M.S. in Business Analytics & Project Management
UConn's M.S. in Business Analytics & Project Management program is designed for...
B.A. in Human Rights
Storrs
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The University of Connecticut (UConn) is home to one of the nation’s leading programs in human rights education. The B.A. in Human Rights is an interdisciplinary program that equips students with the knowledge and skills to address global and domestic human rights challenges. UConn was the first public university in the United States to offer an undergraduate major in human rights, demonstrating its commitment to advancing social justice, equality, and advocacy. The program explores the historical, political, legal, and ethical dimensions of human rights while fostering critical thinking, research, and practical engagement in human rights issues. Graduates of the program are well-prepared to pursue careers in law, government, international relations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and advocacy work.
Curriculum: The B.A. in Human Rights at UConn is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of human rights issues from multiple perspectives. The curriculum includes core courses in international human rights law, ethics, and social movements, along with electives that allow students to specialize in areas such as gender rights, migration, environmental justice, and political activism. Students also have the flexibility to pair their human rights studies with another major or minor in fields like political science, history, sociology, or anthropology. In addition to classroom learning, the program emphasizes experiential education through service-learning projects, internships, and study abroad opportunities.
Research Focus: UConn is a leader in human rights research, with faculty and students engaged in cutting-edge studies on issues such as genocide, economic justice, refugee rights, racial equality, and corporate responsibility. The university’s Human Rights Institute (HRI) supports interdisciplinary research and provides students with opportunities to work on projects that address pressing human rights concerns. Faculty members collaborate with international organizations, government agencies, and advocacy groups, ensuring that research conducted at UConn has real-world impact. Students are encouraged to participate in research initiatives, gaining hands-on experience in data collection, policy analysis, and advocacy work.
Industry Engagement: The B.A. in Human Rights program at UConn is deeply connected with human rights organizations, NGOs, government agencies, and international institutions. Students have access to internships and fellowships with prominent human rights organizations such as Amnesty International, the United Nations, Human Rights Watch, and various legal aid groups. These industry connections allow students to gain practical experience in advocacy, policy development, and humanitarian work. UConn also hosts regular lectures, workshops, and networking events featuring leading human rights scholars and practitioners, providing students with valuable career insights and professional development opportunities.
Global Perspective: A global approach is central to UConn’s B.A. in Human Rights, as human rights issues transcend national borders. The program encourages students to explore international case studies, engage in comparative analyses of human rights systems, and understand the role of global institutions in shaping policies. UConn offers study abroad programs in countries with rich histories of human rights activism, such as South Africa, Chile, and Germany. Through these global experiences, students gain firsthand knowledge of human rights challenges and advocacy efforts worldwide, preparing them for careers in international human rights law, diplomacy, and global development.
Location
Storrs
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 39678
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 100.
The University of Connecticut (UConn) offers a range of merit-based scholarships to support international students in their academic journey. These scholarships are designed to recognize exceptional academic achievements and leadership qualities.
Global Excellence Award: This scholarship is awarded to international students who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance and leadership both in and outside the classroom.
Global Distinction Award: Similar to the Global Excellence Award, this scholarship recognizes international students with exceptional academic records and leadership abilities.
Global Leader Award: This award honors international students who have shown exceptional academic achievement and leadership qualities.
A B.A. in Human Rights from UConn opens the door to a wide range of careers that focus on advocating for individuals and communities facing injustice. Whether working within the legal field, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), or international human rights institutions, graduates can pursue careers that drive social and political change.
Human Rights Lawyer/Advocate: One of the most common career paths for Human Rights graduates is to become a human rights lawyer or advocate. These professionals work to defend the rights of marginalized individuals and communities, often representing clients in legal matters related to civil rights violations, refugee status, or discrimination. Many graduates go on to pursue a J.D. (Juris Doctor) to become licensed attorneys specializing in human rights law.
Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Worker: Graduates of UConn’s Human Rights program often find roles in NGOs that focus on humanitarian issues, conflict resolution, poverty alleviation, or refugee services. In these organizations, human rights professionals may work as program managers, researchers, or policy analysts, contributing to efforts to protect vulnerable populations and advocate for systemic change.
Policy Analyst: A B.A. in Human Rights provides graduates with the skills to work as policy analysts, researching and analyzing policies to evaluate their impact on human rights. Graduates may work for governmental or international agencies, think tanks, or advocacy groups, where they analyze social, economic, and political issues to influence policy development and promote human rights.
International Relations/Diplomat: Graduates can pursue careers in diplomacy or international relations, working for governmental bodies like the U.S. State Department, the United Nations, or foreign embassies. These professionals use their understanding of global human rights issues to shape foreign policy, negotiate international agreements, and advocate for human rights protections in different countries.
Human Rights Researcher: Human rights researchers analyze data, conduct fieldwork, and provide insights into human rights issues. They may work for universities, research institutions, or human rights organizations, conducting studies on topics such as genocide, trafficking, refugees, or environmental justice. Researchers play a crucial role in shaping human rights advocacy and policy recommendations based on data-driven insights.
Public Policy Specialist: Graduates can work as public policy specialists focusing on human rights, where they design, advocate for, and analyze policies that aim to protect and promote human rights. These professionals often work in government, public interest organizations, or international bodies, engaging in efforts to address inequality, climate change, and human security.
Humanitarian Aid Worker: Humanitarian aid workers provide critical services to people affected by natural disasters, armed conflict, or other crises. With a focus on emergency response and long-term recovery, humanitarian aid workers help ensure that communities have access to food, water, shelter, healthcare, and education. UConn's Human Rights program prepares graduates to respond to these challenges effectively through a deep understanding of human needs and rights.
Community Organizer: Many graduates pursue careers as community organizers, working within local communities to raise awareness of human rights issues and mobilize citizens for social change. Community organizers may work for grassroots movements, local advocacy groups, or political campaigns to advance human rights causes at the local, state, or national level.
Human Rights Educator/Trainer: Graduates can pursue careers in human rights education, teaching the principles of human dignity, justice, and equality. They may work in schools, universities, or community centers, conducting workshops, training programs, and educational campaigns that aim to inform individuals and communities about their rights and how to advocate for them.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Specialist: Some human rights graduates enter the business world as CSR specialists, helping companies develop socially responsible business practices. These professionals ensure that businesses adhere to ethical standards and respect human rights in their operations, both locally and globally. CSR specialists often work with NGOs, government entities, and internal company stakeholders to create socially responsible strategies.
Immigration and Refugee Services Specialist: Human Rights graduates can work in the field of immigration and refugee services, helping individuals navigate the legal and social challenges they face when seeking asylum or immigrating to a new country. These professionals may work for government agencies, legal aid organizations, or nonprofit groups that advocate for refugee and asylum seeker rights.
Human Rights Officer: Human rights officers work with international organizations, governments, and NGOs to monitor and protect human rights worldwide. They may be involved in creating reports, providing advice, and engaging in direct advocacy to prevent human rights abuses. Human rights officers typically work for international bodies like the United Nations or other multinational organizations.
