Best Degrees for Humanitarian Jobs

In the field of humanitarian action, there is always a need for skilled leaders who are equipped with the right tools, knowledge and expertise to make a difference. If you’re considering a future in humanitarian work, there are many educational options that will provide you with the competencies you need to stand out, including a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees.

The type of degree that’s right for you depends on many different factors, including your interests, level of education and what you want your future career to look like. To help you narrow down your options, we’ve compiled a list of the top nine degrees to consider for a career in humanitarian action.

Humanitarian Career Overview

When you picture humanitarian work, what does it look like? You may think of first responders and other disaster relief workers delivering food, aid and shelter in times of crisis. While this is a common understanding of humanitarian workers, there are many other positions — both on the front lines and “behind the scenes” — that contribute to a positive, impactful response.

Humanitarianism is a field that encompasses a wide range of professions and industries. Whether it’s doctors providing medical assistance, fundraisers securing much-needed donations or disaster response teams heading out into the field in the wake of natural disasters, there are multiple ways to pursue a career in humanitarian aid. Commonly associated professions include:

Healthcare
Communications and marketing
Community outreach
Engineering
Disaster relief/response
Emergency management and logistics
Fundraising
Social work
Education
Environmental services and restoration
Business
Law

For more examples of specific career paths to consider, this list of the top 30 humanitarian careers is a great resource.

Degrees to Consider for Humanitarian Work

Since the field is so multifaceted, there is no shortage of ways to pursue a career in humanitarian action. However, for many, earning a degree is a common first step. But what kind of humanitarian-related degree is best?

A degree in humanitarian studies or a related major prepares students to work in crisis response, disaster relief, community recovery and re-development, refugee services and other humanitarian settings. These programs equip students with skills in cross-cultural communication, ethical leadership, conflict resolution and program management, among many other practical and interpersonal skills.
While a few universities offer dedicated degrees in humanitarian action or humanitarian studies, many related disciplines also provide strong foundations for this work. Common undergraduate majors include Public or Global Health, International Relations, Political Science, Communications, Economics and Social Work. At the graduate level, students might pursue advanced degrees in areas such as Public Health, Development Studies or Emergency Response Management to hone their expertise and leadership potential.

Undergraduate Degrees

Earning a bachelor’s degree is best if you’re new to your chosen field of study or plan to extend your studies in the future, as undergraduate-level coursework is a common prerequisite for enrolling in a graduate degree program. The following are the majors that lend themselves best to humanitarian jobs:

Communications

Earning a degree in communications can be a great way to pursue a career in public relations or media (including social media) management. Programs such as Communications, Public Relations, Media Studies or Journalism prepare students to manage media outreach and develop public awareness campaigns. In the context of humanitarian work, these skills are essential for raising awareness about crises, communicating with diverse audiences, coordinating with international media and building support for relief initiatives.

Economics

An economics degree provides an in-depth understanding of how markets function, how resource allocation works and the human impact of economic policies. This knowledge is especially relevant to humanitarian action since it entails working in environments where economic factors such as poverty, inequality and access to resources play a significant role. Students interested in this path can look for programs such as Economics, International Economics or Economic Development.

Human Services

Since humanitarian action often involves working directly with local populations, mobilizing support services and advocating for vulnerable groups, the training provided in a human services program is highly applicable to the field. These programs are designed to prepare students to support individuals and communities in need, particularly in underserved or crisis-affected areas. A degree in human services teaches skills such as client assessment, crisis intervention, program coordination and resource navigation, and prepares graduates for jobs such as case manager, community outreach coordinator, disaster response specialist or nonprofit program manager. Students interested in this path might consider programs such as Social Welfare, Human Services, Community and Social Services, Social and Community Development or Public and Community Health.

International Relations

An International Relations major focuses on the study of global systems, diplomacy, foreign policy and the relationships between countries and international organizations. Students explore topics such as conflict resolution, international law, human rights and global development, which are highly relevant to humanitarian work.

