The 6 mandatory units can be selected from the following core classes:
- Public International Law (LAW-662) – 3 units
- International Human Rights (LAW-713) – 3 units
- International Criminal Law (LAW-860) – 4 units
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International Law and Human Rights Certificate
USC Gould School of Law
Human rights and the rules-based international order face unprecedented challenges, yet they are needed more than ever.
From shifting geopolitical alliances and rising authoritarianism to rapid artificial intelligence deployment and humanitarian emergencies, specialized expertise in international law and human rights has never been more important.
The Certificate in International Law and Human Rights provides an essential foundation in the legal frameworks, rights regimes, and enforcement mechanisms designed to address complex global challenges and uphold dignity, justice, and security for all. Launched in Fall 2026 as an initiative of the Donna and Spencer Gilbert Global Justice & Human Rights Center, this valuable addition to your degree will equip you with skills to promote the rule of law and stand out in a competitive international landscape.
Why choose the International Law and Human Rights certificate at USC Gould?
- Earn a specialized certificate from a top-rated law school.
- Gain a competitive edge in your field, whether you are a recent university graduate or an established professional.
- Learn alongside JD and LLM students in dynamic and engaging classrooms while exploring diverse areas of the law.
- Connect with expert educators, global leaders, practitioners, and alumni working at the forefront of international legal fields.
- Pursue advanced training in a convenient, flexible way while meeting your professional and personal obligations.
- Complete the certificate in as few as two semesters.
The standalone International Law and Human Rights graduate certificate is ideal for:
- Practitioners who seek to deepen their expertise in human rights, international law and criminal justice
- Professionals whose current roles would be enhanced by specific training in global rights regimes and international legal frameworks
- Academics who seek to sharpen their understanding and credentials in evolving fields of international law
- Recent graduates seeking to further their career goals and competitiveness on the national or global stage
Eligibility & Requirements
- Students seeking a standalone certificate must have first earned an undergraduate degree in any field before beginning the Certificate in International Law and Human Rights. The certificate is also open to anyone who has earned a graduate degree, including a JD or LLM.
- Those seeking a standalone certificate will complete a total of 12 units, including required courses.
- The certificate can be completed in as few as two semesters as a standalone offering.
Curriculum
Earning the Certificate in International Law and Human Rights requires the successful completion of 12 units, including 6 mandatory units.
The 6 mandatory units can be selected from the following core classes:
- Public International Law (LAW-662) – 3 units
- International Human Rights (LAW-713) – 3 units
- International Criminal Law (LAW-860) – 4 units
Students satisfy their remaining 6 elective units by tailoring their studies from an expansive list of specialized electives, advanced clinics, and experiential learning classes. View the USC Course Catalogue here to explore eligible electives.
- Courses not taken to fulfill the mandatory course requirements may be used toward your elective requirements
- Not all eligible electives will be offered every year
- Other USC Gould courses than those listed may qualify with permission from the Gilbert Global Justice & Human Rights Faculty Director
- For some courses that are listed as only open to JDs or LLMs for enrollment, students may petition the law school’s JD Academic Services or Graduate & International Programs for seeking requisite approvals for access to such courses on a case-by-case basis.
- You must earn a cumulative grade point average of 2.6 in your certificate coursework to earn the certificate.
Required Courses 
Elective Courses
Students satisfy their remaining 6 elective units by tailoring their studies from an expansive list of specialized electives, advanced clinics, and experiential learning classes. View the USC Course Catalogue to explore eligible electives.
Please note: Not all eligible electives will be offered every year. Other USC Gould courses beyond those listed as electives for this certificate may qualify with permission from the Gilbert Global Justice & Human Rights Faculty Director.
Advocating for human rights and our shared humanity is not only important but essential in our world today. Our focus is on preparing tomorrow’s human rights lawyers and leaders, advancing critical thought leadership, and shaping life-changing policies and programs that promote prevention, accountability and transitional justice for impacted individuals and groups worldwide.
Professor Hannah Garry
Clinical Professor of Law, Founding Faculty Director of the Donna and Spencer Gilbert Global Justice and Human Rights Center, and Founding Director of the International Human Rights Clinic
Learning Outcomes
Through the International Law and Human Rights certificate, you will:
- Understand the foundations of public international law and global legal systems
- Analyze core human rights frameworks and enforcement mechanisms nationally and globally
- Evaluate national and global challenges through international law and human rights perspectives
- Develop critical lawyering skills to work on complex cross-border issues or with communities impacted by human rights violations locally and globally
- Apply comparative approaches to legal challenges across jurisdictions
Next Steps
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