Frequently Asked Questions

Applications are evaluated holistically, and students are selected on the basis of grades, experience, exam scores (if submitted), recommendations and the four short essays. Master's applicants must hold a four-year degree, in any area of study, from an accredited college or university. See Admission Requirements for more information.

In addition to the online application, the following are required:

• Applicants must hold an accredited bachelor’s degree with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.00 scale; official transcripts required. Candidates with a GPA under 3.00 will be asked to provide an explanation of low performance in an essay (guidelines provided on the applications page). Candidates with GPA under 3.00 are recommended to complete a standardized test such as GRE or GMAT.
• A complete online application, including three short essays, and a professional resume.
• One letter of recommendation from a professor or professional supervisor, or 2 letters of reference.

International students must also submit official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Official transcripts must be translated by an outside agency such as World Education Services (WES).

For additional information, please reference the application checklist. International students should also reference the international student application checklist.

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is NOT required. International students whose primary language is not English must submit official scores from the TOEFL (minimum of 83) or IELTS (minimum band score of 7).

We are accepting applications on a rolling basis. To apply, submit your application at sandiego.edu/peace/apply or reach out to us at humanitarianaction@sandiego.edu.

Students in the MS-HA program take 6 units (2 courses) per semester and will complete the master's degree in 2 years. Currently, this is the only pathway we offer at this time. See the MS-HA Curriculum and Pathways page for your options.

Yes! In fact, the MS-HA program was designed specifically for individuals working full-time. Classes are delivered online asynchronously, so you can complete your coursework at your own convenience.

Yes! The MS-HA program requires students to take 6 units per semester. This is considered part-time.

The Kroc School offers robust career development activities such as 1:1 career coaching, mentorship, mock interview program, career workshops, and internship support. USD has a robust Career Development Center for graduate students, which offers skill-building workshops, career expos and more.

Visit the MS-HA Tuition and Financial Aid page for more information.

Yes, we do offer an option to start the program in the spring semester.

Those who graduate with an MS in Humanitarian Action are open to a wide variety of career paths in peacebuilding and humanitarian aid work. The MS-HA program trains and prepares people for a career in humanitarian aid, emphasizing experiential learning in the form of case studies and simulations. The MS-HA program approaches the work from a multidisciplinary perspective rather than a particular discipline. Based on an “all-hazards” approach to humanitarian intervention, it emphasizes the Kroc School’s expertise in conflict analysis/management, social innovation and resilience, and program monitoring and evaluation.