The Humanitarian Studies Bachelor of Arts program at Fordham University in New York is one of the rare humanitarian aid-oriented programs in the United States. This four-year program equips students with theoretical knowledge as well as all the necessary technical and analytical tools needed to be able to conduct and analyze multiple humanitarian activities. The study of humanitarian aid and action is enabled by the Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs which connects students with major international organizations such as the United Nations through internships, seminars, and trainings. During their studies, students take several core courses including Introduction to Humanitarian Action and the Foreign Service Program, as well as a number of electives. Through their choice of electives, students can shape their humanitarian studies towards one of the three narrower clusters: History and culture in humanitarian crises, Global institutions in contemporary humanitarian crises, and Narrative of justice and exclusion in humanitarianism.
Entry requirements: When it comes to US undergraduate programs, the admissions process is a bit more complex than in most other places. To apply, candidates must fill in the Common Application online, which includes writing an essay, submit their high school transcripts (translated into English for international students) and a letter of recommendation, and present their SAT scores. International students must also demonstrate their English language proficiency by taking one of the standardized tests such as TOEFL iBT (with a minimum score of 90) or IELTS (7.0).
Fees and scholarships: Full tuition costs for both US and international applications amount at $51,285, with students being subject to additional fees. Nevertheless, different types of financial aid, including scholarships, loans, and employment opportunities are available at Fordham University. Find out more about how you can apply as a home student on this webpage. Financial aid opportunities for international students are listed here.