Overview

The Human Rights programme at Columbia University provides students with a deep understanding of the legal, political, and social frameworks that define contemporary justice. This interdisciplinary course of study allows undergraduates to engage with the Institute for the Study of Human Rights, fostering a commitment to equality and global advocacy. Students explore how human rights intersect with emerging technological, economic, and cultural challenges in the modern world.

Why Human Rights at Columbia University?

Studying at this institution provides access to the Institute for the Study of Human Rights (ISHR), a pioneer in the field that connects academic theory with practical advocacy. Students benefit from a dedicated faculty of practitioners and experts, alongside unique resources such as the Human Rights Research Award. The programme also offers a specialised Senior Thesis Track for those seeking to conduct original research and qualify for departmental honours.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 70170 per year
National fee: USD 70170 per year
Local fee: USD 70170 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum requires a minimum of 31 points for the major, including core requirements and a chosen area of disciplinary specialisation. Modules may include:

Human Rights
International Human Rights Law
Human Rights Senior Seminar
Refugees, Rights, and Representation
Genocide Studies
Indigenous Rights and Settler Colonialism in North America
NGOs & the Human Rights Movement
Digital Advocacy for Human Rights
Climate Justice

Careers with Human Rights

Graduates are prepared for diverse professional paths within international organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and government agencies. The programme emphasises professional development by connecting students with human rights practitioners and experts. Many students leverage their undergraduate training to pursue advanced graduate studies or legal careers, focusing on areas such as international law, social justice advocacy, and policy development. The curriculum's focus on research methods and practical advocacy tools ensures that graduates possess the analytical skills required for roles in campaigning, policy briefing, and human rights monitoring.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Human Rights: Research Methods

Social Media and Human Rights: Actors, Advocacy and Analytics

Socio-economic Rights

Human Rights in the Anthropocene

Human Rights and Urban Public Space

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-08 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

135

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TOEFL^® IBT

105

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IELTS

7.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Manhattan, United States

Disciplines

Area & Cultural Studies History International Law View 100 other Bachelors in International Law in United States

This information is based on LinkedIn alumni data for graduates from 2018 to 2024 and may not fully represent all career outcomes

Total alumni

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

135

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

105

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Autobiographical information

Lists and descriptions of a student’s achievements, activities, employment and summer activities

Personal essay

An official high school transcript from all high schools attended

One high school counselor’s recommendation and school profile

The completed Mid-Year Report

SAT or ACT

Applicants may self-report their scores

English proficiency examination score (if necessary)

These recommendations must come from teachers who taught you in academic disciplines

For engineering applicants, one must come from a math or science teacher

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year
Out-of-State

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year

Living costs

Manhattan

United States

2638 - 5751 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Human Rights.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying Law

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Manhattan

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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