Undergraduate

Three female students sitting in a library two facing the camera and one facing the other two

Undergraduate students at the University of Minnesota may get involved in human rights in a number of ways. Sign up for HRP’s bi-weekly newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @uofmhumanrights for updates on events and opportunities.

Human Rights Courses

The University of Minnesota offers a diverse selection of undergraduate courses focused on human rights, including GLOS 3401W: International Human Rights Law, a foundational human rights course, and GLOS 3896: Global Studies Internship, which pairs students with a local human rights organization to complete a 100-hour internship for credit. 

Students interested in pursuing a degree with a focus on human rights may earn a B.A. in Global Studies. Global Studies majors are required to enroll in at least three courses spanning one or more of a broad range of elective concentrations, one of which is human rights. Please review the list of courses designated as human rights electives under the Global Studies B.A. and consult Schedule Builder to learn which courses are offered in a given semester.

Career Exploration

Beyond the University, the Human Rights Program encourages students to pursue internships and career opportunities with human rights NGOs around the Twin Cities. Many student interns have transitioned into full-time jobs with these organizations. GLOS 3896: Global Studies Internship offers undergraduate students real-world experience with a local human rights organization. HRP also offers funding for summer internships at human rights organizations through the Fraser Fellowships, and hosts events related to career development. 

We also encourage students interested in human rights to volunteer with related on-campus research projects or conduct their own research. The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) provides undergraduate funding opportunities for faculty-mentored research.

Three members of the HRP Undergraduate Working Group

HRP Undergraduate Working Group 

The Undergraduate Working Group is a way for undergraduate voices to help shape HRP programming and policies. Students work on projects including the Brewing Justice Coffee Hours and help to plan events. There is a call for applications at the start of each semester. 

Students meet at Brewing Justice Coffee Hours

 

Brewing Justice Coffee Hours

Brewing Justice: Human Rights Coffee Hours is a bi-weekly, student-led event intended for other students to get to know the HRP and the Undergraduate Working Group, explore human rights career and academic opportunities, and learn about ways to make human rights change inside and outside of the classroom. Sign up to our newsletter for updates.