Peace and Conflict Studies

This type of degree emphasizes conflict analysis and resolution techniques, which are directly applicable to complex humanitarian emergencies (CHEs), especially where mediating disputes, facilitating dialogue and promoting peaceful coexistence among different groups is involved. CHEs often involve conflict as a primary factor in generating or sustaining the crisis; but even so-called “natural” disasters can be exacerbated by, or in turn exacerbate, existing social or political conflicts. A degree in Peace and Conflict Studies is an ideal option for someone interested in pursuing a career in diplomacy, such as in the United Nations or an embassy.

Political Science

Political science examines government structures, political processes, public policy and the distribution of power within and between nations. This major helps students understand how policies are shaped and how political decisions impact societies, making it a strong foundation for humanitarian careers focused on advocacy, policy development and global governance.

Social Work

A degree in social work instills specialized knowledge of human behavior, social systems and the impact that various factors have on communities. Additionally, social work programs typically include training in crisis intervention and trauma-informed care, which are important skills to have when it comes to working with communities that experience catastrophic events.

Sociology

Earning a degree in sociology is a great first step down the humanitarian career path. The reason is twofold: It imparts knowledge relating to different social structures and how they impact communities (and individuals) while emphasizing research methodologies and data analysis techniques. This concentration provides the tools to both understand social issues and evaluate possible solutions as well.

Sustainability

Environmental issues such as climate change and natural resource management are central to sustainability degree programs. These topics are highly relevant to humanitarian work, as natural disasters, food insecurity and environmental degradation often drive or intensify crises. A strong foundation in environmental dynamics can help humanitarian professionals design sustainable interventions and build resilience in vulnerable communities. Students interested in this area might look for programs such as Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Sustainable Development, Food Systems, Climate and Environmental Policy or Global Sustainability. These degrees equip graduates with the knowledge and tools to assess environmental risks and promote or implement long-term recovery strategies in humanitarian settings.

Humanities

In addition to providing cultural and historical context for understanding current events, humanities programs — including religious studies, history, literature and languages — also spend time exploring ethical considerations and moral philosophy. The ability to examine root causes of conflicts and other cultural factors using an ethical lens helps inform effective solutions.

Disaster and Emergency Management

Humanitarian work often takes place during or directly after disasters occur. Understanding the best practices for effectively handling these types of extreme circumstances is crucial as you may be involved in coordinating and managing responses to natural disasters, conflicts and other related crises.

Additionally, if you’re interested in focusing your career on the medical side of humanitarian aid, you can prepare for medical school by earning a degree in nursing, biology, anatomy, biochemistry or psychology. Similarly, a bachelor’s in political science, social justice or international affairs can serve as a stepping stone for law school.

Graduate Degrees

If you’ve already received an undergraduate degree in a related field and you have a firm idea of how you want your humanitarian action career to take shape, then earning a graduate-level degree could be your next step. Programs to consider include:

Development Studies

A graduate program in Development Studies focuses on the social, economic and political factors that influence global development. Students explore issues such as poverty reduction, sustainable growth, human rights and international aid. This program prepares graduates to design and manage development projects, support long-term community rebuilding and address the root causes of humanitarian crises.

Humanitarian Action

A degree in humanitarian action is specifically designed for individuals who want to make a direct impact in crisis response, disaster relief and community development (both local and global). It’s an ideal choice for those interested in becoming international aid workers — or pursuing other hands-on roles in the field — where the ability to coordinate logistics, deliver emergency assistance and work across cultures is essential. These programs often cover topics such as emergency management, international law, public policy, global health and conflict resolution. Students also develop practical skills in program planning, ethical decision-making and cross-sector collaboration. In addition to international aid work, graduates may go on to roles such as disaster response coordinator, humanitarian affairs officer, NGO project manager or policy advisor within humanitarian agencies, nonprofits or international organizations.

International Law

For those who want to bring their legal knowledge to a career in humanitarian action, a Master’s in International Law is a must. This degree equips students with a comprehensive understanding of the legal frameworks that govern humanitarian operations such as human rights law, refugee law and international criminal law.

Nonprofit Leadership and Management

Nonprofit organizations play a crucial role in the humanitarian field, often lending their support to response efforts. This Master’s program helps students build their skills in executive leadership, governance, philanthropy, fundraising and much more.

