A Fordham IIHA student works with a resident near a flooded area

Humanitarian Studies

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Pursue humanitarian studies at Fordham

About the humanitarian studies major

Helping others is the essence of humanitarian studies—and of a Fordham education. As a Jesuit institution with a mission to pursue justice for the greater good, there’s no better place to earn your degree.

Here, you’ll gain hands-on experience in one of the world’s most global cities. Learn from faculty experts across departments like international affairs, political science, and anthropology. Intern at leading institutions and government organizations like the United Nations. And use your knowledge to address challenges and create solutions where you’re needed most, from helping populations in crisis to examining international law.

Our graduates go on to …

  • law school and Capitol Hill
  • nonprofit organizations and global NGOs
  • careers in public health, disaster relief, and international policy  

Visit the Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs

Two Fordham students working together in a classroom

Humanitarian studies major profile

  • Rose Hill CampusMajor
    Rose Hill
  • Rose Hill CampusMinor
    Rose Hill
  • Lincoln Center CampusMajor
    Lincoln Center
  • Lincoln Center CampusMinor
    Lincoln Center

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Humanitarian Studies for the Greater Good

Maria Jose Salume poses in front of a mural at the Climate Museum in NYC.

Addressing Climate Change Through Art                    

Maria José Salume, a double major in environmental studies and humanitarian studies, landed an internship that combined her passions of art and climate action. Learn more about her experience at the Climate Museum in NYC.

Marta Granados Hernandez works on the floor of the UN as part of the Permanent Mission to Malta.

Building a Humanitarian Career                    

Marta Granados Hernández leveraged her internship opportunities at the U.N. and EU to build a global humanitarian career. Learn how her classes and hands-on experience prepared her for high-stakes international policy work.

Students from the Religion in NYC course pose with Professor Karina Hogan at Congregation Beit Simchat Torah

Exploring NYC’s Religions                    

Fordham students, including humanitarian studies major Francesca Rizzo, gained a hands-on education in the work of New York’s faith communities through Fordham’s Religion in NYC course.

Headshots of featured Fulbright scholars

Fulbright Scholars Shine                    

Rebecca Cortes earned a prestigious Fulbright award to teach English in Galicia, Spain, building language skills for a future legal career serving marginalized communities. Explore the impact she and her peers are making.

Clariel Arias

First-Gen Student Success                    

Learn how Naimal Chisti, a humanitarian studies and political science student and a member of the Higher Education Opportunity Program, studied intermediate Arabic in Meknes, Morocco as a recipient of the selective Critical Language Scholarship.

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Humanitarian Studies program FAQ

  • The goal of humanitarian studies and Fordham’s Jesuit mission are one and the same: Care for others and fight for justice. You’ll have access to opportunities like Global Outreach, our cultural immersion program promoting social justice and community engagement, as well as local service opportunities across NYC with campus ministry and student clubs.

    Here, you’ll learn by doing, gaining the skills and experiences employers seek. And in addition to the big city energy of New York, you’ll have a tight-knit, supportive campus community, eager for you to thrive. 

  • Beyond the fundamentals of contemporary human affairs, you might dive into specific courses like Fundamentals of Disaster Emergency Management, where you’ll examine emergency responses across the world, or Refugee and Asylum Law, where you’ll explore global responses to managing refugees and asylees.

  • With New York City as your college town, you’ll have access to internship opportunities at various United Nations agencies, U.S. federal and state departments, international NGOs, and prominent research institutions. Humanitarian studies majors often pursue internships in areas such as global health, world poverty, women’s rights, conflict resolution, and international education.

  • You’ll be prepared for a wide range of challenging career paths at places such as:

    • international NGOs
    • global health initiatives
    • U.S. State Department
    • United Nations
    • human rights organizations
    • international law firms

    Plus, you can connect with alumni through the Fordham Mentoring Program to receive one-on-one guidance and advice for your career.

  • At Fordham, you’ll use AI as a tool to enhance your learning. Our program will equip you with the skills to navigate the ever-changing landscape of AI in the workforce. As a humanitarian studies major, you could conduct research into how AI has affected world governments and lawmaking, preparing you for careers in AI policy, strategy, and safety.

    You’ll also be able to earn credentials and paid micro-internships through IBM SkillsBuild’s Getting Started with AI course. All Fordham students and graduates have access to AI training through RamConnect, the University’s alumni and experiential learning platform.

    Above all, you’ll learn skills that can’t be replaced by AI, such as critical thinking, creativity, emotional intelligence, and integrity.

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