The Human Rights Studies M.A. Program is a launchpad for students committed to understanding the political, economic, social, cultural, technological, and environmental dimensions of human rights and social justice in the United States and internationally.
The Human Rights Studies M.A. Program has a reputation for academic excellence, grounded in a long-standing commitment to the interdisciplinary study of human rights and social justice. With an emphasis on connecting theory and practice, the M.A. offers unmatched flexibility to tailor students' course of study with the support of dedicated academic advisors and faculty.
In this program, you will examine key human rights norms, concepts, and institutions, and critically engage with issues of local, national, and global significance. Guided by leading human rights scholars and practitioners, you will produce innovative research that seeks to address some of the most challenging questions in this field.
The 30-credit Human Rights Studies M.A. Program is administered by the Institute for the Study of Human Rights, with the degree offered by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
The M.A. can be pursued on a full or part-time basis. All students start the program in the Fall term, and full-time students complete the program in three academic semesters. Students who opt for part-time study must complete the degree within four years.
Visit our Prospective Students page to learn more about our students, connect with the department, and find answers to frequently asked questions.
The Program requires the completion of 30 academic credits of graduate-level coursework and 2 Residence Units. All HRSMA students take three core classes, a minimum of three concentration and a maximum of three elective courses. In their final semester of study, students complete a thesis.
Detailed information about the degree structure, required coursework, academic advising, and course schedules, can be found under the Degree Requirements page.
Each semester, the Program publishes a list of human rights courses offered at ISHR and across Columbia University's many schools and departments.
The list assists HRSMA students with identifying classes of potential interest as they plan their academic studies and semester schedules. Please review our Course List page for more information about current course offerings, as well as classes approved by the department in previous semesters.
Looking for funding support, academic opportunities, or ways to get involved on campus?
ISHR offers various resources to support human rights students' academic studies, campus engagement, and professional development. Visit our Graduate Resources page for more information.
In recent years, Columbia University has emerged as the epicenter of questions central to the study of human rights: around speech, access to space, and the links between power and culture. With this, the courses and topics of study in our HRSMA program are both urgent and timely, equipping our students to become engaged members in their communities, and grounded and thoughtful researchers within academia more broadly.
- Dr. Shourideh C. Molavi, Senior Lecturer and the Director of Graduate Studies
HRSMA Insights
Step inside our office! Get to know the Human Rights Studies M.A. Program by hearing directly from our students, alumni, and staff. Their stories offer a glimpse into what defines our academic community - intellectual rigor, interdisciplinarity, and a commitment to driving meaningful change.
During your time at ISHR, our faculty will guide your academic studies, our staff will support your goals, and your classmates will both inspire and challenge you.
To learn more about our community, be sure to read our Graduate News.
Graduate News
HRSMA Alumna Ishita Petkar Joins GSAS SynThesis Panel
HRSMA Alumna Ishita Petkar joins a panel of alumni at the 10th installment of GSAS SynThesis competition where they shared their experience and offered advice to current students.
HRSMA Alumna Receives Dean’s Distinguished Achievement Award
ISHR is delighted to announce that Tatiana Kotlyarenko, ’07 Human Rights Studies M.A. received the GSAS Dean’s Award for Distinguished Achievement.
ISHR Celebrates Class of 2026
On Monday, May 4, 2026, the ISHR community gathered to mark the end of the academic year and celebrate graduating human rights students. Faculty, staff, students and their families were treated to a special evening that featured student performances and celebrated the hard work and accomplishments of ISHR’s graduating class.