225 Humphrey School
301 19th Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55455
United States
In a world that needs visionaries, the Master of Human Rights (MHR) degree program prepares students to engage in global human rights challenges through research, policy analysis, and advocacy.
This interdisciplinary degree program provides a solid grounding in diverse substantive and methodological approaches to the study and practice of human rights. Students have the opportunity to take courses through a number of departments and schools that match their area of concentration. The program is designed to support emerging leaders who can draw upon many types of knowledge and experiences in a field that demands innovative responses to complex challenges. Students learn both theory and skills development from leading human rights scholars, thinkers, and activists, while gaining field experience through internships, research opportunities, and capstone projects to apply strategic approaches to complex global and local issues.
The MHR program is jointly supported by the Humphrey School of Public Affairs and the College of Liberal Arts, and brings together the highly regarded offerings of the graduate minor in human rights and faculty expertise in fields ranging from non-governmental organization (NGO) management to global public policy. The program leverages the global policy, leadership and management, and social policy and policy analysis expertise at the Humphrey School and the Human Rights research and teaching expertise of the College of Liberal Arts.
Want to learn more about how an MHR degree could help you pursue your goals and advance your vision?
- Watch a video featuring current and former MHR students, who talk about what they've gained from their two-year degree.
- Watch an overview of the MHR program from Amelia Shindelar, MHR and Human Rights Initiative coordinator.
- Visit the Human Rights Program’s website to see some of the learning and research opportunities that our students have participated in while at the University of Minnesota.
- Watch an interview with Barbara Frey, director of the Human Rights Program, who shares three fantastic reasons to apply for an MHR degree.
Class profile
MHR Class Profile: 2020-21
- Incoming Students: 23
- Gender: 57% Female, 30% Male, 4% Other, 9% Unspecified
- Minnesota Residents: 52%
- International Students: 22%
- Domestic Students of Color: 30%
- Average Age: 25
- Average GPA: 3.55
- Average GRE Verbal Percentile: 58.5%
- Average GRE Quantitative Percentile: 36.1%
- Percent of Class Total: 13%
Prospective applicants: please note that all applications are reviewed holistically, and profile numbers should not be viewed as admission cutoffs. Please contact the Office of Admissions with any questions about candidacy.
Curriculum
Required Credits: 45
HUMAN RIGHTS CORE
- Choose at least 3 of the following 5 courses for at least 9 credits:
- and the following first-year cohort:
PROFESSIONAL CORE
Minimum of 12 credits. Must include at least one course from each of the following lists:
- Quantitative (choose at least 1)
- PA 5031 Statistics for Public Affairs (4 cr.)
- PA 5032 Applied Regression (2 cr.)
- PA 5033 Multivariate Techniques (2 cr.)
- PA 5044 Applied Regression, Accelerated (2 cr.)
- PA 5045 Statistics for Public Affairs, Accelerated (4 cr.)
- SOC 5811 Intermediate Social Statistics (4 cr.)
- STAT 5021 Statistical Analysis (4 cr.)
- STAT 5201 Sampling Methodology in Finite Populations (3 cr.)
- STAT 5401 Applied Multivariate Methods (3 cr.)
- *Note: Other higher level options are available for students with a strong statistical background, with DGS approval.
- Qualitative (choose at least 1)
- Management (choose at least 1):
- PA 5011 Management of Organizations (3 cr.)
- PA 5101 Management & Governance of Nonprofit Organizations (3 cr.) (Domestic focus)
- PA 5151 Organizational Perspectives on Global Development & Humanitarian Assistance (3 cr.) (International Focus)
- Policy and Economic Analysis (minimum 1 course).
CONCENTRATION
Minimum of 12 credits to be drawn from a list of pre-designed concentrations (below) or developed in consultation with advisor and DGS.
- Capstone/Professional Paper (3 credits)
- PA 8081; Section 8 – Human Rights and Global Policy Capstone (3 cr.)
- Professional Paper (individual – PA 8921 (1-3 cr.))
- Electives
- As needed/available to fulfill a minimum of 45 credits needed for graduation.
- Internship
- Students must complete a 400-hour non-credit internship, generally between the first and second years of study. The Human Rights Program and the Humphrey School Office of Career and Professional Development will cooperate in assisting students in finding appropriate placements.
PRE-DESIGNED CONCENTRATIONS
The list of pre-designed concentrations below (and outlined in further detail in the next dropdown menu) is suggestive only. Students will be allowed, with approval from their advisor and the DGS, to pursue a self-designed concentration that modifies these, or departs from them entirely. In addition, as students develop their concentration, advisors must ensure that students include courses that develop relevant skills, such as public speaking; advanced statistical analysis; data visualization; languages; and more.
