JD Concentration in International Human Rights Law
Faculty Program Advisors Heading link
To learn more about the JD Concentration in International Human Rights Law, please contact the faculty program advisors.
If you are interested in completing the concentration, we strongly recommend that you contact the faculty program advisors as early as possible. This will allow us to ensure that you are on track to complete all of the requirements in time for graduation.
Faculty Director Contact Heading link
Sarah Dávila A.
Phone:
Email:
Stuart Ford
Phone:
Email:
Steven D. Schwinn
Phone:
Email:
Declaration to Pursue the Concentration Heading link
Students who intend to pursue this concentration are strongly encouraged to consult the faculty director at the end of the semester in which they complete 30 credit hours, in order to ensure that they will be able to complete the concentration.
Requirements Heading link
JD students may earn only one concentration. Degree candidates interested in enhancing their career opportunities with the JD Concentration in International Human Rights Law must complete a minimum of 16 credits, including 10 required credits, and must graduate with a cumulative overall GPA of 3.0 and a GPA of 3.25 in international human rights law coursework.
Download the Concentration Requirements Checklist
Students who matriculated prior to August 16, 2019, are subject to degree requirements in place when they first enrolled, provided they complete those requirements within the time limit for degree completion and do not interrupt their enrollment without formal approval. Students should consult the appropriate concentration faculty director regarding their concentration requirements.
Alternatives to the Elective Courses Heading link
Concentration candidates may petition to have up to 3 credits from one or more of the areas listed below count toward the concentration’s elective requirements. The candidate’s work must have a significant focus on international human rights and be approved by the Associate Dean for Academic Programs.
Alternative Options
- Clinical programs
- Courses offered at another ABA-approved law school
- Externships
Alternative Options
- Internships
- Moot court competition participation
- Other JD elective courses
Curriculum Heading link
Required Courses*
- Clinic: International Human Rights Class (TADR 481, 2 Credits)
- Clinic: International Human Rights Clinic (TADR 482, 3 Credits)
- International Human Rights Law (LAW 512, 2 Credits)
- International Law (LAW 484, 3 Credits)
*Subject to required course availability, degree candidates pursuing this certificate can appeal to Professor Sarah Dávila-Ruhaak for a course substitution.
Elective Courses
- Clinic: International Human Rights Advanced (TADR 483, 1-3 Credits)
- Comparative Constitutional Law & Human Rights (LAW 514, 2 Credits)
- Comparative Human Rights (LAW 515, 2-4 Credits)
- Independent Research (LAW 596, 2 Credits)
- International Civil Litigation (TADR 449, 2 Credits)
- International Criminal Law (LAW 517, 3 Credits)
- International Organizations (LAW 511, 2 Credits)
- Regional Human Rights Systems (LAW 513, 2-4 Credits)
- Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity Law (LAW 475, 2 Credits)
- Special Topics in Law (LAW 594, 2-3 Credits)†
Please review each course description to determine what prerequisites apply.
†Special Topics in Law and Independent Study course subjects must be related to human rights to qualify for elective credit. Please contact faculty program advisors for approval.