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. For answers to common questions such as tuition and application requirements please visit our FAQ page.
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
In 2010, Martine joined the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where she has held various policy, coordination and diplomatic positions, including assignments in Afghanistan and Jordan. She has also worked for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Myanmar, focusing on protection and water and habitat programmes in remote areas. From Amman, Jordan, she served as Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Netherlands Government, covering humanitarian developments and crises across the Middle East. Martine continues her work with the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a Strategic Policy Advisor on Humanitarian Affairs.
Alongside her work with the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Martine has been involved with Fordham University’s Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs (IIHA) for over 15 years. Since 2024, she has been involved as the Helen Hamlyn Humanitarian Fellow at the IIHA, where she has also held the role of Global Program Director, contributing to the development and delivery of international humanitarian education and training programmes. She has also served as Course Director of the International Diploma in Humanitarian Assistance (IDHA) and lectures at Fordham University and Delft University of Technology.
Martine holds a Master of Science in Architecture from Delft University of Technology and a Master of Arts in International Humanitarian Action from Fordham University.
She co-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: Outside of work, Martine is a passionate cyclist and runner who enjoys endurance sports and ultraraces. She is also a qualified sports massage therapist.
“In a world you can be anything, be kind to yourself and the people you work for and with. ”
