University of San Diego Master of Science in Humanitarian Action

03/12/2026

"What's been really amazing at USD is that there's a whole network at the Kroc School of professors you literally get to see on Zoom and talk to them when you want to meet them. There is a real support system that's here." - MSHA Graduate, Stella Bosch

At the Kroc School at the University of San Diego, we know that making a difference requires more than just passion. It requires a community. If you are considering the next step in your humanitarian career, applications for our next class are due on April 3rd. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4ks4Z8R

Watch Stella's story below.

01/22/2026

Meet University of San Diego Master of Science in Humanitarian Action Graduate Marshall Kraft 👋

Retired Navy, Marshall Kraft has been involved in humanitarian operations and now teaches humanitarian operations at the U.S. Naval War College. He pursued the MSHA program to deepen his academic understanding of the humanitarian field to be able to have a greater impact.

Marshall appreciated not only the academic knowledge he gained and can pass on to his students, but also the flexibility of the online platform, which allowed him to take classes and connect with peers on his schedule – especially as a father to a toddler.

If you’re looking to excel in the humanitarian sector, the Master of Science in Humanitarian Action can help you get there. Learn more at humanitarianaction.sandiego.edu.

01/13/2026

Nothing inspires us more than seeing the global impact of our alumni. 🌎

We are incredibly proud of MSHA alum Gabriel Richardson for his recent feature in USD Magazine. Gabriel co-founded the South Sudan Skate Federation, providing a safe haven for youth to build community and pursue their passions.

“Running to the fire.” 

The phrase is central to the mission and ethos of the international aid organization, Samaritan’s Purse, and a personal motto adopted by Gabriel Richardson ’25 (MS).

Richardson, 29, can be described as many things — a San Diegan, a skateboarder, a surfer, a photojournalist, a Christian, a Torero. But ultimately, at his core, he is a humanitarian. It’s a label that has defined both his professional work and his personal projects.

During the past six years, Richardson has traveled to more than two dozen countries and deployed to assist with relief efforts from both natural and man-made disasters to countries such as South Sudan, Sudan, Liberia, Brazil, Syria and Israel. 

“We are always trying to work ourselves out of a job, because ultimately, NGOs (non-governmental organizations) should always be temporarily helping transition from disaster to recovery to sustainable empowerment for locals to be even more resilient than before,” said Richardson.

To read the article ‘Answering the Call’, visit the link in our bio and click on ‘USD News Center’

11/05/2025

Advocacy is key to making change happen, but how does it actually work? In this latest blog post, you’ll discover the meaning of advocacy, explore different types and see what it looks like in action. Read the full guide here:

Looking to make a difference? Learn about the different types of advocacy, what it entails and how to get started.

09/03/2025

Are you thinking about how to turn your passion for helping others into a meaningful career? Our blog post lists 30 impactful careers in humanitarian aid, from disaster relief to social work. Discover the different kinds of roles available and find the path that's right for you.

Discover the most impactful humanitarian careers, plus important resources and FAQs about education and salary.

08/07/2025

Meet Dr. Eric James 👋

As Field Ready’s Executive Director, Dr. James brings a wide breadth of knowledge with over 30 years of experience in the field. He’s worked for a number of NGOs, consulted for the UN, and has professional experience in over 20 countries, including Afghanistan, Albania, Burundi, East Timor, Iraq, Liberia, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.

Learn more about how Dr. James got his start, why humanitarian work matters to him and the type of lifestyle changes he had to make along his journey.

Ready to chart your own path in the field? Discover how the MS in Humanitarian Action degree program can equip you with the skills needed to make effective change. Connect with an enrollment advisor to learn more.

🗓️ Priority Applications for the next class are due November 3.
Learn more: https://bit.ly/4ks4Z8R”

07/10/2025

What is a humanitarian?

Hear from Dr. Eric James, a seasoned expert on our faculty team with over 30 years of experience in humanitarian action, as he shares insights from his global and local work, and how he defines what it means to be a humanitarian today.

Are you ready to take on the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges? Discover how the MS in Humanitarian Action equips you with the skills, knowledge, and tools to make a meaningful impact. Connect with an enrollment advisor to learn more.

🗓️ Applications for the next class are due August 1.
Learn more: https://bit.ly/4ks4Z8R

06/17/2025

For humanitarian organizations, strong organizational capacity is essential to delivering aid, making a lasting impact and supporting those in need.

In this latest blog post, USD explores how to measure and improve capacity, why it’s crucial for crisis response and actionable steps to strengthen your own organization.

What is organizational capacity? Discover its importance for humanitarian organizations, how to measure it and actionable tips for improvement.

05/30/2025

🎓 Congratulations to our MSHA graduates! We are so proud of you.

05/16/2025

Social advocacy plays a pivotal role in addressing humanitarian challenges — it amplifies marginalized voices, drives meaningful change and connects resources with urgent needs.

But what does it really involve?

In our latest blog post, we break down the concept of social advocacy, explore its various forms and share inspiring examples of advocacy in action.

What is social advocacy? This blog post explores how social advocacy works, provides real-world examples and addresses common challenges.

04/01/2025

Social change isn't just something you witness — it's something you can drive. Our latest blog post breaks down the definition of social change, highlights examples like the Civil Rights Movement and women's suffrage and shows how you can get involved to make a lasting difference.

What is social change? Discover powerful examples of social change and learn actionable steps you can take to make a difference.

01/23/2025

Curious about the theory of change model? Discover how this powerful humanitarian tool can enhance your project planning and implementation. Explore its seven key components and see it in action with a practical example.

A theory of change model helps organizations determine how and why a particular change is needed. See how a theory of change example works.