MS in Humanitarian Studies

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

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.

M.S. in Humanitarian Studies - Admissions Information/Requirements
Candidates for the M.S. in Humanitarian Studies are expected to have a 3.0 or higher undergraduate GPA based on a 4.0 scale. Completed applications will include each of the following items:

• Official degree transcripts confirming prior degree conferral are required for all applicants, regardless of matriculation status. These should be ordered at least one month prior to the application deadline for your program of interest, and should be sent directly to the Office of Admissions (fuga@fordham.edu) via secure electronic delivery. If electronic delivery is not available, please request that your transcripts be submitted directly via post, in a sealed envelope, to: Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Office of Admissions, Fordham University, 441 E. Fordham Rd., Bronx, NY 10458. Please note: you may upload unofficial copies of your transcripts to your application while the Office of Admissions awaits receipt of your official transcripts.
• Resume/CV (submit via the online application)
• Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE scores) (should be sent directly by the testing service to the Office of Graduate Admissions, Fordham University, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences – Code  #2259) 
• Statement of intent (up to 500 words, submitted electronically, via the online application)
• Writing sample (5 - 20 pages, submitted electronically, via the online application)
• Three letters of recommendation (two of which must be academic, submitted directly by referees via the online application)

English Proficiency
International applicants whose native language is not English are required to complete and submit to GSAS prior to matriculation their official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). GSAS will also consider a student’s International English Language Testing System (IELTS)—Cambridge English Proficiency Level language testing results.

Official TOEFL or IELTS scores should be sent directly by the testing service to the Office of Graduate Admissions, Fordham University, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences – Code # 2259. Please consult the English Proficiency web page on the GSAS web site for additional information. Competitive applicants will have earned TOEFL scores above 100 and/or an IELTS score of 7.5 or higher.