Key Takeaways
- Humanitarian careers span healthcare, communications, engineering, disaster relief, fundraising, social work and more.
- Common undergraduate degrees include international relations, political science, sociology, social work, peace and conflict studies and sustainability.
- Graduate options include development studies, international law, public health, nonprofit leadership and humanitarian actions.
- A humanitarian action degree offers the most direct path, though niche degrees can also translate into the field.
- USD’s online MS in Humanitarian Action, offered through the Kroc School of Peace Studies, prepares students to respond to complex global emergencies.
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.
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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 jobs fall under “humanitarian”?
Humanitarian jobs span emergency response, disaster relief, healthcare, logistics, protection, advocacy and program management. Common titles include disaster relief coordinator, refugee resettlement officer, humanitarian affairs officer, crisis response manager, logistics officer and global health specialist. These roles exist at nonprofits, international agencies such as UNHCR and UNICEF, and domestic and international government organizations.
What’s the difference between humanitarian action and international development?
The difference between humanitarian action and international development is that humanitarian action focuses on responding to immediate crises, while international development focuses on addressing long-term challenges and building sustainable improvements.
Humanitarian action aims to save lives and reduce suffering during emergencies by providing assistance such as food, shelter, healthcare and protection. International development addresses systemic issues such as poverty reduction, institutional capacity, education and access to healthcare over a longer timeframe.
The two fields increasingly overlap, as crisis response, recovery and long-term development efforts often require coordination to create lasting improvements.
Can you switch into a humanitarian career from an unrelated field?
Yes, you can switch into humanitarian work from an unrelated field, and many professionals do. Technical skills in areas such as engineering, finance, IT, healthcare, logistics and communications transfer directly because humanitarian organizations need expertise across many operational functions. A graduate degree in humanitarian action can help bridge the gap by adding sector-specific knowledge and context to existing professional experience.
How do I prepare for a humanitarian job?
To prepare for a humanitarian job, you should combine relevant education with practical experience, language skills and knowledge of humanitarian principles. Start by earning a degree in a related field, then build experience through volunteering, internships or entry-level roles with NGOs, government agencies or humanitarian organizations. Developing cultural competence and learning additional languages can strengthen your application, especially for international roles. Competitive positions with larger organizations often require advanced education, specialized skills and demonstrated field experience.
Is a master’s degree in humanitarian action worth it?
Whether a master’s degree in humanitarian action is worth it depends on your career goals. Many senior-level, management and director roles prefer or require one, making the degree particularly valuable for those pursuing leadership positions. For entry-level field roles, experience often carries significant weight. Because humanitarian salaries are generally modest compared with some other sectors, prospective students should weigh program costs against their long-term goals and career plans.
Is a doctorate necessary for humanitarian work?
No, a doctorate is not necessary for most humanitarian careers. Many roles, including senior leadership positions, are accessible with a master’s degree and relevant field experience. A PhD is most useful for professionals pursuing research, university teaching or advanced policy analysis. For many practitioners, additional field experience and specialized expertise may carry more weight than a doctoral degree.
