Master of Arts in Humanitarian Leadership
Prepare for principled leadership in complex humanitarian settings through rigorous academic study, applied research, ethical decision-making, and practical experience.
Leadership for Humanitarian Action
The Master of Arts in Humanitarian Leadership equips students with the skills and knowledge needed for leadership roles in humanitarian organizations and initiatives.
The program emphasizes the understanding and application of the core humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence.
Students examine the social, political, and economic factors that influence humanitarian contexts while developing cultural sensitivity and effective communication skills for diverse settings.
Collaboration with local communities and an understanding of their specific needs are integral to the curriculum. Research methodologies enable students to analyze data and trends in humanitarian crises.
A concluding project or practical experience gives students the opportunity to apply their learning in a real-world context.
Admission Requirements
Applications are accepted throughout the year. New students may begin their studies in August, January, or May.
Academic Eligibility
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is required, normally with a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and a minimum 3.0 GPA in the applicant's major field.
Applicants below a 3.0 GPA may still be considered based on the strength of the remaining application.
Questions:
admissions@zfinstitute.com
Application Checklist
- Completed online application with supporting documents.
- Statement of Purpose of approximately 500 words or two double-spaced pages.
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae.
- Two letters of recommendation: one from a former professor or instructor and one from a colleague, supervisor, or other professional reference.
- Selected applicants will be contacted by the ZFI admissions committee for an oral interview.
- Admission remains conditional until all requirements have been met. Readmission is limited to one time and depends on available space.
Statement of Purpose
Describe how your education with Zakat Foundation Institute will further your professional and personal goals. Your response should reflect ZFI's commitment to understanding and improving the global aid and development sector, especially in relation to historically Muslim regions and the practice of developmental and humanitarian studies.
Dates to Remember
Master of Arts in Humanitarian Leadership
| # | Milestone / Activity | Date / Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Admission Application Opens | April 15, 2026 (Wednesday) |
| 2 | Application Submission Deadline | June 30, 2026 (Tuesday) |
| 3 | Admission Committee Review & Interviews | July 1–10, 2026 |
| 4 | Issuance of Provisional Admission Offers | July 15, 2026 (Wednesday) |
| 5 | Commitment Deposit Due | July 25, 2026 (Saturday) |
| 6 | Issuance of Admission Confirmations | August 5, 2026 (Wednesday) |
| 7 | Orientation | August 20, 2026 (Thursday) |
| 8 | Fall 2026 Term Commences | August 30, 2026 (Sunday) — Tentative |
Program Courses
A 30-credit curriculum combining ZFI coursework, Indiana University coursework, applied writing, a capstone, internship, and leadership portfolio.
| # | Course Name | Credits | Institution |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Realizing the Localization Agenda | 3 credits | ZFI |
| 2 | Understanding the Global Institutions of Aid and Development | 3 credits | ZFI |
| 3 | Humanitarian Leadership Writing I | 3 credits | ZFI |
| 4 | Humanitarian Leadership Writing II | 3 credits | ZFI |
| 5 | Muslim Humanitarianism * | 3 credits | Indiana University |
| 6 | Muslim Philanthropy * | 3 credits | Indiana University |
| 7 | Muslim Humanitarianism (Capstone) * | 3 credits | Indiana University |
| 8 | Internship at Indiana University * | 3 credits | Indiana University |
| 9 | Muslim Humanitarianism Leadership Portfolio | 6 credits | ZFI |
The ZFI Fellowship
Generously funded by the Zakat Foundation of America and offered in collaboration with the Center on Muslim Philanthropy, the ZFI Fellowship prepares students to lead impactful philanthropic initiatives through advanced education and practical training.
Frequently Asked Questions
Review common questions about admission, documentation, English proficiency, degree planning, and academic progression.
How can I apply for admission to ZFI?
What is an official academic document?
Is conditional admission available without English proficiency?
Can the degree plan change?
What happens if a student is not selected for admission to Indiana University?
Academic Calendar — Fall 2025
The semester is organized into two eight-week sessions.
| # | Activity | First 8 Weeks | Second 8 Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Orientation(s) | August 29 & 30, 2025 | — |
| 2 | First Day of Classes | Sunday, August 31, 2025 | Sunday, October 26, 2025 |
| 3 | Last Day to Drop Without Grade of “W” | Saturday, September 6, 2025 | Saturday, November 1, 2025 |
| 4 | Commitment Deposit Deadline | Wednesday, September 10, 2025 | Not specified |
| 5 | Student Engagement Feedback Activity | — | November 20–21, 2025, 10:00–11:00 AM EST |
| 6 | Workshop / Webinar Alumni Talk Series | Between September 14 & 20, 2025 | Between November 9 & 15, 2025 |
| 7 | Last Day of Classes | Saturday, October 25, 2025 | Saturday, December 20, 2025 |
| 8 | Final Grades Entry Deadline | Wednesday, October 29, 2025 | Wednesday, December 24, 2025 |
| 9 | Transcripts Available with Official Grades | Saturday, November 1, 2025 | Saturday, December 27, 2025 |
Advance Your Humanitarian Leadership Journey
Prepare your supporting documents and begin your Master of Arts in Humanitarian Leadership application through the ZFI admissions portal.