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 - LLM
USC Gould School of Law
Specialize your LLM 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 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 Master of Laws (LLM) degree will equip you with skills to promote the rule of law and stand out in a competitive international landscape.
For students who are not pursuing a USC Gould LLM or 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
- Signal to international firms, nongovernmental organizations, and government agencies that you possess specialized, practice-ready knowledge of complex global frameworks
Eligibility & Requirements
- LLM students must be currently enrolled in the 1-Year LLM (General LLM) program to be eligible to apply for the Certificate in International Law and Human Rights.
- LLM students will complete a total of 12 units, including required courses.
- International students must complete the certificate concurrently with their LLM degree due to student visa regulations.
Curriculum
Earning the Certificate in International Law and Human Rights as an LLM student 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.
- 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.
Note that the USC Catalogue defines full time enrollment as 8 units for master’s level students.
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
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.
Interested? Learn more.
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