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Fordham University Expands Global Reach with New Online MA in International Humanitarian ActionÂ
Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs
Fordham University
2546 Belmont Ave
Bronx, NY
10458
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Fordham University Expands Global Reach with New Online MA in International Humanitarian Action
BRONX, N.Y.-This May 2026, Fordham University’s Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs (IIHA) and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences launched the application for the first-ever fully online Master of Arts in International Humanitarian Action (MIHA). This new, intensive 30-credit program will welcome its first cohort in Fall 2026.
Originally an in-person offering, this graduate-level degree has retained the modular tradition of three “stackable” advanced certificates with new core themes: humanitarian operations, disaster management, and humanitarian leadership. Each advanced certificate will be entirely online, increasing global accessibility at an affordable, competitive price for international humanitarian practitioners. The MIHA adjunct faculty consists of experienced humanitarian practitioners who will teach the curriculum grounded in Jesuit principles.
Brendan Cahill, executive director of the IIHA, speaks on the importance of delivering a Fordham education worldwide: “For nearly 30 years, since our first intensive, residential International Diploma in Humanitarian Assistance, we have worked to offer training at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels internationally. The online MIHA program allows more participants the opportunity to receive a Fordham education. We could not be more thrilled to continue our collaboration with academic and humanitarian partners throughout the world.”
Beth Semaya, assistant provost for graduate programs at Fordham University, emphasized the demand for this degree: “Fordham meets the moment by developing an online Master of Arts program in International Humanitarian Action to address a world riddled with conflict, disasters, and climate change. The flexible approach is ideal for students who are working to alleviate poverty, promote justice, protect human rights, and safeguard the environment. ”
The MIHA is designed specifically for humanitarian practitioners with five or more years of experience, given the program's rigorous pace and advanced modules. Each advanced certificate is focused on a key area of humanitarian action and can be taken individually or combined (with a capstone project) to earn the full master’s degree.
To learn more about the online MIHA please visit www.fordham.edu/academics/centers-and-institutes/institute-of-international-humanitarian-affairs/graduate-programs/master-of-arts-in-international-humanitarian-action/.
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Founded in 2001, the Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs (IIHA) is a university-wide center that incorporates the academic rigor and intellectual standard of Fordham University with the experience and expertise of aid and development agencies in the field. The IIHA endeavors to advance the methods and framework by which humanitarian workers operate, serving as a bridge between academia and humanitarian efforts worldwide. In addition to our courses, the IIHA is a US partner of NOHA, a consortium of 12 European universities offering in-person and online humanitarian education, and publishes on a wide range of humanitarian topics, hosts symposia and lectures, gallery exhibitions at our Refuge Gallery, podcasts, webinars, and student events. Media Contact: [email protected]