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Human Rights Studies (B.A.)

Turn Passion Into Advocacy

When you pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Human Rights Studies through the Human Rights Studies Program at the University of Dayton, you'll gain the interdisciplinary background needed to address complex issues related to human dignity. In this nationally-renowned program, you'll be prepared to pursue human rights advocacy at local, national and international levels.

Through the 3+3 J.D. Program, you can earn your Bachelor of Arts in Human Rights Studies and Juris Doctor in a total of six years.

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Fast Facts

First university

in the nation to establish an undergraduate program in human rights studies

Customize your degree

to include a double major or multiple minors
About the Human Rights Studies (B.A.) Program

Why study human rights at UD?

An Established Program

Established in 1998, the University of Dayton has the nation's first undergraduate human rights studies program. This interdisciplinary pre-professional degree is firmly grounded in traditional liberal arts and promotes the dignity of each human person.

Gain Real-World Experience

Our majors have the unique opportunity to work with the Human Rights Center to help create positive change through research, education and dialogue. The Center works at the heart of a global human rights community.

Our students have the opportunity to take what they learn in the classroom and apply and expand those skills in the "real-world." Required for graduation, students participate in internships, advocacy projects, service-learning and more, allowing them to explore their vocational goals.

Center for Social Concern

Rooted in our Catholic, Marianist tradition, the Center for Social Concern works to unite faith and action for justice. Through the Center for Social Concern, students can participate in a variety of service opportunities.

Take the Next Step

Explore admission options or schedule an academic visit to learn more about human rights studies at UD.

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How do I apply to the human rights studies program?

At the University of Dayton, applying is free and test scores are optional. When you apply, you'll automatically be considered for a merit scholarship.

Learn about our admission process, then apply using UD's application or the Common App.

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What is the tuition cost and is financial aid available?

Rooted in our Catholic, Marianist traditions, the University of Dayton is dedicated to being transparent and ensuring student success. And with high graduation and success rates, UD is an excellent value.

To help you cover your costs, a variety of scholarships, grants, loans and part-time work study are available. The University also accepts transfer credits and credit by exam for undergraduates, giving you more flexibility to add a double major or minor or participate in a transformational experience like study abroad or co-op.

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Degree Requirements and Curriculum

Human Rights Studies (B.A.) Degree Requirements
Requirements

The Bachelor of Arts in Human Rights Studies degree requires a total of at least 120 credit hours. This degree also includes requirements from our flexible undergraduate curriculum, known as the Common Academic Program (CAP).

About the Degree

This is an integrated pre-professional degree firmly grounded in the traditional liberal arts. Students, faculty and staff participating in the program enter into it guided by their fundamental commitment to respect and promote the dignity of each human person.

The degree is intended to produce intellectually adept students who are capable of performing rigorous research and conducting high quality analysis of critical questions in the area of human rights studies. It's equally intended to produce thoughtful and transformational servant-leaders who will apply the knowledge and skills obtained in the program to contemporary human rights issues and situations both domestically and internationally.

Through the integration of liberal and pre-professional education, the interdisciplinary program prepares distinctive graduates who intend to pursue advanced study and training in the field of human rights, or careers in human rights advocacy and humanitarian assistance. Those graduates will possess the values, knowledge and skills necessary for effective public service in:

  • Government agencies
  • Non-governmental organizations
  • International aid agencies
  • Non-profit groups in human rights or humanitarian assistance
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Honors Program

3+3 J.D. Accelerated Program for Human Rights Studies

For undergraduate students pursuing any Bachelor of Arts degree, the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Law offers a 3+3 J.D. program, allowing students to complete their Bachelor's Degree and Juris Doctor in a total of 6 years.

Please consult with your holistic advisor for eligibility and timeline as you are scheduling your third-semester coursework.

Additional 3+3 J.D. Program Information
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Honors Program

Sample Plan of Study

This is a sample plan of study for students starting at UD in the 2026-27 academic year. This is a recommended course sequence, but your schedule may vary depending on previously earned college credits, course availability, advisor recommendations and your personal goals and interests. Please contact the recruitment and admission team (prospective students) or your holistic advisor (current students) with questions.

