Master of Arts in Humanitarian Action
Shaping humanitarian leaders
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 focuses on a particular part of a career in Humanitarian Action:
- Advanced Certificate in Humanitarian Operations focuses on the fundamentals of humanitarian action, 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, lead a small team, or develop an understanding of specialty areas such as humanitarian advocacy, accountability, or the psychosocial aspects of disasters.
- Advanced Certificate in Humanitarian Leadership focuses on the political, financial, and strategic issues, as well as 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.
Application for Fall 2026 opening soon. If interested please email [email protected].
At a Glance
- Program: Master of Arts in Humanitarian Action (MIHA)
- Credit Hours: 30 credits
- Duration: 2 years
- Location: ONLINE
- Applications Due: Applications will be considered on a rolling basis
Program Facts
Earn your Master of Arts in Humanitarian Action from anywhere. Start your application today!
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Join this 100% online master's program today
Built on social justice values, humanitarian principles, and technical expertise, this 30-credit online program focuses on a specific career path in humanitarian action. It equips working professionals with the latest tools for response.
- Engage deeply in the legal basics, forced migration, strategy, finance, security risk, advocacy, and psychosocial support of humanitarian issues by mastering all 3 advanced certificates
- 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 technical skills from practitioner 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
- Take the program that works for you: Complete the MIHA in 2 years as a graduate student, earn an individual advanced certificate for academic credit, or register for one class and earn a certificate of completion for 0 credits for personal and professional development
F.A.Q.
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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.
MIHA graduates will be exceptionally equipped to lead in operational and field-based roles, management and specialized technical roles, and strategic and executive roles in intergovernmental organizations, government, international NGOs, the private sector, and foundations.
During the program and after graduation, MIHA students have access to Fordham University’s Career Services, as well as direct advising from the IIHA Executive Director. The MIHA is a program in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS).
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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.
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The application for Fall 2026 opening soon. If interested please email [email protected].
The MIHA program 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.
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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].
*See Overview for credit/non-credit options