Explore issues of human dignity while critically examining the historical processes, social movements, strategies and institutions designed to promote and protect human rights in our globalized world. By linking human rights to law, security, gender studies, migration issues, economic development, health, safety, human trafficking, humanitarian assistance, geographic areas and more, you'll gain a holistic view of human rights—at levels ranging from the interpersonal to the international levels.
Gain hands-on field knowledge through educational trips and internships. You'll participate in a wide range of human rights research and advocacy projects via access to research centers, guest lectures, conferences and film series. Graduates have obtained positions in international nonprofits, international human rights advocacy organizations, international aid agencies, governmental and intergovernmental organizations, the business sector, human rights legal professions and academia.
Core Requirements
You are required to take two courses from:
- International Studies Core Classes
- Core Human Rights Classes
- Methods and Skills Courses
In addition, you are required to take a minimum of four courses from at least three different specializations in:
- Economic Development and Health Rights
- Security Rights and Humanitarian Assistance
- Region or Countries
- Human Rights Themes
The variety of classes available allows you to specialize your degree toward a specific career ideal. If you have questions about how to customize your career, we encourage you to speak with an advisor.
Electives (Required)
Electives can be selected from the M.A. in International Human Rights program or from outside the field.
Language Proficiency (Required)
Foreign language proficiency is required. See M.A. Handbook (foreign language requirement).
Internship (Optional)
While an internship is highly recommended, it may be waived if you can show previous professional experience in human rights. We maintain partnerships with Amnesty International, Free the Slaves and the Aspen Institute, all of which offer internship opportunities to our students.
Independent Studies
Independent studies are often used in cases where students need support writing research papers or completing a thesis, or for language and culture acquisitions for students who specialize in a particular geographic region. We also approve independent studies for an educational summer trip to Israel and the West Bank.
ACLU of Colorado
The ACLU of Colorado is our state’s largest and longest-running civil rights organization. They use litigation, education and advocacy to ensure the civil rights and liberties of all Coloradans are protected.
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World Relief
World Relief partners with churches and communities to fight violence, poverty and injustice. They work in 20 different countries, including across the United States, and serve over 7 million people per year.
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Physicians for Human Rights
Physicians for Human Rights uses medicine, science and law to combat atrocities, advocate for the vulnerable, protect human rights and hold violators accountable.
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