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Academic catalog · 2026–2027

Master in Human Rights

The Master in Human Rights provides advanced study of the philosophical, juridical, historical, political, and religious foundations of universal rights. It examines international and regional human-rights systems alongside enduring disputes about universality, duties, institutions, culture, and enforcement.

Program overview

Human dignity and natural law form a central line of inquiry, in conversation with positive international law and competing philosophical accounts of rights. The curriculum gives sustained attention to freedom of religion, family and social institutions, humanitarian questions, social justice, and the relation between rights and responsibilities.

Admission requirements

  • A bachelor’s degree or equivalent undergraduate qualification from an institution acceptable to PCU-USA.
  • Official transcripts from every postsecondary institution attended.
  • A curriculum vitae describing academic, professional, or research experience.
  • A statement of purpose explaining the applicant’s preparation and proposed field of graduate study.
  • A substantial academic writing sample demonstrating analytical ability.
  • Evidence of proficiency in the language of instruction.

Curriculum

  1. History and Foundations of Human Rights — 3 credits
  2. Natural Law, Dignity, and Universal Rights — 3 credits
  3. International Human Rights Law and Institutions — 3 credits
  4. Rights, Duties, and the Common Good — 3 credits
  5. Freedom of Religion and Conscience — 3 credits
  6. Family, Community, and Social Institutions — 3 credits
  7. Humanitarian Protection and Human Dignity — 3 credits
  8. Social Justice, Poverty, and Development — 3 credits
  9. Comparative Traditions of Rights — 3 credits
  10. Human Rights Advocacy and Institutional Practice — 3 credits
  11. Research Methods in Human Rights — 3 credits
  12. Master’s Thesis in Human Rights — 3 credits

Learning outcomes

  • Interpret the historical and philosophical development of universal human rights.
  • Analyze international and regional human-rights instruments, institutions, and procedures.
  • Evaluate rival accounts of dignity, natural law, rights, and duties.
  • Critically examine freedom of religion and conscience within plural legal orders.
  • Assess humanitarian, family, poverty, and development questions using juridical and ethical reasoning.
  • Compare Christian and secular approaches without treating either as a substitute for legal analysis.
  • Conduct interdisciplinary research grounded in primary legal and philosophical sources.

Assessment

  • Assessment includes treaty interpretation, jurisprudential commentaries, comparative case analyses, institutional memoranda, oral advocacy, and research papers. The thesis must integrate legal materials with a clearly stated philosophical or social-scientific method.

Completion requirements

  • Earn all 36 required credits.
  • Pass every required course and remain in satisfactory academic standing.
  • Complete and obtain institutional approval of the master’s thesis or final scholarly project.
  • Resolve all academic-record and graduation requirements before conferral.