These pre-designed concentrations are more fully developed in the drop-down below. Current concentrations include, but are by no means limited to:
- Human Rights, Race and Ethnicity
- Human Rights, Gender and Sexuality
- Human Rights in the Arts and Humanities
- Human Rights, NGO Leadership and Management
- Human Rights and Project/Policy Evaluation
- Human Rights and Development
- Human Rights in Conflict and International Security
- Human Rights and Migration
- Human Rights Crime, Law & Justice
- Human Rights and Research Methods (Qualitative/Quantitative)
- Human Rights, Languages & Area Studies (Latin America, Europe, North America, Asia, Middle East, Africa.)
- Human Rights and Public Health
- Human Rights and the Environment
Concentrations: pre-designed
Human Rights, Race and Ethnicity
- AFRO 5866 The Civil Rights and Black Power Movement, 1954-1984 (3 cr.)
- AFRO 8202 Seminar: Intellectual History of Race (3 cr.)
- AFRO 8554 Seminar: Gender, Race, Nation and Policy – Perspectives from Within the African Diaspora (3 cr.)
- AMIN 5890 Problems in American Indian History (3 cr.)
- PA 5002 Introduction to Policy Analysis (1.5 cr.)
- PA 5311 Program Evaluation (3 cr.)
- PA 5422 Diversity and Public Policy (3 cr.)
- PA 5421 Racial Inequality and Public Policy (3 cr.)
- PA 5890 Section 001: Topics in Foreign Policy and International Affairs – Fact-finding Investigations on Human Rights (3 cr.)
- PA 8302 Applied Policy Analysis (4 cr.)
- PA 8312 Analysis of Discrimination (4 cr.)
- PSY 8210 Law, Race, and Social Psychology (3 cr.)
- SOC 8190 Topics in Law, Crime and Deviance – Race, Crime & Punishment (3 cr.)
Human Rights, Gender and Sexuality
- GWSS 5104 Transnational Feminist Theory (3 cr.)
- GWSS 5122 Philosophy and Feminist Theory (3 cr.)
- GWSS 8101 Intellectual History of Feminism (3 cr.)
- GWSS 8103 Feminist Theories of Knowledge (3 cr.)
- LAW 6827 Women’s International Human Rights (2 cr.)
- PA 5561 Gender and International Development (3 cr.)
- PA 5601 Global Survey of Gender and Public Policy (3 cr.)
- PA 5690 Gender and Electoral Politics in Global Perspective
- PA 5890 Section 001: Topics in Foreign Policy and International Affairs – Fact-finding Investigations on Human Rights (3 cr.)
- PUBH 6675 Women’s Health (2 cr.)
Human Rights in the Arts & Humanities
This concentration is meant to prepare students in the understanding of the role of artistic, literary and cultural practices in the promotion of cultures that support and respect human rights. Students will work with their faculty advisor to choose courses appropriate to their particular arts and humanities focus.
- ALL 5920 Topics in Asian Culture: Cinematic Ecologies (3 cr.)
- ARTS 5710 Advanced Photography (4 cr.)
- ARTS 5630 Advanced Experimental Video (4 cr.)
- ENG 8400 PostColonial Literature Culture, and Theory – Postcoloniality, Human Rights, Justice (3 cr.)
- ENGW 8110 Seminar: Writing of Fiction (4 cr.)
- ENGW 8130 Seminar: Writing of Literary Nonfiction (4 cr.)
- ENGW 5102 Advanced Fiction Writing (4 cr.)
- ENGW 5106 Advanced Literary Nonfiction Writing (4 cr.)
- GER 8010 Current Debates in Literary and Cultural Theory – Translation Unbound (3 cr.)
- PA 5890 Section 001: Topics in Foreign Policy and International Affairs – Fact-finding Investigations on Human Rights (3 cr.)
Human Rights, NGO Leadership and Management
- PA 5101 Management and Governance of Nonprofit Organizations (3 cr.)
- PA 5104 Strategic Human Resource Management (3 cr.)
- PA 5108 Board Leadership Development Practicum (1 cr.)
- PA 5116 Financing Public and Nonprofit Organizations (1.5 cr.)
- PA 5123 Philanthropy in America: History, Practice, and Trends (3 cr.)
- PA 5137 Project Management in the Public Arena (3 cr.)
- PA 5144 Social Entrepreneurship (3 cr.)
- PA 5145 Civic Participation in Public Affairs (3 cr.)
- PA 5151 Organizational Perspectives on Global Development & Humanitarian Assistance (3 cr.)
- PA 5251 Strategic Planning and Management (3 cr.)
- PA 5311 Program Evaluation (3 cr.)
- PA 5405 Public Policy Implementation (3 cr.)
- PA 5501 Theories and Policies of Development (3 cr.)
- PA 5801 Global Public Policy (3 cr.)
- PA 5890 Section 001: Topics in Foreign Policy and International Affairs – Fact-finding Investigations on Human Rights (3 cr.)
