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New York City has some of the largest and most important humanitarian organisations headquartered there. New York also has some of the world’s top universities, and studying a humanitarian master’s degree in New York puts you at the centre of the humanitarian industry and academic research into international aid. Humanitarian master’s degrees in New York include international development practice, humanitarian policy and refugee and migration studies. The master’s degree detailed below are a great choice for those wanting a career in humanitarian aid, or to further develop their knowledge of the aid industry, and to study in New York City.

Master of Arts in International Humanitarian Action – Fordham University

Fordham University in New York is one of the leading institutions offering masters degrees in humanitarian aid. The Fordham University masters in International Humanitarian Action aims to develop leaderships skills in disaster response whilst equipping graduates with the practical skills and knowledge needed to effectively run humanitarian responses. The New York-based masters course also specifically covers ‘on-the-ground’ skills needed in humanitarian aid, making it ideal for those looking to gain humanitarian field experience.

The Fordham University master’s degree, taught in New York City, aims for students to learn the latest thinking and techniques in the humanitarian industry, and challenge outdated conventions in emergency response. The course aims to transform the humanitarian industry for the better with graduates able to find solutions to current humanitarian challenges and work with like-minded humanitarian professionals to improve disaster relief and emergency response. As well as the humanitarian masters in New York, Fordham University also offer intensive courses for mid-career humanitarian workers.

Highlights of the humanitarian master’s degree at Fordham University in New York include being able to work with over 300 humanitarian workers across the world, building a strong network of like-minded humanitarian professionals. As well as studying in New York, the course offers intensive sessions in key locations for the humanitarian industry including in Asia, Europe and Africa. Another highlight of the masters in humanitarian action at Fordham University in New York City is the focus on practical techniques the humanitarian industry needs, including in forced migration, logistics, education in emergencies and international humanitarian law.

Graduates from the Fordham University humanitarian masters in New York have both strong skills and academic understanding of humanitarian aid. The masters is aimed at those with some humanitarian experience, and most admissions are granted to those with five years of work in the humanitarian industry. The masters aims to propel graduates into management positions within the aid industry, after developing enhanced skills in humanitarian work at one of New York’s’ leading universities. The Fordham University masters in humanitarian action is ideal for those wanting to study humanitarian aid in New York, or distance learning with the opportunity to travel to New York periodically.

Human Rights & Humanitarian Policy – Columbia University

Columbia University in New York offers a master’s degree in Human Rights and Humanitarian Policy. The masters, taught at one of New York’s world-famous universities, focuses on the foundational principles of both human rights law and humanitarian policy, offers students a unique combination of study. The New York taught masters ensures students understand the theory and practice of human rights and humanitarian policy, with the aim for graduates to go onto to create positive change globally – protecting human rights and developing improved policy for humanitarian response.

The humanitarian masters offered at Columbia University in New York City on Human Right and Humanitarian Policy covers a broad range of topics relevant to the humanitarian industry. Students on the master’s programme at Columbia University cover key areas such as building sustainable peace, conflict resolution, economic, government and social development as well as gender issues. Students engage with these topics from a human rights and humanitarian perspective. Based in New York City, students on the masters at Columbia University are also able to engage with organisations in New York working in the areas of human rights, humanitarian response and policy development.

The two main areas this New York based masters covers – human rights and humanitarian policy, each allow academic research and investigation on the master’s programme. Relating to human rights, students at Columbia University in New York focus on advocacy for human rights, the role of globalisation, rights-based international development and social responsibilities of cooperation’s. When investigating humanitarian policy, students engage with areas such as management of humanitarian responses, logistical mobilization, aid coordination and disaster preparedness and recovery. By combining these core subject areas, students in New York at Columbia University develop a broad understanding of both arenas.

The Human Rights and Humanitarian Policy masters at Columbia University in New York is ideal for those wanting a career in humanitarian aid, human rights advocacy, with the UN or in international NGOs’. The master’s degree allows students to flexibly explore the areas of human rights and humanitarian policy that interests them, allowing those who specifically want to study humanitarian aid the space to do so. The Columbia University masters in Human Rights and Humanitarian Policy also offers a practical simulation element, allowing students to be immersed in real-world like scenarios and develop humanitarian skills in practice.

MPA In Development Practice – Columbia University

Columbia University in New York also offers a masters degree in Development Practice. The 21-month masters programme focuses on providing students with the practical skills, knowledge and tools needed to work internationally on development projects. The master’s degree aims for students to gain a broad understanding of key humanitarian and development topics such as social justice, inequality, environment and climate change, as well as poverty reduction, conflict and governance. By studying this master’s degree in New York, students are also able to work effectively in humanitarian response and disaster preparedness.

