B.A./ M.A. Program

Interested in pursuing graduate studies in human rights?

Undergraduates currently enrolled in any program of study at Columbia College, the School of Engineering and Applied Science, the School of General Studies, and Barnard College, can apply for the Human Rights Studies M.A. via the BA/MA option. 

The BA/MA program allows students to begin their graduate studies during the senior year of their bachelor’s degree and complete the M.A. one semester earlier than would normally be possible.

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Applicants do not need to have a background in human rights, but must demonstrate the potential to succeed in graduate-level coursework.

 Prior to submitting their application, students must consult the Human Rights Studies M.A. Director of Graduate Studies (DGS). This consultation is a required part of the application process and may be scheduled by contacting the program at [email protected]. 

To be eligible, applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Applicants should apply the semester before the one in which they intend to begin taking courses that will count toward the MA, typically the Spring Semester of their Junior year.  

Please refer to the Graduate School of Arts and Science (GSAS) admissions website for deadlines and additional information. For more information about the application materials and admissions process, please visit the Human Rights M.A. page.

Students complete 30 graduate-level credit points and 2 Residence Units, but the joint option allows students to receive an M.A. one semester earlier than would normally be possible.

BA/MA students can enroll in up to 3 graduate-level courses (9-12 points) and receive credit for 0.5 Residence Unit during their final undergraduate year at Columbia University. 

Coursework taken to satisfy any requirement of the undergraduate degree - i.e. courses taken to complete a major, a minor/concentration, or the 124-point requirement - cannot be applied towards the requirements of the M.A. program.  

All coursework applied to the M.A. degree must be approved by the HRSMA program and GSAS. Additional information can be found on the GSAS Transfer Credit page.

After the student’s senior year, an undergraduate dean will certify coursework that did not count towards the undergraduate degree and therefore can be applied to the M.A. degree. However, students should consult with deans and advisors before their senior year when designing a course of study for completion of the B.A. and then the M.A. degree

Human Rights Studies M.A. students must complete 30 credits and 2 Residence Units, including the thesis, to graduate. The breakdown of points is as follows:

  • Three core required courses – 9 credits
  • Three concentration courses – 9 credits
  • Three elective human rights courses – 9 credits
  • Thesis – 3 credits

First Year of Program

During their final year of undergraduate study, BA/MA students should complete 3 M.A. courses (9-12 credits). Students should take the graduate-level HRTS GR6020 Introduction to Human Rights and at least one Concentration course.

Second Year of Program

Students are permitted to enroll part-time or full-time, but must take a minimum of 6 credits of coursework in their first fall semester after completing their undergraduate degree.

However, as the program is designed to allow students to receive an M.A. one semester early, students are advised to enroll full-time their first semester in the M.A. program.

Sample Schedule

Year 1:  Final Year of Undergraduate Study

Fall (3 credits)

  • HRTS GR6020 Introduction to Human Rights

Spring (6 credits)

  • HRTS GR6800 International Human Rights Law/Concentration Course
  • HRTS G6990 Human Rights Research Seminar Course


Year 2:  Enrolled as GSAS Student

Fall (15 credits)

  • Concentration Course
  • Concentration Course/HRTS GR6800 International Human Rights Law
  • Concentration Course
  • Elective Course
  • Elective Course

Spring (6 Credits)

  • Thesis Course
  • Elective Course