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

Academic unitHBIU College of Business and EconomicsTotal credits120Estimated duration4 years

Program Overview

Official program overview

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Risk Management

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-Based Risk Management core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Risk Management with a specialization in Disaster Preparedness provides a rigorous academic foundation for students seeking to serve organizations and communities through proactive crisis mitigation and stewardship. This interdisciplinary degree merges the principles of organizational management and emergency planning with a commitment to ethical leadership, resilience, and community stability. Students examine the mechanics of risk identification and resource mobilization through both technical and humanitarian lenses, preparing them for complex professional environments. Through a blend of quantitative analysis and qualitative assessment, the program fosters a comprehensive understanding of human, social, and physical vulnerabilities in various operating contexts. It encourages the application of administrative excellence to protect life and property while emphasizing the importance of service-oriented decision-making. By integrating professional standards with ethical considerations, this program equips graduates to act as stabilizing forces within diverse institutional, non-profit, and public-facing organizations.

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Risk Management, Specialization in Disaster Preparedness, combines a foundational general education curriculum with comprehensive study in risk management theory, behavioral science, human development, ethics, research methods, crisis awareness, resource referral, program development, and community-based support strategies.

Florida's current standard establishes a minimum of 120 semester credits for a bachelor's degree and at least 30 general-education credits for a Bachelor of Arts. This curriculum exceeds the general-education minimum.

Program Facts

Program facts

Degree abbreviation
B.A. in Faith-Based Risk Management
Total program length
120 semester credit hours
Normal completion time
Four academic years
General education
36 credit hours
Professional application courses
15 credit hours
Capstone requirement
6 credit hours
Academic unit
HBIU College of Business and Economics
Total credits
120
Duration
4 years

