Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Emergency Management, Specialization in Emergency Management

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Emergency 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

• Analyze the structural and functional components of emergency management systems within diverse community contexts.
• Evaluate ethical frameworks for decision-making during crisis events to ensure organizational accountability and public trust.
• Design comprehensive disaster preparedness plans that integrate resource management, communication strategies, and stakeholder engagement.
• Apply principles of servant leadership to manage teams effectively under high-pressure, resource-constrained conditions.
• Develop evidence-based strategies for post-disaster recovery that promote community resilience and sustainable restoration.
• Integrate biblical stewardship principles into the allocation and management of emergency resources.
• Communicate complex technical information clearly to diverse stakeholders to improve coordination and response outcomes.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• ENG101
• Academic Writing and Rhetoric
• 3
• None
• SOC101
• Introduction to Social Justice and Humanitarian Systems
• 3
• None
• PSY105
• Principles of Sociology
• 3
• None
• MAT110
• Quantitative Reasoning
• 3
• None
• ENG101 — Academic Writing and Rhetoric: This course focuses on developing clear, persuasive, and professional writing skills for academic and administrative contexts. Students engage with various texts to refine their analytical and communication abilities. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC101 — Introduction to Social Justice and Humanitarian Systems: This course examines the foundational structures and social systems that influence humanitarian aid and public service. It analyzes how community organizations function within broader social frameworks to address human needs. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY105 — Principles of Sociology: An introduction to the study of human social behavior and community structures. Students examine social systems and their impact on organizational dynamics. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MAT110 — Quantitative Reasoning: A study of mathematical applications and data interpretation necessary for organizational research and decision-making. Topics include statistical analysis and probability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CRJ120
• Foundations of Emergency Management
• 3
• None
• BUS150
• Organizational Leadership
• 3
• None
• HIS200
• World History and Civilizations
• 3
• None
• COM210
• Interpersonal and Crisis Communication
• 3
• ENG101
• CRJ120 — Foundations of Emergency Management: This course provides an overview of the history, scope, and legal framework of emergency management. Students identify key agencies and the phases of disaster response. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS150 — Organizational Leadership: An examination of leadership theories with a focus on servant leadership and ethical management practices. Students explore methods for motivating teams and fostering organizational culture. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS200 — World History and Civilizations: A comprehensive look at historical developments that shaped current social and political landscapes. The course emphasizes context for understanding community crises. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM210 — Interpersonal and Crisis Communication: Techniques for effective communication during high-stress situations. Students practice conflict resolution and public information strategies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CRJ210
• Risk Assessment and Mitigation
• 3
• CRJ120
• BUS220
• Professional Ethics and Organizational Integrity
• 3
• THE101
• BUS230
• Nonprofit Resource Management
• 3
• MAT110
• RES250
• Social Science Research Methods
• 4
• MAT110
• CRJ210 — Risk Assessment and Mitigation: Analysis of hazards, vulnerability, and risk reduction strategies to minimize disaster impact. Students engage in practical risk mapping exercises. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS220 — Professional Ethics and Organizational Integrity: This course covers ethical decision-making frameworks within public and private sector organizations. Students evaluate corporate responsibility and moral leadership in the context of professional service. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS230 — Nonprofit Resource Management: An analysis of the principles of stewardship in the management of organizational assets and finances. Students explore fundraising and resource allocation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES250 — Social Science Research Methods: An introduction to qualitative and quantitative research design used in community studies. Students learn how to collect and evaluate empirical data. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CRJ250
• Disaster Preparedness and Planning
• 3
• CRJ210
• EDU260
• Community Engagement Strategies
• 3
• PSY105
• BIO300
• Public Health and Safety
• 3
• None
• MGT310
• Operations and Logistics Management
• 3
• BUS150
• CRJ250 — Disaster Preparedness and Planning: Comprehensive planning for emergency scenarios at the local and regional levels. Students create actionable response plans for community agencies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU260 — Community Engagement Strategies: Methods for building strong community partnerships to support collaborative disaster response. Students learn to mobilize volunteers and stakeholders effectively. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BIO300 — Public Health and Safety: The study of environmental and biological hazards and their public health implications. Students examine institutional responses to health crises. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT310 — Operations and Logistics Management: Effective management of logistics in a supply chain, specifically applied to relief and recovery efforts. The course focuses on efficiency and service delivery. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CRJ320
• Disaster Response Operations
• 3
• CRJ250
• BUS350
• Humanitarian Aid and Ethics
• 3
• MIN220
• SOC360
• Sociology of Disaster
• 3
• PSY105
• COU370
• Trauma and Resilience
• 4
• PSY105
