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

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

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

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced humanitarian aid and disaster response 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 Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Response provides a rigorous academic framework for professionals seeking to lead in complex global environments. This program integrates theoretical study in international development and logistics with the ethical foundations of stewardship, servant leadership, and compassionate engagement. Students explore the intersection of social systems, policy analysis, and humanitarian standards to address the diverse needs of vulnerable populations in the wake of systemic instability or natural disasters. The curriculum balances empirical research with field-ready practical applications, ensuring that graduates possess the analytical skills necessary to navigate the multidimensional challenges of modern humanitarian work. Emphasis is placed on cross-cultural competency, organizational resilience, and the strategic management of aid resources through an ethical lens that prioritizes human dignity and social justice.

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

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based humanitarian aid, disaster response-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 Details

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

Capstone Project

• 4
• All Core Courses
• HUM710
• Advanced Seminar in Humanitarian Law
• 4
• HUM500
• SOC720
• Sustainable Community Development
• 3
• SOC610
• HIS730
• History of Global Humanitarianism
• 3
• None
• CAP700 — Capstone Project: A culminating academic project requiring a field-based intervention or scholarly analysis of a specific humanitarian issue. Integrates all previous learning through a demonstration of ethics and technical competenceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• HUM710 — Advanced Seminar in Humanitarian Law: Engages students in a high-level review of international humanitarian law. Analyzes cases of legal application in conflict zones and disaster-affected regionsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SOC720 — Sustainable Community Development: Focuses on moving communities from dependency to autonomy through holistic development strategies. Emphasizes asset-based community development and long-term empowermentThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• HIS730 — History of Global Humanitarianism: A comprehensive survey of the history of humanitarian movements. Evaluates the shift from early charitable efforts to modern structured global humanitarianismThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The Capstone Project serves as the final integration of the program, requiring students to synthesize their research, ethical training, and technical expertise. Students must identify a specific humanitarian challenge and propose a project, policy, or operational intervention that demonstrates high-level academic inquiry and practical utility. This project requires the application of robust research methodologies, resulting in a substantial scholarly deliverable that serves as a contribution to the field of humanitarian aid. Through this project, students demonstrate their capacity to conduct independent research while maintaining a focus on systemic impact and long-term sustainability. The capstone is weighted at 4 credit hours, underscoring its role as the centerpiece of the graduate experience. Beyond academic rigor, the project serves as a demonstration of faith-informed character, requiring students to articulate how their proposed interventions honor the dignity of the community served and adhere to the principles of biblical stewardship and ethical integrity. By evaluating the socio-ethical implications of their work, students confirm their readiness to enter professional service with a commitment to both academic excellence and moral leadership.

Career Opportunities

• International Relief Program Manager
• Disaster Preparedness Coordinator
• Humanitarian Policy Analyst
• Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Operations Director
• Community Development Specialist
• Emergency Resource Logistics Lead
• Refugee Services Advocate

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 Humanitarian Aid, Disaster Response
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced humanitarian aid and disaster response 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
• HUM500 | Foundations of Humanitarianism | 4 | None
• RES510 | Research Methods in Social Sciences | 4 | None
• ETH520 | Ethics and Stewardship in Aid | 3 | None
• MGT530 | Organizational Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS600 | Disaster Response and Recovery | 4 | HUM500
• SOC610 | Social Systems and Marginalization | 4 | None
• BUS620 | Resource Allocation and Finance | 3 | None
• COM630 | Intercultural Communication | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HUM640 | International Policy and Development | 4 | HUM500
• RES650 | Advanced Data Analysis for Aid | 4 | RES510
• PSY660 | Psychosocial Support and Adaptive Resilience | 3 | None
• MGT670 | Collaborative Program Design | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP700 | Capstone Project | 4 | All Core Courses
• HUM710 | Advanced Seminar in Humanitarian Law | 4 | HUM500
• SOC720 | Sustainable Community Development | 3 | SOC610
• HIS730 | History of Global Humanitarianism | 3 | None