JD Concentration in International Human Rights Law

Professor teaching Human Rights Courses.

If you are interested in completing a concentration in International Human Rights Law, 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.

Contact the Faculty Program Advisors

Requirements and Learning Outcomes Heading link

Declaration to Pursue the Concentration: 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.

General Requirements

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.

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

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.

  • Clinical programs
  • Courses offered at another ABA-approved law school
  • Externship
  • Internships
  • Moot court competition participation
  • Other JD elective courses

Required Courses

*Subject to required course availability, degree candidates pursuing this certificate can appeal to Professor Sarah Dávila A for a course substitution.

Elective Courses

Please review each course description to determine what prerequisites apply.

Legend

†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.

Learning Outcomes

International Human Rights Concentration Learning Outcomes

  1. Graduates of the concentration will understand key concepts in international law.
  2. Graduates of the concentration will understand and be able to apply key concepts in international human rights law.
  3. Graduates of the concentration will be able to advocate effectively within a human rights framework.

Adopted April 28, 2023.