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    See the Need, Take Action: Pursue the M.A. in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership

    HDL Classroom

    From Passion to Professionalism: Lead with Faith in Times of Crisis

    You feel called to serve, but know that a general undergraduate degree may not provide the specialized skills needed to solve systemic, global challenges. Don't just standby—become a strategic leader prepared to make a real-world impact from day one.

    Transform your desire to help into strategic leadership expertise. Join an elite network of humanitarian professionals at Wheaton College and gain the skills to serve the world’s most vulnerable with wisdom and resilience.

     

    The Needs Are Only Increasing

    Did you know natural disasters have increased 400% over the past 40 years? 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.

    42.5

    Million Refugees in Need of Help

    49.6

    Million People Affected by Human Trafficking

    306

    Million People in Need of Humanitarian Assistance Worldwide

    Learn from Compassionate Scholars and Experienced Practitioners

    Kent Annan
    Kent Annan
    Kent Annan, M.Div. (Princeton Theological Seminary), is the Director of Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership at Wheaton College. A leading voice in humanitarian work, he brings extensive experience from serving with refugees, leading global organizations, and co-founding Haiti Partners. An author and speaker, he prepares students to lead with faith and practical expertise in crisis response.
    Dr. Jamie Aten
    Dr. Jamie Aten
    Jamie Aten, Ph.D. (Indiana State University), is the Founder of the Humanitarian Disaster Institute and a professor at Wheaton College. A disaster psychologist and author, he specializes in faith-based disaster resilience and humanitarian research, helping students integrate psychology and leadership in crisis situations.
    Dr. Jamie Goodwin
    Dr. Jamie Goodwin
    Jamie Goodwin, Ph.D. (Indiana University), is an Assistant Professor of Humanitarian and Disaster Leadership at Wheaton College. With expertise in emergency management, disaster research, and community resilience, she equips students to apply evidence-based practices and faith-driven leadership in humanitarian settings.
    Dr. Yousaf Sadiq
    Dr. Yousaf Sadiq
    Yousaf Sadiq, Ph.D. (London School of Theology), is an Adjunct Professor at Wheaton College. With expertise in theological studies, peacebuilding, and interfaith dialogue, he focuses on religious minorities and forced migration. He prepares students to engage global humanitarian challenges with faith and practical leadership.

    More About the M.A. in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership

    • Major Credits Required: 36
    • Duration: 10 Months to 3 Years
    • Format: Hybrid or On Campus
    • Schedule Options: Full-time, part-time

    In a world increasingly defined by upheaval, the need for professional Christian humanitarians is at an all-time high. By bridging the gap between professional excellence and a heart for the Gospel, our program prepares you to empower the vulnerable in service of Christ and His Kingdom. Learn to lead with the humility of a servant and the skill of a specialist, proving that faith-anchored leadership is the most powerful response to global crisis.

    Move beyond entry-level roles. This degree serves as your next step for a high-impact career, transforming your initial calling into a sophisticated professional trajectory. Our curriculum is specifically engineered to bypass entry-level jobs, equipping you with the credentials and the confidence to step directly into leadership roles within global NGOs. By learning the intricacies of disaster logistics and humanitarian care, you will be prepared to lead from day one.

    When you join this program, you aren’t just enrolling in classes—you are gaining immediate access to a network of faith-based organizations. Through our deep-rooted partnerships, you will build relationships with the very people who are shaping global response today. These connections provide the mentorship and professional connections necessary to transition from the classroom to the field, ensuring you are supported by a community of believers as you advance the Kingdom.

    Join our residential track OR study where you serve. Our flexible hybrid format is intentionally designed to honor your current commitments, allowing you to pursue academic excellence without stepping away from your current communities. By blending online learning with immersive summer intensives, we provide a rigorous education that fits the pace of a mobile, mission-driven life. This approach ensures that your studies are immediately applicable to real-world challenges, empowering you to refine your leadership in real-time as you respond to the urgent needs of a world in crisis.

    The M.A. in Humanitarian and Disaster Leadership combines coursework in the social sciences, leadership, community psychology, and sector expertise. Courses include:
    • NGO Leadership
    • Transformational Development
    • Disaster, Crisis, and Trauma Intervention
    • Refugee and Forced Migration Issues
    • Organizing Emergency Humanitarian Assistance

    Hear From Our Students



     

    Ready to Take the Next Step?

    Wheaton Graduate Student Commencement
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