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Top 6 Humanitarian Bachelors to Launch Your Humanitarian Career

There are many reasons why someone might want to study humanitarian aid. For one, it can lead to a very rewarding career helping people in need. Additionally, studying humanitarian aid can help you develop a deep understanding of global issues and learn how to effectively respond to natural disasters and other emergencies.

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in humanitarian aid, a bachelor’s degree is a great place to start. With a bachelor’s degree in humanitarian aid, you’ll be prepared to work in a variety of settings, including relief organizations, international NGOs, and government agencies. You’ll also have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through internships and fieldwork opportunities.

Humanitarian Studies BA – Fordham University, the United States

The Humanitarian Studies Bachelor of Arts program at Fordham University in New York is one of the rare humanitarian aid-oriented programs in the United States. This four-year program equips students with theoretical knowledge as well as all the necessary technical and analytical tools needed to be able to conduct and analyze multiple humanitarian activities. The study of humanitarian aid and action is enabled by the Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs which connects students with major international organizations such as the United Nations through internships, seminars, and trainings. During their studies, students take several core courses including Introduction to Humanitarian Action and the Foreign Service Program, as well as a number of electives. Through their choice of electives, students can shape their humanitarian studies towards one of the three narrower clusters: History and culture in humanitarian crises, Global institutions in contemporary humanitarian crises, and Narrative of justice and exclusion in humanitarianism.

Entry requirements: When it comes to US undergraduate programs, the admissions process is a bit more complex than in most other places. To apply, candidates must fill in the Common Application online, which includes writing an essay, submit their high school transcripts (translated into English for international students) and a letter of recommendation, and present their SAT scores. International students must also demonstrate their English language proficiency by taking one of the standardized tests such as TOEFL iBT (with a minimum score of 90) or IELTS (7.0).

Fees and scholarships: Full tuition costs for both US and international applications amount at $51,285, with students being subject to additional fees. Nevertheless, different types of financial aid, including scholarships, loans, and employment opportunities are available at Fordham University. Find out more about how you can apply as a home student on this webpage. Financial aid opportunities for international students are listed here.

Bachelor of Humanitarian and Community Studies – Charles Darwin University, Australia

At Charles Darwin University in Australia, students can be trained to critically analyze, comprehend, and apply core concepts in the field of humanitarian aid while also gaining knowledge about communities and community engagement. The interdisciplinary three-year-long course in Humanitarian and Community Studies prepares students to work in both remote areas in Australia and abroad in developing countries, depending on their interests. Some of the mandatory courses include Social Work Research Methods, Legal Issues in Social Work, and Integrated Methods of Humanitarian and Community Studies; however, students also have an opportunity to choose among a great variety of specialist elective courses. In addition to these courses, students also undertake two fieldwork modules as a part of their studies where they are able to build their practical skills in order to successfully do humanitarian or community work later on. Graduates of this program typically work in governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations or charities in Australia or abroad.

Entry requirements: Both home and international students must have completed upper secondary education or hold a degree equivalent to Year 12 studies in Australia. Furthermore, international students will be asked to show a proof of English language proficiency. More information about international entry requirements is available here.

Fees and scholarships: At the moment, tuition fees for this program stand at $20,100 per year. International students can find out more about different types of scholarships available to them on this webpage.

Bachelor of Humanitarian and Development Studies – Western Sydney University

The Humanitarian and Development Studies Bachelor program at Western Sydney University has a unique design and mission and it is truly one of its kind in the whole of Australia. The three-year-long undergraduate program offers a wholesome study of disaster management, humanitarian aid, as well as development practice. It is designed to give students all necessary skills and knowledge that would enable them to work in a humanitarian crisis. In this program, students undertake a multidisciplinary study and are required to take a variety of courses include Ethics in the Social Sciences, Working in Communities, and Understanding Society. While most courses within this program are theoretical, the University also requests students to attend one of the field-oriented practical modules and gain valuable insights from international NGOs and agencies. To stay up to date with current affairs, the University develops the course in consultation with non-governmental organizations. Essentially, the course trains future international aid workers but also prepares its students for successful careers in policy development and project management.

Entry requirements: To be admitted to Western Sydney University as an international student, applicants must show proof of qualifications that are equal to Australian high school qualifications. All such applicants must contact International Office beforehand. They will also be asked to submit a proof of English language proficiency such as IELTS or TOEFL. Students from Australia and New Zealand, on the other hand, apply via the Universities Admissions Centre.

Fees and Scholarships: Current tuition fees for international students stand at $24,280. Home students admitted to Western Sydney University can be considered Commonwealth supported students and can calculate their fees via this webpage. Both home and international students can apply for one of the many scholarships the University offers.

Humanitarian and Community Studies- Charles Darwin University

This humanitarian Bachelors degree is located in Casuarina, near Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia. The program enables to students to engage with the community, learning to apply key concepts of humanitarian aid, service, and social engagement. The knowledge and experience acquired throughout the course of the program will prepare students to apply essential knowledge and skills in developing countries, with individuals, groups, and communities. With an interdisciplinary focus, students will study key concepts of psychology, sociology, human behavior, community dynamics, and ethics.

Humanitarian Action Minor- Fairfield University

Though not a full degree in and of itself, the minor in Humanitarian Action at Fairfield University in Connecticut is a perfect pairing for International Affairs and other students with a keen interest in entering the humanitarian aid and action field. Students will practice reflecting on and responding to various humanitarian needs and have the opportunity to prepare for providing aid through internships.

International Rescue and Relief- Union College

The International Rescue and Relief program is a unique Science degree for the most adventurous students. Located in Lincoln, Alabama, the course provides students with pre-medical, hands-on training in a variety of environments. Upon completion of this program, students are prepared to design and implement rescue responses and provide humanitarian relief and emergency care.

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