The certificate's 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 - JD
USC Gould School of Law
Specialize your JD education with an International Law and Human Rights certificate.
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 & 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 JD degree will equip you with skills to promote the rule of law and stand out in a competitive international landscape.
Students may earn multiple certificates offered by USC Gould. Some courses count toward more than one certificate. For students who are not pursuing a JD degree, learn more about the standalone International Law and Human Rights Certificate.
Why choose the International Law and Human Rights certificate at USC Gould?
- Learn how to advance accountability and strengthen rights protections nationally and on a global scale
- Take a rich variety of electives, including health law, artificial intelligence regulation, immigration, international arbitration, and environmental law
- Connect with expert educators, global leaders, practitioners, and alumni working at the forefront of international legal fields
- Bridge theory and practice through hands-on clinical work and best-in-class experiential learning opportunities
- Signal to international firms, nongovernmental organizations, and government agencies that you possess specialized, practice-ready knowledge of complex global frameworks
Eligibility & Requirements
- JD students must be currently enrolled in the designated program to be eligible to apply for the Certificate in International Law and Human Rights.
- JD students will complete a total of 20 units, including required courses.
Curriculum
Earning the Certificate in International Law and Human Rights as a JD student requires the successful completion of 20 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 14 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.
Required Courses 
Elective Courses
Students satisfy their remaining 14 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.
Note that the USC Catalogue defines full time enrollment as 8 units for master’s level students. JD full-time enrollment is 20 units.
Certificate Enrollment Forms for Graduating JD Students
The certificate enrollment form will be available each semester immediately following the drop deadline. Students may submit a certificate enrollment form through the MyLaw portal up until the CR/D/F and exam rescheduling request deadline as long as they are graduating that semester or year. All other students will have the opportunity to submit a certificate enrollment form in their graduating semester or year.
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
Ready to leave your mark on the global stage?
Amidst a rapidly changing global landscape, the Certificate in International Law and Human Rights provides the legal fundamentals you’ll need in the U.S. and abroad to promote international justice, help tackle global challenges, and contribute to the realization of rights for all.
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