UMass Boston

Applicants must meet general graduate admission requirements in addition to the following program-specific requirements:

• Statement of purpose - Please discuss in 1,200 words or less your reasons for pursuing a graduate certificate in human rights, and your academic, personal, and professional goals.
• Transcripts - Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. Applicants must possess a four-year bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university, and must have a GPA of 2.75 or above.
• Letter of recommendation - This letter should come from someone who can speak to your academic and professional preparation for program success.
• Résumé or curriculum vitae - Please make sure all educational background and professional history is current with degrees earned, institutions attended, majors, and GPAs.

Deadlines: June 15 for fall, November 1 for spring

Application Fee: The nonrefundable application fee is $75. UMass Boston alumni and current students that plan to complete degree requirements prior to graduate enrollment can submit the application without paying the application fee.

Estimate Your Program Cost: Get a feel for your expected program costs using the Graduate Program Cost Calculator.

Program Cost Information: For more detailed information on costs, please visit the Bursar's website.

Required Courses (9 Credits)

• GISD 624 - International Human Rights Law, Policy and Practice 3 Credit(s)
• GISD 625 - Human Rights-Based Approaches to Social Justice 3 Credit(s)
• GISD 626 - Global Health and Human Rights 3 Credit(s)

Independent Study (3 Credits)

• GISD 696 - Independent Study 1-6 Credit(s)

Elective (3 Credits)

Select one elective course from among the courses offered at the University with the permission of your advisor and the Academic Affairs Committee.

For more information on curriculum, including course descriptions and degree requirements, visit the Academic Catalog.

In this program, students will: 

• Develop a deep understanding of social inequalities, power dynamics, and systems of oppression, enabling you to critically analyze and challenge structural barriers that hinder social inclusion and development
• Acquire advanced knowledge in the principles and practices of social development, intercultural communication, community engagement, and program evaluation, equipping you with the tools to design, implement, and assess inclusive social interventions
• Cultivate intercultural competence, ethical awareness, and collaboration skills, empowering you to work effectively with diverse populations, engage in cross-cultural dialogue, and promote sustainable and equitable social change
• Upon completion of their degrees, go on to serve as leaders in their communities, as well as in national and international nongovernmental organizations; local, regional, and national governments; and beyond.

Complete 18 credits from six courses including three core courses and three electives.

Pass/fail:No more than one course taken pass/fail may be applied toward the minor.
Residency:At least three courses applied toward the minor must be completed at UMass Boston.

Graduate Program Director Kaitlyn Siner
kaitlyn.siner [@] umb.edu
(617) 287-3070