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Master of Arts in Faith-Based Humanitarian Aid Disaster Response

Academic unitHBIU College of International StudiesTotal credits60Estimated duration2 years

Program Overview

Official program overview

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 Faith-Based Humanitarian Aid 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 Disaster Response provides a rigorous academic framework for professionals seeking to lead in complex global crises. This program integrates multidisciplinary studies in logistics, sociology, and international policy with a profound commitment to ethical stewardship and servant leadership. Students are challenged to bridge the gap between theoretical emergency management and the practical realities of vulnerable communities through a lens of justice and compassion.

Participants will engage with faculty and peers to investigate the root causes of disasters, the dynamics of international relief organizations, and the complexities of community resilience. By fostering an environment of collaborative learning, the program prepares graduates to serve as strategic thinkers who can navigate the legal, operational, and ethical landscape of humanitarian work while maintaining a steadfast dedication to faith-informed community service.

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 Facts

Program facts

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
Academic unit
HBIU College of International Studies
Total credits
60
Duration
2 years

Program Description

Official program description

Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes

  • Analyze the socioeconomic and political drivers of global disasters to inform effective response strategies.
  • Evaluate the impact of international humanitarian policies on marginalized populations within diverse cultural contexts.
  • Develop sustainable, resource-efficient humanitarian aid programs that uphold human dignity and ethical stewardship.
  • Demonstrate advanced servant leadership skills by facilitating collaborative partnerships among diverse international aid agencies.
  • Integrate a Christian worldview into decision-making processes to ensure that humanitarian initiatives are guided by integrity and justice.
  • Communicate complex humanitarian issues effectively to diverse stakeholder groups in both written and verbal formats.
  • Design comprehensive disaster mitigation strategies that address long-term community resilience and recovery.
  • Course Outline
  • Semester 1 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • HUM501
  • Foundations of Humanitarian Aid
  • 4
  • None
  • SOC505
  • Sociology of Disaster and Recovery
  • 3
  • None
  • RES510
  • Research Methods in Social Services
  • 4
  • None
  • SOC520
  • Social Justice and Public Service
  • 3
  • None
  • HUM501 — Foundations of Humanitarian Aid: An introduction to the history, philosophy, and legal frameworks of international relief. Students examine the evolving role of faith-based organizations in the global aid architectureThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • SOC505 — Sociology of Disaster and Recovery: Explores the sociological impacts of disasters on social structures and individual communities. Analyzes recovery patterns with a focus on human dignityThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • RES510 — Research Methods in Social Services: Provides training in qualitative and quantitative research methods relevant to humanitarian field studies. Focuses on ethical data collection and reportingThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • SOC520 — Social Justice and Public Service: This course examines historical and modern theories of social justice, public service models, and the role of systemic advocacy in vulnerable populations. It analyzes the socio-political frameworks that inform institutional service delivery and policy implementation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 2 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • MGT530
  • Logistics in Crisis Environments
  • 4
  • HUM501
  • BUS540
  • Stewardship in Non-Profit Management
  • 3
  • None
  • COM550
  • Communication in Cross-Cultural Contexts
  • 4
  • None
  • PSY560
  • Psychosocial Support in Emergencies
  • 3
  • None
  • MGT530 — Logistics in Crisis Environments: Examines the logistical challenges of delivering aid in unstable or hostile environments. Covers supply chain management and resource allocationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • BUS540 — Stewardship in Non-Profit Management: Focuses on the financial and operational stewardship of non-profit organizations. Emphasizes fiscal responsibility and resource accountabilityThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • COM550 — Communication in Cross-Cultural Contexts: Develops competencies in navigating diverse cultural narratives during humanitarian interventions. Focuses on active listening and cultural competencyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • PSY560 — Psychosocial Support in Emergencies: Explores the psychological needs of communities affected by trauma. Studies how to provide compassionate support while respecting local customsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 3 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • HUM601
  • Strategic Disaster Mitigation
  • 4
  • HUM501
  • MGT610
  • Leadership in Humanitarian Settings
  • 4
  • None
  • BUS620
  • Grant Writing and Donor Relations
  • 3
  • BUS540
  • THE630
  • Ethics in International Relief
  • 3
  • MIN520
  • HUM601 — Strategic Disaster Mitigation: Analyzes methodologies for reducing community vulnerability to future crises. Evaluates long-term development strategies versus short-term aidThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • MGT610 — Leadership in Humanitarian Settings: Explores models of servant leadership within high-stress humanitarian team environments. Focuses on conflict resolution and team cohesionThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • BUS620 — Grant Writing and Donor Relations: Provides practical skills for securing funding and maintaining transparent relationships with donors. Focuses on ethical fundraising practicesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • THE630 — Ethics in International Relief: Critically engages with moral dilemmas encountered in the field. Analyzes how faith-based ethics inform difficult decisions regarding aid prioritizationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 4 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • CAP690
  • Master's Capstone Project
  • 6
  • RES510
  • HUM640
  • Global Policy and Humanitarian Law
  • 3
  • HUM501
  • SOC650
  • Community Resilience and Empowerment
  • 3
  • SOC505
  • PSY660
  • Professional Resiliency and Burnout Prevention
  • 3
  • MIN520
  • CAP690 — Master's Capstone Project: The culminating project requiring students to apply multidisciplinary learning to a real-world humanitarian challenge. Requires a formal thesis defenseThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • HUM640 — Global Policy and Humanitarian Law: Reviews the international legal standards governing aid access and human rights. Evaluates the intersection of national sovereignty and aid obligationsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • SOC650 — Community Resilience and Empowerment: Examines models for fostering community self-reliance after disaster events. Focuses on asset-based community development and sustainable growthThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • PSY660 — Professional Resiliency and Burnout Prevention: This course focuses on psychological frameworks for maintaining emotional well-being and professional resilience in high-stress humanitarian aid environments. It covers evidence-based coping strategies, self-care practices, and the development of sustainable support systems for aid workers. 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 undergraduate GPA of 3.0. Prospective students are required to submit official transcripts, a statement of purpose detailing their commitment to faith-based service, and two professional or academic letters of recommendation. Proficiency in English is required, and candidates should demonstrate a foundational understanding of social sciences or public policy through their prior academic or professional experience. Thesis or Capstone Project The Master’s Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic experience, requiring students to execute a comprehensive research-based project or field-site evaluation. Students must identify a specific humanitarian challenge, conduct rigorous data collection, and propose an evidence-based intervention that reflects professional competence and moral discernment. The project is weighted at 6 credit hours, demanding a synthesis of all previous coursework through the lens of humanitarian theory and practice. This project requires students to articulate how their proposed solutions demonstrate servant leadership, biblical stewardship, and ethical integrity. By integrating spiritual formation with technical expertise, the student must reflect on their professional calling and the impact of their faith on their commitment to justice. The deliverables include a formal research paper and a presentation, demonstrating both academic rigor and the integration of a faith-informed character into the complexities of disaster response.

