University of Denver, Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs

Master of Arts in International Human Rights

Shape your experience
Arrive with a plan, or let your curiosity guide you. Our flexible programs give you the freedom to explore new fields, change directions as your interests evolve, or hone in on a specialized track.

Build a strong foundation
Start with 16 credits of required coursework, designed to ground you in your discipline.

Core courses

• INTS 4940 – Introduction to Human Rights
• One of the following:
  • INTS 4929 -- Foundations of Human Rights
  • INTS 4935 – International Humanitarian Law
  • INTS 4936 – International Law & Human Rights
  • INTS 4958 – Human Rights Global Governance Internationalism and Nationalism
• One of the following:
  • INTS 4011 – Comparative Genocide
  • INTS 4569 – Migration
  • INTS 4649 – Human Rights and the Middle East
  • INTS 4670 – Gender, Security and Human Rights
  • INTS 4909 – Climate Migration and Human Rights
  • INTS 4928 – Torture
  • INTS 4947 – Human Rights and Security
  • INTS 4987 – Forced Labor & Human Trafficking

Tailor your degree

Use your 44 elective credits to add specializations, pursue certificates, or take courses abroad based on your interests and goals.

Certificates

• Global Environmental Change & Adaptation
• Global Health Affairs
• Global Justice
• Homeland Security
• Humanitarian Assistance
• Public Diplomacy
• Public Policy
• Religion & International Affairs
• Strategic Intelligence

The Korbel School, a proud member of the APSIA group, is ranked #12 in the world for International Relations master’s programs by Foreign Policy Magazine as of 2024!

Korbel is also proud to be recognized as an R1 institution, a prestigious designation reserved for top-tier research universities in the U.S. This classification highlights our commitment to cutting-edge research, innovation, and academic excellence, offering students opportunities to engage in groundbreaking work across a variety of fields.

Build a lifelong network

Korbel brings together bright minds with big visions for the future. Connect, collaborate, and grow with a diverse community dedicated to the common good.

Engage with leaders shaping our world
Recent speakers include mayors and governors, former secretaries of state, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, prominent journalists, leaders in corporate social responsibility and impact investing, human rights activists, and feminist peace scholars.

Thrive in a dynamic student community

You’ll make friends for a lifetime with peers who bring an incredible range of experiences to the table. Join one of our many student-led groups to collaborate with people from around the world who share your passion for making a difference.

Be part of an active alumni network

Our 7,000+ alumni span the globe and are passionate about opening doors for Korbel graduates. You’ll find them in government roles at all levels, international organizations, NGOs, consulting firms, startups, and major corporations.

Prepare to go far
93% of Korbel graduates are employed, continuing their education, or volunteering/engaging in service within 12 months of graduation.

International Human Rights graduates are in demand!

You’ll find them working in governmental and intergovernmental organizations, nonprofits, advocacy organizations, aid agencies, the business sector, and legal professions. They become human rights advocates, humanitarian relief professionals, social program administrators, and more.

Where recent alumni make an impact

• Save the Children
• Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence
• ACLU Colorado
• World Relief
• Physicians for Human Rights

Get outside the classroom

Hands-on experience is essential to your success. You’ll find an abundance of opportunities to develop your professional skills and explore career paths.

Apply your knowledge with internships

Build experience across city, state, and national government agencies, international organizations, global NGOs, and the private sector. With guidance from our career coaches, you’ll land positions that align with your skills and interests.

Immerse yourself in simulation exercises

Join one of our simulations for a taste of on-the-ground realities in an interactive environment. From negotiating international conflicts to managing humanitarian crises, these engaging scenarios are a highlight for Korbel students.

Study away to expand your perspective

Korbel students have the opportunity to study in vibrant cities like Rio de Janeiro, Geneva, Vienna, and Washington, D.C. These experiences offer rich firsthand experience and insights, all at no additional tuition cost.

Dive into research that makes a difference

At Korbel, research directly contributes to real-world impact. Many students engage in applied research at our Pardee Institute for International Futures, serving clients like the US government, the United Nations, and the Africa Union.

Enjoy the Denver difference

Balance your graduate work with an active outdoor lifestyle in the Mile-High City. Take advantage of a vibrant art, music, and food scene — while enjoying Colorado’s 300 days of sunshine each year.

Top 3 “Best U.S. Destinations”
Travel Pulse, January 2022

#1 “Most Climate Resilient Cities”
Architectural Digest, July 2023

#1 “Hottest Music Venues in the Country” —
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
Rolling Stone, April 2023

#7 “Top U.S. Cities for Active Lifestyles”
WalletHub, April 2024

“Being part of the Human Rights Program at Korbel has been really transformative. It’s not just about studying theories- it’s about application and making a real-world impact on the issues that matter most to me. The program offers incredible opportunities to connect with human rights activists and alumni globally, which has given me valuable insight into the field. The faculty’s support has been amazing, and collaborating with passionate students from all backgrounds has pushed me to grow both personally and professionally.”

Leslie Carvalho (MA 25')