EDUCATION
A NEW GENERATION OF LEADERS
We are living in a time of growing humanitarian needs and heightened risk of war, climate hazards, economic shocks, and famine. The world requires humanitarian practitioners that are equipped to design, implement, and lead humanitarian assistance programs in highly complex and rapidly evolving environments.
Our flexible, learner-centered courses are purposefully created to accommodate working professionals and those with other substantial time commitments. Students can interact closely with experts from the Feinstein International Center, the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, and the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.
Tufts is a great place for practitioners to go and learn…a place that educates the next generation of leaders.
ABBY MAXMAN, OXFAM AMERICA
Master of Science in Nutrition
with a specialization in Humanitarian Assistance
Evolved from Master of Arts in Humanitarian Assistance (MAHA)
Within our Master of Science in Nutrition degree, the specialization in Humanitarian Assistance provides students with state-of-the-art technical, political, and experiential skills required for effective, creative, and empathetic humanitarian leadership.
In addition to core courses in nutrition science, policy and quantitative reasoning, students will learn how to plan and manage both short-term emergency responses and longer-term prevention efforts.
This specialization is especially designed for students who want work at the nexus of nutrition and food security, climate, conflict, AI, protection, localization, and human rights around the world.
Available as part of both On Campus and Online M.S. programs at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, the specialization in Humanitarian Assistance will help students advance their careers at the national and international levels and better assist those affected by crises across the globe.
Coursework
Humanitarian Assistance specialization-specific courses offered online
Climate Change: Risk and Adaptation in Food Systems and Beyond
NUTR ON256 • Fall
Erin Coughlan de Perez
This course will focus on the projected impacts of climate change around the world and related adaptations, with particular attention to humanitarian impacts and food systems.
We will cover climate risk assessment, risk perception, risk communication, and climate risk management/adaptation.
Gender and Intersectional Analysis in Humanitarian Assistance
NUTR ON222 • Fall
Dyan Mazurana
In this course, students will learn the central international laws, standards, and policies underpinning gender-equitable humanitarian assistance.
Students will become skilled at applying gender and intersectional analysis to understand how diversity affects people in humanitarian crises and how to plan humanitarian action to best meet people’s needs and uphold their rights.
Protection in Humanitarian Assistance
NUTR ON223 • Fall
Dyan Mazurana
In this course, students will learn the key international laws, standards, and policies underpinning protection in humanitarian assistance.
Students will become skilled at creating humanitarian assistance responses in the main humanitarian sectors: Health; Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene; Nutrition; Food Security; Education; Shelter; Camp Coordination and Management; and Early Recovery.
Famines and Severe Food Insecurity
NUTR ON340 • Spring
Merry Fitzpatrick
This course will examine famines not as events, but processes and systems manipulated by humans, though often aggravated by natural hazards, market failures, epidemics and other factors.
We will look at these systems from the highest, conceptual, theoretical levels down to the experiences of individuals simply trying to get enough food to keep their families and themselves alive.
Humanitarian Action: Past, Present, and Future
NUTR ON229 • Spring
Kimberly Howe
This course examines the principles, practices, and challenges of humanitarian action from historical and contemporary perspectives.
We will analyze and apply political and technical responses to complex emergencies and creatively consider alternatives for the future of humanitarianism.
Livelihoods, Food Security, and Nutrition in Crisis and Crisis-Prone Contexts
NUTR ON339 • Spring
Merry Fitzpatrick
This course will examine how livelihoods function within systems, and how the structure of these systems may drive poor food security.
We will also look at how poor food security can lead to poor nutrition, especially among young children, adolescents and the elderly.
Enrollment
The specialization in Humanitarian Assistance is available as part of both On Campus and Online M.S. in Nutrition programs at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy.
Individual courses are also available for enrollment without a degree program through Tufts University College Professional & Continuing Education.
Each year, our students bring a rich variety of experiences to each other and the Tufts community that help us all stay in front of our ever-changing field.
DANIEL MAXWELL, Henry J. Leir Professor in Food Security
Alumni
Our students come to Tufts University from across the globe. After graduating, our students usually return to higher-level positions with program and policy design responsibilities in governments, NGOs, and other organizations.
