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International Human Rights

Master's Degrees

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International Human Rights

Advocate for justice and equality on a global scale

Address today’s most urgent human rights challenges head-on. This program focuses on gender and identity rights, the status of migrants, indigenous people’s rights, human trafficking, and other contemporary social justice issues.

You’ll develop a deep understanding of the complexities of human rights issues, the role of international organizations, and the challenges of advocacy. And you’ll gain the skills to analyze situations and find creative approaches to some of the world’s most troubling problems.

Whether you’re drawn to protecting children, supporting refugees, advocating for reproductive rights, preventing mass atrocities, or advancing environmental justice, you’ll be equipped to effect meaningful change.

Program information

Program length

60 credits

Degree awarded

MA in International Human Rights

Course delivery

On campus

Term length

10 week quarter

Admission & merit aid priority deadline

Priority: October 15, 2026, followed by rolling admissions

Program information

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Shape your experience

Arrive with a plan, or let your curiosity guide you. Our flexible programs give you the freedom to explore new fields, change directions as your interests evolve, or hone in on a specialized track. You'll build a foundation through 16 credits of core coursework and 12 credits of skills coursework, then use your remaining 32 credits to tailor your degree with a specialization, a certificate, or courses abroad. The courses below are a snapshot of what your path might include:

Core Courses (Required)

INTS 4091

4 Credits

Great Issues in International Affairs

INTS 4940

4 credits

Introduction to Human Rights

Core Courses (Choose Two)

INTS 4011

4 Credits

Comparative Genocide

INTS 4091

4 Credits

Great Issues in International Affairs

INTS 4569

4 Credits

Migration

INTS 4649

4 Credits

Human Rights and the Middle East

INTS 4670

4 Credits

Gender, Security and Human Rights

INTS 4808

4 Credits

Foundations of Global Justice

INTS 4909

4 Credits

Climate Migration and Human Rights

INTS 4928

4 Credits

Torture

INTS 4929

4 Credits

Foundations of Human Rights

INTS 4935

4 Credits

International Humanitarian Law

INTS 4936

4 Credits

International Law and Human Rights

INTS 4940

4 Credits

Introduction to Human Rights

INTS 4947

4 Credits

Human Rights and Security

INTS 4987

4 Credits

Forced Labor and Human Trafficking

Skills courses

INTS 4057

4 Credits

Statistics

INTS 4644

4 Credits

Human Rights Research Methods OR INTS 4632 Qualitative Research Methods

A total of 4 more credits (in the form of one 4 credit or 2 credit skills courses) of INTS or PPOL skills coursework

Certificates

Global Business & Corporate Social Responsibility

Through a unique collaboration between the Daniels College of Business and the Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs, this certificate equips you with the insights and skills needed to understand the complexities of global business environments – and master corporate strategies that prioritize ethical practices and inclusivity.

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Global Environmental Change & Adaptation

This certificate equips you with innovative solutions to tackle the pressing challenges of climate change, population growth, and resource demands. You’ll explore sustainability and environmental management from multiple angles — and gain a deeper understanding of how to create just and sustainable outcomes for future generations.

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Homeland Security

Receive specialized homeland security training that equips you with the skills to prevent and cope with terrorism. This certificate is one of the first and most comprehensive efforts to address this critical need.

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Humanitarian Assistance

This certificate equips you with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed for impactful humanitarian work. You’ll learn to partner with affected communities, respond to diverse needs, and lay the groundwork for sustainable and inclusive development.

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Public Diplomacy

Through a unique collaboration between the Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs and the Department of Media, Film, and Journalism Studies, this certificate equips you with skills to enhance your global impact. You’ll acquire a sophisticated understanding of global media and communication processes and the ways in which they are employed by individuals, groups, organizations and governments to advance their strategic interests.

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Public Policy

This certificate grounds you in the essentials of policy analysis and the policymaking process. The curriculum blends political, ethical, and equity-based approaches to public policy, preparing you to create effective solutions at all levels of governance.

