MA Human Rights Studies at Columbia University

Programme overview

The Human Rights Studies MA is an interdisciplinary programme focused on the academic study of human rights theory and practice, run through Columbia's Institute for the Study of Human Rights. It is a 30-credit degree that can be completed part-time or full-time and requires a thesis.

Faculty: Graduate School of Arts and Sciences | Department: Institute for the Study of Human Rights | Duration: 30 credits, full-time or part-time | Intake: Fall (deadline 11 March 2027; early deadline 28 January 2027) | Study mode: full-time | Location: New York, NY, United States

What you will study

Students take courses offered by the Institute for the Study of Human Rights and human rights courses in departments such as Anthropology, History, Political Science, Religion and Sociology. Courses at the School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia Law School and the Mailman School of Public Health are also open to students.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Statement of Academic Purpose (800-1,000 words), personal statement, resume, academic writing sample of about 8-10 pages double-spaced, two academic letters of recommendation (a third professional reference is optional), transcripts from every university-level institution attended. GRE General and Subject not required. International applicants whose undergraduate degree is from an institution in a country where English is not the official language submit TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test scores. Fall deadline 11 March 2027; early deadline 28 January 2027.

Intake: Fall (deadline 11 March 2027; early deadline 28 January 2027)

Duration: 30 credits, full-time or part-time

Apply through the official page: https://www.gsas.columbia.edu/content/prospective-students

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