Program Description

Official program description

Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes

  • Analyze the socioeconomic and structural vulnerabilities that contribute to community risks and disaster impacts.
  • Design comprehensive disaster preparedness frameworks that align with institutional resource stewardship.
  • Evaluate legal and ethical standards for risk mitigation in public and private sectors.
  • Apply technical principles of emergency management to facilitate organizational resilience.
  • Integrate a Christian worldview into decision-making processes to promote ethical service and community care.
  • Communicate complex risk assessment data effectively to diverse stakeholders to improve preparedness outcomes.
  • Course Outline
  • Semester 1 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • ENG101
  • Academic Writing and Rhetoric
  • 3
  • None
  • MAT105
  • Quantitative Reasoning
  • 3
  • None
  • PHI101
  • Foundations of Professional Ethics
  • 3
  • None
  • BUS110
  • Introduction to Management
  • 3
  • None
  • ENG101 — Academic Writing and Rhetoric: Explores the fundamentals of academic composition and effective argumentation. Focuses on research, structure, and clarity in professional communicationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • MAT105 — Quantitative Reasoning: Develops quantitative literacy and data interpretation skills. Essential for analyzing risk assessment modelsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • PHI101 — Foundations of Professional Ethics: This course examines moral frameworks and ethical decision-making processes within professional environments. It explores the intersection of personal values and organizational accountability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS110 — Introduction to Management: Provides an overview of organizational structures and management theory. Establishes the basics of professional administrationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 2 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • SOC120
  • Principles of Sociology
  • 3
  • None
  • BUS150
  • Financial Stewardship
  • 3
  • None
  • COM210
  • Organizational Communication
  • 3
  • ENG101
  • HIS200
  • World History and Humanitarianism
  • 3
  • None
  • SOC120 — Principles of Sociology: Analyzes human social behavior and community systems. Relevant for understanding how communities respond to crisesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • BUS150 — Financial Stewardship: Focuses on the ethical and efficient management of financial resources. Introduces principles of organizational budgetingThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • COM210 — Organizational Communication: Examines communication strategies within institutional settings. Develops skills for crisis communication and team leadershipThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • HIS200 — World History and Humanitarianism: Surveys the history of human conflict and disaster response. Highlights the evolution of institutional aidThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 3 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • MGT210
  • Risk Assessment Foundations
  • 3
  • BUS110
  • PSY220
  • Psychology of Resilience
  • 3
  • None
  • RES250
  • Research Methods for Social Sciences
  • 3
  • MAT105
  • MIN230
  • Servant Leadership in Practice
  • 3
  • CHR101
  • MGT210 — Risk Assessment Foundations: Identifies primary methodologies for risk analysis. Covers hazard identification, exposure, and vulnerability assessmentThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • PSY220 — Psychology of Resilience: Examines individual and group responses to stress and trauma. Offers insights into maintaining stability during emergenciesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • RES250 — Research Methods for Social Sciences: Introduces data collection, analysis, and research design. Essential for preparing evidence-based preparedness reportsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • MIN230 — Servant Leadership in Practice: Explores the model of servant leadership. Focuses on personal character development and ethical influenceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 4 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • MGT280
  • Disaster Preparedness Planning
  • 4
  • MGT210
  • BIO240
  • Environmental Science and Public Safety
  • 3
  • None
  • BUS290
  • Administrative Law and Ethics
  • 3
  • BUS110
  • HUM310
  • Ethics and Professionalism
  • 2
  • CHR101
  • MGT280 — Disaster Preparedness Planning: Analyzes the lifecycle of emergency planning. Emphasizes preventative strategy and resource allocation planningThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • BIO240 — Environmental Science and Public Safety: Examines ecological hazards and their impact on community infrastructure. Focuses on safe resource managementThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • BUS290 — Administrative Law and Ethics: Discusses legal frameworks for organizational safety. Covers compliance, safety codes, and liability mitigationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • HUM310 — Ethics and Professionalism: Integrates ethical theory with professional conduct. Focuses on decision-making under pressureThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 5 — Year 3
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • MGT320
  • Community Vulnerability Assessment
  • 4
  • RES250
  • COU330
  • Crisis Intervention and Support
  • 3
  • PSY220
  • BUS350
  • Operations Management
  • 3
  • BUS110
  • PSY340
  • Psychology of Personal Development
  • 2
  • MIN230
  • MGT320 — Community Vulnerability Assessment: Engages in applied research to evaluate community safety needs. Focuses on identifying marginalized populations and structural risksThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • COU330 — Crisis Intervention and Support: Provides theoretical training in the psychological support of those experiencing crisis. Stresses empathy and non-clinical supportThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • BUS350 — Operations Management: Focuses on the logistics of moving personnel and supplies during emergency efforts. Emphasizes operational efficiencyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • PSY340 — Psychology of Personal Development: This course analyzes the psychological foundations of individual growth and the cultivation of character strengths in a professional setting. Students explore strategies for emotional intelligence and self-regulation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 6 — Year 3
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • MGT360
  • Logistics in Disaster Management
  • 3
  • BUS350
  • CRJ370
  • Security and Institutional Safety
  • 3
  • None
  • MGT380
  • Grant Writing and Fundraising
  • 4
  • BUS150
  • SOC390
  • Community Engagement Strategies
  • 3
  • SOC120
  • MGT360 — Logistics in Disaster Management: Investigates supply chain management during catastrophes. Covers procurement, storage, and timely distribution of essentialsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • CRJ370 — Security and Institutional Safety: Analyzes safety procedures for high-density institutions. Discusses physical security measures and threat mitigationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • MGT380 — Grant Writing and Fundraising: Provides practical skills for securing resources in non-profit and public sectors. Focuses on accountability and ethical stewardshipThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • SOC390 — Community Engagement Strategies: Explores how to organize community support networks. Focuses on social responsibility and collaborative stewardshipThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 7 — Year 4
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • MGT410
  • Advanced Emergency Response Planning
  • 3
  • MGT280
  • MGT420
  • Strategic Leadership in Crisis
  • 3
  • MIN230
  • BUS430
  • Organizational Compliance and Audit
  • 3
  • BUS290
  • EDU440
  • Public Education and Safety Awareness
  • 3
  • COM210
  • MGT410 — Advanced Emergency Response Planning: Analyzes high-level emergency scenarios and organizational strategy. Evaluates the effectiveness of various response frameworksThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • MGT420 — Strategic Leadership in Crisis: Examines the role of leadership during catastrophic events. Focuses on team cohesion, ethical decision-making, and moral integrityThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • BUS430 — Organizational Compliance and Audit: Reviews the standards for auditing disaster mitigation plans. Ensures institutional adherence to safety protocolsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • EDU440 — Public Education and Safety Awareness: Develops strategies for educating communities on safety preparedness. Focuses on effective public communicationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 8 — Year 4
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • CAP490
  • Senior Capstone Project
  • 4
  • All Core Courses
  • MGT450
  • Collaborative Disaster Networking
  • 3
  • MGT410
  • SOC460
  • Public Policy and Civic Engagement
  • 3
  • MIN340
  • BUS480
  • Contemporary Issues in Risk Management
  • 2
  • MGT410
  • CAP490 — Senior Capstone Project: Culminating experience requiring the completion of a comprehensive risk assessment and disaster mitigation project. Demonstrates academic, ethical, and spiritual preparednessThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • MGT450 — Collaborative Disaster Networking: Studies inter-agency coordination during large-scale events. Emphasizes building partnerships for maximum impactThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • SOC460 — Public Policy and Civic Engagement: This course explores the relationship between community advocacy and the public policy process. It examines how organizations influence societal outcomes through active civic participation and policy development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS480 — Contemporary Issues in Risk Management: Addresses emerging threats and new technologies in the field. Synthesizes knowledge to prepare for professional transitionThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Admission Requirements

