Many people feel passionate about human rights and want to make a difference in the world. While activism and volunteering are great ways to create change, getting a relevant degree can help you become an effective advocate and leader in the human rights field. Here are 5 degree options to consider if you want to improve human rights.
1. Law
A law degree allows you to understand the legal frameworks surrounding human rights issues. With a JD, you could litigate human rights cases or help draft new legislation to protect people’s rights. Law school teaches critical analysis, reasoning, writing, and research skills valuable for a human rights career. Consider specializing in human rights law, constitutional law, civil rights law, or immigration law. As a lawyer, you’ll gain the expertise to challenge discriminatory laws and represent victims in court. You could work for a non-profit legal advocacy organization or at a law firm with a pro bono human rights practice.
2. MA in Strategic Communication
An MA Strategic Communication provides the skills to shape messages and influence audiences for social causes. You’ll learn about PR, media relations, crisis communication, research methods, branding, and technology platforms. With this knowledge, you can craft campaigns to raise awareness of human rights issues or manage an organization’s communication strategy. Strategic communication is key to effective advocacy. This degree qualifies you for communication roles with human rights groups, NGOs, and activist organizations. You can help them frame issues, engage stakeholders, manage crises, and catalyze social change.
3. International Relations
A degree in international relations focuses on political, economic, and social interactions between countries. With this global perspective, you can address cross-border human rights issues like migration, conflict, development, and governance. Programs cover topics like foreign policy, global health, NGOs, and international law. Pursue an MA in international relations to understand global systems impacting human rights. Graduates find careers in government agencies, think tanks, foundations, and international organizations working on human rights policy and advocacy.
4. Social Work
Social workers assist vulnerable communities to meet basic needs and advocate for policy changes. A BSW or MSW equips you with skills in counseling, community organizing, program evaluation, social research, and grant writing. You’ll gain a deep understanding of inequality while learning to empower clients. Social work allows you to take a grassroots approach to human rights. As a social worker, you can provide direct services to marginalized groups while mobilizing community action and shaping policy reforms. This field offers opportunities to address human rights at the local level.
5. Public Policy/Administration
A public policy or public administration degree prepares you to address human rights issues from within governments and institutions. These programs cover policy analysis, program evaluation, economics, organizational leadership, and research methods. With an MPA or MPP, you can help shape policymaking to protect human rights and oversee effective implementation. Your expertise in governance, budgeting, and regulatory processes allows you to embed human rights into public sector decision-making. Graduates take on leadership roles in government agencies, legislative offices, and human rights commissions.
Making an impact on human rights requires passion and perseverance. But the right education can powerfully amplify your voice and equip you to drive institutional change. Consider one of these 5 degree options if you want to tackle human rights challenges through law, communication, research, social work, or public service. With dedication and skills, you can make a difference at the local and global levels.
