Master of Science in Humanitarian Studies

Become a leader in humanitarian affairs

Every year, millions of people around the world are in need of humanitarian assistance and protection. While conflict remains the main driver of humanitarian needs, increasingly conflict overlaps with climate disasters, infectious diseases, and poverty, often affecting the same communities. Built on social justice values and humanitarian principles, the Master of Science in Humanitarian Studies is a 30-credit interdisciplinary program. It equips students with the knowledge and skills to respond to and address the causes and consequences of humanitarian crises.

A Master of Science in Humanitarian Studies (MSHS) from Fordham University’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) will educate you to make meaningful contributions to humanitarian operations. Join this innovative, first-of-its-kind U.S.-based Master’s degree dedicated exclusively to international humanitarian response today. Start your application!

While the MSHS program accepts applications on a rolling basis we highly recommend submitting your application by November 3rd for Spring enrollment or June 30th for Fall enrollment to leave time for preparation for the semester. Below are application instructions: 

To apply for the M.S. in Humanitarian Studies:

  • Create an application
  • Select “Graduate School of Arts and Science” from the dropdown
  • Once you begin your GSAS application select “M.S. in Humanitarian Studies” under “Fall Programs”

Questions? Email iiha@fordham.edu with the subject “MSHS inquiry” and your name

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Welcome to the MSHS!

Upon completion of the undergraduate humanitarian studies program, students will be able to:


  1. Make meaningful contributions to humanitarian operations
  2. Examine critically the political, social, economic, and legal foundations of the contemporary humanitarian sector
  3. Master various techniques to engage holistic and sustainable responses to protracted and rapid onset humanitarian crises
  4. Engage deeply in contemporary humanitarian issues, including forced migration, human rights in conflict, urban disasters, and education in crises
  5. Focus on developing practical field skills through unique experiential learning opportunity in New York and overseas
  6. Cultivate an extensive network of high-qualified graduate program alumni and practitioners through the Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs
  1. Learn policy making and project management skills and techniques from faculty with both academic and field experience in humanitarian relief and assistance
  2.  Understand the theory and practice of humanitarian relief
  3. Enrich your coursework with immersive internship, independent study and thesis research opportunities preparing you for a fulfilling career in the sector
MSHS class in session

Our mission for students in the Humanitarian Studies Program at Fordham


Our mission extends beyond simply satisfying the course requirements for the major or minor, and the IIHA and their advisor will support them in a number of ways. Students are encouraged to:


  • Participate in the life of the humanitarian community at Fordham. Examining contemporary humanitarian issues with their peers through debates, clubs and other activities is an important part of their humanitarian education
  • Cultivate an in-depth knowledge of a specific area of humanitarian assistance through their elective choices, their internship, and – if in the Major – their thesis;

  • Consider their professional development and their range of career options while making use of the IIHA’s relationships with practitioners as well as Fordham’s location in New York City.

  • Select an internship, independent study, or thesis research project

Course Examples

  • Fundamentals of Humanitarian Action
  • Contemporary Issues in Humanitarian Action
  • Information Management
  • Humanitarian Resource Management and Administration
  • Monitoring and Evaluation in Humanitarian Response
  • Human Rights Protections for Vulnerable Groups
  • Access to Education During Crisis and Conflict
  • Cash, Commodities, and Services in a Humanitarian Response
  • International Disaster Management


  • Some courses listed above are electives. Please view the course catalog below for course requirements and additional electives.
View entire course catalog here

Our interactions within the Institute are not merely academic but imbued with a shared passion for helping those in need and striving for a more just world. Each conversation, each encounter, is an opportunity to learn, empathize, and collaborate toward meaningful action.”

Antonia Jenkins

Linkedin-in

HUST graduate and 
MSHS graduate, 2022.
She currently works at the Interborough Developmental & Consultation Center

Martine Van Der Does, a MSHS alumna, served in the Red Cross and now serves as the Helen Hamlyn Humanitarian Fellow
Martine, an IIHA Graduate alumna, served in the ICRC and now serves as the Helen Hamlyn Humanitarian Fellow

MSHS Alumni Careers

The MSHS program is designed for individuals intending to build careers in humanitarian action. Whether in development, finance, policy coordination, advocacy, strategic communications, program/project management, logistics, or other areas of expertise, MSHS graduates will be exceptionally-equipped to contribute their skillsets and knowledge to humanitarian nongovernmental or intergovernmental organizations, government agencies, foundations, think tanks, or within the private sector. 

MSHS students have access to Fordham University’s Career Services, along with direct advising from the IIHA Executive Director, Helen Hamlyn Senior Fellow and Faculty. The MSHS is a program in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS). 

  • Netherlands Government 
  • Concern Worldwide 
  • World Food Programme 
  • Watchlist on Children in Armed Conflict 
  • Malden Catholic High School
  • International Red Cross
Have more questions? Visit our FAQ’s page

Quick Facts

to complete the program 
1.5 years
Classes
Evening
Online courses available
0
Not required
GRE
Admissions
Rolling

This major is for you if:

  • You see yourself working in the following areas:
    • international NGOs
    • NGOs
    • global health initiatives
    • State Department
    • USAID
    • United Nations
    • human rights organizations
    • international law firms
    • Don’t see an area of interest? Email iiha@fordham.edu with Subject: Interest in MSHS and we will help you decide if this is the Major for you!
  • You’re a current HUST student and would like to complete your master’s degree in 1 year (starting MSHS classes your senior year). Accelerated program students can save up to 30% in tuition.
  • You’re interested in building careers in humanitarian action with humanitarian nongovernmental or intergovernmental organizations, government agencies, foundations, think tanks, or within the private sector.
  • You see yourself starting or being promoted in any of the following areas: Development, Policy coordination, Advocacy, Strategic communications, Program/project management, Logistics.
  • You are curious and have courage to face upsetting realities and am willing to work toward meaningful solutions in an office setting or in the field overseas.

Ihsan Hatab

“The courses I took at Fordham, such as Humanitarian Advocacy, Mental Health in Complex Emergencies , Information Management, Forced Migration, and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Humanitarian Settings, were instrumental in shaping my knowledge and expertise.

Transitioning to a new country and overcoming the challenges of being visually impaired was not easy. However, the inclusive and disability-equality-focused educational program at Fordham made it possible for me to participate fully, learn, and make an impact.”

Linkedin-in

Fordham University MSHS graduate, 2024. She studied at the IIHA as a Fullbright scholar.

Helpful Links

When you join the Humanitarian Studies Graduate Program at Fordham University you have access to many resources:


View application requirements

Fordham GSAS Academic Calendar

Fordham University Career Services

Fordham University Academic Advising Services

Visit the Fordham University website here to learn more about life at Rose Hill in the Bronx and Lincoln Center in Manhattan


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Start online application
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