIS110 — Western Civilization and Ethics: An exploration of historical events and their ongoing ethical implications for modern society. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • SOC101 — Introduction to Global Perspectives: This course examines diverse societal frameworks and cultural ideologies that influence humanitarian relief efforts. Students analyze the impact of cross-cultural values on local and global community development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 2 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • MAT120
  • Quantitative Reasoning
  • 3
  • None
  • COM150
  • Professional Communication
  • 3
  • ENG101
  • PSY110
  • Developmental Psychology
  • 3
  • None
  • BUS105
  • Principles of Management
  • 4
  • None
  • MAT120 — Quantitative Reasoning: A focus on data analysis, statistical interpretation, and mathematical models for decision-making. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • COM150 — Professional Communication: Development of interpersonal and professional communication strategies for diverse organizational settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • PSY110 — Developmental Psychology: Study of the physical, cognitive, and social development of individuals across the lifespan. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS105 — Principles of Management: Foundational study of organizational planning, structure, leadership, and operational control. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 3 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • CRJ201
  • Crisis Management Fundamentals
  • 3
  • BUS105
  • MGT210
  • Nonprofit Resource Management
  • 3
  • BUS105
  • HUM205
  • Cultural Competency in Humanitarian Aid
  • 3
  • SOC105
  • RES200
  • Research Methods for Social Impact
  • 4
  • MAT120
  • CRJ201 — Crisis Management Fundamentals: An introduction to the tactical and strategic response to large-scale crisis incidents. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MGT210 — Nonprofit Resource Management: Strategies for the ethical stewardship of human, financial, and material resources in non-profit contexts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • HUM205 — Cultural Competency in Humanitarian Aid: Examination of cultural variables and their influence on disaster relief efforts and community engagement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • RES200 — Research Methods for Social Impact: Application of qualitative and quantitative research techniques for measuring program efficacy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 4 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • CRJ250
  • Emergency Logistics and Supply Chain
  • 3
  • CRJ201
  • MGT240
  • Organizational Leadership and Ethics
  • 3
  • BUS105
  • EDU220
  • Community Education and Outreach
  • 3
  • COM150
  • SOC210
  • Community Engagement and Volunteerism
  • 4
  • THE101
  • CRJ250 — Emergency Logistics and Supply Chain: A study of supply chain dynamics specifically adapted for disaster response environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MGT240 — Organizational Leadership and Ethics: Deep dive into servant leadership models and ethical frameworks for organizational management. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • EDU220 — Community Education and Outreach: Designing educational programs to increase community resilience and disaster awareness. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • SOC210 — Community Engagement and Volunteerism: This course explores the sociological role of volunteer-driven service within local communities and nonprofit sectors. Students analyze patterns of civic engagement and strategies for sustaining non-governmental community initiatives. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 5 — Year 3
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • CRJ310
  • Disaster Mitigation Strategies
  • 3
  • CRJ250
  • MGT320
  • Financial Stewardship in Aid Organizations
  • 3
  • MGT210
  • SOC305
  • Sociology of Disasters
  • 3
  • SOC105
  • BIO350
  • Environmental Health in Emergencies
  • 4
  • None
  • CRJ310 — Disaster Mitigation Strategies: Proactive planning and structural risk reduction in vulnerable populations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MGT320 — Financial Stewardship in Aid Organizations: Fiscal management, accountability, and reporting standards for humanitarian institutions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • SOC305 — Sociology of Disasters: The sociological impacts of catastrophic events on community cohesion and recovery. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BIO350 — Environmental Health in Emergencies: Assessing environmental risks and health factors following large-scale natural disasters. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 6 — Year 3
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • CRJ350
  • International Humanitarian Policy
  • 3
  • CRJ201
  • MGT360
  • Human Resource Management in Crises
  • 3
  • MGT240
  • COM330
  • Crisis Communications
  • 3
  • COM150
  • MIN300
  • Servant Leadership in Practice
  • 4
  • MGT240
  • CRJ350 — International Humanitarian Policy: Analyzing international laws and policies governing cross-border disaster response. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MGT360 — Human Resource Management in Crises: The dynamics of managing personnel and volunteers under intense operational pressure. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • COM330 — Crisis Communications: Communication strategies for disseminating critical information during active crisis events. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MIN300 — Servant Leadership in Practice: Case study analysis focusing on the application of servant leadership within professional aid organizations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 7 — Year 4
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • CRJ410
  • Advanced Humanitarian Coordination
  • 3
  • CRJ310
  • MGT450
  • Nonprofit Governance and Law
  • 3
  • MGT320
  • RES400
  • Professional Field Study
  • 3
  • RES200
  • HUM420
  • Ethical Reasoning in Global Crises
  • 4
  • HUM205
  • CRJ410 — Advanced Humanitarian Coordination: Synthesis of inter-agency cooperation and resource sharing protocols for high-level operations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MGT450 — Nonprofit Governance and Law: The legal and governance landscapes affecting tax-exempt aid organizations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • RES400 — Professional Field Study: A structured observation and analysis of humanitarian operations in a professional setting. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • HUM420 — Ethical Reasoning in Global Crises: Evaluating complex ethical dilemmas in global health, relief, and policy decisions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 8 — Year 4
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • CAP490
  • Senior Capstone Project
  • 4
  • Senior standing
  • MGT480
  • Strategic Program Planning
  • 3
  • MGT360
  • CRJ495
  • Field Operation Simulations
  • 3
  • CRJ410
  • BUS450
  • Professional Ethics and Organizational Values
  • 3
  • CHR210
  • CAP490 — Senior Capstone Project: Culminating project requiring synthesis of research, management strategy, and ethical reflection. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MGT480 — Strategic Program Planning: Long-term organizational strategy development for sustainable humanitarian impact. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • CRJ495 — Field Operation Simulations: Hands-on application of decision-making frameworks through high-fidelity crisis scenarios. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS450 — Professional Ethics and Organizational Values: This course examines the role of organizational mission statements and ethical decision-making in the management of non-governmental organizations. Emphasis is placed on aligning organizational operations with humanitarian standards and public accountability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Admission Requirements

