Master's Degree Program

Master of Arts in International Human Rights & Humanitarian Studies

An interdisciplinary graduate program designed to prepare professionals to advance human dignity, social justice, humanitarian action, and the protection of fundamental rights in an increasingly interconnected world.

Degree Awarded

Master of Arts in International Human Rights & Humanitarian Studies

Total Program Cost

US$ 5,940

Total Credits

36 Credit Hours

Traditional Learning

18 Months

Fast-Track Learning

9–12 Months

Course Credit

3 Credit Hours

Total Program Cost

US$ 5,940

Program Overview

Advance Human Dignity & Social Justice Worldwide

Develop comprehensive understanding of international human rights law, humanitarian principles, and the practical skills needed to address humanitarian crises and promote human security.

The Master of Arts in International Human Rights & Humanitarian Studies is an interdisciplinary graduate program designed to prepare professionals to advance human dignity, social justice, humanitarian action, and the protection of fundamental rights in an increasingly interconnected world. The program examines international human rights law, humanitarian principles, global governance, conflict resolution, migration, sustainable development, and the role of governmental and nongovernmental organizations in addressing humanitarian crises and promoting human security.

Students develop a comprehensive understanding of the legal, political, social, cultural, and ethical dimensions of human rights and humanitarian practice. Through interdisciplinary coursework, students gain advanced competencies in policy analysis, advocacy, research, program management, humanitarian response, conflict prevention, and international cooperation. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, ethical leadership, intercultural communication, and the practical application of international standards to contemporary global challenges.

Graduates are prepared to lead initiatives that promote justice, peace, human rights protection, humanitarian assistance, and sustainable development across governmental, nonprofit, international, and private-sector organizations, as well as pursue doctoral-level study.

Degree Awarded

Master of Arts in International Human Rights & Humanitarian Studies

Program Length

18 Months — Traditional Learning Track
9–12 Months — Fast-Track Learning Program

Course Credit

3 Credit Hours per Course

Program Cost

US$ 5,940
Exclusive of applicable University administrative fees

Curriculum

Required Courses

The Master of Arts in International Human Rights & Humanitarian Studies requires 36 total credits.

Course No. Course Title Credits
IHH 6000 Foundations of International Human Rights and Humanitarian Studies 3
IHH 6010 International Human Rights Law and Institutions 3
IHH 6020 Humanitarian Principles, Ethics, and Protection 3
IHH 6030 Global Conflict, Peacebuilding, and Human Security 3
IHH 6040 Refugees, Migration, and Forced Displacement 3
IHH 6050 International Development and Humanitarian Response 3
IHH 6060 Human Rights Advocacy, Policy, and Diplomacy 3
IHH 6070 Research Methods in Human Rights and Humanitarian Studies 3
IHH 6080 Global Governance, Sustainable Development, and Social Justice 3
IHH 6090 Humanitarian Program Leadership and Crisis Management 3
IHH 6100 Master's Thesis 6
Total Credits 36
Curriculum Details

Course Descriptions

Select a course to view its description.

IHH 6000 – Foundations of International Human Rights and Humanitarian Studies

Introduces the interdisciplinary foundations of international human rights and humanitarian studies. Students examine the historical evolution, philosophical foundations, legal frameworks, and institutional structures that shape global efforts to protect human dignity and respond to humanitarian crises.

IHH 6010 – International Human Rights Law and Institutions

Explores international human rights treaties, conventions, legal principles, enforcement mechanisms, and the roles of international courts, regional organizations, and multilateral institutions in protecting human rights worldwide.

IHH 6020 – Humanitarian Principles, Ethics, and Protection

Examines humanitarian law, ethical decision-making, civilian protection, emergency response, disaster relief, and the responsibilities of humanitarian organizations operating in conflict and disaster environments.

IHH 6030 – Global Conflict, Peacebuilding, and Human Security

Analyzes the causes and consequences of armed conflict, political instability, terrorism, peacebuilding initiatives, conflict prevention, mediation, reconciliation, and human security within international contexts.

IHH 6040 – Refugees, Migration, and Forced Displacement

Focuses on international refugee law, migration policy, asylum systems, internally displaced populations, statelessness, border governance, and humanitarian protection for displaced communities.

IHH 6050 – International Development and Humanitarian Response

Examines sustainable development, humanitarian assistance, disaster risk reduction, resilience building, emergency management, recovery planning, and coordination among international development organizations.

IHH 6060 – Human Rights Advocacy, Policy, and Diplomacy

Develops competencies in public policy analysis, advocacy strategies, international negotiations, diplomacy, human rights campaigning, strategic communications, and stakeholder engagement to influence policy and institutional reform.

IHH 6070 – Research Methods in Human Rights and Humanitarian Studies

Provides advanced qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, policy analysis, field research techniques, data collection, program evaluation, ethics, and scholarly writing for interdisciplinary human rights research.

IHH 6080 – Global Governance, Sustainable Development, and Social Justice

Explores international governance systems, global institutions, sustainable development, environmental justice, gender equality, poverty reduction, and the implementation of international development frameworks that promote human rights and social equity.

IHH 6090 – Humanitarian Program Leadership and Crisis Management

Applies leadership, strategic planning, project management, crisis coordination, humanitarian logistics, monitoring and evaluation, financial oversight, and organizational leadership to humanitarian and development programs.

IHH 6100 – Master's Thesis

Students complete an original research thesis addressing a significant issue in international human rights or humanitarian studies. Under faculty supervision, students conduct independent research, evaluate contemporary challenges, and develop evidence-based recommendations that contribute to scholarship and professional practice.

Career Pathways

Career Opportunities

Graduates are prepared for leadership, policy, research, advocacy, and humanitarian positions across international, governmental, nonprofit, and private organizations.

Human Rights Officer
Humanitarian Affairs Specialist
International Development Specialist
Refugee and Migration Program Manager
Human Rights Policy Analyst
Humanitarian Program Director
International Relations Specialist
Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution Advisor
Human Rights Researcher
Advocacy and Campaigns Manager
Diplomatic Affairs Officer
International Program Manager
Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist
Emergency Response Coordinator
Human Security Analyst
Corporate Human Rights and ESG Advisor
International Project Consultant
Social Justice Program Director
Where Graduates Work

Employment Sectors

Graduates may pursue opportunities across international organizations, government agencies, humanitarian relief, and human rights organizations worldwide.

International Organizations
United Nations Agencies
Government Ministries and Public Agencies
International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs)
Humanitarian Relief Organizations
Human Rights Organizations
Refugee and Migration Agencies
International Development Agencies
Diplomatic and Foreign Service Institutions
Public Policy and Research Institutes
Think Tanks
Civil Society Organizations
Philanthropic Foundations
Educational Institutions
Global Health Organizations
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Departments
International Consulting Firms
Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution Organizations

Ready to Advance Human Rights & Humanitarian Action?

Explore the Master of Arts in International Human Rights & Humanitarian Studies and take the next step toward advancing justice, peace, and human dignity worldwide.

Apply for This Program →
Cavalla International University of America is an academic institution registered in the State of Louisiana to conduct legal business and it is approved by the Board of Trustees and the Executive Leadership of the university to grant professional and academic degrees. The University adheres to the educational standards and requirements of the U.S. Department of Education and complies with the rules and regulations of the Louisiana State board of regents (department of education) regarding educational integrity and recruiting requirements for hiring qualified professors with the right academic qualification to teach.