M.A. in Early Christian Studies
The M.A. in Early Christian Studies at The Catholic University of America is an interdi...
M.A. in Human Rights
Washington, D.C
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.A. in Human Rights at The Catholic University of America is an interdisciplinary graduate program developed by the Institute for Human Ecology (IHE) and awarded by the School of Arts and Sciences. It is uniquely designed for students seeking to understand human rights from a distinctly Catholic perspective, drawing upon the rich tradition of Catholic social thought. The program aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of human rights in various contexts, incorporating studies in fields such as philosophy, law, sociology, and theology. It is intended to equip graduates with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to address complex human rights issues and advocate for the dignity and rights of every individual.
Curriculum: The M.A. in Human Rights is a 30-credit-hour program that integrates diverse academic offerings from across The Catholic University of America, including courses from the Schools of Philosophy, Canon Law, Theology and Religious Studies, Business, and Law, in addition to Arts and Sciences. The curriculum is designed to help students become knowledgeable about the international legal structure of human rights, understand the Catholic anthropology of the human person, and comprehend the natural law of rights and their place in the political order. Key learning outcomes include the ability to analyze and discuss whether claimed "rights" are defensible, understand the intersection of human rights concepts and Catholic social thought, and contribute to building a culture of human rights that advances the good of the human person in community. The program includes a capstone course focusing on the Church's work at the United Nations.
Research Focus: The Center for Human Rights at The Catholic University of America, which is associated with the M.A. program, strongly emphasizes research and education centered on the dignity of the human person, drawing on Catholic social thought. Faculty and students engage in research that examines contemporary human rights issues from this unique perspective. Current research and analyses highlighted by the Center include topics such as China's investment traps, the lingering threat of Confucius Institutes, and challenges related to Chinese "police stations" abroad. The program encourages students to critically analyze human rights challenges in international relations and explore how the protection of human rights impacts the international community.
Industry Engagement: While primarily an academic program, the M.A. in Human Rights at Catholic University strategically leverages its location in Washington, D.C., to provide significant practical engagement opportunities. The program offers opportunities for internships and fieldwork within various human rights organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), government agencies, and international bodies. The program's connections to leaders in human rights organizations, including lecturers like Chen Guangcheng, the "Barefoot Lawyer," provide students with exposure to cutting-edge issues and real-world advocacy. The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for contributions to various spheres including NGOs, international, federal, and state governments, Church/diocesan apostolates, international aid organizations, advocacy, social policy, consulting, and the private sector.
Global Perspective: The M.A. in Human Rights at The Catholic University of America inherently provides a robust global perspective. The program's curriculum explicitly addresses the international legal structure of human rights and current human rights issues around the world. It is designed for both domestic and international students, fostering a diverse learning environment. The focus on Catholic social thought, which has a universal application, and the engagement with international figures and organizations, ensures that students gain a comprehensive understanding of human rights challenges and advocacy efforts on a global scale. The capstone course's focus on the Church's work at the United Nations further solidifies this international outlook, preparing students to engage with global governance and human rights mechanisms.
Location
Washington, D.C
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 16575
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their bachelor's degree.
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 80 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 58 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
The Catholic University of America (CUA) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities to support international students in their pursuit of higher education. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and financial need, making CUA an attractive destination for talented students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: CUA provides merit scholarships to international students based on their academic achievements and overall profile. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are often renewable each year, provided students maintain satisfactory academic performance. Scholarships are awarded automatically during the admission process or through a separate application depending on the program.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While need-based financial aid for international students is limited due to federal regulations, CUA offers institutional grants and assistance based on demonstrated financial need. International students are encouraged to provide comprehensive financial documentation to be considered for these awards.
Program-Specific Scholarships: Certain departments and colleges within CUA offer specialized scholarships for international students pursuing specific fields such as theology, law, engineering, or music. These awards often recognize outstanding talent or the discipline and may include research stipends or assistantships.
Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships: Graduate international students have access to assistantships and fellowships that provide tuition waivers and stipends in exchange for teaching, research, or administrative support. These opportunities not only help finance education but also provide valuable professional experience.
External Scholarships and Resources: CUA encourages international students to seek scholarships from external organizations, foundations, and government programs in their home countries. The university’s financial aid office provides guidance on identifying and applying for such opportunities.
Graduates of The Catholic University of America's M.A. in Human Rights are equipped with a unique blend of theoretical knowledge, ethical grounding in Catholic social thought, and practical skills in human rights advocacy and analysis. This interdisciplinary training prepares them for impactful roles across various sectors.
Human Rights Officer/Advocate: Working for international organizations (e.g., UN agencies), NGOs (e.g., Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch), or government bodies, monitoring human rights situations, conducting investigations, and advocating for victims.
Policy Analyst: Researching and evaluating human rights issues to inform policy development for governments, think tanks, or advocacy groups at local, national, or international levels.
Program Manager (NGO/Non-profit): Designing, implementing, and managing human rights-related programs for non-profit organizations focused on areas like refugee assistance, anti-trafficking, or civil liberties.
International Development Specialist: Contributing to development projects with a human rights lens, working for international aid organizations or development agencies to ensure equitable and rights-based approaches.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Specialist: Advising multinational corporations on integrating human rights principles into their business operations, supply chains, and ethical conduct.
Diplomat/Foreign Service Officer (with further training/exams): Representing a country's interests internationally, often involving issues of human rights, international law, and cultural exchange.
Legal Assistant/Paralegal (Human Rights Law): Supporting human rights lawyers in researching cases, preparing legal documents, and assisting with litigation in areas like immigration law, international criminal law, or civil rights.
Researcher (Academia/Think Tanks): Conducting in-depth research on human rights issues, contributing to academic publications, policy briefs, or specialized reports for research institutions.
Journalist/Investigative Reporter (Human Rights Focus): Reporting on human rights abuses, social justice issues, and international conflicts, using strong investigative and communication skills to raise awareness.
Community Organizer/Activist: Working at the grassroots level to empower communities, raise awareness about human rights violations, and mobilize collective action for social change.
