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.

lecture in Behrakis Auditorium at Tufts University

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 Residential 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.   

FACULTY

Enrollment

The specialization in Humanitarian Assistance is available as part of both Residential 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.

Registration for Fall 2025 courses opens in June 2025.

humanitarian student graduation

Each year MAHAs 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, CO-DIRECTOR OF THE MAHA PROGRAM

Alumni

MAHAs come to Tufts from humanitarian, aid, diplomatic, and military communities across the globe. After graduating, MAHAs usually return to higher-level positions with management and program design responsibilities.

Meet some of our MAHA alumni.

ADDITIONAL DEGREE PROGRAMS

Lecture at the Fletcher School

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 nonTufts programs.

Anastasia Marshak works with a student