Ready to apply for the MA or a Certificate?
Applying for the MA or a Graduate Certificate
You are a graduate student if you have already earned a bachelor’s degree and you are planning to pursue a master’s degree or one of our graduate certificates. Students with a wide range of human rights interests, academic backgrounds, and professional experiences have enrolled in our program and successfully completed our program.
We work with individual students to tailor a plan of study for their unique circumstances. You are encouraged to reach out to Graduate Advisor Prof. Mette Brogden (metteb@arizona.edu) to discuss any questions you may have about the program or the application process.
Click the box below to see upcoming deadlines. If you miss one deadline, there is always another starting point about seven weeks away.
The Human Rights Practice Program offers frequent opportunities for students to begin our MA or graduate certificates and also flexibility with the pace at which they complete degrees and certificates. Six starting points are available each year: two each in the fall, spring, and summer terms.
There is no single preferred starting time and applicants will be considered for the next available starting time (unless they indicate a preference to start later). Applicants from international students are due two weeks prior to those for domestic U.S. students.
Admission is offered on an ongoing basis, so students are encouraged to submit their applications up to two months before the relevant priority deadlines.
- To begin in spring semester session 2 (classes start on March 16, 2026)... the deadline for submission of a completed application is February 20, 2026 (for international students: February 6, 2026).
- To begin in summer semester session 1 (classes start on May 19, 2026)... the deadline for submission of a completed application is April 24, 2026 (for international students: April 17, 2026).
- To begin in summer semester session 2 (classes start on July 7, 2026)... the deadline for submission of a completed application is June 12, 2026 (for international students: May 22, 2026).
- To begin in fall semester session 1 (classes start on August 25, 2026)... the deadline for submission of a completed application is July 31, 2026 (for international students: July 17, 2026).
To begin in fall semester session 2 (classes start on October 16, 2026)... the deadline for submission of a completed application is September 25, 2026 (for international students: September 11, 2026).
2027
- To begin in spring semester session 1 (classes start on January 15, 2027)... the deadline for submission of a completed application is December 5, 20, 2026 (for international students: November 21, 2026).
- To begin in spring semester session 2 (classes start on March 15, 2027... the deadline for submission of a completed application is February 19, 2027 (for international students: February 5, 2027).
- To begin in summer semester session 1 (classes start on May 18, 2027)... the deadline for submission of a completed application is April 23, 2027 (for international students: April 16, 2027).
- To begin in summer semester session 2 (classes start on July 6, 2027)... the deadline for submission of a completed application is June 11, 2027 (for international students: May 21, 2027).
- To begin in fall semester session 1 (classes start on August 24, 2027)... the deadline for submission of a completed application is July 30, 2027 (for international students: July 16, 2027).
- To begin in fall semester session 2 (classes start on October 15, 2027)... the deadline for submission of a completed application is September 24, 2027 (for international students: September 10, 2027).
Missed a deadline? You can submit your application at any time and will be considered for the next available starting date, which is never more than about seven weeks later.
Steps for graduate applications
1: Review Admissions Requirements
- GPA: The general standard is 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. However, students have entered our program with a GPA lower than 3.0 and gone on to be successful, so on a case-by-case basis, a waiver of this requirement may be approved. No standardized testing is required for admission.
- Statement of Purpose: (700 to 1000 words) which explains (a) why you wish to pursue a Master's degree in Human Rights Practice; (b) your specific area(s) of interest in human rights practice; (c) how your educational background, work, and life experiences have prepared you to undertake this program and graduate degree; and (d) how you expect this program to prepare you to reach your specific goals for your career, community, and/or eventual further academic studies.
- Two letters of recommendation: Preferably at least one of letter will be from a faculty member or current/former supervisor. However, depending upon your particular circumstances, recommenders might also include co-workers, contacts from volunteer work, or others who can speak to your readiness and motivation for graduate study.
- C.V. or resume
- Proof of English Proficiency if applicant is from a country where English is not the official language.
- Confirmation of access to a computer and reliable Internet connection.
- No standardized testing is required for admission.
Certificate in Human Rights Practice
Certificate in Human Rights and Technology
Certificate in Human Rights and Documentary Media
Certificate in Gender-Based Violence
- Statement of Purpose: (500 to 750 words) which explains (a) why you wish to pursue this graduate certificate; (b) your specific area(s) of interest in human rights practice; (c) how your educational background, work, and life experiences have prepared you to undertake this program and graduate certificate; and (d) how you expect this program to prepare you to reach your specific goals for your career, community, and/or eventual further academic studies.
- One Letter of Recommendation: Preferably the letter will be from a faculty member or current/former supervisor. However, depending upon your particular circumstances, recommenders might also include co-workers, contacts from volunteer work, or others who can speak to your readiness and motivation for graduate study.
- GPA: The general standard is 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. However, some students have entered our program with a GPA lower than 2.75 and gone on to be successful, so on a case-by-case basis, a waiver of this requirement may be approved. No standardized testing is required for admission.
- C.V. or resume and confirmation of access to a computer and reliable Internet connection.
- Proof of English Proficiency if applicant is from a country where English is not the official language (unless they already have a completed degree from a university in which English is the language of instruction).
Step 2: Complete Your Application
Ready to apply? Take the next step by creating your GradApp Graduate Admissions Application account where you can submit and track your application.
A complete application includes:
- Submission of all the application materials listed above
- Payment of application fee ($90, required for all applicants)
- Submission of college transcript(s)
Step 3: Submit Your Transcript(s)
Through your GradApp account, be prepared to upload unofficial PDF versions of all transcripts. Official transcripts must be submitted within seven days after the start of your first class.