Master of Arts in Faith-Based Supply Chain Management, Specialization in Logistics for Humanitarian Aid

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Supply Chain Management, Specialization in Logistics for Humanitarian Aid

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Academic unit

HBIU College of Business and Economics

Total credits

60

Duration

2 years

• Analyze complex supply chain challenges within humanitarian aid contexts, applying advanced theoretical frameworks and practical methodologies.
• Evaluate the ethical dimensions of supply chain decision-making, integrating principles of stewardship, justice, and compassion.
• Design and implement efficient and resilient logistics strategies for the distribution of essential goods and services in disaster-affected and developing regions.
• Integrate servant leadership principles into supply chain management practices, fostering collaborative relationships and empowering stakeholders.
• Communicate research findings and strategic recommendations effectively to diverse audiences, including organizational leaders, field personnel, and international partners.
• Develop comprehensive project management plans for humanitarian logistics initiatives, ensuring accountability and measurable impact.
• Interpret global supply chain trends and their implications for faith-based organizations engaged in humanitarian work.
• Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and ethical reflection in the practice of faith-based supply chain management.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MGT 501
• Foundations of Supply Chain Management
• 3
• None
• RES 500
• Research Methods for Graduate Studies
• 3
• None
• BUS 510
• Managerial Economics
• 3
• None
• MGT 515
• Organizational Behavior and Leadership
• 3
• None
• MGT 501 — Foundations of Supply Chain Management: This course introduces fundamental concepts, principles, and strategies of supply chain management, including sourcing, procurement, operations, logistics, and distribution. Students will explore the strategic importance of an integrated supply chain in organizational success. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES 500 — Research Methods for Graduate Studies: This course provides an overview of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies relevant to business and management disciplines. Students will learn to design research studies, collect and analyze data, and interpret findings critically. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS 510 — Managerial Economics: This course examines economic principles and their application to managerial decision-making within organizations. Topics include microeconomic theory, market structures, and cost analysis, with an emphasis on resource allocation in dynamic environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT 515 — Organizational Behavior and Leadership: This course explores theories of organizational behavior, leadership styles, and team dynamics. Students will analyze human behavior in organizational settings and develop skills in motivating and leading diverse groups towards common goals. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MGT 520
• Logistics and Transportation Management
• 4
• MGT 501
• MGT 530
• Operations Management
• 3
• MGT 501, BUS 510
• SOC 505
• Global Social Systems and Development
• 3
• None
• BUS 510
• Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility
• 3
• None
• MGT 520 — Logistics and Transportation Management: This course delves into the principles of logistics and transportation, covering network design, inventory management, warehousing, and freight movement. Students will learn to optimize the flow of goods and services across complex networks. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT 530 — Operations Management: This course examines the design, management, and improvement of operational systems that produce goods and services. Topics include process analysis, quality management, capacity planning, and supply chain integration. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC 505 — Global Social Systems and Development: This course provides an overview of global social structures, development theories, and the challenges faced by communities worldwide. Students will analyze the interplay of social, economic, and political factors in international development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS 510 — Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility: This course examines ethical frameworks in decision-making and the role of corporate entities in addressing societal challenges within international supply chains. It analyzes the impact of sustainable practices on stakeholder relations and organizational integrity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MGT 540
• Supply Chain Risk Management and Resilience
• 3
• MGT 501, MGT 530
• MGT 550
• Humanitarian Logistics and Aid Distribution
• 4
• MGT 520, SOC 505
• MGT 560
• Global Supply Chain Strategy and Sourcing
• 3
• MGT 501, MGT 530
• COM 510
• Leadership Communication
• 3
• MGT 515
• MGT 540 — Supply Chain Risk Management and Resilience: This course focuses on identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks within supply chains, particularly in volatile and disaster-prone environments. Students will develop strategies for building resilience and ensuring business continuity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT 550 — Humanitarian Logistics and Aid Distribution: This course examines the unique challenges and best practices of logistics and supply chain management in humanitarian aid operations. Topics include needs assessment, procurement in emergency contexts, aid delivery, and coordination with international agencies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT 560 — Global Supply Chain Strategy and Sourcing: This course explores strategic decision-making in global supply chains, including network design, sourcing strategies, supplier relationship management, and international trade considerations. Students will analyze the complexities of operating in a global marketplace. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM 510 — Leadership Communication: This course focuses on developing effective communication strategies for leaders in organizational and cross-cultural contexts. Students will practice various communication skills, including public speaking, interpersonal communication, and persuasive messaging. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MGT 699
• Thesis/Capstone Project
• 6
• All core courses and RES 500
• MGT 570
• Nonprofit Organizational Governance and Administration
• 3
• MGT 515, THE 510
• MGT 580
• International Procurement and Contract Management
• 3
• MGT 501, MGT 560
• MGT 590
• Project Management for Humanitarian Initiatives
• 3
• MGT 550, RES 500
• MGT 699 — Thesis/Capstone Project: This capstone experience requires students to conduct an in-depth research project or applied case study in faith-based supply chain management, with a specialization in humanitarian aid logistics. Students will demonstrate mastery of program concepts by developing original work that addresses a significant issue in the field. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT 570 — Nonprofit Organizational Governance and Administration: This course explores the administrative processes, governance structures, and resource allocation strategies essential for managing complex nonprofit entities. Students evaluate methods for ensuring operational efficiency and mission alignment in social-sector service delivery. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT 580 — International Procurement and Contract Management: This course covers the intricacies of procurement and contract management in an international context, with a focus on humanitarian and development settings. Students will learn about legal frameworks, ethical considerations, and effective negotiation strategies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT 590 — Project Management for Humanitarian Initiatives: This course focuses on the application of project management principles and methodologies to humanitarian initiatives. Students will learn to plan, execute, monitor, and close projects effectively, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and stakeholder needs. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants to the Master of Arts in Faith-Based Supply Chain Management program must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants are also required to submit a statement of purpose outlining their career goals and interest in faith-based humanitarian logistics, along with two letters of recommendation and official transcripts. Prior coursework in business, economics, or a related field is recommended but not required. Thesis or Capstone Project The culminating academic experience for the Master of Arts in Faith-Based Supply Chain Management is a comprehensive thesis or capstone project. This project serves as a demonstration of the student's ability to synthesize program learning, apply theoretical knowledge to practical challenges, and engage in scholarly research or applied problem-solving. Students will select a topic relevant to faith-based supply chain management, with a particular emphasis on humanitarian aid logistics, under the guidance of a faculty advisor. The project will require rigorous analysis, critical thinking, and the articulation of innovative solutions or significant insights. The integration of faith-based perspectives is a substantive component of the thesis/capstone. Students are expected to explore how ethical reasoning, servant leadership, biblical stewardship, spiritual formation, and a Christian worldview inform their research questions, methodologies, and proposed solutions. This may involve examining the practical application of Christian values in managing resources, leading teams, and serving vulnerable populations within the supply chain. The project must demonstrate not only academic competence in supply chain management and logistics but also the development of a faith-informed character, reflecting a commitment to ethical conduct and compassionate service in professional practice.