Admission and entry requirements

Applicants must provide evidence of graduation from an accredited secondary institution or possess a high school equivalency diploma. Candidates are expected to demonstrate a commitment to the institution's mission through a personal statement articulating their desire for professional service and ethical growth. Academic readiness is evaluated through previous academic performance and standardized testing where applicable, ensuring that incoming students are prepared for a demanding, 120-credit baccalaureate curriculum. Senior Capstone Project The Senior Capstone Project serves as the final academic experience, requiring students to synthesize their knowledge of risk management and disaster preparedness into a tangible, actionable disaster mitigation plan for a real-world entity. This project requires students to conduct a comprehensive risk assessment, analyze current resource gaps, and propose a strategy that emphasizes institutional resilience and community well-being. The project is weighted at 4 credit hours and demands a high level of independent research, critical thinking, and professional polish. Central to the capstone is the integration of faith-based principles, as students must reflect on the ethical implications of their proposed strategies through the lens of biblical stewardship and servant leadership. This component requires students to demonstrate how their technical solutions respect the dignity of individuals, promote justice, and foster social stability in the face of uncertainty. The final deliverable includes a formal project portfolio and an oral defense, demonstrating both professional competence and the student's personal commitment to lead with character, integrity, and faith-informed purpose in a volatile world.

Protected Curriculum

Complete program outline available after verification

Graduation Requirements

Graduation and completion requirements

  • Graduation requires the successful completion of 120 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. In addition to rigorous academic work, students must complete the Senior Capstone Project, demonstrating mastery of the core discipline. Each candidate must also fulfill institutional requirements for spiritual formation and character development, which include regular participation in chapel services, community service hours, and completion of integrated coursework on ethics and service leadership.
  • Beyond technical mastery, graduates are expected to demonstrate evidence of spiritual maturity and ethical consistency. By pairing rigorous intellectual inquiry with a commitment to living out principles of faith, integrity, and service, graduates ensure they are not only academically qualified but also prepared to contribute to the common good. This holistic approach ensures that students leave prepared to engage in professional service as responsible, ethical, and faith-informed practitioners.
  • Career Opportunities
  • Emergency Management Coordinator
  • Non-Profit Disaster Relief Liaison
  • Risk Mitigation Consultant
  • Corporate Safety Officer
  • Community Development Specialist
  • Public Health Preparedness Analyst
  • Logistics and Supply Chain Coordinator
  • 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 | B.A. in Faith-Based Risk Management
  • Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Four academic years
  • General education | 36 credit hours
  • Faith-Based Risk Management core | 63 credit hours
  • Professional application courses | 15 credit hours
  • Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • ENG101 | Academic Writing and Rhetoric | 3 | None
  • MAT105 | Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | None
  • PHI101 | Foundations of Professional Ethics | 3 | None
  • BUS110 | Introduction to Management | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • SOC120 | Principles of Sociology | 3 | None
  • BUS150 | Financial Stewardship | 3 | None
  • COM210 | Organizational Communication | 3 | ENG101
  • HIS200 | World History and Humanitarianism | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • MGT210 | Risk Assessment Foundations | 3 | BUS110
  • PSY220 | Psychology of Resilience | 3 | None
  • RES250 | Research Methods for Social Sciences | 3 | MAT105
  • MIN230 | Servant Leadership in Practice | 3 | CHR101
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • MGT280 | Disaster Preparedness Planning | 4 | MGT210
  • BIO240 | Environmental Science and Public Safety | 3 | None
  • BUS290 | Administrative Law and Ethics | 3 | BUS110
  • HUM310 | Ethics and Professionalism | 2 | CHR101
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • MGT320 | Community Vulnerability Assessment | 4 | RES250
  • COU330 | Crisis Intervention and Support | 3 | PSY220
  • BUS350 | Operations Management | 3 | BUS110
  • PSY340 | Psychology of Personal Development | 2 | MIN230
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • MGT360 | Logistics in Disaster Management | 3 | BUS350
  • CRJ370 | Security and Institutional Safety | 3 | None
  • MGT380 | Grant Writing and Fundraising | 4 | BUS150
  • SOC390 | Community Engagement Strategies | 3 | SOC120
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • MGT410 | Advanced Emergency Response Planning | 3 | MGT280
  • MGT420 | Strategic Leadership in Crisis | 3 | MIN230
  • BUS430 | Organizational Compliance and Audit | 3 | BUS290
  • EDU440 | Public Education and Safety Awareness | 3 | COM210
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CAP490 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | All Core Courses
  • MGT450 | Collaborative Disaster Networking | 3 | MGT410
  • SOC460 | Public Policy and Civic Engagement | 3 | MIN340
  • BUS480 | Contemporary Issues in Risk Management | 2 | MGT410

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

  • Emergency Management Coordinator
  • Non-Profit Disaster Relief Liaison
  • Risk Mitigation Consultant
  • Corporate Safety Officer
  • Community Development Specialist
  • Public Health Preparedness Analyst
  • Logistics and Supply Chain Coordinator

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 | B.A. in Faith-Based Risk Management
  • Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Four academic years