Fordham University’s Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs (IIHA) and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences have launched 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 August 2026. Applications are open now.
Designed for working professionals, the flexible program allows students to study from anywhere while continuing their careers. Students connect theory with the realities of humanitarian action, building expertise in areas such as humanitarian law, forced migration, strategy, finance, security risk management, advocacy, and psychosocial support.
3 ‘Stackable’ Certificates = One Degree
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. Through intensive online courses, mid-career practitioners from around the world collaborate to develop practical solutions to complex humanitarian challenges.
“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,” said Brendan Cahill, executive director of the IIHA. “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.”
Flexible, Convenient, Affordable
Each advanced certificate will be offered 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.
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.