• CRJ320 — Disaster Response Operations: In-depth study of field operations, incident command systems, and real-time decision-making in active crisis scenarios. Focuses on coordination between entities. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS350 — Humanitarian Aid and Ethics: An examination of the theological and moral underpinnings of humanitarian relief work globally and locally. Addresses the ethics of intervention. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC360 — Sociology of Disaster: Analyzing how disasters affect populations, specifically those who are vulnerable or marginalized. Focuses on social equity and long-term recovery impacts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU370 — Trauma and Resilience: An exploration of psychological responses to disasters and strategies to foster individual and community resilience. Focuses on support and psychological first aid. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CRJ380
• Recovery and Reconstruction
• 3
• CRJ320
• BUS410
• Strategic Administrative Planning
• 3
• MGT310
• HIS420
• History of Social Reform Movements
• 3
• HIS200
• COM430
• Media and Public Relations in Crisis
• 3
• COM210
• CRJ380 — Recovery and Reconstruction: Strategies for post-disaster recovery, addressing infrastructure rebuilding, social stabilization, and economic restoration. Analyzes long-term development plans. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS410 — Strategic Administrative Planning: Applying advanced management theories to the strategic planning process for nonprofit disaster management organizations. Focuses on sustainability and impact. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS420 — History of Social Reform Movements: The study of historical movements that improved societal welfare, focusing on lessons for contemporary disaster relief and humanitarian service. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM430 — Media and Public Relations in Crisis: Managing information flow, media relations, and public perception during emergency events. Focuses on transparency and maintaining public trust. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 7 — Year 4
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CRJ440
• Legal and Regulatory Issues
• 4
• CRJ120
• BUS450
• Policy Analysis for Emergency Management
• 3
• BUS410
• BUS460
• Sustainable Resource Management and Social Responsibility
• 3
• THE101
• EDU470
• Volunteerism and Workforce Development
• 3
• EDU260
• CRJ440 — Legal and Regulatory Issues: Examination of federal and state regulations governing disaster response, liability, and agency responsibility. Covers key legislation and compliance requirements. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS450 — Policy Analysis for Emergency Management: Evaluating governmental and institutional policies as they pertain to public safety and disaster preparedness. Students critique existing frameworks and suggest improvements. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS460 — Sustainable Resource Management and Social Responsibility: This course investigates the responsible management of financial and material resources within humanitarian and non-profit organizations. Students analyze long-term sustainability models and social impact strategies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU470 — Volunteerism and Workforce Development: Managing volunteer personnel and training programs for disaster resilience and effective aid distribution. Focuses on volunteer retention and skill building. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 8 — Year 4
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CAP490
• Senior Capstone Project
• 4
• Senior status, all previous core courses
• CRJ480
• Special Topics in Disaster Resilience
• 3
• CRJ380
• BUS495
• Professional Development and Career Ethics
• 3
• Senior status
• SOC498
• Global Perspectives on Humanitarian Aid
• 3
• SOC360
• CAP490 — Senior Capstone Project: The culminating project where students design a comprehensive emergency management plan based on faith-informed ethical principles and professional competencies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CRJ480 — Special Topics in Disaster Resilience: Advanced investigation of emerging issues in disaster resilience, including technological impacts and global community dynamics. Students explore cutting-edge solutions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS495 — Professional Development and Career Ethics: Preparing for transition into the workplace with an emphasis on professional networking, resume building, and maintaining integrity in the field. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC498 — Global Perspectives on Humanitarian Aid: Examination of international standards, cultural sensitivity, and collaborative frameworks for global humanitarian responses. Focuses on holistic community support. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants must hold a high school diploma or recognized equivalent with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Prospective students are required to submit an official transcript, a personal statement reflecting their commitment to servant leadership, and evidence of previous engagement in community or volunteer service. Standardized test scores may be submitted, and all candidates must participate in an admissions interview to assess their alignment with the mission and values of the institution. Senior Capstone Project The Senior Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic experience of the Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Emergency Management. Spanning the final semester, this 4-credit course requires students to design and execute a comprehensive emergency management plan or research initiative that addresses a real-world disaster scenario. Students must demonstrate the ability to synthesize knowledge from their entire program, applying technical proficiency alongside ethical analysis and strategic planning. The project requires a formal written proposal, an operational plan or research paper, and a capstone presentation before a faculty panel. Through this work, students demonstrate how they apply their Christian worldview to administrative challenges, specifically focusing on how servant leadership and stewardship can transform disaster response efforts. By addressing the needs of marginalized populations and demonstrating ethical integrity, students showcase both their disciplinary mastery and their commitment to serving the greater good through faith-informed action.

