The Master of Advanced Studies in Humanitarian Logistics and Management is an part-time executive program intended for professionals in the humanitarian sector interested in advancing their managerial, analytical and decision making skills. First of its kind, the program was launched in 2009 at the University of Lugano, Switzerland. Classes are taught in English over two years. Admissions for next intake starting in January 2011 are now opened.

An international cadre of professors, trained in the best institutions in the world and having years of applied experience, ensures the program’s academic excellence, international orientation and relevance to practice.  Through collaboration with several international humanitarian organizations the program provides a hands-on multi-institutional perspective on humanitarian relief challenges.

Target groups
The MAS HLM program has been designed for full-time professionals active in the humanitarian sector and for those who are willing to focus their career on humanitarian assistance. The program targets humanitarians with significant field experience looking for frameworks that formalize and extend the practical competence they possess.  It also attracts executives from the commercial sector interested in refocusing their careers to humanitarian assistance.

A mix of people from different countries, backgrounds and experiences allows for benchmarking and leveraging of opportunities to all participants. Interaction between participants and faculty provides a unique opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences and to identify common issues to multiple humanitarian organizations. Relationships built and experiences made together represent also the basis for future successful inter-organizational collaborations in relief and decovery actions.

Program goals and benefits
The MAS HLM program aims to:

• Provide methodological, qualitative, quantitative and analytical tools that are essential for understanding and addressing complex logistic and managerial challenges in humanitarian relief operations.
• Provide the conceptual and methodological foundations required to successfully align strategic, tactical and operational challenges faced by the humanitarian world.
• Prepare humanitarian professionals to play a key role in their organizations’ managerial policies, understanding the strategic drivers and their implications for emergency planning, humanitarian relief operations and long-term management policies.

Program methods and format
Classes meet for two weeks every two months, allowing participants more flexibility to travel to and from Lugano. Beginning in January of each year, classes start on Monday mornings and end on Friday afternoons the following week. On Saturday, the presence of a guest speaker presenting on relevant issues from well-know humanitarian organizations enriches the program - linking theory with practice.

Language of instruction
Lectures, class discussions and tests are conducted in English, the official language of MAS HLM.

Faculty
More than 20 professors from renowned Universities in the USA, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, England and Switzerland.

Location
The MAS HLM takes place at the Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), Lugano, Switzerland, in comfortable and modern executive center with private lounge and wireless computer network.

Admissions
Applications are welcome from individuals with at least three years of relevant work experience in the field of humanitarian aid and with a university degree. In special cases, applications based on professional portfolios will also be considered. Admission decisions are based on CV review by an internal commission and a completed application.

Tuition and fees
The cost amounts to CHF 16,500, (approx. EUR 11,200, USD 15,500) for the humanitarian sector and CHF 25,000 (approx. EUR 17,000, USD 23,500) for the corporate sector. The fee is payable in three installments. Self-sponsored students have the option of personalyzing their payment plan. The fee includes the tuition,  lecture materials and refreshments during sessions. Not included in the fees are travels and accommodation in Lugano.

Degree awarded
Master of Advanced Studies in Humanitarian Logistics and Management