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. This minor complements students’ other fields of study in arts and sciences, business, engineering, and nursing with the concepts, theories and skills to discern individual and collective responsibilities to respond to humanitarian needs at home and around the world. 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.

The program includes faculty with expertise in an array of disciplines including ethics, engineering, health, history, economics, management, and international affairs.

Students minoring in humanitarian action have opportunities to prepare for humanitarian action through the Humanitarian Action Club which raises awareness on campus about humanitarian issues and builds strategies for responding to humanitarian crises. Fairfield’s club is a member of the Jesuit Universities Humanitarian Action Network (JUHAN) which encourages collaboration amongst the Network. 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.