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Associate 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

A.A. in Faith-Based Risk Management

Total program length

60 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years

General education

18 credit hours

Faith-Based Risk Management core

30 credit hours

Professional application courses

9 credit hours

Capstone requirement

3 credit hours

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Risk Management with a specialization in Disaster Preparedness provides a rigorous academic foundation for students seeking to serve in community-focused organizations. The curriculum integrates principles of organizational management, ethical decision-making, and structural risk assessment, specifically tailored to the challenges faced by faith-based and nonprofit entities. Through a comprehensive exploration of emergency logistics, communication, and stewardship, students gain the technical proficiency necessary to protect physical, human, and social assets within diverse environments.

Students will explore the intersection of institutional stability and community service, emphasizing a framework of servant leadership. The program encourages the development of proactive strategies that prioritize human welfare and resource conservation. By balancing theoretical management concepts with practical risk mitigation techniques, the program equips graduates to operate as principled agents of change within the voluntary and mission-driven sectors.

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Risk Management provides a foundational study in faith-based risk management, emphasizing human development, communication, ethics, community resources, and supportive service practices. Students engage with the intersection of disaster preparedness and ministerial stewardship, gaining theoretical and practical knowledge required to assess vulnerabilities and coordinate response strategies within faith-centered organizational contexts.

Program Facts

Program facts

Degree abbreviation
A.A. in Faith-Based Risk Management
Total program length
60 semester credit hours
Normal completion time
Two academic years
General education
18 credit hours
Professional application courses
9 credit hours
Capstone requirement
3 credit hours
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 risk mitigation strategies appropriate for faith-based and nonprofit organizational structures.
  • Evaluate emergency management protocols within the context of resource stewardship and community welfare.
  • Design comprehensive disaster preparedness plans that address the unique needs of vulnerable populations in community settings.
  • Apply ethical decision-making frameworks to resolve conflicts and logistical challenges during organizational crises.
  • Communicate risk management concepts effectively through professional written and oral presentations.
  • Demonstrate servant leadership by integrating institutional mission with public safety responsibilities.
  • Course Outline
  • Semester 1 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • ENG101
  • College Composition
  • 4
  • None
  • BUS105
  • Principles of Management
  • 4
  • None
  • CHR110
  • Foundations of Ethical Leadership
  • 4
  • None
  • MAT120
  • Quantitative Reasoning
  • 4
  • None
  • ENG101 — College Composition: This course focuses on advanced writing and rhetorical strategies required for professional documentation. Students will develop skills in narrative, analytical, and persuasive writing. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS105 — Principles of Management: An introduction to the fundamental concepts of organizational behavior, leadership, and managerial functions. Emphasis is placed on planning, organizing, and controlling in a nonprofit context. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • CHR110 — Foundations of Ethical Leadership: This course explores the intersection of professional ethics, servant leadership, and personal integrity. It examines how organizational values inform decision-making processes. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MAT120 — Quantitative Reasoning: This course introduces statistical methods and data interpretation for organizational planning. Students will analyze trends to inform institutional decision-making. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 2 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • RES205
  • Risk Assessment and Mitigation
  • 4
  • BUS105
  • COM210
  • Professional Communication
  • 4
  • ENG101
  • SOC220
  • Community Dynamics and Development
  • 4
  • None
  • THE230
  • Stewardship and Sustainability
  • 4
  • CHR110
  • RES205 — Risk Assessment and Mitigation: Students will learn to identify operational vulnerabilities and develop strategies to mitigate institutional risks. The course addresses physical site assessment and resource preservation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • COM210 — Professional Communication: Focuses on internal and external communication strategies during routine and emergency conditions. Students will master crisis messaging for diverse stakeholder groups. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • SOC220 — Community Dynamics and Development: An examination of social structures and the cultural nuances of community engagement. Students will learn to work effectively with diverse groups in humanitarian settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • THE230 — Stewardship and Sustainability: This course explores the concept of institutional stewardship as a spiritual and practical imperative for nonprofits. It covers resource management and environmental responsibility. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 3 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • MGT301
  • Disaster Preparedness Strategies
  • 4
  • RES205
  • CRJ315
  • Crisis Management Fundamentals
  • 4
  • RES205
  • PSY325
  • Behavioral Aspects of Crisis
  • 4
  • None
  • MIN330
  • Collaborative Network Building
  • 4
  • SOC220
  • MGT301 — Disaster Preparedness Strategies: Students will design comprehensive disaster plans including evacuation, logistics, and resource mobilization. Focus is placed on institutional continuity during emergencies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • CRJ315 — Crisis Management Fundamentals: Provides an overview of incident command systems and the legal considerations of emergency management. Students will explore local and state coordination protocols. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • PSY325 — Behavioral Aspects of Crisis: Covers the psychological impact of emergencies on individuals and communities. Students will examine human behavior in high-stress environments to better serve those in need. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MIN330 — Collaborative Network Building: Focuses on building partnerships between faith-based organizations, civil authorities, and public agencies. Effective cooperation is explored as a tool for public service. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 4 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • CAP400
  • Capstone Project
  • 4
  • MGT301
  • EDU410
  • Community Outreach Education
  • 3
  • COM210
  • BUS420
  • Nonprofit Resource Management
  • 3
  • BUS105
  • HUM450
  • Integrative Seminar
  • 3
  • CAP400
  • CAP400 — Capstone Project: Students implement a comprehensive disaster preparedness and risk management plan for a designated partner organization. The project demonstrates the integration of technical skills, ethical reasoning, and servant leadership. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • EDU410 — Community Outreach Education: Explores methods for delivering safety and preparedness training to community members. Focuses on curriculum design for diverse non-expert populations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS420 — Nonprofit Resource Management: Advanced study in budgeting and logistical planning specifically for high-risk or disaster-prone environments. Students analyze current asset management trends. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • HUM450 — Integrative Seminar: A final synthesis of social, ethical, and organizational themes addressed during the program. Students reflect on their role as future practitioners of faith-informed service. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Admission Requirements