Public Health

A Public Health graduate program prepares students to improve health outcomes on a community and global scale. Topics typically include epidemiology, health education, disease prevention and healthcare systems management. This degree is especially relevant for humanitarian workers focused on effectively responding to public health crises and supporting vulnerable populations in disaster-affected areas.

Advanced degree programs in humanitarianism tend to be all-encompassing and will introduce you to different aspects of the field. Topics covered during the course of study may include:

Assessing human needs
Managing complex global emergencies
Emergency preparedness
Humanitarian leadership
The logistics and management of delivering aid

And while it is possible to parlay a master’s degree in a more niche field (e.g. political science, international relations, social work, etc.) into a career in humanitarian work, earning a degree in humanitarianism itself is a more direct path.

[FREE PDF] Discover the 6 Ways a Master’s Degree Can Benefit Your Humanitarian and International Aid Career

Choosing Your Humanitarian Degree

Ultimately, the degree you decide to pursue will depend on your career goals and where your interests lie. The humanitarian field is multi-dimensional and encompasses many different professions, so no matter what you choose to specialize in, your unique skill set can make a difference.

Are you ready to make a lasting impact as a humanitarian leader? The online Master of Science in Humanitarian Action from the Kroc School of Peace Studies at the University of San Diego cultivates the skills and knowledge needed to help prevent, respond to and recover from complex global humanitarian emergencies.

Download your copy of our free eBook, 6 Ways a Masters Degree Can Benefit Your Humanitarian and International Aid Career, to find out more about how a master’s degree program can provide you with the experience and knowledge you need to take the next step in your career.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a humanitarian major?

A humanitarian major is a field of study that prepares students to work in crisis response, disaster relief, community development and human rights advocacy. While some universities offer a dedicated humanitarian studies degree, many students enter the field through related humanitarian degrees such as International Development Studies, Global Health, Public Policy, Social Work or Environmental Studies. These programs equip students with the cultural awareness, policy knowledge and practical skills needed to support vulnerable populations and respond to global emergencies.

What degree do you need to be a humanitarian worker?

There is no single required degree, but many professionals start with a bachelor’s in a relevant humanitarian major — such as Disaster and Emergency Management, Planning, Social Welfare, Public Health, Peace and Conflict Studies — followed by one of the best masters for humanitarian work, such as a Master’s in Humanitarian Action, International Development Studies or Emergency Response Management. For those aiming for senior roles, a humanitarian doctorate degree in global studies or public policy may also be beneficial.

How do I prepare for a humanitarian job?

To prepare for humanitarian work, start by earning a relevant degree — typically either a technical field such as water engineering or data analytics, or a global perspective field such as in International Relations or International Development Studies, or a cross-cutting field such as Public Health or Social Welfare. Gaining experience through humanitarian aid volunteer programs, internships or entry-level humanitarian jobs with various NGOs, volunteer networks, local government organizations, community response teams or the Peace Corps can be critical. Larger humanitarian organizations or government agencies often require advanced education and field experience, so pursuing one of the best masters for humanitarian work can strengthen your qualifications. Fluency in multiple languages, cultural competence and familiarity with humanitarian principles and post-disaster or post-conflict programming will also help you stand out.

How do I start a humanitarian career?

Starting a humanitarian career typically involves a mix of education, field experience, volunteering and networking. Begin with a bachelor’s in a field related to the humanitarian space — such as Public Health, International Development, Social Welfare, etc. — and consider a graduate degree from a humanitarian masters program to deepen your expertise. Volunteering with local or international aid organizations or completing internships are great ways to gain real-world skills and make industry connections. Many professionals begin in support roles and grow into leadership positions over time.

What jobs fall under “humanitarian”?

Humanitarian jobs span a wide range of roles in emergency response, development, healthcare, advocacy and more. Common titles include disaster relief coordinator, refugee resettlement officer, international aid worker, crisis response manager, human rights advocate, logistics officer and global health specialist. There are many humanitarian careers that pay well, such as humanitarian affairs officers, program directors and policy advisors in large NGOs or intergovernmental organizations. These roles can be found in nonprofits (such as Mercy Corps, World Vision, CARE) , international agencies (such as UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP) and government agencies (both domestic and internationally focused).

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What Degrees to Consider for a Future in Humanitarian Action