• To graduate, students must complete the 120-credit hour curriculum with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. In addition to academic coursework, students must achieve a satisfactory passing grade in the Senior Capstone Project. Graduation signifies that a student has met both the rigorous professional standards of the emergency management discipline and the institutional expectations for spiritual and ethical development.
• Students are expected to fulfill institutional requirements related to spiritual formation, including documented participation in community service, chapel attendance, and coursework in Christian theology and practice. These requirements ensure that graduates leave the university not only as competent administrative professionals but also as individuals prepared to act with character, empathy, and ethical consistency in their professional callings and community contributions.
• Career Opportunities
• Emergency Management Coordinator for Faith-Based Nonprofits
• Disaster Relief Program Administrator
• Community Resilience and Preparedness Planner
• Nonprofit Resource Development Specialist
• Public Safety Operations Liaison
• Humanitarian Aid Logistics Coordinator
• Corporate Social Responsibility and Disaster Planning Consultant
• 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 Emergency Management
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years
• General education | 36 credit hours
• Faith-Based Emergency 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
• SOC101 | Introduction to Social Justice and Humanitarian Systems | 3 | None
• PSY105 | Principles of Sociology | 3 | None
• MAT110 | Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CRJ120 | Foundations of Emergency Management | 3 | None
• BUS150 | Organizational Leadership | 3 | None
• HIS200 | World History and Civilizations | 3 | None
• COM210 | Interpersonal and Crisis Communication | 3 | ENG101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CRJ210 | Risk Assessment and Mitigation | 3 | CRJ120
• BUS220 | Professional Ethics and Organizational Integrity | 3 | THE101
• BUS230 | Nonprofit Resource Management | 3 | MAT110
• RES250 | Social Science Research Methods | 4 | MAT110
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CRJ250 | Disaster Preparedness and Planning | 3 | CRJ210
• EDU260 | Community Engagement Strategies | 3 | PSY105
• BIO300 | Public Health and Safety | 3 | None
• MGT310 | Operations and Logistics Management | 3 | BUS150
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CRJ320 | Disaster Response Operations | 3 | CRJ250
• BUS350 | Humanitarian Aid and Ethics | 3 | MIN220
• SOC360 | Sociology of Disaster | 3 | PSY105
• COU370 | Trauma and Resilience | 4 | PSY105
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CRJ380 | Recovery and Reconstruction | 3 | CRJ320
• BUS410 | Strategic Administrative Planning | 3 | MGT310
• HIS420 | History of Social Reform Movements | 3 | HIS200
• COM430 | Media and Public Relations in Crisis | 3 | COM210
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CRJ440 | Legal and Regulatory Issues | 4 | CRJ120
• BUS450 | Policy Analysis for Emergency Management | 3 | BUS410
• BUS460 | Sustainable Resource Management and Social Responsibility | 3 | THE101
• EDU470 | Volunteerism and Workforce Development | 3 | EDU260
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP490 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | Senior status, all previous core courses
• CRJ480 | Special Topics in Disaster Resilience | 3 | CRJ380
• BUS495 | Professional Development and Career Ethics | 3 | Senior status
• SOC498 | Global Perspectives on Humanitarian Aid | 3 | SOC360