Degree Programs

Dual Master of Arts in Conflict Resolution and Coexistence and Master of Arts in International Law and Human Rights from University for Peace, Costa Rica

Overview

The Heller School offers a two-year international dual degree program in which students earn an MA in Conflict Resolution and Coexistence from Brandeis University and an MA in International Law and Human Rights from the University for Peace in Costa Rica. Together, the two degrees provide the breadth of skills and perspectives needed to make a difference at community, regional, national and global levels.

Program Description

Participants spend their first year in residence at Brandeis University, leading to a Master of Arts in Conflict Resolution and Coexistence (COEX) degree. The COEX program is a 38- to 40-credit, 12-month program divided into three semesters, from August of one year to August of the next. The degree provides the foundations that will enable graduates to design and implement successful interventions that help opposing groups, nations and regions prevent, mitigate and resolve conflicts.

The second year of the dual-degree program takes place on the UPeace campus in Costa Rica; the Master’s in International Law and Human Rights (ILHR) program is a 40-credit, ten-month program divided into two semesters, between August of one year and June of the following year. All courses are taught in English.

Students in dual degree programs fulfill the complete requirements for each degree, earning degrees for both programs.

Curriculum

The program follows this recommended sequence.

First Year (Heller School)

Second Year (University for Peace, Costa Rica)

Fall

  • Foundation Course in Human Rights Law
  • Foundation Course in Peace and Conflict Studies
  • Foundation Course in Public International Law
  • Foundation Course in the United Nations and Other International Organizations
  • Human Rights Advocacy
  • Human Rights Law and Gender
  • Law Related to Armed Conflict
  • Legal Research and Writing
  • In addition, participants can choose an elective course (3 credits) offered by the UPEACE Institute or other UPEACE programs.

Spring

  • Global and Regional Human Rights Systems
  • Globalization and Human Rights
  • Health and Human Rights
  • Human Rights Advocacy
  • Human Rights Law and Gender
  • Independent Studies Project
  • International Refugee Law
  • Research Seminar
  • Transitional Justice and Human Rights
  • In addition, participants can add elective courses offered by the UPEACE Institute or other UPEACE programs (8 credits), or an Independent Studies Project (8 credits).