Protected Curriculum

Complete program outline available after verification

Graduation Requirements

Graduation and completion requirements

  • Graduation requires the successful completion of 60 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Students must earn a grade of B or better in all core courses and demonstrate mastery of the program's learning outcomes through the successful defense of their Capstone Project. Beyond academic attainment, students must complete the institution’s requirements for spiritual formation, which include active participation in community service initiatives and regular engagement with the university’s chapel and mentorship programs.
  • Candidates for graduation are expected to exhibit high levels of ethical integrity and spiritual maturity, aligning their professional conduct with the institutional mission of service. Graduates are evaluated not only on their ability to manage complex crises but also on their demonstrated readiness to engage in sacrificial, faith-informed service. Upon successful fulfillment of these academic and character requirements, the candidate is approved for the Master of Arts in Faith-Based Humanitarian Aid Disaster Response.
  • Career Opportunities
  • International Relief Program Manager
  • Disaster Preparedness Consultant
  • NGO Operations Director
  • Community Development Specialist
  • Faith-Based Crisis Advocacy Coordinator
  • Public Policy Advisor for Humanitarian Aid
  • Emergency Response Logistics Officer
  • 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 Faith-Based Humanitarian Aid 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
  • HUM501 | Foundations of Humanitarian Aid | 4 | None
  • SOC505 | Sociology of Disaster and Recovery | 3 | None
  • RES510 | Research Methods in Social Services | 4 | None
  • SOC520 | Social Justice and Public Service | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • MGT530 | Logistics in Crisis Environments | 4 | HUM501
  • BUS540 | Stewardship in Non-Profit Management | 3 | None
  • COM550 | Communication in Cross-Cultural Contexts | 4 | None
  • PSY560 | Psychosocial Support in Emergencies | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • HUM601 | Strategic Disaster Mitigation | 4 | HUM501
  • MGT610 | Leadership in Humanitarian Settings | 4 | None
  • BUS620 | Grant Writing and Donor Relations | 3 | BUS540
  • THE630 | Ethics in International Relief | 3 | MIN520
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CAP690 | Master's Capstone Project | 6 | RES510
  • HUM640 | Global Policy and Humanitarian Law | 3 | HUM501
  • SOC650 | Community Resilience and Empowerment | 3 | SOC505
  • PSY660 | Professional Resiliency and Burnout Prevention | 3 | MIN520

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

  • International Relief Program Manager
  • Disaster Preparedness Consultant
  • NGO Operations Director
  • Community Development Specialist
  • Faith-Based Crisis Advocacy Coordinator
  • Public Policy Advisor for Humanitarian Aid
  • Emergency Response Logistics Officer

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 Humanitarian Aid Disaster Response
  • Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
  • Advanced Faith-Based Humanitarian Aid 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
  • HUM501 | Foundations of Humanitarian Aid | 4 | None
  • SOC505 | Sociology of Disaster and Recovery | 3 | None
  • RES510 | Research Methods in Social Services | 4 | None
  • SOC520 | Social Justice and Public Service | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • MGT530 | Logistics in Crisis Environments | 4 | HUM501
  • BUS540 | Stewardship in Non-Profit Management | 3 | None
  • COM550 | Communication in Cross-Cultural Contexts | 4 | None
  • PSY560 | Psychosocial Support in Emergencies | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • HUM601 | Strategic Disaster Mitigation | 4 | HUM501
  • MGT610 | Leadership in Humanitarian Settings | 4 | None
  • BUS620 | Grant Writing and Donor Relations | 3 | BUS540
  • THE630 | Ethics in International Relief | 3 | MIN520
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CAP690 | Master's Capstone Project | 6 | RES510
  • HUM640 | Global Policy and Humanitarian Law | 3 | HUM501
  • SOC650 | Community Resilience and Empowerment | 3 | SOC505
  • PSY660 | Professional Resiliency and Burnout Prevention | 3 | MIN520