Graduate Course Lists

Course Lists Overview 

ISHR Courses

Each semester ISHR provides a list of courses offered by the Institute, which may satisfy core or other requirements for the M.A. degree.

• Fall 2026 

• Summer 2026 

*Vergil login required.

Other Human Rights Courses

In addition to ISHR courses, the department publishes a list of human rights classes offered by departments and schools across Columbia University to help students identify courses of interest. 

• Fall 2026

• Summer 2026

Courses on these lists are continuously updated. Students should consult Vergil, department course offerings, and school bulletins for course descriptions and meeting times. If you would like to suggest an addition or modification to this list, please email relevant course information and syllabi to [email protected]. 

Click here for courses offered in past semesters.

Selecting Your Courses & Course Approvals

Pre-approved courses automatically count towards the degree as an elective human rights course. They may fulfill the concentration requirement, depending on the student’s selected research focus in the program. 

Additional courses may fulfill degree requirements if the student can demonstrate that they can complete substantial coursework specifically focusing on human rights. Students who would like to count a course listed as "additional" should consult with their academic advisor.

Students selecting courses for the degree, should confer with their academic advisor to verify that courses of interest fulfill degree requirements before finalizing their schedule. More information about the advising process can be found on the Degree Requirements page. 

Note that approval of a class does not guarantee enrollment in that course. Students are responsible for following all registration and cross-registration procedures. Consult Vergil and individual departments/instructors regarding any permission or prerequisites needed for a course.