• To be awarded the Master of Arts in Faith-Based Supply Chain Management, students must fulfill all program requirements. This includes successfully completing 60 credit hours of coursework with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. All required courses, including the thesis or capstone project, must be completed satisfactorily.
• In addition to academic achievements, the program emphasizes spiritual maturity and ethical integrity. Students are expected to engage in faith-based formation activities throughout their program of study. This may include participation in designated community service initiatives, regular attendance at university chapels or spiritual formation gatherings, and successful completion of any specified coursework or reflection activities designed to foster character development and readiness for faith-informed service. These requirements are designed to ensure that graduates are not only academically proficient but also ethically grounded and spiritually prepared to serve effectively in faith-based and humanitarian contexts.
• Career Opportunities
• Humanitarian Logistics Manager
• Supply Chain Analyst for Non-Profit Organizations
• Operations Director for Faith-Based Relief Agencies
• Program Manager for International Development
• Emergency Response Coordinator
• Procurement Specialist for Humanitarian Missions
• Volunteer Coordinator in Disaster Relief
• Global Health Supply Chain Specialist
• 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 Supply Chain Management, Specialization in Logistics for Humanitarian Aid
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Supply Chain Management, Specialization in Logistics for Humanitarian Aid 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
• MGT 501 | Foundations of Supply Chain Management | 3 | None
• RES 500 | Research Methods for Graduate Studies | 3 | None
• BUS 510 | Managerial Economics | 3 | None
• MGT 515 | Organizational Behavior and Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT 520 | Logistics and Transportation Management | 4 | MGT 501
• MGT 530 | Operations Management | 3 | MGT 501, BUS 510
• SOC 505 | Global Social Systems and Development | 3 | None
• BUS 510 | Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT 540 | Supply Chain Risk Management and Resilience | 3 | MGT 501, MGT 530
• MGT 550 | Humanitarian Logistics and Aid Distribution | 4 | MGT 520, SOC 505
• MGT 560 | Global Supply Chain Strategy and Sourcing | 3 | MGT 501, MGT 530
• COM 510 | Leadership Communication | 3 | MGT 515
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT 699 | Thesis/Capstone Project | 6 | All core courses and RES 500
• MGT 570 | Nonprofit Organizational Governance and Administration | 3 | MGT 515, THE 510
• MGT 580 | International Procurement and Contract Management | 3 | MGT 501, MGT 560
• MGT 590 | Project Management for Humanitarian Initiatives | 3 | MGT 550, RES 500