Hi all,

Planning to do my LLM in human rights , hence have submitted applications to Harvard and Columbia . In the process of filling out my Michigan application form.

can any one suggest other universities with a good human rights program . I am thinking about WLC and Northwestern but i think i will have to look into schools from where it might be easier to get funds. Any suggestions ??

Hi,

Maybe check out the Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy (Tufts University).

Northwestern University with Prof. Scheffer. it's one of the few school offering a specialized program on human rights. other schools you may consider are Notre Dame and Georgetown (where a certificate in HR is available)

I am also interested to complete an LLM in Human Rights. The program at Notre-Dame and the one at Oxford (Master in Int'l. human rights) are very good. There is one at St.Thomas (miami) as well and I heard good things about it from graduate. I just been accepted to the Master at Oxford but I am waiting to get my responses from Notre-Dame and Harvard. All the best to you.

If you are ready to got o Oxford, you may as well look at Essex probably one of the best (if not the best) INt'l huma rights law programme. Many students from Oxford do their Master at Essex...

I'd like to suggest NYU. Its int'l law program is highly regarded (rank no. 1 for many years) and professors in this field (int'l human rights) are super famous. e.g. Prof. Philip Alston

As to international human rights law:

1. NYU is no longer considered the best in international law as Columbia stands 1st while Harvard mantains its permanent 3rd place according to the last US News ranking:
http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-law-schools/international-law

2. Columbia allows its LLM students to intern at the United Nations Headquarters during the respective academic year and earn credits for that. NYU does NOT offer such an excellent opportunity. Harvard obviously does not offer it either.

3. In the area of International Criminal Law, which has gained tremendous momentum due to the establishment of the International Criminal Court, Columbia offers up to four courses-seminars. NYU does not even offer an introductory course. Also, considering the enormous importance of the above-mentioned area for other branches of international law such as international human rights law, NYU does not qualify as the best option in international-human rights law. Harvard only runs one clinic focused on international criminal tribunals.

4. Needless to say that Columbia and Harvard not only as law schools but also as universities rank better than NYU. As to the latter, the difference is especially overwhelming: 1 and 11th vs 52nd according to the THE-World Ranking of Universities. If selectivity when admitting students to LLM programs is a criterion to be considered, those results are not a surprise at all.

In the field of Human Rights Law, NYU has been steadily considered one of the best -if not the best- legal institution in the country. The only other school at that level of excellence is -no surprise- Harvard Law. However, neither of those school offer a program taylored on HR. It means that, once you get admitted to the their respective LL.M. program, and along with the mandatory courses they might have, you can pick the courses regarding Human Rights or other related thereto. If, on the other hand, you are just interested in obtaining a degree in HR, Northwestern with Prof. Scheffer and Notre Dame with Prof. Cassel are two terrific options you must consider among others. By the way, given the current situation, I know at first hand that Northwestern is pretty generous with applicant in need of financial aid. Best of luck

When it comes to international law, including international human rights law, Columbia is currently the best option in US and arguably in the world. One can reach that conclusion just by comparing the variety of courses, seminars, clinics, internships and externships at CLS in international law/human rights against the others. Not only in quantity but also in quality, CLS is ahead. Anyone interested in international human rights law should painstakingly do that comparative exercise.

Besides so, CLS unlike Harvard or NYU offers scholarships for human rights lawyers taking its LLM: the coveted Human Rights Fellowships that can eventually cover all the tuition fees and even some stipend.

On the other hand, I respectfully cast doubts on qualifying NYU as the best: An LLM whose ratio of admitted/applicants is as high as 1:4 does not afford much guarantee- as opposed to Columbia's ratio 1:8 or Harvard's ratio 1:10. After all the quality of students is by definition a parameter to determine what program is better. Indeed, most -if not all- of the applicants admitted to both NYC universities go to Columbia. This includes those who are interested in pursuing a career in International human rights law/International law.

As to HLS, it has never been ranked first nor even second in international law which obviously includes international human rights law.

you're very into CLS! you're currently studying there? I like people who so strongly support their school...

Fletcher or Northwestern for international law?
any thoughts?

In doubt come to Northwestern. the school is great, Chicago is worth Boston for living purposes, and you get a degree from one of the top-10 US law schools...

Fletcher LLM in Human Rights is better than Harvard HRP programme

NEW LL.M. IN INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS AND HUMANITARIAN LAW
American University Washington College of Laws Academy on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law is pleased to announce the new LL.M. in International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law.
This new offering by the Academy recognizes the vast interest in the legal community in studying human rights law at American University Washington College of Law (AUWCL). This program is the only LL.M. program in International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law in the United States to offer a hybrid curriculum of its kind in a U.S. law school. With online and residential course components, this program is designed for practitioners and other human rights professionals who wish to pursue advanced studies in international human rights law and humanitarian law alongside their existing work responsibilities. AUWCL has built a significant reputation in this field, thanks in part to your work with us, and it is highly recognized around the world. Moreover, its unique location in Washington D.C. offers unparalleled opportunities to legal professionals from the U.S. and around the world.
The LL.M. in International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law is designed and coordinated by Professors Claudia Martin and Diego Rodríguez-Pinzón, Directors of the Academy on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law and Professorial Lecturers in residence. The Program is implemented under the Academic direction of Robert K. Goldman, Louis C. James Scholar and co-director of the Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law as well faculty director for the War Crimes Research Office and professor of law. The LL.M.s faculty is composed of human rights and humanitarian law experts coming from academia, international tribunals, civil society organizations and international organizations.
The application for Spring 2015 is now open! Applications are due November 1st. Scholarship opportunities are available!
In order to begin the application process, candidates must submit the following:
 Online Application and application fee
 Official Copies of Academic Records from an ABA accredited U.S. Law school or foreign law school with equivalent standards
 Statement of purpose
 Resume
 Two letters of recommendation
 Official Proof of Competency in English (TOEFL, PTE, IELTS or ILEC).
For more information, visit us here. Reach us via email at humanrights@wcl.american.edu or by phone at 202-274-4295.