Master of Arts in Humanitarian Action

Become a leader in humanitarian affairs

In a disaster, good intentions are not enough and unfortunately, humanitarian crises are a worldwide phenomenon. Some countries and entire regions are prone to humanitarian disasters and climate change is increasing the risk of conflict and natural disasters taking place even in the most prosperous countries. To care for people at their most vulnerable, humanitarian aid workers need to take swift and mindful action. That makes on-the-ground skills and best practices absolutely critical.

An online Master of Arts in International Humanitarian Action (MIHA) shapes humanitarians in the field to lead and transform international humanitarian response. Intensive courses, offered globally, challenge mid-career professionals to devise solutions alongside like-minded practitioners from around the world.

The program’s multidisciplinary approach equips humanitarians with the tools to respond thoughtfully and effectively in crises. Students apply theoretical learning in the classroom to the complex realities of humanitarian action to generate debate, gain knowledge, and craft solutions, emboldening them to put the innovative approaches they study throughout the program to practice in their own careers.

To meet the needs of the widest possible range of students directly or indirectly involved in the humanitarian field the MIHA program is designed to be completely modular. Each Advanced Certificate focusses on a particular part of a career in Humanitarian Action:

Advanced Certificate in Humanitarian Operations focuses on the fundamentals of humanitarian action as well as the legal basis on which it depends and the challenging issues raised by forced migration. It is aimed at the international or local responder who will be working in the humanitarian field at the operational level, largely using their own professional qualification and experience.
Advanced Certificate in Disaster Management focuses on the knowledge and skills required to work beyond the operational level and to lead a small team or to develop an understanding of speciality areas such as humanitarian advocacy, accountability or psychosocial aspects of disasters.
Advanced Certificate in Humanitarian Leadership focuses on the political, financial and strategic issues along with the security risk management topics directly relevant to senior management in the field and at headquarters.

Program Basics

This program is completely online. The Institute has been teaching distance learning courses for over a decade and over this time has built up considerable experience in this type of education.

Careers

The MIHA program strives to enhance the skill sets and academic knowledge of humanitarian professionals who have worked in the field for at least five years. Students graduate with a unique, advanced degree that can propel them into management positions in the sector, as well as a growing network of fellow MIHA alums who are leading humanitarian action around the world.

If you are interested in applying to the MIHA please email [email protected].

At a Glance

Program: Master of Science in Humanitarian Studies (MSHS)
Credit Hours: 30 credits
Duration: 1.5-2 years (full-time or part-time)
Location: In-person classes at both Lincoln Center campus and Rose Hill campus. Note: MSHS students may have some online elective classes.
Applications Due: Applications will be considered on a rolling basis
Cost per Credit: $1,810
*Estimated Tuition Cost: $54,300
Scholarship Awards Available
No GMAT/GRE Required
Accelerated Master's program available for current Fordham Undergraduate students

*The Estimated Tuition Cost does not include fees and possible other expenses. Please visit the GSAS Tuition and Fees page for other fees and the GSAS Cost of Attendance page for other expenses.

Program Facts

Earn your Master of Arts in Humanitarian Action from anywhere. Start your application today!

Program Specifics

Join this completely online master's program today

Built on social justice values, humanitarian principles, and techincal expertise, this 30-credit online program is focused on a particular part of a career in humanitarian action, and is centered on equipping working professionals with the latest tools in response.
- Engage deeply in the legal basics, forced migration, strategy, finance, security risk, advocacy, and psychosocial support of humanitarian issues by mastering all 3 certificates
- Complete the MIHA in 2 years as a graduate student or earn an individual certificate for 0 credits for personal development
- Participate in mission-driven education by addressing significant real-world issues with courage and commitment
- Enrich your coursework with immersive internship, independent study and thesis research opportunities
- Learn techinical skills from pracitioner faculty with extensive experience in the humanitarian response field
- Cultivate an extensive international network of high-qualified graduate program alumni and practitioners through Fordham University's Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs

F.A.Q.

The MIHA program is designed for individuals with a career in humanitarian action. Below are areas where our alumni have built successful careers:
- development
- finance
- policy coordination
- advocacy
- strategic communications
- program/project management
- logistics
- and many other areas of expertise
MIHA graduates will be exceptionally-equipped to lead in humanitarian nongovernmental or intergovernmental organizations, government agencies, non-profits, foundations, think tanks, or within the private sector.

During the program and following graduation,MIHA students have access to Fordham University’s Career Services, along with direct advising from the IIHA Executive Director. The MIHA is a program in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS).
The MIHA program is designed for career practioners working in middle management of humanitarian organizations or those intending to enter the profession at this level. This course is completely online so international practioners can join from where they are.
You can apply online by clicking "Apply Now" on the left-hand side of this page. The MIHAprogram requirements are as follows:
- Official degree transcripts
- Resume/CV
- Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Scores
- Statement of intent
- Supplemental Essay (Optional)
- Writing sample (5 – 20 pages, submitted electronically)
- Three letters of recommendation
Visit the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences admissions page to learn more about the admissions process and application fee.
The MIHA program accepts rolling applications.

For more information on admissions, financial aid and application deadlines please visit the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences website.

For more information on courses, registration, and the program, email Brendan Cahill, the executive director of the IIHA, at [email protected].