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Human Rights Studies

Bachelor of Arts

If you have a deep desire to make a difference in the world, you may be a good fit for the human rights studies program. Whether it is immigrant rights, human trafficking, women's rights, food insecurity, indigenous rights, worker's rights — just to name a few — human rights is a degree that will allow you to pursue a career connected to your passions and values. Human rights studies is a nationally-renowned interdisciplinary program that will prepare you 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
Program Overview

Why Study Human Rights at UD?

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.

Ready to take the next step? Explore admission options or schedule an academic visit to learn more about human rights studies at UD.

Catholic, Marianist Education
UD Is Home
Holistic Advising
Experiential Learning

Degree Information and Sample Plan

Sample Plan of Study

This is a sample plan of study for students starting at UD in the 2025-26 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 your holistic advisor if you have any 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

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
Transfer and Exam Credits
Learning Resources
Honors Program

Admission Information

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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Tuition and Financial Aid

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.

Transparent Tuition Plan
Undergraduate Tuition
Undergraduate Financial Aid

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.

Explore Human Rights Careers
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View Career Survey Results
Fast Facts

$61,798 average

starting salary for recent UD graduates across all majors

97% success rate

after graduation across all UD majors

Design Your Academic Path

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
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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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