Studying in New York on the Columbia University Development Practice master’s degree allows for the exploration of topics highly related to humanitarian aid. On the master’s programme, students engage with humanitarian topics such as food security and agriculture, emergency management, human rights, international humanitarian law, humanitarian nutrition and community development. The masters programme at Columbia University in New York also aims to develop humanitarian and development leadership skills, focusing on the core competencies, practical methods and mindset needed to oversee complex humanitarian responses.

Another advantage to taking the Columbia University masters in Development Practice in New York is that the degree includes a work placement. Students on the master’s degree complete a 3-month professional placement either with a humanitarian organisation in New York, or abroad. This allows students to gain practical experience within the humanitarian industry, as well as build a strong network of humanitarian professionals.  New York has some of the leading humanitarian organisations headquartered there including the UN General Assembly, the International Rescue Committee, Save the Children US and CARE International. Interning at a humanitarian agency in New York whilst on the Columbia University masters is a huge advantage to your humanitarian career.

The Columbia University masters degree in Development Practice in New York is ideal for those looking for a career in humanitarian aid. The masters programme focuses on the core competencies top humanitarian organisations look for. Columbia University in New York advertises that graduates of their Development Practice master’s degree have gone on to work for the United Nations, leading humanitarian non-profits and NGOs working in policy, international relations and international development.

International Migration Studies – City University of New York

The City University of New York offers a master’s degree in International Migration Studies. The course is designed to teach how students can be effective advocates for those forced to flee as refugees and migrants from poverty, conflict and humanitarian disasters. The degree attempts to counter the rising racism and xenophobia refugees and migrants face by educating students in the counter-narrative in support of those living through humanitarian emergencies. Taught at one of New York’s leading universities, the master’s degree in International Migration Studies at City University is ideal for those interested in a career in humanitarian aid.

The master’s degree in International Migration Studies at the City University of New York aims to combine multiple disciplines to engage students in refugee and migration issues. Looking at the lived experiences of migrants, refugees and those forced to flee from humanitarian crises, the masters programme investigates the cultural, economic, governmental and social implications of migration.  The City University of New York master’s degree in international migration studies takes a local, national and international view of migration and humanitarian issues, allowing for exploration of its’ effects on New York, the USA and worldwide.

A real advantage to studying the masters in International Migration Studies at the City University of New York is that the course focuses on real-world case studies to explain the major refugee, migration and humanitarian issues. The university advertises that the masters programme allows students to learn from the many immigrant communities in New York. New York City has a large number grass-roots and community-led organisations working with migrants and refugees and students on the City University master’s programme on International Migration Studies are encouraged to develop ties with and work alongside these front-line NGOs.

The masters in International Migration Studies at the City University of New York is ideal for those wanting to work in humanitarian aid, human rights, refugee advocacy and international development. Taught at one of New York’s leading institutions, the master’s degree in International Migration Studies at the City University of New York is also great for anyone wanting to work at the United Nations, developing policy to assist refugees and migrants or going onto further academic research and wants to live and study in New York City.

If you are planning to study a masters for a career in humanitarian aid in New York City, Cornell University offers a masters in International Development Studies. The master’s programmes has a specific focus on policy creation and policy platforms that affect developing countries, as well as how the implementation of these can affect global equality. Students at Cornell University in New York on the masters in International Development Studies also focus on the specific reasons that international development decisions are made, looking at the historical, economic and societal contexts that inform development and humanitarian decisions.

International Development Studies – Cornell University

Studying in New York at Cornell University on their master’s degree in International Development Studies, students cover a number of topics highly relevant to humanitarian aid. These include how emerging markets can effectively develop as well as responding to humanitarian crises, international trade policy and its effects on global development and institutional reform within developing countries. The Cornell University in New York master’s in International Development Studies also encourages students to engage with alternative models of development and humanitarian work, challenging the conventional thinking.

The International Development Studies masters at Cornell University in New York allows students to study independently, focusing on the key development and humanitarian topics most relevant to them. This means those with a particular interest in humanitarian affairs and emergency response can use the cutting-edge research available through Cornell University, as well as networking with the outstanding humanitarian institutions in New York City. The master’s degree in International Development Studies at Cornell University in New York is also taught by leading development and humanitarian professionals.

For those wanting a career in humanitarian aid and to study in New York, consider the masters in International Development Studies at Cornell University. Cornell University advertises that graduates from the master’s programme have gone on to do humanitarian work including at the UN World Food Programme (WFP), UN Food and Agriculture Organization and UN Development Programme (UNDP). They also state that graduates from the International Development Studies masters have gone on to work at The World Bank and in government roles focusing on humanitarian affairs. The masters in International Development Studies at Cornell University is also relevant for current humanitarian aid workers who want to gain further academic experience and study in New York City.

If you want to learn more about studying to become a humanitarian aid worker, explore our list of the top humanitarian aid online courses here.