How to Apply

Ready to apply for the MA or a Certificate?

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Undergraduate Students

If you are interested in the B.A. in Human Rights Practice, please apply for admission through AZ Online. For further information about the B.A., please contact Director of Undergraduate Studies Prof. Raymond Smith at raymondsmith@arizona.edu.

Graduate Students

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. You can read profiles of some of our current students and alums here.

We pride ourselves in work with each student to tailor a plan of study for their unique circumstances. You are encouraged to reach out the Program Director Prof. Bill Simmons (williamsimmons@arizona.edu) and/or Director of Graduate Studies Prof. Mette Brogden (metteb@arizona.edu) to discuss any questions you may have about the program or the application process. 

Steps for graduate applications

1: Review Admissions Requirements

For the M.A.

  • 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 a case-by-case assessment will be made.
     
  • 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.

 

For Graduate Certificates

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 3.0 and gone on to be successful, so a case-by-case assessment will be made. 
     
  • 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.

For All Programs

If applicant is from a country where English is not the official language, English proficiency must be demonstrated through any one of the following tests: 

TOEFL, minimum score of 79 iBT or 550 PBT
International English Language Testing System (IELTS), minimum composite score of 7, with no subject area below 6

Pearson PTE Academic:  minimum score of 69

 

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:

  1. Submission of all the application materials listed above
  2. Payment of application fee ($90, required for all applicants)
  3. 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.

When should I apply?

There are no fixed application deadlines. We take applications continuously and students can start courses in the first session after receiving an acceptance.