Graduate Certificate in Human Rights in Boston United States | University of Massachusetts Boston

Gain the tools to analyze human rights frameworks that foster political, economic, and social inclusion for individuals and communities. At UMass Boston's School for Global Inclusion and Social Development (SGISD), students explore critical issues promoting the integration of people and communities across global societies. Addressing rising demand for human rights education, SGISD now offers a specialized certificate program in this field.

Human rights has emerged as a vital academic discipline both in the U.S. and internationally. From local communities to global platforms, human rights principles are driving grassroots activism, coalition-building, and policy analysis. This field of study equips advocates to promote social equity, evaluate improvements in human welfare, and when necessary, pursue legal action to secure fundamental rights to healthcare, education, and fair employment.

The human rights framework offers both legal and moral foundations for transforming institutions and societies to better include all individuals, particularly those facing marginalization and disadvantage.

This interdisciplinary field combines legal studies, practical ethics, global affairs, economic theory, social policy, and international development. Students can further specialize in areas like religious minorities, youth rights, labor rights, gender equality, or poverty alleviation.