Disasters, refugees, human trafficking, and poverty are among the biggest moral and biblical justice issues facing the Church and society. Are you called to learn how to faithfully do good better as you help people and respond to issues like these? Our M.A. in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership equips you to take on complex problems to help the world’s most vulnerable people.
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With hundreds of millions of people around the word in need of humanitarian assistance, careers in this field continue to grow.
Human trafficking is a major global problem, and Christian humanitarians are needed now more than ever to help.
Humanitarian aid workers and leaders help displaced individuals and families around the world.
You can reach us anytime via graduate.admissions@wheaton.edu.
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In this brief video, you'll see how we integrate faith and best practices from the field to prepare you to serve the world's most vulnerable populations.
The M.A. in Humanitarian and Disaster Leadership combines coursework in the social sciences, leadership, community psychology, and sector expertise. You'll put this learning into action during a crisis leadership capstone course.
Please see the graduate course catalog for current requirements as well as the most up-to-date course numbers, titles, and descriptions.
Your graduate coursework will include classes such as:
Among the Humanitarian and Disaster Leadership faculty you will find experts on some of the world’s most pressing issues in the field of relief and development. They are award-winning scholars and educators with recognition from or affiliation with FEMA, the American Psychological Association, Mutual of America, Outreach magazine, and other organizations and publications.
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Whether you're a residential or hybrid student, you'll participate in enriching real-world learning experiences that equip you to effectively serve others. You'll also make important personal and professional connections that will grow your community of like-minded, faithful scholars and practitioners. The learning and community will help propel your career in humanitarian leadership forward.
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In your crisis leadership capstone, you’ll put learning into action with multi-day simulation to activate self-understanding, leadership skills, and relational practices towards next steps in your career. Faculty and staff provide valuable insights and advice on how you can also gain real-world experience through an internship in the U.S. or abroad with one of HDI’s partner organizations.
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Learn with and from a diverse community. You’ll be enriched by perspectives from around the U.S. and the world. You’ll engage in critical discussion on issues of power asymmetries, localization, and mutual partnerships in the field of relief and development work. In addition to finding great friends and mentors, this will foster humble leadership, inclusion, openness as part of partnering in serving God’s diverse kingdom coming.
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HDI students benefit from strong industry partnerships and a worldwide alumni base, for professional mentoring and career opportunities. Collaborative networks among HDI cohorts nourish one another during the program and for years to come. Our Chicagoland location and relationships with leaders worldwide put you within reach of diverse organizations and populations, and our annual lectures and conferences can expand your knowledge and network.
Humanitarian work and disaster relief are significant, growing professional fields as crises affect an increasing number of people worldwide. Our graduates focus on faith-driven leadership, high-level scholarship, and best practices for work in humanitarian and disaster sectors.
Since the inaugural cohort in 2018, our alumni have found success serving in humanitarian and disaster work, both domestically and globally in fields such as:
This degree is also excellent preparation for future doctoral studies in a variety of disciplines.
Our graduates faithfully serve in a range of roles at NGOs, agencies, and other organizations that do humanitarian and disaster-related work. Examples include:
The Better Samaritan Podcast The Better Samaritan is a podcast with our faculty Kent Annan & Jamie Aten where we’re learning—along with you—how to more helpfully love our neighbors, from everyday acts of kindness to navigating complex humanitarian challenges facing the church and society. Join us as we interview experts with insight on learning to do good, better.
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The Wheaton College Graduate School Student Financial Services team can help you understand how much your graduate studies will cost and what financial aid options -- such as graduate assistantships, loans, payment plans, and scholarships -- may be available to you.
Financial Scenarios
Looking for a career that makes a world of difference for people affected by natural disasters and humanitarian crises? The unique M.A. in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership at Wheaton College might be right for you—whether on campus or hybrid (online except for two one-week intensives during the program). Request more information or start your application today.
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