Master of Science in Humanitarian Studies

Educating the next generation of humanitarian professionals

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.

Built on social justice values and humanitarian principles, this 30-credit interdisciplinary program is uniquely focused on the theory and practice of humanitarian relief, and is centered on equipping you with a wide range of skills and competencies necessary for a dynamic career in the sector.

You will be challenged to examine critically the political, social, economic, and legal foundations of the contemporary humanitarian sector, and to master various techniques to engaging holistic and sustainable responses to protracted and rapid onset humanitarian crises.

The MSHS program accepts applications on a rolling basis.

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

Join an innovative graduate program, the first of its kind, U.S.-based Master’s degree dedicated exclusively to international humanitarian response
Engage deeply in contemporary humanitarian issues, including forced migration, human rights in conflict, urban disasters, and education in crises
Focus on developing practical field skills through unique experiential learning opportunity in New York and overseas
Cultivate an extensive network of high-qualified graduate program alumni and practitioners through the Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs

Learn policy making and project management skills and techniques from faculty with both academic and field experience in humanitarian relief and assistance
Enrich your coursework with immersive internship, independent study and thesis research opportunities

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

Philosophy of Human Rights
Hazards, Disasters & the Human Experience
Catholic Social Teaching
Economies of Emerging Nations
Third World Politics
Gender, Crime and Justice
International Communication
Peace, Justice and the Media
Feminist Theory in Intercultural Perspectives

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

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

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

Quick Facts

to complete the program

1.5 years

Classes

Evening

Online courses available

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 us 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.”

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

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

Conferences
Webinars
Internships
Monthly lunches at the IIHA
The Fordham Humanitarian Club
Fordham University Career services

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

Click here to view application requirements   