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Religion & International Affairs

Through a unique collaboration between the Department of Religious Studies and the Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs, this certificate explores both contemporary case studies and theoretical insights to help you navigate the complex relationship between religions and international politics in the modern world.

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Strategic Intelligence

Dive deep into the full spectrum of intelligence processes, from collecting data to creating actionable intelligence reports. Through hands-on practical exercises, you'll master the art of producing professional-grade intelligence assessments and learn to navigate the complex ethical and strategic dilemmas that define contemporary intelligence work.

Strategic Intelligence

Elective Courses

TRAN 4100

4 Credits

Fundamentals of Supply Chain Management

Build a curriculum that maps to the policy challenges you care about — core analytical training, then electives and concentrations to deepen your focus.

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TRAN 4110

4 Credits

Fundamentals of Supply Chain Planning

Build a curriculum that maps to the policy challenges you care about — core analytical training, then electives and concentrations to deepen your focus.

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TRAN 4120

4 Credits

Fundamentals of Supply Chain Execution

Build a curriculum that maps to the policy challenges you care about — core analytical training, then electives and concentrations to deepen your focus.

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TRAN 4130

4 Credits

Structured Problem Solving in Supply Chain Management

Build a curriculum that maps to the policy challenges you care about — core analytical training, then electives and concentrations to deepen your focus.

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TRAN 4140

4 Credits

Supply Chain Technology and Systems

Build a curriculum that maps to the policy challenges you care about — core analytical training, then electives and concentrations to deepen your focus.

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TRAN 4150

4 Credits

Supply Chain Cost Management

Build a curriculum that maps to the policy challenges you care about — core analytical training, then electives and concentrations to deepen your focus.

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TRAN 4160

4 Credits

Analytic Methods for Supply Chain Management

Build a curriculum that maps to the policy challenges you care about — core analytical training, then electives and concentrations to deepen your focus.

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TRAN 4170

4 Credits

Industrial Engineering and Operations Management

Build a curriculum that maps to the policy challenges you care about — core analytical training, then electives and concentrations to deepen your focus.

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TRAN 4180

4 Credits

Sustainability and Supply Chain Management

Build a curriculum that maps to the policy challenges you care about — core analytical training, then electives and concentrations to deepen your focus.

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TRAN 4190

4 Credits

Import/Export Supply Chain Management

Build a curriculum that maps to the policy challenges you care about — core analytical training, then electives and concentrations to deepen your focus.

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TRAN 4901

4 Credits

Capstone Project

Build a curriculum that maps to the policy challenges you care about — core analytical training, then electives and concentrations to deepen your focus.

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TRAN 4902

4 Credits

Capstone Seminar

Build a curriculum that maps to the policy challenges you care about — core analytical training, then electives and concentrations to deepen your focus.

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Get outside the classroom

Hands-on experience is essential to your success. You’ll find an abundance of opportunities to develop your professional skills and explore career paths.

Apply your knowledge with internships

Build experience across city, state, and national government agencies, international organizations, global NGOs, and the private sector. With guidance from our career coaches, you’ll land positions that align with your skills and interests.

Immerse yourself in simulation exercises

Join one of our simulations for a taste of on-the-ground realities in an interactive environment. From negotiating international conflicts to managing humanitarian crises, these engaging scenarios are a highlight for Korbel students.

Study away to expand your perspective

Korbel students have the opportunity to study in vibrant cities like Rio de Janeiro, Geneva, Vienna, and Washington, D.C. These experiences offer rich firsthand experience and insights, all at no additional tuition cost.

Dive into research that makes a difference

At Korbel, research directly contributes to real-world impact. Many students engage in applied research at places like our Pardee Institute for International Futures, serving clients like the US government, the United Nations, and the African Union.