Admission and entry requirements

Prospective students must possess a high school diploma or an equivalent state-recognized high school equivalency credential with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants are required to submit official academic transcripts, a personal statement detailing their commitment to ethical service, and two letters of recommendation from professional or academic references. Candidates demonstrating the potential for academic success and a dedication to the university's mission of community-focused service are prioritized during the holistic review process. Senior Capstone Project The Senior Capstone Project serves as the culminating scholarly endeavor, requiring students to synthesize four years of academic study into a comprehensive management strategy for a hypothetical or real-world disaster relief scenario. This project demands that students apply rigorous analytical tools to evaluate humanitarian needs while integrating a Christian worldview to address the moral dimensions of crisis response. Students must provide a detailed delivery plan that incorporates principles of servant leadership and stewardship of resources. Deliverables for the project include a 30-page analytical report, a formal presentation of findings, and a strategic action plan demonstrating adherence to professional standards and ethical guidelines. Through this work, students demonstrate the capacity to integrate their spiritual formation with technical expertise, showcasing a matured character prepared for professional service. The project is weighted at 4 credit hours and serves as the final assessment of the student's ability to operate with integrity in the humanitarian sector.

Protected Curriculum

Complete program outline available after verification

Graduation Requirements

Graduation and completion requirements

  • To graduate with the Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Disaster Management, students must complete a minimum of 120 credit hours with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0. All core and specialization coursework must be successfully passed, and the Senior Capstone Project must be completed to a faculty-approved standard. Additionally, students are expected to maintain active participation in the university’s spiritual formation programming, which includes regular chapel attendance and the completion of 40 hours of approved community service.
  • Graduation represents not only academic attainment but also the cultivation of spiritual maturity and ethical integrity. Students must demonstrate that they have internalized the values of the institution through consistent engagement with community service and leadership development activities. Completion of these requirements signifies that the graduate is prepared to contribute to the common good through faith-informed service and professional excellence.
  • Career Opportunities
  • Humanitarian Program Coordinator
  • Emergency Management Specialist
  • Nonprofit Operations Manager
  • Community Recovery Liaison
  • Resource Development Officer
  • Faith-Based Relief Organization Director
  • International Aid Logistics Specialist
  • 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 | B.A. in Faith-Based Disaster Management
  • Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Four academic years
  • General education | 36 credit hours
  • Faith-based disaster management core | 63 credit hours
  • Professional application courses | 15 credit hours
  • Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • ENG101 | Academic Writing and Rhetoric | 4 | None
  • SOC105 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
  • HIS110 | Western Civilization and Ethics | 3 | None
  • SOC101 | Introduction to Global Perspectives | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • MAT120 | Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | None
  • COM150 | Professional Communication | 3 | ENG101
  • PSY110 | Developmental Psychology | 3 | None
  • BUS105 | Principles of Management | 4 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CRJ201 | Crisis Management Fundamentals | 3 | BUS105
  • MGT210 | Nonprofit Resource Management | 3 | BUS105
  • HUM205 | Cultural Competency in Humanitarian Aid | 3 | SOC105
  • RES200 | Research Methods for Social Impact | 4 | MAT120
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CRJ250 | Emergency Logistics and Supply Chain | 3 | CRJ201
  • MGT240 | Organizational Leadership and Ethics | 3 | BUS105
  • EDU220 | Community Education and Outreach | 3 | COM150
  • SOC210 | Community Engagement and Volunteerism | 4 | THE101
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CRJ310 | Disaster Mitigation Strategies | 3 | CRJ250
  • MGT320 | Financial Stewardship in Aid Organizations | 3 | MGT210
  • SOC305 | Sociology of Disasters | 3 | SOC105
  • BIO350 | Environmental Health in Emergencies | 4 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CRJ350 | International Humanitarian Policy | 3 | CRJ201
  • MGT360 | Human Resource Management in Crises | 3 | MGT240
  • COM330 | Crisis Communications | 3 | COM150
  • MIN300 | Servant Leadership in Practice | 4 | MGT240
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CRJ410 | Advanced Humanitarian Coordination | 3 | CRJ310
  • MGT450 | Nonprofit Governance and Law | 3 | MGT320
  • RES400 | Professional Field Study | 3 | RES200
  • HUM420 | Ethical Reasoning in Global Crises | 4 | HUM205
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CAP490 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | Senior standing
  • MGT480 | Strategic Program Planning | 3 | MGT360
  • CRJ495 | Field Operation Simulations | 3 | CRJ410
  • BUS450 | Professional Ethics and Organizational Values | 3 | CHR210

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

  • Humanitarian Program Coordinator
  • Emergency Management Specialist
  • Nonprofit Operations Manager
  • Community Recovery Liaison
  • Resource Development Officer
  • Faith-Based Relief Organization Director
  • International Aid Logistics Specialist

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 | B.A. in Faith-Based Disaster Management
  • Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Four academic years