The Jackson School’s new certificate program in Human Rights for current Yale undergraduates offers an interdisciplinary exploration of human rights, providing students with the analytical, conceptual, and practical skills essential for in-depth study.
There are two versions of the certificate: one that is non-selective and uncapped, and a second that is intensive and selective. Both programs will formally begin in the fall of 2025.
Certificate in Human Rights
The Certificate in Human Rights (uncapped/nonselective) is open to all Yale undergraduates and will require a specific introductory course (the first instance will be taught in the Fall 2025), plus four elective courses in human rights. These electives will be tagged in Yale course search with the Human Rights elective attribute. The electives will be categorized as being either domestic or international as an area of study; students will be required to take at least one of each area of study in the four electives that they take.
Intensive Certificate in Human Rights
The Intensive Certificate in Human Rights (selective) will require the introductory course, plus five Human Rights elective courses and participation in a non-credited senior colloquium. The cohorts selected for the intensive certificate will be intentionally small (around 15 students). Only current juniors this year (Spring 2025) may apply. Students will be required to take at least one of each area of study (domestic and international) in the five electives that they choose.
Applications are now being accepted for the intensive certificate. The deadline to apply is Friday, March 7, at 5:00pm.
Course List
See the list of Spring 2025 courses and a link to find past courses that count as Human Rights elective courses.
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