The Human Rights program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles, challenges, and practices of human rights, emphasizing critical thinking, research skills, and social advocacy. Students explore the historical, legal, and cultural foundations of human rights, examining global and local issues such as social justice, humanitarian intervention, and civil liberties. Courses cover international law, ethics, political science, social policy, and human rights activism, integrated with research projects, case studies, and fieldwork opportunities. Students develop analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills, preparing them to address complex human rights challenges in diverse professional and academic contexts.
Throughout the program, students cultivate expertise in research, advocacy, and policy analysis essential for careers in international organizations, nonprofits, government, and academia. Exposure to interdisciplinary approaches, including law, political science, sociology, and global studies, ensures graduates can critically assess human rights issues from multiple perspectives. By fostering independent inquiry, applied research, and ethical reasoning, the program prepares students to contribute meaningfully to human rights initiatives, scholarship, and professional projects that impact communities and societies worldwide.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Human Rights
- Degree Type: S. Bachelor
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 01 January 2026
- Location: Columbia University, United States
- Field of Study: Area & Cultural Studies
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations in Human Rights
• Introduction to Human Rights
• Principles of International Law
• Academic Writing and Research Skills
• Ethics and Social Justice
Year 2 – Core Studies in Human Rights
• Human Rights and Global Politics
• Comparative Human Rights Systems
• Research Methods in Social Sciences
• Elective Modules in Law, Sociology, or International Relations
Year 3 – Advanced Human Rights Analysis and Fieldwork
• Seminar in Human Rights and Social Policy
• Research Project or Fieldwork in Human Rights
• Advocacy and Policy Analysis
• Elective Modules in Development, Law, or Cultural Studies
Year 4 – Independent Research and Capstone Project
• Independent Research Project or Thesis
• Advanced Topics in Human Rights
• Data Analysis and Policy Evaluation
• Capstone Project Presentation
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program are prepared for careers in international organizations, governmental and non-governmental agencies, legal advocacy, policy research, humanitarian work, education, and global development initiatives. They can work in NGOs, the United Nations, human rights monitoring organizations, research institutions, and advocacy programs. The program equips students with expertise in critical analysis, research, advocacy, communication, and project management, enabling them to pursue versatile roles in human rights law, policy development, program coordination, education, and international development. Alumni may also continue their education in graduate programs in law, human rights, public policy, or related fields, providing highly competitive and adaptable career pathways.
Why Choose This Program
This program combines theory, research, and applied human rights practice, giving students a thorough understanding of global and local human rights challenges. Small classes and faculty mentorship provide personalized guidance, fostering independent research, analytical skills, and ethical reasoning. The curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, applied research, and engagement with contemporary human rights issues, preparing graduates to address complex challenges in law, advocacy, education, policy, and international development. By engaging with research projects, fieldwork, and advanced coursework, students gain the knowledge, analytical expertise, and practical experience necessary for impactful careers in human rights advocacy, research, education, and further graduate study.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 212 854 1754
Email: admissions@columbia.edu
Address: University of Columbia, Admissions Office, New York, NY, United States
