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:
Questions? Email iiha@fordham.edu with the subject “MSHS inquiry” and your name
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.”
HUST graduate and
MSHS graduate, 2022.
She currently works at the Interborough Developmental & Consultation Center
“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.
Assistant Provost for Corporate Relations at Fordham University
Holly Curtis is an accomplished education leader, currently serving as the Assistant Provost for Corporate Relations at Fordham University. In this role, she fosters partnerships between academia and industry, driving innovative collaborations and advancing strategic goals. Prior to this, Holly was the Chief of Staff at Ascend Public Charter Schools, where she oversaw strategic planning for one of New York’s largest charter networks, and she also led MBA Admissions at NYU Stern School of Business.
With a strong background in strategic leadership, education management, program development, and recruitment, Holly’s career began in international development with Pencils of Promise in Laos. Her work there shaped her expertise in strategic planning and talent development.
Holly holds an MBA from NYU Stern and a BA in International Political Economy from Fordham University. She is deeply committed to advancing diversity and inclusion, and is a certified administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI). She is also an alumna of NYU’s Global Inclusive Leadership Management Institute.
Helen Hamlyn Humanitarian Fellow and Global Program Director
Martine van der Does is a Dutch national and humanitarian expert with over 15 years of international experience. With a background in architecture she started her career working on humanitarian shelter at Delft University of Technology but soon moved to the field with Médécins sans Frontières (MSF) as a Construction Logistician. In 2010 Martine joined the Netherlands Foreign service where she worked in the Africa Department, Stabilisation and Humanitarian Aid Department and served as a Diplomat in Afghanistan and Jordan. In 2018 joined the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Myanmar where she worked in remote areas on protection and water and habitat issues. Until recently Martine was the Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Netherlands Government in Amman, Jordan.
Martine is academically involved as a lecturer at Delft University in the Netherlands and Fordham University in New York. In the past years she also ran the prestigious International Diploma in Humanitarian Assistance (IDHA) as a Course Director in Geneva. Martine holds a Master of Science Degree in Architecture from Delft University of Technology and a Masters of Arts Degree in International Humanitarian Action from Fordham University. In her time off she is an active cyclist, runner, and enjoys ultraraces.
She accepted a position as Helen Hamlyn Humanitarian Fellow at the IIHA in 2024.
Seriously considering the IDHA and want to learn more? Book an appointment with Martine on the left.
Martine hosts Corporate Humanity, a podcast produced by Fordham University’s Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs.
Master of Science in Architecture (MSc) and Master of Arts in International Humanitarian Action (MIHA) and IDHA 24
With the IIHA since: 2008
Current courses: IDHA and non-academic courses
In my free time I enjoy: Traveling, mountains, playing guitar and endurance sports such as long (distance) running, cycling, skiing and swimming.
“In a world you can be anything, be kind to yourself and the people you work for and with. ”
