In response to the increasing number, scope and intensity of humanitarian emergencies, the field of humanitarian action has grown dramatically over the last 25 years, along with diverse career opportunities. The minor complements other fields of study at Fairfield University’s College of Arts and Sciences, and schools of business, engineering, and nursing with the fundamentals of humanitarianism and cross-cutting concepts, theories and skills to meet humanitarian needs at home and around the world, including through internships with leading humanitarian organizations. The minor is led by faculty with expertise in an array of disciplines, such as anthropology, economics, ethics, engineering, environment, health, history, nursing, management, and international affairs.

This unique interdisciplinary minor prepares students to: 

• Learn, reflect and respond to humanitarian needs.
• Advance moral commitments and ethically grounded action.
• Serve as men and women for others.
• Alleviate human suffering and protect human dignity.

Students minoring in humanitarian action have opportunities to develop leadership skills and gain field relevant experiences through immersion trips and co-curricular activities, such as mapping humanitarian crises, running humanitarian simulations, and meeting with United Nations Officials. Participation in the student-led Humanitarian Action Club and service as Humanitarian Action Fellows raises awareness on campus about humanitarian issues and builds strategies for responding to humanitarian crises. The minor also offers a semester abroad option in Athens through Global Fairfield which includes coursework and an internship in a humanitarian-related non-profit. In addition to the program in Greece, students can take humanitarian action elective classes as well as an internship in many of Fairfield’s other study abroad locations.

The minor also offers students specialized career advising in humanitarian affairs. Former students have found career paths at such agencies as Americares, FEMA, Concern Worldwide, American Red Cross and with the U.S. Department of State. Alumni have worked with AmeriCorps, pursued Fulbright fellowships as well as postgraduate degrees in a variety of fields, including law, international development, public health, biology, business, humanitarian affairs, and psychology.