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International Human Rights

Master's Degrees

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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

2 years, 60 credits

Degree awarded

Master in International Human Rights

Course delivery

On campus

Admission & merit aid priority deadline

Priority: January 15, 2025 Followed by rolling admissions

Term length

10 week quarter

Your future starts here

Shape tomorrow from a vibrant academic community full of opportunities — in one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Career Outcomes

Flexible Curriculum

Experiential Learning

Denver Lifestyle

Prepare to go far

93% of Korbel graduates are employed, continuing their education, or volunteering/engaging in service within 12 months of graduation.

Korbel Graduate Employment Data

International Human Rights graduates are in demand

You’ll find them working in governmental and intergovernmental organizations, nonprofits, advocacy organizations, aid agencies, the business sector, and legal professions. They become human rights advocates, humanitarian relief professionals, social program administrators, and more.


Where recent alumni make an impact

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.

Build a strong foundation

Start with 16 credits of required coursework, designed to ground you in your discipline.

Core courses

  • INTS 4091 – Great Issues in International Affairs
  • INTS 4940 – Introduction to Human Rights
  • One of the following:
    • INTS 4929 – Foundations of Human Rights
    • INTS 4935 – International Humanitarian Law
    • INTS 4936 – International Law and Human Rights
  • One of the following:
    • INTS 4011 – Comparative Genocide
    • INTS 4569 – Migration
    • INTS 4649 – Human Rights and the Middle East
    • INTS 4670 – Gender, Security and Human Rights
    • INTS 4808 - Foundations of Global Justice
    • INTS 4909 – Climate Migration and Human Rights
    • INTS 4928 – Torture
    • INTS 4947 – Human Rights and Security
    • INTS 4987 – Forced Labor and Human Trafficking

Skills courses

  • INTS 4057 - Statistics
  • INTS 4644 – 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

Tailor your degree

Use your remaining 32 credits to customize your specialization, pursue a certificate, or take courses abroad based on your interests and goals.

Certificates

  • Global Environmental Change & Adaptation
  • Global Health Affairs
  • Global Justice
  • Homeland Security
  • Humanitarian Assistance
  • Public Diplomacy
  • Public Policy
  • Religion & International Affairs
  • Strategic Intelligence

Download our degree information sheet below for a comprehensive look at the full program requirements.

Program Details

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 our Pardee Institute for International Futures, serving clients like the US government, the United Nations, and the Africa Union.

Learn More

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

Faculty you’ll work with

Our faculty are leading economists, political scientists, and sociologists who work on international trade, finance, and economic development. They have extensive real-world experience as practitioners and advisors to the United Nations, the World Bank, the World Trade Organization, national and state governments, and the private sector.
View all faculty

Contact Us 

Lahra Ahearn
Graduate Enrollment Manager

Use this form to reach out to me directly! You can also find me at any one of our admissions events or on the road.

Join Me 

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