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Master of Arts in Faith-Based Risk Management, Specialization in Disaster Preparedness

Academic unitHBIU College of Business and EconomicsTotal credits60Estimated duration2 years

Program Overview

Official program overview

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Risk Management

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Risk Management 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 Risk Management, Specialization in Disaster Preparedness, is a rigorous graduate program designed for professionals seeking to lead organizational resilience through the lenses of ethical stewardship and servant leadership. The curriculum integrates advanced principles of risk assessment, logistical strategy, and crisis communication, providing a comprehensive framework for mitigating vulnerabilities in diverse environmental and societal contexts. Students examine the complexities of disaster response through analytical, data-driven methodologies while maintaining a firm commitment to the welfare of communities.

Beyond technical proficiency, this program emphasizes the cultivation of character and ethical decision-making in the face of uncertainty. By exploring the intersection of global risk management frameworks and institutional integrity, graduates are prepared to guide organizations in navigating complex operational challenges. The program fosters a commitment to justice, empathy, and sustainable stewardship, ensuring that future leaders are equipped to serve with wisdom and integrity during crises. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

The 60-credit master's program provides advanced preparation in Faith-Based Risk Management theory, human behavior, ethics, assessment awareness, research, program evaluation, crisis response, leadership, referral, and faith-based risk management-support services.

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based risk management-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 Facts

Program facts

Degree abbreviation
M.A. in Faith-Based Risk Management
Total program length
60 graduate semester credit hours
Normal completion time
Two academic years of full-time study
Academic unit
HBIU College of Business and Economics
Total credits
60
Duration
2 years

Program Description

Official program description

Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes

  • Analyze complex risk environments using quantitative and qualitative assessment tools.
  • Design comprehensive disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies for nonprofit and faith-based organizations.
  • Evaluate the ethical implications of crisis management policies and their impact on vulnerable populations.
  • Apply servant leadership principles to organizational crisis communications and resource coordination.
  • Synthesize historical and contemporary models of risk management into a cohesive, faith-informed operational framework.
  • Demonstrate advanced proficiency in operational logistics and collaborative community engagement strategies.
  • Course Outline
  • Semester 1 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • MGT501
  • Foundations of Risk Management
  • 4
  • None
  • BUS510
  • Stewardship and Resource Allocation
  • 3
  • None
  • RES505
  • Quantitative Methods in Research
  • 4
  • None
  • THE520
  • Ethical Leadership and Character
  • 3
  • None
  • MGT501 — Foundations of Risk Management: This course covers fundamental theories of organizational risk identification and mitigation strategies. Students analyze historical crisis scenarios to develop robust assessment models. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS510 — Stewardship and Resource Allocation: Focuses on the ethical distribution of organizational resources and the principles of sustainable stewardship. Students explore financial and material management for mission-driven entities. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • RES505 — Quantitative Methods in Research: Provides an introduction to statistical methods for evaluating organizational data and community needs. Emphasis is placed on validity, reliability, and interpretation of research findings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • THE520 — Ethical Leadership and Character: Explores the development of servant leadership and ethical integrity within professional frameworks. Students discuss the integration of virtue ethics into organizational culture. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 2 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • MGT530
  • Disaster Preparedness Strategies
  • 4
  • MGT501
  • COM540
  • Crisis Communication and Engagement
  • 3
  • None
  • SOC550
  • Vulnerability and Community Resilience
  • 4
  • None
  • MGT560
  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management
  • 3
  • MGT501
  • MGT530 — Disaster Preparedness Strategies: Covers the lifecycle of disaster preparedness, including mitigation, response, and recovery planning. Students develop emergency operation protocols tailored to diverse organizational needs. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • COM540 — Crisis Communication and Engagement: Examines communication strategies during times of crisis, focusing on transparency and stakeholder trust. Students study the role of clear messaging in community stabilization. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • SOC550 — Vulnerability and Community Resilience: Analyzes the sociological aspects of disaster, focusing on systemic vulnerabilities and community-based resilience. Students explore strategies to assist marginalized groups in crisis. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MGT560 — Logistics and Supply Chain Management: Examines the logistical components of disaster response, including procurement and distribution. Students analyze supply chain optimization to improve service speed and effectiveness. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 3 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • BUS605
  • Legal and Regulatory Frameworks
  • 4
  • None
  • MGT615
  • Project Management in Crisis
  • 4
  • MGT530
  • ORG620
  • Organizational Behavior in Complex Systems
  • 3
  • THE520
  • RES630
  • Advanced Data Analysis
  • 3
  • RES505
  • BUS605 — Legal and Regulatory Frameworks: Reviews legal compliance, insurance, and regulatory requirements for disaster-impacted organizations. Students synthesize institutional policies with public emergency protocols. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MGT615 — Project Management in Crisis: Application of project management methodologies to high-stress, time-sensitive disaster response environments. Students develop skills in budgeting, scheduling, and personnel oversight. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • ORG620 — Organizational Behavior in Complex Systems: This course examines the structural, cultural, and interpersonal dynamics within complex organizational environments, focusing on administrative efficacy and systems theory. Students analyze organizational behavior models to improve governance and operational stability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • RES630 — Advanced Data Analysis: Focuses on utilizing advanced data analytics for predictive risk modeling and community assessment. Students apply statistical software to address complex organizational problems. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 4 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • CAP690
  • Capstone Project: Resilience Strategy
  • 4
  • All Core and Required Courses
  • MGT650
  • Operational Leadership
  • 4
  • None
  • BUS660
  • Organizational Change and Growth
  • 3
  • None
  • MGT670
  • Strategic Partnerships and Networks
  • 3
  • None
  • CAP690 — Capstone Project: Resilience Strategy: The culmination of the program requiring the submission of a comprehensive disaster preparedness and resilience project for a partner organization. Students integrate all theoretical and practical competencies into a final professional document. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MGT650 — Operational Leadership: Explores the complexities of leading teams in high-stakes environments through servant leadership principles. Focuses on team dynamics, delegation, and sustaining moral purpose. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS660 — Organizational Change and Growth: Analyzes organizational change strategies to enhance resilience and adaptability. Students apply adaptive leadership models to institutional growth challenges. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MGT670 — Strategic Partnerships and Networks: Examines the development of inter-organizational networks to enhance disaster response coordination. Students study collaborative governance and inter-agency relationship management. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Admission Requirements

