Master of Arts in Humanitarian Aid & Disaster Response with a Minor in Biblical Studies

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Humanitarian Aid & Disaster Response

Total program length

48 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced humanitarian aid & disaster response core

15 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 Humanitarian Aid & Disaster Response with a Minor in Biblical Studies prepares students to address complex global challenges through a rigorous interdisciplinary approach anchored in a robust Christian worldview. Students explore theoretical frameworks and practical field skills, learning to respond to crises through the lens of biblical stewardship, ethical reasoning, and a profound commitment to servant leadership. Throughout this 48-credit program, learners engage in in-depth coursework and simulations designed to foster both professional competency and intentional spiritual formation. This curriculum equips graduates to serve as agents of restoration, merging technical humanitarian principles with a compassionate, biblically informed understanding of the diverse cultural and spiritual contexts they encounter.

The 48-credit master's program provides advanced preparation in Humanitarian Aid & Disaster Response theory, human behavior, ethics, assessment awareness, research, program evaluation, crisis response, leadership, referral, and humanitarian aid & disaster response-support services.

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A 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 48-credit requirement is an institutional academic standard that exceeds that minimum.

Program Details

• Total Credits: 48
• Duration: 2 years
• Degree Level: Master

Capstone Seminar

• 3
• None
• TS PUBH 5497 — Global Health: Global HealthThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• TS GEOG 5530 — GIS for Disaster Response: GIS for Disaster ResponseThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• TS POLS 5620 — Research Design: Research DesignThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• TS HADR 5999 — Capstone Seminar: Capstone SeminarThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The capstone project serves as the final culmination of the student’s academic and spiritual journey, requiring the design and execution of a comprehensive humanitarian initiative. This project must demonstrate the holistic integration of advanced technical knowledge with a biblically informed ethical framework, reflecting the student’s dedication to servant leadership and moral integrity. Through this research-based or applied project, candidates analyze a specific disaster response scenario, proposing sustainable solutions that honor the imago Dei—the inherent dignity of the human person—and align with the principles of responsible biblical stewardship. The final presentation evaluates the candidate's capacity to synthesize specialized field expertise with their ongoing spiritual formation, ensuring they are prepared to advocate for the vulnerable while operating within a transformative Christian worldview.

Career Opportunities

• Disaster Response Coordinator
• Humanitarian Program Manager
• NGO Field Officer
• Emergency Management Specialist
• Crisis Intervention Specialist
• International Development Consultant
• Faith-Based Humanitarian 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 Humanitarian Aid & Disaster Response
• Total program length | 48 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced humanitarian aid & disaster response core | 15 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
• TS BIB 680 | Old Testament Foundations | 3 | None
• TS BIB 681 | New Testament Foundations | 3 | None
• TS BIB 682 | Biblical Ethics & Social Justice | 3 | None
• TS BIB 683 | Scripture & Humanitarian Action | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• TS BIB 684 | Theology of Compassion & Service | 3 | None
• TS INTS 5000 | Humanitarian Affairs Seminar | 3 | None
• TS POLS 5010 | Disaster Response Topics | 3 | None
• TS POLS 5322 | Human Security | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• TS PUBH 5406 | Law & Public Health | 3 | None
• TS PUBH 5411 | Public Health Practice | 3 | None
• TS PUBH 5414 | Health Economics | 3 | None
• TS PUBH 5419 | Public Health Agencies | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• TS PUBH 5497 | Global Health | 3 | None
• TS GEOG 5530 | GIS for Disaster Response | 3 | None
• TS POLS 5620 | Research Design | 3 | None
• TS HADR 5999 | Capstone Seminar | 3 | None