MA in Human Rights Studies at Columbia?

Graduate School
1

<p>Hi, I wanted to know what career prospects can having a master's in Human Rights do for you job-wise? The Master's program in Human Rights at Columbia sounds very interesting..but I was wondering, can it help you get great jobs with the ACLU, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and then the CIA, FBI, State Department, and others?</p>

<p>The major sounds really unique and I was wondering if it leads to federal and individual agencies that focus on international/national issues...also I wanted to know if even management & consulting companies or IBd would like the degree as well, since they do tend to recruit people from all undergrad/grad fields who possess that general intelligence etiquette as seen by their studies/interest/degree.</p>

<p>Moreover I really do like this field as Human Rights as a field of study and I seem intrigued in taking it, but I wanted to know, is Columbia a "cash cow" school that just wants your money (as I've heard)? Or are there meaningful resources/prospects behind this degree? I really like the name of it so I needed to know what's the deal here...I don't wanna waste money if it's not going to be a resourceful degree that can help you..</p>

<p>I need to get more info though for the job prospects before moving on..anyone know of anything regarding it? Thanks.</p>

2

<p>I heard recently that organizations like HRW and other non-profits tend to look upon people who actually have field experience over those with MAs and little fieldwork when hiring. Have you done actual work in these areas?</p>

3

<p>No, I don’t actually. How can I start with that? Any kind of employment in that field requires years of experience, and many require Master’s they say. Isn’t this program well suited for that? How can I start though?</p>

<p>What about with the CIA or FBI, they oftentimes require a Master’s if you don’t have a few years of good work experience, thereby this can increase your chances to land a solid job with them.</p>

4

<p>Find out how the alums at your college got started. There’s bound to be a few who went on this path without doing Peace Corps. :)</p>

5

<p>Cool, will check that out. Any idea or your thoughts on the program at Columbia? I really wanted to know what others think. Sounds interesting, but yeah.</p>

6

<p>I’m bumping this because I’m also curious about the program and whether anyone would recommend it.</p>

<p>Has anyone here taken it? How stringent would you say the competition is for admission, when SIPA also has a human rights concentration?</p>

7

<p>Honestly, an MA in Human Rights sounds worthless. You are better off with an established degree in Social Work, Public Policy or Law.</p>

8

<p>Why would the CIA or FBI want anyone with an MA in human rights? Those agencies make a consistent practice of violating human rights.</p>