Master of Arts in Faith-Based Meteorology, Climate Change Disaster Relief

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Meteorology, Climate Change Disaster Relief

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Meteorology, Climate Change Disaster Relief 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 Meteorology and Climate Change Disaster Relief is a rigorous graduate program designed to integrate advanced atmospheric science with the logistical and ethical demands of community disaster response. Students engage with complex meteorological data and climate modeling to understand the impacts of extreme weather events on vulnerable populations globally. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based decision-making, providing students with the technical skills to address environmental instability while fostering a commitment to humanitarian service and community stewardship. By bridging scientific inquiry with the principles of service and ethics, this program prepares graduates to serve effectively in positions where meteorological expertise intersects with social responsibility. Scholars are encouraged to evaluate environmental challenges through a lens of compassion and long-term sustainability, ensuring that professional actions align with the highest standards of ethical practice in the nonprofit and humanitarian sectors.

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

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based meteorology, climate change disaster relief-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: Integrative Disaster Resiliency Project

• 4
• Completion of all core coursework
• MGT650
• Leadership in Humanitarian Organizations
• 4
• None
• SOC660
• Sustainable Community Development
• 4
• None
• PUB670
• Ethics and Professional Development in Public Service
• 3
• THE505
• CAP690 — Capstone: Integrative Disaster Resiliency Project: Students execute a comprehensive project applying all program competencies to a real-world humanitarian challenge. The project includes a formal report and defense that reflects academic and spiritual integration. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT650 — Leadership in Humanitarian Organizations: Examines models of servant leadership in the context of high-stress nonprofit operations. Students develop personal leadership philosophies centered on integrity and service. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC660 — Sustainable Community Development: A study of long-term strategies for building sustainable and resilient community infrastructure. Emphasis is placed on local empowerment and cultural sensitivity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PUB670 — Ethics and Professional Development in Public Service: This course examines the ethical frameworks and professional standards necessary for effective leadership in the public sector. Students explore the integration of organizational values with civic responsibility to enhance service delivery. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The Master’s Capstone Project represents the culminating academic achievement of the program, requiring students to synthesize their meteorological knowledge, disaster management training, and commitment to stewardship. Spanning 4 credit hours, this project necessitates the development of a comprehensive climate resiliency plan for a specific community or organization. Students must demonstrate technical proficiency in data analysis while articulating how their proposed interventions honor the dignity of the individuals served and uphold the principles of responsible environmental stewardship.
• Beyond technical performance, the capstone demands a formal reflection on the student's integration of faith-informed ethics and servant leadership. Deliverables include a formal scholarly report and a professional presentation that addresses the intersection of scientific application and moral obligation. This project serves as evidence of the student’s readiness to lead with character and competence, ensuring their work reflects a profound commitment to the welfare of their neighbor and the integrity of their professional calling.

Career Opportunities

• Disaster Relief Program Coordinator
• Climate Risk Management Consultant
• Nonprofit Atmospheric Data Analyst
• Community Resilience and Sustainability Director
• Humanitarian Aid Operations Specialist
• Faith-Based Environmental Policy Advisor

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 Meteorology, Climate Change Disaster Relief
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Meteorology, Climate Change Disaster Relief 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
• MET500 | Advanced Meteorological Systems | 4 | None
• SOC510 | Sociology of Disaster and Recovery | 4 | None
• RES520 | Research Methods in Environmental Science | 3 | None
• THE505 | Foundations of Ethical Stewardship | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MET515 | Climate Modeling and Forecasting | 4 | MET500
• MGT530 | Disaster Management and Logistics | 4 | None
• COU540 | Psychosocial Aspects of Crisis Response | 4 | None
• COM550 | Strategic Communication for Humanitarian Aid | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MET600 | Hazard Mitigation and Vulnerability Assessment | 4 | MET515
• BUS610 | Grant Writing and Nonprofit Resource Development | 4 | None
• HIS620 | Global Climate Policy and Environmental Justice | 4 | None
• EDU630 | Community Outreach and Training | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP690 | Capstone: Integrative Disaster Resiliency Project | 4 | Completion of all core coursework
• MGT650 | Leadership in Humanitarian Organizations | 4 | None
• SOC660 | Sustainable Community Development | 4 | None
• PUB670 | Ethics and Professional Development in Public Service | 3 | THE505