The humanitarian system comprises international, national and local entities who work together to alleviate suffering and save lives of people affected by conflict, displacement and natural disasters.
Our certificate in humanitarian assistance provides students with the theoretical and practical underpinnings for humanitarian work that is technically sound, partners with affected communities, responds to diverse needs, and sets the stage for sustainable and inclusive development efforts. Through this certificate, you'll be able to explore your specific interests in the humanitarian field and develop relevant skills, experiences, and professional networks.
The certificate offers personalized advising, exclusive networking, and unique experiential learning opportunities including a simulation and the Humanitarian Assistance Applied Research Group. Graduates pursue humanitarian careers abroad and in the US working with international organizations, government, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector.
Degree Requirements
Required Courses
Two courses that introduce students to key aspects of humanitarian assistance (one focused on humanitarian systems and the other on field operations) are required, as well as two additional courses directly related to humanitarian assistance.
Electives
You must complete two elective courses in one of three tracks:
- Management & Operations
- Monitoring, Evaluation & Analysis
- Policy & Advocacy
Personalized tracks are also possible with the program director's permission.
Internships
A 150-hour internship focused on international humanitarian aid with an organization whose core work includes international humanitarian assistance or humanitarian policy/advocacy is required for the Humanitarian Assistance Certificate.
Experiential Learning Opportunities
Humanitarian Assistance Applied Research Group
The Humanitarian Assistance Applied Research Group (HAARG) provides students with supervised opportunities to be involved in needs assessment, program evaluation and other forms of applied research with humanitarian organizations.
Annual Crisis Simulation
During Spring quarter, the Humanitarian Assistance Program offers students from the program and other selected graduate programs at DU an opportunity to engage in a two-day international humanitarian crisis simulation. This unique two-day voluntary immersive exercise helps students prepare for humanitarian careers.
Experiential Learning Opportunities
Featured Faculty
Chen Reis
Clinical Associate Professor; Degree Director, Human Rights; Director, Humanitarian Assist; Certificate Director, Global J
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Featured Alumni
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Adedamola (Damola) Ladipo
Adedamola (Damola) Ladipo is an M.A. graduate in International Development with a certificate in Humanitarian Assistance from the Josef Korbel School of International Studies. While at Korbel, Damola focused on monitoring and evaluation (M&E), GIS, data analysis, and information management. He currently works at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Data Services at DevTech as a Data Visualization Specialist.
Before his current role with USAID, Damola worked as an M&E Coordinator in Nigeria, Assessment Officer in Jordan on Syria, M&E Specialist in Tajikistan, Research Assistant for The Frederick S. Pardee Center for International Futures, and an Analyst for ICF International as a contractor with the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Justice, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Working in various contexts in Central Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and work based in the U.S. on conflict, climate change, disaster risk reduction, displacement, health, shelter, food security, and water sanitation and hygiene issues granted him vital experience. Today, Damola leverages his international opportunities, technical skills, and passion for data analysis, reporting, and data visualization to inform evidence-based decisions for sustainable impact.
Damola graduated with a B.S. in Psychology focusing on Disaster Behavioral Health from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University."