- PA 5927 Effective Grantwriting for Nonprofit Organizations (1.5 cr.)
Human Rights and Project/Policy Evaluation
- GCC 5023 Leading Across Sectors to Address Grand Challenges (3 cr.)
- PA 5311 Program Evaluation (3 cr.)
- PA 5103 Leadership and Change in an Innovation Society (3 cr.)
- PA 5104 Strategic Human Resource Management (3 cr.)
- PA 5145 Civic Participation in Public Affairs (3 cr.)
- PA 5251 Strategic Planning and Management (3 cr.)
- PA 5405 Public Policy Implementation (3 cr.)
- PA 5890 Section 001: Topics in Foreign Policy and International Affairs – Fact-finding Investigations on Human Rights (3 cr.)
- PUBH 6852 Program Evaluation in Health and Mental Health Settings (2 cr.)
- SW 8602 Direct Practice Evaluation (2 cr.)
Human Rights and Development
- ESPM 5251 Natural Resources in Sustainable International Development (3 cr.)
- OLPD 5104 Strategies for International Development of Education Systems (3 cr.)
- OLPD 5107 Gender, Education and International Development (3 cr.)
- OLPD 5121 Educational Reform in International Contexts (3 cr.)
- PA 5151 Organizational Perspectives on Global Development and Humanitarian Assistance (3 cr.)
- PA 5405 Public Policy Implementation (3 cr.)
- PA 5501 Theories and Policies of Development (3 cr.)
- PA 5503 Economics of Development (3 cr.)
- PA 5521 Development Planning and Policy Analysis (4 cr.)
- PA 5522 International Development Policies (3 cr.)
- PA 5561 Gender and International Development (3 cr.)
- PA 5601 Global Survey of Gender and Public Policy (3 cr.)
- PA 5890 Section 001: Topics in Foreign Policy and International Affairs – Fact-finding Investigations on Human Rights (3 cr.)
Human Rights, Conflict and International Security
- LAW 6027 Law of Piracy, Security, and Maritime Spaces (2 cr.)
- LAW 6889 Laws of War (3 cr.)
- LAW 6918 Rule of Law (2 cr.)
- PA 5801 Global Public Policy (3 cr.)
- PA 5813 US Foreign Policy: The Institutional Basis (3 cr.)
- PA 5814 Bilateral and Multilateral Diplomacy (3 cr.)
- PA 5823 Managing Global Crises: Humanitarian and Human Rights Challenges for Policy Makers & Practitioners (3 cr.)
- PA 5890 Section 001: Topics in Foreign Policy and International Affairs – Fact-finding Investigations on Human Rights (3 cr.)
- PA 8821-01 National Security Policy (3 cr.)
- POL 5885 International Conflict and Security (3 cr.)
- POL 5465 Democracy and Dictatorship in Southeast Asia (3 cr.)
- SOC/GLOS 5315 Never Again! Memory & Politics after Genocide (3 cr.)
- SOC 5411 Terrorist Networks & Counterterror Organizations (3 cr.)
Human Rights and Migration
- CHIC 5374 Migrant Farmworkers in the U.S.: Families, Work and Advocacy (4 cr.)
- HIST 5910 Topics in U.S. History: Readings and Research in Immigration History (3 cr.)
- LAW 6027 Seminar: Law of Piracy, Security, and Maritime Spaces (2 cr.)
- LAW 6872 Immigration Law (3 cr.)
- PA 5281 Immigrants: Planning and Policies (3 cr.)
- PA 5301 Population Methods & Issues for the United States & Global South (3 cr.)
- PA 5451 Immigration, Health and Public Policy (3–4 cr.)
- PA 5452 Immigration and Public Policy (3 cr.)
- PA 5801 Global Public Policy (3 cr.)
- PA 5890 Section 001: Topics in Foreign Policy and International Affairs – Fact-finding Investigations on Human Rights (3 cr.)
- PUBH 6390 Foundations of Global Health (2 cr.)
- SOC 8090 Migration and Migrants in Demographic Perspective (3 cr.)
Human Rights: Crime, Law and Justice
- LAW 6648 International Criminal Law (3 cr.)
- LAW 6893 Transitional Justice (2 cr.)
- LAW 6918 Rule of Law (2 cr.)
- PA 5890 Section 001: Topics in Foreign Policy and International Affairs – Fact-finding Investigations on Human Rights (3 cr.)
- POL 5403 Comparative Constitutionalism (3 cr.)
- POL 5492 Law and (In)Justice in Latin America (3 cr.)
- POL 5507 Law, Sovereignty, and Treaty Rights (3 cr.)
- POL 8660 Law and Courts in Emerging Democracies (3 cr.)
- SOC 5101 Sociology of Law (3 cr.)