Meet some of our alumni.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do the M.S. in Nutrition with a Specialization in Humanitarian Assistance online?
Yes. The M.S. is available in both online and on-campus formats at the Friedman School at Tufts University. The online program is fully remote and available for both full-time and part-time study, allowing you to complete the degree while working.
How long does the M.S. in Nutrition with a Specialization in Humanitarian Assistance take?
The M.S. typically takes 1-2 years depending on your course load and format. Both online and on-campus options offer flexible pacing to fit your professional schedule.
Can I work full-time while completing the M.S. in Nutrition with a Specialization in Humanitarian Assistance?
Yes. Our flexible, learner-centered courses are purposefully created to accommodate working professionals and those with other substantial time commitments. The online program allows you to pursue your degree without relocating or leaving your job.
Why should I choose the M.S. in Nutrition with a Specialization in Humanitarian Assistance over other programs?
Our specialization offers in-depth, highly specialized coursework with direct applications in the humanitarian field. You can complete the degree in as little as one year, studying full-time and 100% online, or progress at your own pace while working.
Our faculty are leading practitioners and researchers actively shaping humanitarian policy at the UN, World Food Programme, and major organizations worldwide.
What courses are in the M.S. in Nutrition with a Specialization in Humanitarian Assistance?
The specialization combines core Friedman School courses in policy and quantitative reasoning with specialized humanitarian courses focused on food security, climate change, protection, gender, and crisis response.
Our faculty are pioneering researchers and practitioners with decades of combined experience at the UN, WFP, and major humanitarian organizations, advancing climate adaptation, food security, famine response, and protection in humanitarian crises worldwide.
What are the admission requirements for the M.S. in Nutrition with a Specialization in Humanitarian Assistance?
Applicants must have completed a Bachelor’s degree with one course in chemistry, biology, or physiology by the time of matriculation. International students must demonstrate adequate command of the English language.
For complete details on application materials and deadlines, visit the Friedman School Admissions page.
Where do M.S. in Nutrition with a Specialization in Humanitarian Assistance graduates work?
Our alumni have worked for major humanitarian and development organizations including WFP, UNHCR, UNICEF, CARE, FAO, and Mercy Corps.
After graduating, students typically transition to higher-level positions with program and policy design responsibilities in governments, NGOs, and other organizations. Read more about our alumni.
What networking opportunities will I have with humanitarian organizations and professionals?
You will study with faculty who are pioneering researchers and practitioners with decades of combined experience at the UN, WFP, and major humanitarian organizations.
Faculty engagement doesn’t stop when you graduate — we stay connected as you work in the humanitarian workforce, providing mentorship and access to our global network of practitioners and organizations.
How much does the M.S. in Nutrition with a Specialization in Humanitarian Assistance cost?
Tuition varies depending on whether you’re an in-state or out-of-state student and whether you choose the online or on-campus format. For current pricing, visit the Friedman School Admissions page.
Many students offset costs through employer tuition assistance, federal student loans, and Tufts University scholarships and graduate assistantships.
Are there scholarships for the M.S. in Nutrition with a Specialization in Humanitarian Assistance?
Yes. Generous, merit-based scholarships are available, and all inquiring students are eligible for a financial aid discount. Contact the Friedman School Admissions office for detailed information on current scholarship availability and application requirements.
Can I take individual courses from the M.S. in Nutrition with a Specialization in Humanitarian Assistance without enrolling in the degree?
Yes. Individual courses are available for enrollment through Tufts University College Professional & Continuing Education, even if you don’t want to commit to the full degree program.
Still have questions?
ADDITIONAL DEGREE PROGRAMS
MASTER OF ARTS IN LAW AND DIPLOMACY (MALD)
MALD is a flexible, multidisciplinary curriculum that allows students to choose from 22 fields of study within three divisions: International Law and Organizations; Diplomacy, History, and Politics; and Economics and International Business.
Graduates of the program possess the knowledge, skills, tools, and preparation needed to excel in a highly competitive global economy. It is offered by the Fletcher School.
PH.D. PROGRAMS
Our faculty supervise students in the Ph.D. programs at the Friedman and Fletcher Schools. We also supervise students in non–Tufts programs.
