International Human Rights (BA)

Learn from Human Rights Experts

Our International Human Rights bachelor’s degree courses are taught by renowned faculty and subject matter experts. The program is housed in Webster’s Institute for Human Rights and Humanitarian Studies, which is made up of faculty fellows from across the University. The Institute is directed by Professor Lindsey Kingston, who is a Fulbright Scholar and author of the book, “Fully Human” (Oxford University Press), and other publications.

Establish Basecamp in St. Louis to Affect the World

St. Louis is a hub of human rights advocacy and education, allowing you to undertake a variety of field experiences, like interning with local organizations and conducting student/faculty research. Our International Human Rights bachelor’s degree program is also highly supportive of study abroad travel, including offering various opportunities for short-term travel to locations such as Ecuador, Costa Rica, Switzerland, Italy and Washington, D.C.

Develop a Powerful Understanding of International Human Rights

Your coursework in the International Human Rights program will include deep dives into human rights methods, theory, international law and a variety of electives (such as indigenous rights, environmental justice and civil society). You’ll also undertake a human rights field experience and a senior research thesis that may be submitted for possible publication in the Righting Wrongs: A Journal of Human Rights. Class sizes are small, with many upper-level classes containing only 10 to 15 students.

Gain Real-World Experience to Hit the Ground Running

As a bachelor’s in International Human Rights student, you’ll have numerous opportunities to develop hands-on experience. Our Human Rights Field Experience is a 100-hour internship/volunteer program that puts you in the center of championing human rights. Students engage with organizations related to indigenous rights, environmental justice, LGBTQ+ rights, refugee resettlement, children’s rights and more. You may also engage with the campus chapter of Amnesty International, participate in co-curricular events and enjoy social events.

As a graduate of the bachelor’s in International Human Rights program at Webster, you may pursue graduate studies related to human rights, or you may choose to dive into rights-focused work at nongovernmental organizations, government offices, corporations, educational institutions or other setting.

You’ll be prepared to pursue career positions such as:

• Social and Community Service Manager
• Technical Writer or Grant Writer
• Project Management Specialist
• Human Rights Advocate
• Research Assistant
• Policy Analyst
• Program Manager

Pursue Your Passion with Solid Rewards

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for Social and Community Service Managers is $74,000, with job growth expected to be 12% (much faster than average) through 2031. The median annual salary for Technical Writers is listed as $78,060 and the median annual salary for Project Management Specialists is $94,500.