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 by providing students with an understanding of the fundamentals of humanitarianism. Students are presented with cross-cutting concepts, theories and skills to meet humanitarian needs at home and around the world. Internships with leading humanitarian organizations and with nonprofit community partners give students the opportunity to put their learning into action. The minor is led by faculty with expertise in an array of disciplines, such as anthropology, business, 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 and with 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.