PhD in International Humanitarian Law
Students and professionals with interest in international humanitarian law may consider pursuing a doctoral course of study. There are a number of Ph.D. programs that focus on developing an understanding of international humanitarian law.
<h3 id="section---Ph.D.InInternationalRelations">Ph.D. in International Relations</h3>
<p>The Ph.D. in International Relations prepares students to conduct innovative research about international affairs and political science through extensive, practical fieldwork and experiences. The degree takes 2-5 years to complete and the admission requirements typically include a minimum GPA, a master's degree, an essay and an application. Although a graduate record exam (GRE) or graduate management admissions test (GMAT) may strengthen the application, they are often not required. Common coursework includes human rights law, humanitarian studies and how market approaches relate to human development.
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<h3 id="section---Ph.D.InInternationalLaw">Ph.D. in International Law</h3>
<p>A Ph.D. program in International Law is designed to help students who wish to research international law in an array of topics including the international humanitarian aspects of legal proceedings. The program is offered online and degrees can take about 2 years to complete. Entrance requirements include an application with an application fee, professional experience and undergraduate and graduate academic work, often in areas of international law. The curriculum includes international human rights law and maritime law. A career as a corporate lawyer for international organizations might be a natural fit for a degree of this type.
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<h3 id="section---DoctorOfLawAndPolicy">Doctor of Law and Policy</h3>
<p>The Doctor of Law and Policy (DLP) degree focuses on educating the student about law and policy as it relates to their career goals and can include topics such as environmental policy and climate change, sustainability and urban policy. The degree usually requires 60-70 credit hours and allows students to focus on honing research, legal reasoning and policy development skillsets. Admission requirements for this program include academic transcripts, professional resume, academic recommendation, two professional recommendations, admissions statement and interview. Common coursework includes political and moral ethics and qualitative methods of research. Career prospects for this degree include legal careers in international non-governmental organizations, international organizations and corporate organizations including roles as a senior legal officer, program officer and associate protection officer.
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<h3 id="section---LLMInInternationalLawAndHumanitarianRights">LLM in International Law and Humanitarian Rights</h3>
<p>The LLM in International Law and Humanitarian Rights degree is a one-year post-training program that provides comprehensive, practical in-field experience. Some of these programs also have a study abroad component, where students can use what they've learned at law firms in other countries. Admission requirements include a law degree, strong academic record, application and fee and knowledge and interest in international humanitarian law. Common coursework includes international refugee law, international criminal law, international human rights law and international humanitarian law. Career opportunities for this degree include:
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<ul><li>Legal policy advisor
</li><li>Legal associate
</li><li>Legal support manager
</li></ul><h3 id="section---Ph.D.InHumanRights">Ph.D. in Human Rights</h3>
<p>A Ph.D. in Human Rights program offers students the opportunity to earn a degree that focuses on studies in human rights doctoral research. The program takes about 4-5 years to complete and requires full-time attendance. Admission requirements include a master's degree and a research proposal. The program allows students to choose among several foundational fields of study which include law and rights governance. Courses might touch on survey research methods and logic of social inquiry. Graduates might find work in fields like international development aid and advocacy.
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<h3 id="section---ComparisonOfLawProgramsAtAGlance">Comparison of Law Programs at a Glance</h3>
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<table border="1"><tr><th>Degree Program Name</th><th>Program Length</th><th>Program Entrance Requirements</th><th>Related Careers</th></tr>
<tr><td> Ph.D. in International Relations</td><td>2-5 years</td><td>GPA requirements, master's degree, essay and application, although graduate record exam (GRE) or graduate management admissions test (GMAT) may strengthen the application, they are often not required</td><td>Junior Professional Officers, Legal Officers, Fund Lawyers</td></tr>
<tr><td> Ph.D. in International Law and Treaty</td><td>2 years</td><td>application with an application fee, professional experience and undergraduate and graduate academic work</td><td>International Lawyer, Legal Counsel to International Organizations, Corporate Lawyer</td></tr>
<tr><td>Doctor of Law and Policy</td><td>2 years</td><td>academic transcripts, professional resume, academic recommendation, two professional recommendations, admissions statement and interview</td><td>Senior Legal Officer, Associate Protection Officer</td></tr>
<tr><td>LLM in International Law and Humanitarian Rights</td><td>1 year</td><td>law degree, strong academic record, application and fee and knowledge and interest in International Humanitarian Law</td><td>Legal Policy Advisor, Legal Support Manager</td></tr>
<tr><td> Ph.D. Human Rights</td><td>4 years</td><td>master's degree and research proposal that meets requirements</td><td>International Development Manager, Advocacy Worker</td></tr>
</table><p>There are several options to consider when choosing to pursue doctoral studies in international humanitarian law. Understanding program similarities, differences and length of study can help students determine which program suits their needs.</p>