Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Risk Management, Specialization in Disaster Preparedness

Degree abbreviation

Ed.D. in Faith-Based Risk Management

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Three to six academic years, depending on approved transfer credit, enrollment status, academic progress, and completion of the doctoral project

Academic unit

HBIU College of Business and Economics

Total credits

120

Duration

3 years

• Analyze complex systemic risks within the framework of ethical stewardship and organizational sustainability.
• Evaluate disaster management models to enhance institutional resilience and community preparedness.
• Design sophisticated research projects that address contemporary challenges in risk mitigation and recovery.
• Demonstrate advanced servant leadership skills in the management of large-scale crisis intervention initiatives.
• Integrate Christian worldview principles into the strategic management of nonprofit and community-based organizational operations.
• Communicate complex risk assessments effectively to diverse stakeholder groups in professional and public contexts.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES701
• Advanced Research Methodology
• 3
• None
• MGT710
• Strategic Leadership in Crisis
• 3
• None
• CHR720
• Ethics and Stewardship in Risk Management
• 3
• None
• RES701 — Advanced Research Methodology: Students investigate quantitative and qualitative research designs applicable to risk management and organizational studies. The course emphasizes data collection, validity, and ethical considerations in research design. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT710 — Strategic Leadership in Crisis: This course examines leadership behaviors essential for guiding organizations through complex, high-risk scenarios. Emphasis is placed on servant leadership and effective team mobilization under stress. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CHR720 — Ethics and Stewardship in Risk Management: An investigation of ethical decision-making frameworks centered on the biblical concept of stewardship. Students evaluate the moral responsibilities of leaders managing resources in volatile environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RMG730
• Principles of Hazard Mitigation
• 3
• RES701
• DIS740
• Disaster Preparedness Planning
• 3
• RMG730
• RES750
• Advanced Statistical Analysis
• 3
• RES701
• BUS760
• Organizational Sustainability and Governance
• 3
• MGT710
• RMG730 — Principles of Hazard Mitigation: This course covers the systematic assessment of environmental and organizational hazards. Students design strategies to reduce vulnerability through proactive planning and resource allocation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• DIS740 — Disaster Preparedness Planning: A comprehensive analysis of planning protocols for large-scale disaster prevention and response. Students learn to integrate community resources into effective emergency action plans. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES750 — Advanced Statistical Analysis: Students apply advanced statistical techniques to evaluate risk metrics and disaster recovery effectiveness. The course utilizes software tools to interpret complex datasets accurately. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS760 — Organizational Sustainability and Governance: This course addresses the administrative structures required to maintain long-term organizational health during crises. It focuses on governance, financial transparency, and mission alignment. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• DIS810
• Community Recovery and Resilience
• 4
• DIS740
• RMG820
• Supply Chain and Resource Logistics
• 3
• RMG730
• COM830
• Crisis Communication and Public Engagement
• 3
• MGT710
• RES840
• Qualitative Research and Field Studies
• 3
• RES750
• DIS810 — Community Recovery and Resilience: This course analyzes the psychological, social, and economic recovery processes following major disasters. Students develop models for fostering resilient, self-sustaining communities. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RMG820 — Supply Chain and Resource Logistics: A study of resource management during emergencies, emphasizing efficient distribution and supply chain security. Students apply logic and planning to ensure resource integrity under duress. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM830 — Crisis Communication and Public Engagement: This course focuses on strategic messaging during critical events, emphasizing transparency and trust-building. Students develop techniques for managing public narrative and stakeholder relationships. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES840 — Qualitative Research and Field Studies: Students explore qualitative methodologies such as ethnography and case studies for examining disaster impacts on communities. The focus is on gathering nuanced human-centered data. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• DIS850
• Advanced Emergency Management Systems
• 4
• DIS810
• SOC860
• Social Service Delivery Systems
• 3
• CHR720
• RES870
• Dissertation Prospectus Development
• 3
• RES840
• MGT880
• Strategic Human Capital Management
• 3
• MGT710
• DIS850 — Advanced Emergency Management Systems: An examination of national and international systems for disaster coordination. Students analyze policy impact on organizational capability and disaster resilience. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC860 — Social Service Delivery Systems: This course explores the structures and operational models of public and private human service organizations. It evaluates the impact of social policy on community welfare and delivery systems. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES870 — Dissertation Prospectus Development: Students refine their research questions and prepare a formal proposal for their dissertation. This involves extensive literature review and methodology finalization. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT880 — Strategic Human Capital Management: This course focuses on leading personnel during high-stress operational environments. Topics include motivation, burnout prevention, and the development of high-performing teams. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• DIS910
• Comparative Analysis of Disaster Policies
• 3
• DIS850
• RMG920
• Technological Trends in Risk Management
• 3
• RMG730
• RES930
• Advanced Data Synthesis
• 3
• RES750
• DIS940
• Dissertation Research Phase I
• 4
• RES870
• DIS910 — Comparative Analysis of Disaster Policies: Students compare international and local policies regarding disaster response, evaluating efficacy and adaptability. This course identifies best practices for policy improvement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RMG920 — Technological Trends in Risk Management: The course reviews emerging tools, such as GIS and predictive modeling, in the identification and mitigation of risk. Students evaluate the integration of new technologies in management. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES930 — Advanced Data Synthesis: Advanced techniques for integrating diverse data streams into organizational decision frameworks. This course prepares students to communicate findings clearly to non-expert audiences. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• DIS940 — Dissertation Research Phase I: Students begin the formal data collection and research phase of their dissertation project under faculty supervision. This includes ethical review and project administration. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• DIS950
• Dissertation Research Phase II
• 4
• DIS940
• DIS960
• Dissertation Finalization and Defense
• 4
• DIS950
• MGT970
• Organizational Ethics in Practice
• 3
• CHR720
• BUS980
• Global Stewardship and Institutional Advocacy
• 3
• BUS760
• DIS950 — Dissertation Research Phase II: Continuation of the research and writing process, focusing on analysis and initial drafting of the final dissertation manuscript. This involves regular committee consultation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• DIS960 — Dissertation Finalization and Defense: The student concludes the research, submits the finalized dissertation, and conducts the formal oral defense before the doctoral committee. This is the capstone requirement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT970 — Organizational Ethics in Practice: A case-study-driven course exploring the application of ethical principles in daily organizational management. Students reflect on their leadership trajectory and future ethical commitments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS980 — Global Stewardship and Institutional Advocacy: Exploration of the role of institutions in global advocacy and policy influence. Students analyze strategies for ethical impact on a global scale. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Admission to the Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Risk Management requires a completed master's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Applicants must submit official transcripts, a statement of purpose outlining their research interests, three letters of professional or academic recommendation, and a curriculum vitae demonstrating relevant experience in risk management, community development, or related leadership roles. Dissertation Requirement The Dissertation represents the culminating academic experience of the Ph.D. program, serving as an original contribution to the field of risk management and disaster preparedness. Candidates identify a critical research problem, conduct systematic inquiry, and provide data-driven solutions that reflect both technical proficiency and ethical maturity. This 12-credit requirement encourages students to bridge the gap between theoretical hazards and practical, faith-based responses to community vulnerability. The scope of the work is designed to challenge the candidate’s ability to synthesize interdisciplinary knowledge while maintaining a steadfast commitment to the mission of servant leadership. The dissertation process requires a rigorous defense before an academic committee, ensuring that the research not only meets the highest standards of academic excellence but also demonstrates a profound commitment to the stewardship of resources and human lives. Throughout the development of the dissertation, students integrate biblical ethical frameworks and Christian worldview concepts to propose strategies that honor the dignity of the people served and the integrity of the organizations managing the crises. Successful completion serves as a testament to the candidate’s development of both intellectual rigor and faith-informed character, positioning them as scholarly leaders prepared to provide ethical guidance in the face of uncertainty and disaster.

