Humanitarian Assistance

The Master of Arts in Humanitarian Assistance at Tufts University is a comprehensive, interdisciplinary program designed to prepare students for effective leadership and management in the complex field of humanitarian aid. This program provides a deep understanding of the social, political, economic, and environmental factors that influence crises and emergencies around the world. Students engage with core topics such as international response coordination, disaster risk reduction, refugee protection, health and nutrition in emergencies, and the ethics of humanitarian intervention. Through a combination of theoretical coursework and practical field experience, the program aims to develop professionals capable of designing, implementing, and evaluating humanitarian programs that alleviate suffering and promote resilience among vulnerable populations. Students have opportunities to collaborate with international organizations, NGOs, and government agencies, gaining real-world insights and networking connections that are essential for effective humanitarian work. The curriculum emphasizes intercultural competence, ethical decision-making, and the importance of human rights in aid delivery. Graduates of this program are equipped to work in a variety of settings, including international agencies, non-governmental organizations, and governmental bodies, contributing to disaster response, peacebuilding, and sustainable development initiatives worldwide. With its strong emphasis on interdisciplinary learning, practical training, and global perspectives, the Humanitarian Assistance program at Tufts University prepares students to respond effectively to some of the most pressing humanitarian challenges facing our world today.

Mandatory Courses

Students must take all three of these Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy courses:

• NUTR 223: Seminar in Humanitarian Issues
• NUTR 229: Humanitarian Action in Complex Emergencies
• NUTR 308: Nutrition in Complex Emergencies

Core Electives

Students must take three of the following courses in the Friedman School or the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy:

• NUTR 0201: Fundamentals of Nutrition Science
• NUTR 0207: Statistical Methods for Nutrition Policy
• NUTR 0231: Fundamentals of GIS
• NUTR 0310: Qualitative Research Methods
• NUTR0304: Nutrition, Food Security, and Development
• DHP D232: Gender, Culture and Conflict in Complex Humanitarian Emergencies
• NUTR 217: Seminar on Program Monitoring and Evaluation (Coates)
• NUTR 0301: Nutrition in the Life Cycle
• NUTR 0324: Humanitarian Studies in the Field
• DHP D206: Ethics of Development and Humanitarian Aid
• DHP D221: Seminar on International Mediation
• DHP P222: Development Aid in Practice
• DHP D225: Conflict Resolution Practice
• DHP P227: Advanced Seminar in Development and Conflict Resolution
• DHP D235: Field Research Methods
• EIB E241: Development Economics: Policy Analysis
• EIB B242: Market Approaches to Economic and Human Development
• EIB B241: Microfinance and Financial Inclusion
• ILO L210: Human Rights Law
• NUTR0238: Economics of Food Policy Analysis
• DHP D239: Forced Migration
• PLEASE NOTE: Some of these courses may not be offered. Substitutions may be used upon permission by Dean of the Friedman School

Capstone Project

For the capstone project requirement, students must apply theoretical and analytical skills acquired during the program to their previous experience. The written capstone project is then orally presented at the end of the year, as part of a group MAHA presentation of work. Each student is assigned an adviser from the Feinstein International Center, who will help tailor the program to the interests and professional needs of the student, advise students on course selection, provide guidance on writing, and ensure that degree requirements are met.

Prior to academic year 2012-13 a thesis was required. This has been replaced by the capstone project which allows for more options such as writing a policy paper, strategic plan, or a traditional thesis. Theses by past MAHA students are available at the Tufts Digital Library website.

In addition to the course and capstone project requirements, students whose native language is English are required to pass a reading and oral foreign language examination in order to graduate. (Non-native English speakers who were primarily educated in an English speaking environment may also be required to demonstrate their proficiency in a second language by completing a reading and oral foreign language examination.) All students are also expected to pass a short online course on research ethics.

• Online Application
• Personal Statement- Please see below for required topics.
• Academic Transcripts - Official transcripts (translated into English) for all undergraduate and graduate study are required. The applicant is to gather all transcripts in sealed envelopes from the registrar of the issuing institution and send those unopened transcripts to the Friedman School along with all other application materials as noted above. Alternately, transcripts may be mailed directly from the institution to the Friedman School Admissions Office. Photocopied transcripts, faxed transcripts, and student copies of transcripts are not acceptable.  Official transcripts in electronic form may be emailed directly to Friedman from other institutions.  Electronic transcripts should be sent to nutritionadmissions@tufts.edu.
• International Students Only - In addition to admissions requirements, international students must demonstrate an adequate command of the English language. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores or other evidence of English proficiency are required. A minimum TOEFL score of 100 on the internet based exam or minimum IELTS score of 6.5 is required. The TOEFL or IELTS requirements are waived if the applicant completed at least two years of post-secondary education conducted in English in a country where English is the first language. The International Center will contact admitted international applicants regarding funds and visa paperwork a few months before the start date of school.
• Application Fee - Pay a nonrefundable $70.00 (U.S.) application fee with a credit card through the online application system.

Personal Statement topics for the Master of Arts in Humanitarian Assistance:
Please answer question 1 and either question 2 or 3:

1.  Please provide as statement describing your qualifications and the specific objectives of your professional career.  Identify how you see the Friedman School program helping you achieve these objectives.

2.  People learn from their failures as well as their successes.  Describe a professional incident where you feel you did not perform to the best of your ability.  What did you learn from the experience?

3.  Describe the elements of your personal, professional and/or academic background that have prepared you for your chosen career path.

Scholarships

Stipends and Research Assistantships

These are provided in return for your work on a project or program. These may come from a specific research grant or contract. Such forms of support are customarily available for second year students and beyond, but not exclusively. First year stipends are available but very competitive. In every case there are specific requirements that vary given the source of funding. You will be given direction as to your responsibilities in accepting such funding by the faculty sponsor/principal investigator of the research grant or project. Speak to the faculty member with whom you would like to work as to how to possibly obtain this type of funding. Given current Internal Revenue Service policies and the Tufts University's interpretation of relevant regulations and laws, such stipends are classified as income and as such are subject to withholding taxes. Exceptions to this rule are for international students from countries with which the United States has specific tax treaties exempting their citizens from US tax payments.

Teaching Assistantships

These are awarded to students selected from those applying for specific teaching assistantship positions. The faculty member teaching the course makes the final decision. The availability of teaching assistantships is publicized to both incoming and current students. Teaching assistantships are not in any way linked to tuition scholarships.

The Humanitarian Assistance program at Tufts University is designed to prepare students for effective response and management in complex humanitarian situations around the world. Rooted in a multidisciplinary approach, the program draws on disciplines such as international relations, public health, development studies, and disaster management to equip graduates with the skills necessary to address the challenges faced by vulnerable populations. Students engage with core topics including emergency response, disaster risk reduction, humanitarian law, conflict analysis, and coordination among various agencies and organizations. The curriculum emphasizes practical experience through fieldwork, simulations, and internships with NGOs, UN agencies, and governmental organizations involved in humanitarian efforts. The program also fosters critical thinking about ethical issues and cultural sensitivities prevalent in crisis zones. Graduates of the Humanitarian Assistance program are prepared for careers in international aid organizations, governmental agencies, or research institutions dedicated to improving the effectiveness and accountability of humanitarian interventions. The program is taught by faculty members with extensive field experience, and students benefit from the university's strong global network, providing opportunities for collaboration and experiential learning in diverse settings. With an emphasis on applied knowledge and leadership skills, the program aims to develop well-rounded professionals capable of making a meaningful impact in the field of global humanitarian aid.