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Key information
University University of San Diego
Country United States
Learning mode Online
Pace Part-time
Duration 20 months
Tuition fee $ 21300
Application deadline(s) December 1, 2023
Official Website Click here

The Master of Science in Humanitarian Action is a 100% online career-building advanced degree within the University of San Diego’s Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies. This program is designed for both recent graduates and experienced professionals and provides the opportunity for students to learn from executive-level directors, experienced consultants and regional coordinators who work directly for humanitarian-related organizations.

This master’s program takes a multidisciplinary approach to prepare students to become the type of critical thinkers and humanitarian leaders who will help solve some of the world’s biggest challenges. Blending conflict analysis, transformation and social innovation with peacebuilding practices, the M.S. in Humanitarian Action intentionally dissolves the barriers between international humanitarian and domestic emergency management.

The 20-month program admits candidates throughout the year to begin their degree in either the Spring, Summer or Fall. Students will take two courses during each 14-week term, focusing on one 7-week course at a time. Course curriculum includes topics such as assessing humanitarian needs, aid delivery, management and logistics, leadership, effective communication, and more. The program culminates in a capstone simulation exercise where students will tackle a complex humanitarian emergency demonstrating their learned skills and knowledge in order to design, implement and evaluate creative solutions in a real-time scenario.

Spring 2024 Application Deadline: 1 December 2023

Duration: 20 months

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale (official transcripts required).
    • Candidates with a GPA under 3.0 will be asked to provide an essay in support of their candidacy. It is recommended that candidates with a GPA under 3.0 complete a standardized test such as the GRE or GMAT, but it is not required.
  • One personal statement comprised of four short essays each addressing a different prompt provided in the application
  • Resume or CV
  • One letter of recommendation from the candidate’s professional supervisor or professor or two letters of reference
  • For international applicants:
    • A TOEFL exam score of 83 or higher
    • A course-by-course transcript evaluation and report by an approved agency

Apply now