Master of Science in Humanitarian Action
Admission Requirements
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Make an impact with your humanitarian career
Please review the standard admissions expectations below as you prepare your application for the MS in Humanitarian Action degree program.
- Bachelor’s degree from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale (official transcripts required).
- Degree 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 containing responses to four prompts. (More details will be provided in the application.)
- Resume or curriculum vitae.
- One letter of recommendation is required from a professor or professional supervisor. If the student is unable to obtain a letter from a professor or professional supervisor, two letters of reference are required.
- Residency in an approved state. Confirm that your state of residency allows enrollment in a University of San Diego online degree program.
- Please note that students who are accepted into USD’s MS in Humanitarian Action program are required to submit a non-refundable deposit payment for your accepted term (equal to 5% of the tuition cost for your first semester). This will ultimately be applied toward your first tuition payment, provided you enroll in the program and start your first course.
You can find additional information and guidance on preparing your application by visiting our Starting Your Application page.
If you have questions regarding any aspect of the application process, please contact an Enrollment Advisor for assistance.
Priority Deadline
Applying to our master’s program by the priority deadline offers you significant advantages:
- Early Consideration: Be among the first to have your application reviewed and receive your admission decision sooner, giving you more time to prepare for your next academic journey.
- Increased Admission Chances: Secure your spot in the program while more seats are available, enhancing your chances of acceptance.
- Stress-Free Planning: Eliminate the last-minute rush by submitting your application early, allowing you to focus on the next steps.
- Showcase Your Commitment: Demonstrate your dedication and preparedness by applying early, making a strong impression on our admissions committee.
Don’t wait—take the first step toward your future today by submitting your application by the priority deadline!
Are you an International Applicant?
International applicants must meet additional requirements for admission, including:
- Submitting an official score report from one of the following acceptable English Language Proficiency exams:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT exam score of 4.5 for all tests taken after Jan. 21, 2026. Note: For TOEFL exams taken before Jan. 21, 2026, the minimum total score required is 83.
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic exam score of 7
- Duolingo English Test with a minimum score of 120.
- A course-by-course transcript evaluation and report by one of the following approved agencies. No other transcript evaluation will be accepted for degrees earned outside the U.S.
- If you are currently in the U.S. on an F-1 or M-1 student visa, you are not eligible to pursue the online section of our program, per U.S. immigration regulations.
- Verify that your country allows access to essential software like VPN or DUO, which is vital for seamless online access during your studies.
No Humanitarian Experience? No Problem.
We’re looking for degree candidates who are action-minded individuals ready to make a difference. If you don’t have a background in humanitarianism or disaster relief but you do have some volunteer experience — and you’re interested in pursuing a career in these impactful areas — we encourage you to apply.
If you do not meet the technical admission requirements for the MSHA program, please speak with an Enrollment Advisor.
International
Our borders are open to international students of all regions.
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Ideal Program Candidates
Potential candidates for this program include:
- Those with an undergraduate degree, background and/or relevant experience in humanitarian aid, international affairs, political science, social justice, economic development, anthropology, sustainability and other related areas
- International humanitarian aid and development workers
- U.S.-focused natural disaster response workers
- Refugee service providers
- Military service members, veterans and government personnel (U.S. Navy, Marines, FEMA, U.S. State Department, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, etc.)
- Private sector employees working with (or for) firms that sell or source to markets in insecure and/or disaster-affected areas
- Social entrepreneurs
Admission to the MSHA program will require a bachelor’s degree with strong academic credentials, preferably in a humanitarian-related discipline.
Degree Plan
Degree candidates are admitted throughout the year to begin their program during one of three terms (spring, summer or fall). Students will take two courses during each 14-week term, focusing on one seven-week course at a time. This master’s degree program can be completed, on average, in five terms (20 months).
Download a PDF of your degree plan that corresponds with your start term.
Important dates for your starting term can be found in the degree plan. Important dates for subsequent terms can be found in your student success center after acceptance.