PLO 1: Explain the historical development, core principles, and legal frameworks of human rights at the national and international levels.

PLO 2: Analyze contemporary human rights issues by applying interdisciplinary perspectives from the social sciences, humanities, law, business, and education.

PLO 3: Evaluate the effectiveness of institutions, public policies, and advocacy strategies in protecting and advancing human rights across diverse cultural and political contexts.

PLO 4: Communicate informed, evidence-based arguments about human rights while demonstrating ethical reasoning, cultural awareness, and respect for diverse perspectives.

The Human Rights minor consists of 15 credit hours and is organized around a progressive curriculum that builds both foundational knowledge and specialized expertise.

Students begin with two required courses that introduce the historical, philosophical, and legal foundations of human rights while exploring strategies for advocacy, activism, and social change. They then complete one elective from each of three thematic areas that allow them to examine human rights through multiple disciplinary lenses:

Gender, Migration, and Culture explores issues such as gender equality, migration, immigration, human trafficking, and the relationship between culture, religion, democracy, and human rights.  

Education, Business, and Sustainability examines the role of educators, businesses, and economic systems in promoting human rights, social responsibility, and sustainable development.  

Legal and Global Governance focuses on international law, diplomacy, global citizenship, and the institutions that shape the protection and promotion of human rights around the world.  

Together, these courses provide students with a broad, interdisciplinary understanding of human rights while allowing them to explore areas that complement their academic interests and career goals. 

Minoring in Human Rights can support the following career paths:

• Law and Legal Advocacy Preparation for law school and careers in human rights law, immigration law, civil rights advocacy, legal aid, compliance, and policy advocacy.

• Government and Public Service Roles in federal, state, and local agencies focused on civil rights, public policy, social services, immigration, education, and community affairs.

• Nonprofit and Advocacy Organizations Careers in social justice advocacy, humanitarian organizations, community development, refugee support, and human rights monitoring.

• International Affairs and Global Organizations Opportunities with international organizations, global NGOs, diplomacy, development agencies, and institutions focused on peace, justice, and global governance.

• Education and Human Rights Education Work in schools, community education, curriculum development, youth advocacy, and programs that promote civic engagement and social responsibility.

• Business, Sustainability, and Corporate Responsibility Positions in corporate social responsibility, business ethics, sustainability, compliance, labor rights, and responsible global supply chains.

• Public Policy and Research Careers in think tanks, advocacy groups, policy institutes, and research organizations analyzing human rights, social justice, migration, labor, and sustainability issues.

• Graduate and Professional Study Advanced study in law, human rights, international relations, public policy, public administration, social work, education, global studies, and related fields.