Educating the next generation of humanitarian professionals
With the unprecedented rise globally of conflict-induced and climate-induced disasters, the need to ensure collective, effective responses to humanitarian crises that meet the needs of disaster-affected communities has never been more pressing. Addressing the multidimensional challenges of humanitarian action requires well-trained professionals who possess multi-sector knowledge, cultural understanding, and practical skillsets.
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.
Program Highlights
- 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
Program Basics
- Attend evening classes as a working professional or to accommodate internship schedules
- Concentrate on one of three areas: Human Rights; Communities and Capacity Building; or Livelihoods and Institutions
- Take advantage of Fordham’s partnerships with academic institutions and humanitarian organizations to engage in local, national, and international research, internship, and study opportunities
Learning Goals
Upon completion of the Master of Science in Humanitarian Studies, students will:
- conduct independent research, using appropriate methodologies, on a current challenge or thematic concentration within humanitarian response;
- analyze how common understandings of your chosen concentration inform the delivery and effectiveness of humanitarian assistance;
- collaborate with and learn from an extensive network of humanitarian professionals;
- demonstrate a deep comprehension of the skillsets and competencies necessary for early career positions in the humanitarian sector, including logistics, monitoring and evaluation, advocacy, development, and finance, and project management;
- obtain mastery of ethical principles and legal frameworks for humanitarian settings; and
- fulfill a growing demand for early career humanitarian professionals who possess an in-depth knowledge of a specific area of humanitarian response.
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.
How to register:
Application Deadlines:
For Fall 2021 Admissions: Apr. 5, 2021
To apply for the M.S. in Humanitarian Studies:
- Create an application
- Select "Graduate School of Arts and Science"
- Select "M.S. in Humanitarian Studies"
Contact Information
Institute of International Humanitarian AffairsCanisius Hall | Fordham University Rose Hill
2546 Belmont Avenue
Bronx, NY 10458
Phone: 718-817-5694
Email: mshs@fordham.edu