- SOC 5104 Crime and Human Rights (3 cr.)
- SOC 5170 Sociology of International Law: Trafficking, Human Rights, and Business Regulations (3 cr.)
- SOC 5411 Terrorist Networks & Counterterror Organizations (3 cr.)
- SOC/GLOS 5315 Never Again! Memory & Politics after Genocide (3 cr.)
- SOC 8190 Topics in Law, Crime and Deviance – Race, Crime & Punishment (3 cr.)
Human Rights and Research Methods (Qualitative and/or Quantitative)
- OLPD 5061 Ethnographic Research Methods (3 cr.)
- PA 5031 Empirical Analysis (4 cr.)
- PA 5032 Regression Analysis (2 cr.)
- PA 5041 Qualitative Methods for Policy Analysts (4 cr.)
- PA 5044 Regression Analysis Accelerated (2 cr.)
- PA 5033 Multivariate Techniques (2 cr.)
- PA 5890 Section 001: Topics in Foreign Policy and International Affairs – Fact-finding Investigations on Human Rights (3 cr.)
- PA 8390 Advanced Topics in Advanced Policy Analysis Methods (3 cr.)
- PUBH 6803 Conducting a Systematic Literature Review (3 cr.)
- PUBH 6845 Using Demographic Data for Policy Analysis (3 cr.)
- PUBH 6810 Survey Research Methods (3 cr.)
- PUBH 6815 Community-based Participator Research (2 cr.)
- PUBH 7250 Designing & Conducting Focus Group Interviews (1 cr.)
- SOC 5811 Intermediate Social Statistics (4 cr.)
- SOC 8811 Advanced Social Statistics (3 cr.)
- SOC 8852 Advanced Qualitative Research Methods: Ethnographic Practicum (3 cr.)
- STAT 5021 Statistical Analysis (4 cr.)
- STAT 5201 Sampling Methodology in Finite Populations (3 cr.)
- STAT 5401 Applied Multivariate Methods (3 cr.)
Human Rights and Area Studies (Latin America, Asia, Middle East, Africa, etc.)
The potential area studies courses offered at the University are vast. Students will work with their advisor to select courses for an area studies concentration. (at least 12 credits)
Human Rights and Public Health
- BTHX 5520 Social Justice and Bioethics (3 cr.)
- CSPH 5111 Ways of Thinking about Health (2 cr.)
- PA 5451 Immigration, Health, and Public Policy (3–4 cr.)
- PA 5890 Section 001: Topics in Foreign Policy and International Affairs – Fact-finding Investigations on Human Rights (3 cr.)
- PUBH 6034 Program Evaluation for Public Health Practice (3 cr.)
- PUBH 6115 Worker Protection Law (1 cr.)
- PUBH 6134 Global Public Health (2 cr.)
- PUBH 6320 Fundamentals of Epidemiology (3 cr.)
- PUBH 6390 Foundations of Global Health (2 cr.)
- PUBH 6606 Building Communities, Increasing Health: Preparing for Community Health Work (2 cr.)
- PUBH 6634 Advocacy and Children’s Rights (2 cr.)
- PUBH 6801 Health and Human Rights (3 cr.)
- PUBH 6804 Community Mental Health (2 cr.)
- SOC 5090-01 A Human Right to Healthcare – Europe & the U.S. (3 cr.)
Human Rights and Environment
- ESPM 5251 Natural Resources in Sustainable International Development (3 cr.)
- LAW 6215 Environmental Law (3 cr.)
- LAW 6400 International Environmental Law (2 cr.)
- LAW 7012 CL: Environmental Law (3 cr.)
- PA 5242 Environmental Planning, Policy and Decision Making (3 cr.)
- PA 5711 Science, Technology and Environmental Policy (3 cr.)
- PA 5722 Environmental and Resource Economics Policy (3 cr.)
- PA 5723 Water Policy (3 cr.)
- PA 5724 Climate Change Policy (3 cr.)
- PA 5752 Material-Energy Flows for a Sustainable Society (3 cr.)
- PA 5721 Energy and Environmental Policy (3 cr.)
- PA 5890 Section 001: Topics in Foreign Policy and International Affairs – Fact-finding Investigations on Human Rights (3 cr.)
Concentrations: self-designed
Students can deepen their professional interests by creating an interdisciplinary concentration that combines courses from two or more existing concentrations as well as courses from various departments across the University. Students provide a cohesive rationale for the several themes that tie coursework together into a coherent primary concentration.
Students pursuing this concentration should consult with their advisors and review the self-designed concentration form to understand the rationale and approval that is required for this concentration. The form also includes tips for choosing courses in a self-designed concentration.
Courses are chosen in consultation with advisors and other experts in the fields of interest students are pursuing. Students are encouraged to investigate the many research centers at the Humphrey School and throughout the University to find a match for professional interests.