Semester 1
  • ASI 150 – Introduction to the University Experience
    1
  • HUM 101 – Chaminade Seminar: Reading and Responding to the Signs of the Times
    3
  • HRS 200 or General Elective – 200: Introduction to Human Rights
    3
  • CAP Mathematics
    3
  • CAP Arts
    3
  • Language 101
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 2
  • HUM 102 – Marie Thérèse Seminar: Human Dignity and the Common Good
    3
  • CMM 100 – Principles of Oral Communication
    3
  • HRS 200 or General Elective – 200: Introduction to Human Rights
    3
  • CAP Natural Science with Lab
    4
  • Language 141
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 3
  • ENG 200 – Writing Seminar II
    3
  • POL 333 – Politics of Human Rights
    3
  • ENG 346 or HST 390 – 346: Literature & Human Rights; 390: History of Human Rights
    3
  • B.A. Arts
    3
  • Language 201 or Contextual
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 4
  • ANT 325, SOC 326 or SOC 371 – 325: Anthropology of Human Rights; 326: Law & Society; 371: Sociology of Human Rights
    3
  • PHL 371, REL 363 or REL 261 – 371: Philosophy & Human Rights; 363: Faith & Justice; 261: Faith Traditions: Human Rights
    3
  • CAP Interdisciplinary Investigations
    3
  • CAP Advanced Philosophical Studies
    3
  • Applied Skills
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 5
  • Research Methods
    3
  • HRS Major Elective
    3
  • B.A. Natural Science or Math
    3
  • CAP Social Science
    3
  • CAP Advanced Historical Studies
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 6
  • Experiential Learning
    3
  • HRS Major Elective
    3
  • B.A. Social Science
    3
  • CAP Advanced Religious Studies/Faith Traditions
    3
  • CAP Diversity and Social Justice
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 7
  • HRS Major Elective
    3
  • B.A. Humanities
    3
  • CAP Practical Ethical Action
    3
  • B.A. Electives
    6
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 8
  • HRS 497 – Capstone Seminar in Human Rights Studies
    3
  • B.A. Interdisciplinary Programs (other than HRS)
    3
  • B.A. Elective
    3
  • General Electives
    6
  • Total Credit Hours 15

At the University of Dayton, our flexible undergraduate curriculum, known as the Common Academic Program (CAP), encourages you to integrate knowledge — and put it to use.

Wondering how college credits you've already earned (e.g., transfer credit, CCP, AP/IB/CLEP exams) will apply to your undergraduate degree? Use our online Transfer Credit Evaluation tool to find out.

Visit the Academic Catalog for official major requirements, prerequisite(s), course descriptions and more.

Transfer and Exam Credits
Learning Resources
Honors Program

Transfer and Exam Credits

Wondering how college credits you've already earned (e.g., transfer credit, CCP, AP/IB/CLEP exams) will apply to your undergraduate degree? Use our online Transfer Credit Evaluation tool to find out.

Transfer and Exam Credits

Success After Graduation

Get more than your foot in the door — get ready for success. At our College of Arts and Sciences, you will have the opportunity to combine the classroom and business world together in a way that allows you to further sharpen your skills. It’s a key reason why employers love hiring our students — they can hit the ground running.

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Fast Facts

$61,279 average

starting salary for recent UD graduates across all majors

97% success rate

after graduation across all UD majors

Beyond the Classroom: The UD Human Rights Studies Experience

Moral Courage Project

This project through the Human Rights Center aims to tell the stories of individuals who take risks to make important contributions in their communities during moments of crisis.

Explore the Moral Courage Project

Abolition Ohio

We work within the Miami Valley and across the state and country to prevent human trafficking, protect those affected, and help prosecute the criminals responsible with awareness through advocacy, education and research.

Learn More About Abolition Ohio

Dean's Summer Fellowship

The Dean’s Summer Fellowship program provides an opportunity for undergraduate students in the College of Arts and Sciences to conduct research during the summer under the guidance of a full-time faculty mentor.

Learn More About the Dean's Summer Fellowship

Stander Symposium

An annual campus-wide forum to showcase academic excellence and recognize student learning through faculty-mentored undergraduate research, scholarship and artistic accomplishment.

Learn More About the Stander Symposium
Walk. Run. Fly. Soar.

Success is a Journey

At the University of Dayton, you'll have a supportive community dedicated to fueling your success. Through guaranteed, real-world experience, you'll build the skills and confidence needed to be workforce ready.
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Ready to Study Human Rights?

Let’s map your journey. Now you know what we’re about: community, personal attention, hands-on learning, integrity and global thinking. Take the next step and connect with us today.

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