Ready to Take The Next Step

Enjoy the Denver difference

Balance your graduate work with an active outdoor lifestyle in the Mile-High City. Take advantage of a vibrant art, music, and food scene — while enjoying Colorado’s 300 days of sunshine each year.

  • “Hottest U.S. labor market” - ADP, 2024
  • #13 Most Fun Cities in America - WalletHub, December 2024
  • #1 “Hottest Music Venues in the Country” —Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre (Rolling Stone, April 2023)
  • #7 “Top U.S. Cities for Active Lifestyles” - WalletHub, April 2024

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Where recent alumni make an impact

See All Career Outcomes

The practical, real-world skills I learned in the MPP program helped prepare me for my current role by being able to critically analyze existing policies, understand all possible implications, and come up with creative ideas that then inform conversations with state and school district leaders to drive more meaningful outcomes for all students.
Annika Turnquist, Master of Public Policy, 2023

One of the most valuable lessons I learned at Korbel is that the principles of international relations are everywhere. The insights I gained from the faculty and staff deepened my understanding of how policy decisions at all levels of government shape the global community. Korbel offered me education, training, and mentorship, and I would not be the same without it.


David Kelm, M.A. International Human Rights 2024

Being part of the Human Rights Program at Korbel has been really transformative. It’s not just about studying theories- it’s about application and making a real-world impact on the issues that matter most to me. The program offers incredible opportunities to connect with human rights activists and alumni globally, which has given me valuable insight into the field. The faculty’s support has been amazing, and collaborating with passionate students from all backgrounds has pushed me to grow both personally and professionally.


Leslie Carvalho, M.A. International Human Rights, Expected Graduation 2026

Faculty you’ll work with

Our faculty are experts in human rights, international humanitarian law, and the status of rights among various populations, including women, minorities, and immigrants. With extensive global and domestic field experience, they have a deep understanding of the complexities of human rights and the skills needed to make a substantial impact.

Marie E. Berry

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Claude d'Estrée

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Sachin Desai

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Jack Donnelly

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Rebecca B. Galemba

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Micheline Ishay

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Oliver Kaplan

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Hilary A. Matfess

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International Human Rights FAQs

Applicants typically come from political science, human rights, law, sociology, international studies, or related fields. Professional or volunteer experience with human rights organizations, advocacy groups, or legal settings can strengthen an application but is not required.

The program covers international law, human rights advocacy, accountability mechanisms, conflict and atrocity prevention, migration and refugee rights, gender justice, environmental rights, and global governance. Students gain strong research, policy analysis, and advocacy skills.

International Human Rights is not a JD program. Instead, it prepares students for human rights advocacy, policy analysis, research, and program work. Students study international law from a policy perspective rather than a litigation-oriented approach.

Graduates work for NGOs, human rights organizations, think tanks, international tribunals, refugee and migration agencies, and advocacy groups. Many go into research, policy analysis, monitoring and reporting, legal support roles, or nonprofit program management.

Students without legal training succeed in the program. Those with legal backgrounds may deepen their understanding of international human rights systems and advocacy methods.

In addition to theory-based courses covering important thematic areas and international law, IHR students develop technical skills through coursework in statistics, research methods, and more.

Students often engage in simulation exercises, study abroad, and internships with human rights NGOs, legal advocacy organizations, refugee resettlement agencies, and international institutions. Faculty also support research and field-based projects.

Students can choose to complete an optional thesis or substantial research paper. Faculty advisors guide students in selecting the best option based on career goals.

Korbel is known for its strong ties and alumni network, including human rights practitioners, internationally recognized faculty, and research centers focusing on human rights, genocide prevention, migration, and global justice. The program blends rigorous academic training with practical advocacy tools.

Yes. International applicants are encouraged to apply and receive assistance with CPT/OPT, job search support, and guidance navigating environmental policy careers in U.S. and global markets.

Military & Veteran Pathways

A program built with service members in mind.

Yellow Ribbon participation, dedicated veteran advising, and credit pathways from military service into the MPP.

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