Admission and entry requirements

Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Candidates are required to submit official transcripts, a statement of purpose detailing their commitment to ethical service, and two letters of recommendation from professional or academic references. Proficiency in basic statistical analysis is recommended for success in the quantitative components of the curriculum. Thesis or Capstone Project The Capstone Project serves as the culminating integration of the Master of Arts in Faith-Based Risk Management, representing a significant scholarly and practical effort. Students are required to design a comprehensive Disaster Preparedness and Resilience Plan for a real-world community or faith-based organization, demonstrating mastery of risk assessment, resource allocation, and logistical strategy. This project must reflect the student's ability to translate complex theory into actionable, ethical frameworks that respect the dignity of the community served. Integrated throughout the project, students must explicitly articulate how their proposed interventions reflect biblical stewardship and servant leadership. The final deliverable includes a written professional report and a formal presentation, evaluated on technical accuracy, practical feasibility, and the clear articulation of ethical, faith-informed decision-making processes. This project evaluates both the academic proficiency gained over two years and the maturity of the student's character, ensuring they are prepared for high-stakes leadership.

Protected Curriculum

Complete program outline available after verification

Graduation Requirements

Graduation and completion requirements

  • Graduation from the Master of Arts program requires the successful completion of 60 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Students must earn a grade of B or higher in all core coursework and demonstrate satisfactory progress in all aspects of the curriculum, including the final Capstone Project. Beyond academic attainment, students are expected to engage in consistent spiritual formation activities, including regular community service and reflective practice sessions that reinforce the integration of their faith and professional discipline.
  • Degree conferral signifies not only the acquisition of technical knowledge but also the development of a character defined by integrity, resilience, and a dedication to the well-being of others. Candidates must exhibit readiness for faith-informed service by participating in departmental dialogues focused on ethical decision-making and institutional stewardship. Completion of these requirements ensures that graduates are prepared to serve with competence, compassion, and unwavering ethical clarity in their professional contexts.
  • Career Opportunities
  • Disaster Relief Coordinator
  • Nonprofit Risk Management Consultant
  • Emergency Operations Manager
  • Community Development Director
  • Organizational Sustainability Analyst
  • Humanitarian Logistics Coordinator
  • Faith-Based Institutional 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 Risk Management
  • Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
  • Advanced Faith-Based Risk Management 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
  • MGT501 | Foundations of Risk Management | 4 | None
  • BUS510 | Stewardship and Resource Allocation | 3 | None
  • RES505 | Quantitative Methods in Research | 4 | None
  • THE520 | Ethical Leadership and Character | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • MGT530 | Disaster Preparedness Strategies | 4 | MGT501
  • COM540 | Crisis Communication and Engagement | 3 | None
  • SOC550 | Vulnerability and Community Resilience | 4 | None
  • MGT560 | Logistics and Supply Chain Management | 3 | MGT501
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • BUS605 | Legal and Regulatory Frameworks | 4 | None
  • MGT615 | Project Management in Crisis | 4 | MGT530
  • ORG620 | Organizational Behavior in Complex Systems | 3 | THE520
  • RES630 | Advanced Data Analysis | 3 | RES505
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CAP690 | Capstone Project: Resilience Strategy | 4 | All Core and Required Courses
  • MGT650 | Operational Leadership | 4 | None
  • BUS660 | Organizational Change and Growth | 3 | None
  • MGT670 | Strategic Partnerships and Networks | 3 | None

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

  • Disaster Relief Coordinator
  • Nonprofit Risk Management Consultant
  • Emergency Operations Manager
  • Community Development Director
  • Organizational Sustainability Analyst
  • Humanitarian Logistics Coordinator
  • Faith-Based Institutional Advisor

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 | M.A. in Faith-Based Risk Management
  • Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
  • Advanced Faith-Based Risk Management 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
  • MGT501 | Foundations of Risk Management | 4 | None
  • BUS510 | Stewardship and Resource Allocation | 3 | None
  • RES505 | Quantitative Methods in Research | 4 | None
  • THE520 | Ethical Leadership and Character | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • MGT530 | Disaster Preparedness Strategies | 4 | MGT501
  • COM540 | Crisis Communication and Engagement | 3 | None
  • SOC550 | Vulnerability and Community Resilience | 4 | None
  • MGT560 | Logistics and Supply Chain Management | 3 | MGT501
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • BUS605 | Legal and Regulatory Frameworks | 4 | None
  • MGT615 | Project Management in Crisis | 4 | MGT530
  • ORG620 | Organizational Behavior in Complex Systems | 3 | THE520
  • RES630 | Advanced Data Analysis | 3 | RES505
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CAP690 | Capstone Project: Resilience Strategy | 4 | All Core and Required Courses
  • MGT650 | Operational Leadership | 4 | None
  • BUS660 | Organizational Change and Growth | 3 | None
  • MGT670 | Strategic Partnerships and Networks | 3 | None