Admission and entry requirements

Applicants must hold a high school diploma or its equivalent, such as a GED, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. Additionally, candidates are required to submit an institutional application, official academic transcripts, and a personal statement reflecting their interest in faith-based service and community resilience. Culminating Project The Capstone Project represents the culminating academic experience for the Associate of Arts program, requiring students to synthesize their learning through the development of a professional Disaster Preparedness Plan for a specific, real-world community or nonprofit entity. Students are tasked with conducting a thorough risk assessment, identifying operational vulnerabilities, and designing an actionable strategy that balances organizational mission with public safety objectives. This project requires rigorous adherence to ethical standards and demonstrates the student's ability to apply classroom theory to complex, localized challenges. Beyond technical competence, the Capstone integrates faith-based perspectives by requiring students to articulate the relationship between their proposed solutions and the principles of biblical stewardship and servant leadership. Students must demonstrate how their plan honors the inherent dignity of the community served and promotes long-term sustainability. The project deliverables include a written formal proposal, a risk analysis document, and a reflective essay connecting their work to their own spiritual formation and ethical integrity as a leader in the nonprofit sector.

Protected Curriculum

Complete program outline available after verification

Graduation Requirements

Graduation and completion requirements

  • To qualify for graduation, students must complete the 60-credit curriculum with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. All coursework must be completed with a passing grade, and students must provide evidence of the successful completion of the Capstone Project, which is evaluated against specific academic and professional rubrics. These requirements ensure that graduates have reached a high level of disciplinary proficiency and are prepared to contribute positively to their chosen fields.
  • In alignment with the institutional mission, graduation also entails a demonstration of spiritual and character development. Students must fulfill requirements related to community engagement, participation in chapel services, and the completion of service-learning hours, which reflect a commitment to integrated growth. This holistic approach ensures that graduates are not only professionally capable but also embody the integrity, maturity, and ethical dedication required for faithful service in the broader community.
  • Career Opportunities
  • Nonprofit Disaster Coordinator
  • Community Outreach Specialist
  • Emergency Management Assistant
  • Faith-Based Facility Risk Manager
  • Volunteer Safety Coordinator
  • Organizational Logistics Assistant
  • Community Recovery Liaison
  • 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 | A.A. in Faith-Based Risk Management
  • Total program length | 60 semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Two academic years
  • General education | 18 credit hours
  • Faith-Based Risk Management core | 30 credit hours
  • Professional application courses | 9 credit hours
  • Capstone requirement | 3 credit hours
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • ENG101 | College Composition | 4 | None
  • BUS105 | Principles of Management | 4 | None
  • CHR110 | Foundations of Ethical Leadership | 4 | None
  • MAT120 | Quantitative Reasoning | 4 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • RES205 | Risk Assessment and Mitigation | 4 | BUS105
  • COM210 | Professional Communication | 4 | ENG101
  • SOC220 | Community Dynamics and Development | 4 | None
  • THE230 | Stewardship and Sustainability | 4 | CHR110
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • MGT301 | Disaster Preparedness Strategies | 4 | RES205
  • CRJ315 | Crisis Management Fundamentals | 4 | RES205
  • PSY325 | Behavioral Aspects of Crisis | 4 | None
  • MIN330 | Collaborative Network Building | 4 | SOC220
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CAP400 | Capstone Project | 4 | MGT301
  • EDU410 | Community Outreach Education | 3 | COM210
  • BUS420 | Nonprofit Resource Management | 3 | BUS105
  • HUM450 | Integrative Seminar | 3 | CAP400

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

  • Nonprofit Disaster Coordinator
  • Community Outreach Specialist
  • Emergency Management Assistant
  • Faith-Based Facility Risk Manager
  • Volunteer Safety Coordinator
  • Organizational Logistics Assistant
  • Community Recovery Liaison

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 | A.A. in Faith-Based Risk Management
  • Total program length | 60 semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Two academic years