• Graduation from the Ph.D. program requires the successful completion of 120 credit hours, including the 35 transfer credits and the 85 credits earned through doctoral coursework and the dissertation. Candidates must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 throughout the duration of the program, demonstrating consistent academic excellence and scholarly growth. Beyond academic achievement, students must satisfy all requirements associated with their dissertation, including the formal oral defense, to demonstrate mastery of their research field and technical domain. Furthermore, students are expected to show evidence of spiritual maturity and ethical integrity through active participation in community service, chapel attendance, and reflection sessions dedicated to character development. This holistic approach ensures that graduates are not only intellectually prepared to navigate the complexities of risk and disaster, but are also deeply rooted in the virtues of compassion, stewardship, and servant leadership, making them ready to serve with distinction in their professional and faith-informed callings.
• Career Opportunities
• Nonprofit Disaster Response Director
• Faith-Based Organizational Risk Consultant
• Community Development Policy Advisor
• Academic Researcher in Hazard Management
• Institutional Sustainability Coordinator
• Emergency Management Strategic Planner
• Nonprofit Strategic Operations Executive
• 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 | Ed.D. in Faith-Based Risk Management
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Maximum approved transfer credit | Up to 40 semester credit hours
• Minimum credits completed through the University after maximum transfer | 80 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Three to six academic years, depending on approved transfer credit, enrollment status, academic progress, and completion of the doctoral project
• Advanced faith-based risk management and specialization courses | 30 credit hours
• Leadership, administration, and professional practice | 21 credit hours
• Research methods and program evaluation | 18 credit hours
• Professional application and doctoral residency | 15 credit hours
• Advanced electives or concentration courses | 12 credit hours
• Comprehensive examination and doctoral candidacy | 6 credit hours
• Applied doctoral project and defense | 18 credit hours
• Total | 120 semester credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES701 | Advanced Research Methodology | 3 | None
• MGT710 | Strategic Leadership in Crisis | 3 | None
• CHR720 | Ethics and Stewardship in Risk Management | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RMG730 | Principles of Hazard Mitigation | 3 | RES701
• DIS740 | Disaster Preparedness Planning | 3 | RMG730
• RES750 | Advanced Statistical Analysis | 3 | RES701
• BUS760 | Organizational Sustainability and Governance | 3 | MGT710
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS810 | Community Recovery and Resilience | 4 | DIS740
• RMG820 | Supply Chain and Resource Logistics | 3 | RMG730
• COM830 | Crisis Communication and Public Engagement | 3 | MGT710
• RES840 | Qualitative Research and Field Studies | 3 | RES750
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS850 | Advanced Emergency Management Systems | 4 | DIS810
• SOC860 | Social Service Delivery Systems | 3 | CHR720
• RES870 | Dissertation Prospectus Development | 3 | RES840
• MGT880 | Strategic Human Capital Management | 3 | MGT710
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS910 | Comparative Analysis of Disaster Policies | 3 | DIS850
• RMG920 | Technological Trends in Risk Management | 3 | RMG730
• RES930 | Advanced Data Synthesis | 3 | RES750
• DIS940 | Dissertation Research Phase I | 4 | RES870
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS950 | Dissertation Research Phase II | 4 | DIS940
• DIS960 | Dissertation Finalization and Defense | 4 | DIS950
• MGT970 | Organizational Ethics in Practice | 3 | CHR720
• BUS980 | Global Stewardship and Institutional Advocacy | 3 | BUS760